01-27-2020 CC (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council January 27, 2020 Regular Meeting Page 6 Council Member Meehlhause stated he attended a Twin Cities Gateway Board of Directors meeting last week. He was pleased to report 2019 was the second best year for this organization. With this being said, he estimated the City would be receiving less in funding from Twin Cities Gateway because budgeting changes were made. He encouraged the Council Members to visit Twin Cities Gateway’s new website. Council Member Hull reported he spoke with a landlord at Landmark Estates regarding concerns he had with his rental license fee noting it increased from $1,600 to $4,500. He reported this landlord was delinquent on this fee which led to additional late fees. He questioned what the City could do to help this individual who now owed the City around $8,800. City Administrator Zikmund stated the City Council could discuss this matter at the March worksession meeting. He explained the Council discussed adjusting rental license fees last August after finding the City’s rental license fees were less than half of comparable cities. He indicated the City did not move to the top this list, but moved to be more competitive. He reported these new fees could be deeply discounted if the landlord were to participate in the crime free multi-housing program. He stated Landmark Estates fees could have been reduced to $2,200 but they did not participate in either program. He commented further on the timeline that was followed for the rental licenses. He noted this was the only large apartment complex in the City that was not in compliance. He clarified for the record there was intentional behavior on the landlord’s part to not pay the fee. He indicated the landlord had paid the fee but has not paid the late fee. Council consensus was to discuss this matter further at the March worksession meeting. Council Member Gunn questioned if Airbnb’s were included within the rental license process. City Administrator Zikmund reported Airbnb’s were not licensed in the City. He recommended the Council discuss this matter further at the March worksession. City Attorney Riggs advised it was his understanding a use was not allowed if it was not covered in City Code. Mayor Mueller noted volunteers were still needed to assist with planning this years Festival in the Park. She encouraged residents to consider getting involved by serving on the Festival in the Park Committee. Mayor Mueller reported she attended a League of Minnesota Cities Training Conference last Friday and Saturday. She discussed the training sessions she attended. Mayor Mueller stated registration opened today for a League of Minnesota Cities Webinar on the Do’s and Don’ts for Social Media. She urged other City officials and staff to register for this training. B. Reports of Staff.