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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />DECEMBER 22, 2008 <br />tenants and indicated that it will not be possible to get three years on an 18 <br />or 19 or 20 year old as you then progress back into an individual's juvenile <br />record. The City Administrator indicated that he would modify that <br />provision accordingly. <br />Mr. Schreier, Azure Properties, noted that there are some things, such as <br />DWI, that would not be grounds for rejecting a rental applicant. Montour <br />noted that the background check criteria and lease requirements must <br />blend. Blesener noted that convictions for drugs or domestic abuse would <br />be reasons for not leasing to someone. Some of the representation present <br />indicated that they would like to run this provision of the draft ordinance <br />by their legal counsel for comment. <br />The next area discussed was that of maintenance standards and the <br />International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). The Administrator felt <br />it was critical to have maintenance standards. He indicated that in <br />reviewing the IPMC it appears this Code is fairly broad but not <br />unreasonable. The Administrator felt that this code may be especially <br />helpful with single-family properties that turn into rental property. Zinner <br />asked if the City will be adopting this code. The Administrator replied <br />that that is being considered. He also reported that the City is aware of the <br />issue relating to housing maintenance codes in excess of building code <br />requirements. The Administrator reported that there was an issue with the <br />City of Morris relative to the imposition of standards greater than the <br />building code. The Administrator indicated that as a result, there could be <br />some statutory modifications made by the Legislature. He noted the <br />League of Minnesota Cities is also involved in this issue. <br />Zinner noted the provision relative to access to units. He noted that <br />owner/managers are required to provide certain notice to access a unit, and <br />suggested that this ordinance mirror State Statute in this regard. The City <br />Administrator replied that he would look at that issue. There was <br />discussion of the City's ability to access units through administrative <br />warrants. It was explained that these warrants are typically tied to life <br />safety issues. <br />The next ordinance provisions discussed related to code of conduct. The <br />Administrator reported that the City Attorney will be reviewing this <br />section in depth. Jim Echtenkamp, Goldmark Properties, Montreal Courts <br />Apartments, expressed some concern with provisions that require the <br />property owner to oversee the conduct of tenants and their guests. <br />Echtenkarnp reported that if they suspect improper conduct, those tenants <br />and/or guest are reported to the appropriate authorities. Echtenkamp <br />suggested that this language be softened so that property owners are not <br />responsible for conduct of which they are not aware. The City Attorney <br />agreed that many times owners are not aware of the conduct of their <br />