08-13-08 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 13, 2008 be used, such as an initial inspection and subsequent inspections on a timetable based on the results of that initial inspection. Peilen reported that in St. Paul problem properties must be inspected annually, average properties every three years, and good properties every five years. McGraw asked about the inspection of boilers and CO detectors. The Administrator indicated that these would fall under separate types of inspections such as fire inspections. He reported that the City conducts fire inspections ofmulti-family properties on an annual basis. McGraw felt that there should be an incentive for properties to be well run and punitive consequences for properties poorly run. McGraw pointed out that due to the economy there may be accidental renters, however, these landlords may then become investment renters. McGraw felt that condominiums that are rented should be subject to this ordinance. He indicated that these landlords should be required to use the proposed lease addendum. McGraw felt that condominium homeowners associations would be able to provide information on which units are being rented. The City Attorney agreed that the homeowners association could release rental information to the City. The Administrator noted that condo units that are owner-occupied would not be subject to the ordinance. The City Administrator reviewed the penalty section of the ordinance and asked the Council's position for revocation of a rental license after the first violation for Non-STAR Licensees. He noted that single and two family properties would likely not be STAR Program participants. It was the consensus of the Council to not move to revocation with the first violation for Non-STAR Licensees. Afrer discussion, the following was suggested: First Violation - Fine Second Violation - Fine and 3 month revocation Third Violation - Fine and 6 month revocation Fourth Violation + - Fine and 12 month revocation There was some discussion about displacement of tenants. The Administrator again noted that if loss of a license is not the result of tenant behavior, amulti-family property owner would have the ability to move that tenant to another unit if there was a vacancy. The City Attorney pointed out that fire codes and building maintenance codes are geared toward tenant protection and ensuring habitable properties. The Attorney also pointed out that with regard to a proposed building maintenance code, the goal would be to fit that code with the building code and tenant/landlord laws.