08-13-08 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 13, 2008 The discussed returned to property inspections with concern expressed relative to the cost of private inspections. The Administrator pointed out that that is an option as is the use of HUD inspections and/or City inspections. The Administrator pointed out that a couple of the multi- family properties trigger the need for inspections. Montour asked about the license fee and suggested that a sliding fee might be feasible with well-run and maintained properties paying less than problem properties. The City Administrator noted the three levels of participation in the STAR Program. He then pointed out the license fee scheduled used in Golden Valley which is based on that participation. The Adminisri•ator noted that moving to STAR Level A can be difficult for complexes that have frequent turn-over in managers. McGraw indicated that he had more empathy for people who are forced into renting their properties than with management companies of large complexes. He noted that this is a business and these management companies understand what business is about. There was discussion about the Ruth Street 4-plexes and the varying level of property management that occurs in these complexes. The City Administrator reported that he would make some adjustments to the Violations and Penalties Section of the proposed ordinance based on tonight's discussion. Again, McGraw stated that there should be incentives for well-iun properties. The Council then discussed the proposed license fee noting that the fee must be supportable. The Administrator again noted that the intent was to not penalize well-run properties, but to try to cover the costs associated with poorly managed properties. Blesener suggested a license fee of $100/building and $5/unit for the first year to get the program underway and provide time for rental properties to become certified under the STAR program. The Administrator felt that a number of the multi-family complexes may be close to certification. Keis asked if mobile home parks would be subject to the ordinance. The Administrator indicated that he had not contemplated including them, pointing out that in mobile home parks the units are owned and the land is rented. Montour stated that he liked Golden Valley's fee schedule. The Adminisri•ator noted that it is tied to level of participation in the STAR Program. Montour also indicated that he supported the Mayor's suggestion that the complexes be given a year to get STAR certification. 4