ORDINANCE NO. 845

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE

REGARDING THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE

OF COMMUNITY VICTIMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE LABS

 

            The Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside Ordains as Follows:

 

Section 1:     Purpose and Intent

 

            It is the purpose and intent of this governing body to protect and safeguard our community from the environmental hazards, morbidity and mortality rates associated with the production of methamphetamine.  The making of this dangerous drug represents an unreasonable and deadly risk to our citizens, especially our greatest natural resource, our children. 

It is the further intent of this governing body to hold any person in violation of this Ordinance liable for all costs associated with the clean-up, consultation and rehabilitation of any structure(s) and/or property where the production or manufacturing of methamphetamine has taken place.  Because the clean-up and residual rehabilitation of such structure(s) and properties involve health and safety concerns, the County Health Officer or their designee shall oversee such activities, including the re-occupancy of contaminated structure(s) and properties.

 

            Section 2:     Reward for Information

 

This Ordinance establishes the Riverside County “Safe Neighborhood Fund” that may provide a $1,000.00 to $10,000.00 reward, to be specifically determined by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, to any person who provides information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of any person who is found to have produced or manufactured methamphetamine within Riverside County.  The County will operate a toll-free hotline to report any violation of this Ordinance or any State or Federal law regarding methamphetamine.  The identity of those seeking rewards shall be considered confidential and shall not be released to members of the public.  The Board of Supervisors reserves the right to require that the convicted offender reimburse the County for any reward paid, and place the responsibility for such reimbursement upon the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of any minor so convicted.

 

Section 3:     Asset Forfeiture

 

            All federal and state asset forfeiture laws will be strictly adhered to and supported by the County Board of Supervisors.

 

Section 4:     Severability

 

If any portion, provision, section, paragraph, sentence, or word of this Ordinance is rendered or declared to be invalid by any final court action in a court of competent jurisdiction, or by reason of any preemptive legislation, the remaining portions, provisions, sections, paragraphs, sentences, and words of this Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect and shall be interpreted by the court so as to give effect to such remaining portions of the Ordinance.

 

Section 5:     Effective Date

 

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption.

 

Adopted:  845  Item 3.92 of 07/12/2005  (Eff: 08/10/2005)