08-08-07 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 8, 2007 problems with guests, most management companies can pursue a trespass charge against guests causing problems. The Administrator reviewed 3200.100.B.4. Loss of Exemption. which provides an incentive to maintain control and retain the STAR designation. Keis asked if the STAR program conditions would be incorporated into the leases that property owners sign. Grove reported that the standard lease agreement that her organization has contains a broad provision that tenants can be evicted for any bad behaviors. She also reported that most management companies include a crime free addendum to their lease that talks specifically about what tenants can and cannot do. Tenants are required to sign this addendum. Grove reported that courts do not always support it, but the addendum does help and draws people attention. The Administrator asked if the crime free addendum could be required for people with active leases. Grove noted that leases are typically renewed each year, and the addendum could be added to a lease renewal. Blesener felt that whether a complex has the STAR designation or not, the crime free addendum should be a requirement for every tenant. There was additional discussion about the "Three Strikes" Clause with it noted that the 12 month period is a rolling 12 months. The slate would also start clean each time a unit is leased to a new tenant. The Administrator reviewed Chapter 3200.130 which outlines the required participation elements for the STAR program. With regard to the mandatory participation, the Administrator suggested that the City require copies of the actual background checks on tenants. Grove reported that there are privacy protections on the background check results, but the City can require a coy of the Third party Background Check procedures. The Administrator also noted that the property owners would be required to sign an agreement permitting City involvement in eviction of tenants. Grove reported that this requirement in the Burnsville ordinance helps in the eviction of tenants. The Administrator indicated that the Sheriff's Department has some concern about this provision. The Administrator reviewed the "B Level" participation requirements, and there was some discussion about the percentage of attendance at Multi- housing Coalition and STAR meetings in relation to the number of meetings held. It was noted that larger complexes have managers that can attend these meetings. It will be more difficult for the smaller complexes to meet this attendance requirement.