07-25-2018 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Keis and Members of the City Council FROM: Bill Dircks, Acting City Administrator DATE: July 20, 2018 RE: Terrace Heights Mobile Home Park Possible Rental Units The City received an e-mail from Jonathan Turner, President of the Resident Association in Terrace Heights Mobile Home Park, regarding suspected rental units within the Park. He has asked to speak with the City Council on this matter. Mr. Turner has indicated that he believes Riverstone is bringing in pre-owned units that appear to have significant damage with the intention of using them as rental properties. Mr. Turner has stated that “residents of Terrace Heights are not allowed to rent out their mobile homes”. As a result, there is concern over why the owners of the Park would be allowed to do so along with the negative impacts to the community given the aging condition of the units. I have verified with the Building Official that a permit was issued in mid-May to Terrace Heights Mobile Home Park for a replacement/new unit at Lot #170. The unit is shown in the pictures submitted by Mr. Turner. The Building Official has completed two inspections which included support blocking and anchoring to the ground and a new gas line air test inspection. All inspections have passed up to today. Ridgeland Contracting, the licensed contractor installing the unit, has not called for a final inspection as of the writing of this memo. The final inspection will include verifying the installation of the State of Minnesota Seal and that the electrical inspection has been completed. The Contractor will also have to provide landings and stairs at the required two exits. The Building Official will also verify that the repairs on the exterior are completed so that water does not intrude into the unit. This includes the skirting around the unit. Lastly, he will verify that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed inside the unit. The City currently does not have any rental licenses issued to a unit within Terrace Heights Mobile Home Park. There are also no rental licenses issued to 3020 Estates or North Star Estates. The rental housing ordinance does not preclude this type of activity for mobile home parks. Staff suspects that the reference made by Mr. Turner about not allowing units to be rented is referring to rules within the association by-laws. Staff requests the City Council review the concerns raised by Mr. Turner and advise staff of any further action it deems necessary.