06-14-06 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JUNE 14, 2006 with multi-family is the large numbers of people living in close proximity to one another. Allan asked if the demographics have changed in Che complex noting that many years ago Montreal Courts was populated primarily by families. The City Administrator noted Chat the complexes have aged and upkeep has been poor. There is also the issue of low interest rates which allowed many families living in multi-family housing units Co buy homes. Given the increasing vacancy rates because of the low interest rates, screening of tenants may have slipped in order to keep the complex cash flowing. Cam Oyen outlined his history as amulti-family property manager in Brooklyn Park, and reported that a key issue is for the City to establish reasonable expectations of property owners and managers. Oyen stated that police calls are a symptom of something else that is going on. Oyen stated that as a property manager he was never scared of an ordinance that established expectations and consequences. Oyen strongly encouraged the City Co do something, to look aC things other than police calls, and to consider all rental property, including single-family homes that are rented. Oyen noted that property owners that are under capitalized and cannot absorb vacancy rates. These owners will do less intense screening of renters, and Chese properties have Che poCential for just as much trouble as the units in the large complexes. Oyen indicated that property managers can do intense screening of poCential Cenants, but noted that more than half the time problems are caused by guests. Finding a way to deal with the guest issue is a big problem. The Administrator agreed that the City does have issues at some of the smaller complexes. He noted that cities around LiCCIe Canada have adopted rental]icensing ordinances. Oyen reported that Brooklyn Park has a licensing ordinance and also did yearly inspections of complexes. The Administrator reported Chat the biggest issue for the City will be with implementing an inspection program. The Administrator relayed some additional history relative to City-sponsored bonds for Montreal Courts and the Provinces. He noted that the bond documents required that these complexes do tenant screening as well as participate in the Multi-Family Housing Coalition. However, that focus has been lost and the City needs a vehicle that has more teeth.