05-13-09 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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1VIINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 9, 2009 Keis appreciated the comments made, but again stated that the City does not know its costs at this time. He pointed out That the license fee proposed is at or below those of the other cities surveyed. Keis stated that the Council will be willing to work with the property owners in the future on the license fee issue. Peilen thanked the Council for including the property owners in this process. She noted that for some of the cities surveyed, the license fee also includes the cost of inspections. The City Administrator indicated that the West St. Paul fee does not cover inspections, but that city does not even come close to covering its costs. South St. Paul does not include inspections either. Montour pointed out that it is difficult for the Counci] to impose new fees or to assess for improvements in these tough economic times. He pointed out that the City is not trying to make money on these license fees, but rather to protect public safety and health. McUraw noted that he lives in a multi-family housing complex and can appreciate the costs from mandated pool and elevator improvements. He pointed out that the City does not know what its costs will be under this program and has to start somewhere with the license fee. Once the costs are locked down, the license fee can be adjusted accordingly. Keis noted thaC the purpose of enacting the rental housing licensing ordinance is to improve and maintain good housing stock in the City as well as to address the issue of problem tenants. McUraw noted that the rental property owners have asked for the City's assistance in evicting problem tenants. He noted that if rental property improves in the City, the City as a whole improves. The Council indicated that the license fee issue will be discussed again at the hearing to adopt the rental housing licensing ordinance. The City Administrator indicated that he will begin drafting the licensing forms and inspection checklists in preparation of the ordinance adoption. "1•here being no further business, the workshop was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. William Blesener, Mayor Attest: Joel Hanson, City Administrator 27