12-22-08 Council Workshop II Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 22, 2008 pointed out that while Little Canada is not a large city, it has a good share of its housing stock as rental property. The Administrator began with a review of the key issues that are contained in the ordinance. It was noted that ownership was sent a copy of the proposed ordinance. The first issue was that of property/unit inspections. The Administrator indicated that the Council felt that the initial inspections should be done by a certified rental housing inspector. Once complexes have satisfactory inspections, the issue of future inspections can be revisited to determine if there are alternative inspection processes that can be undertaken. The goal is to not make ownership do inspections similar to the detailed initial inspections if complexes are run well and everything is going fine. Once the initial inspections are done and the City has more information, we can better decide if alternate inspections should be allowed as well as potential reductions in inspection frequency. T. J. Bazoff, Grand Pre East Apartments, asked the cost of an independent inspector. The City Administrator reported that he has discussed cost with some of these inspectors. It is difficult to estimate cost given it will vary on the size of the complex, the number of units, accessibility to units, etc. The Administrator indicated that based on his conversations with inspectors, his best guess would be $15 to $20 per unit. Bazoff pointed out the provision in the ordinance fora 50% unit inspection rate the first year, and the remaining 50% the second year. She noted that Grand Pre has 250 units, therefore, the inspection costs will be substantial. Ted Zinner, Quebec Apartments, suggested that the City develop the inspection criteria as well as an inspection rate scale that must be followed, thus establishing the ground rules. Zinner agreed that the initial inspection costs will be fairly high. The City Administrator indicated that it may be possible for the City to establish inspection ground rules and rates, but noted that the cooperation or lack thereof on the part of property owners could be a factor in inspection costs. The Administrator pointed out that in discussing the issue of independent inspectors with other cities, they indicated that the housing complex was able to negotiate fees with the inspectors. The Administrator pointed out the proposal to have mid-year license periods, which may mean that inspectors are move available during the summer months, therefore, more willing to negotiate fees. There was discussion about inspections of all units over a two year basis. Based on that discussion, the City Administrator suggested that spreading