05-13-09 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 13, 2009 City's costs be covered. She noted, however, that in addition to the licensing fees, the property owners will also incur the cost of inspections. Peilen stated that a fee of $10 per unit will help the property owners. She noted that this is a time of cost containment for the rental housing community. Peilen stated that vacancy rates are up and rents are flat. Blesener stated that he would have thought that vacancy rates were down given the number of foreclosures. Peilen stated that the rates are up and there is less traffic looking at apartment units. People are moving back home or are doubling up with family members. Monica Parish, Montreal Courts manager, thanked the Council for including them in the process. She agreed that vacancy rates are up for the reasons outlined by Peilen. Parish stated that any lowering of the fee as proposed would be a help to Montreal Courts and allow them more money to put into their property. Parish asked about the prosecution language in proposed Chapter 800. The City Administrator noted that the ordinance provides the City the ability to prosecute a violation of the City's business licensing code. Montour noted that the City has had the goal of establishing a rental housing licensing program for the past few years, and noted that many other cities have a similar licensing program. Montour felt this licensing program was a tool that would help the City accomplish what it needs to with rental properties. Montour agreed that the Council should look at the license fee after a year, but felt the fee should start out at the $100 per building and $12 per unit as recommended by staff. Keis noted that this will be a learning experience for the City and the property owners, and it would be his hope that changes for the positive could be made in a year. Blesener again stated that he supported a $10 per unit license fee. Montour noted felt the Council should adopt staff's recommendation of $12 per unit and that another look at the license fee after a year. Keis agreed, and felt it would be easier to lower the fee after a year rather than raise it. The Administrator pointed out that the action before the Council this evening relates to adoption of the Rental Housing License Ordinance. Staff will be bringing a fee ordinance to the Council for consideration at an upcoming meeting. There was no one present from the general public wishing to comment on this matter. Upon motion by Keis, seconded by Blesener, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: