05-23-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View. City Council Page Three Regular Meeting May 23 , 1994 Dahl indicated that the house is in such bad shape that it should be red tagged. Dahl wanted to know why the City hadn't been involved with this problem before. Mayor Linke explained that the City does not know what properties in the City are rental properties. The County gets the tax statements. Linke further explained that the only way that the City knows about these problems is by complaints by other residents. Linke stated that the City has no method of control . Orduno stated that Mr. Dahl' s timing was great. Orduno reported that 100 other people involved in the Focus 2000 forums had voiced the same concerns regarding homes needing repair and junk and debris. Orduno also noted that there will be point of sale inspections and inspections of all rental properties. The City's nuisance ordinance will be more restrictive, but still will fit into the confines of the law. Orduno explained that the U. S. Constitution guards property rights very carefully. Mayor Linke stated that people will complain and property owners will be upset when this nuisance ordinance is enforced. Linke stated that he has also contacted staff on two other properties that are in the same • condition as the one being discussed. Mr. Dahl asked who will be renting the house? Because of the properties' condition someone not too trustworthy may rent the property. Mayor Linke indicated that the owner of the rental property can rent to whomever he wants. Orduno reported that the nuisance ordinance would be enacted yet this year and, hopefully, this would speed up the process of dealing with properties that need to be rehabilitated. Orduno informed Mr. Dahl that he could call either Paul Harrington or herself for an update regarding the_property in question Councilmember Trude stated that perhaps Mr. Dahl could testify if this case goes to court. Trude stated that the judges are very lenient on these persons, and that is why the City is looking at different procedures to deal with these problems. Orduno stated that if the affected persons could show up when this case goes to court it would have a great impact on the situation. Orduno stated that many times the judges will fine the rental or homeowners and notorder them to make improvements. Mayor Linke stated that the person is given a $50 fine and not ordered to make any improvements while the City has spent hundreds of dollars on • staff time and legal fees.