Laserfiche WebLink
Mounds View City Council February 28,2011 <br /> • Regular Meeting Page 3 <br /> He questioned how realtors searched for fees, liens or fines assessed to a property. Mr. Myers <br /> explained the process indicating all information was passed along to a potential buyer when the <br /> information was readily available. <br /> Mayor Flaherty asked what recourse a purchaser had if additional fees were outstanding and <br /> unknown to the realtor. Mr. Myers explained there was a limit to this scope as not all <br /> information was readily available. He noted that State databases were searched for recorded fees. <br /> John Periard, St. Paul Area Realtors, reviewed a brochure with the Council. He noted sales have <br /> been down in the City of Mounds View but home prices were up 2.9%. Mr. Periard stated this <br /> was a great reflection as to the things happening in this community. He then cautioned the <br /> Council on proceeding with this Ordinance and suggested the Council seek another way to <br /> address the vacant building concerns. In addition, the short-term vacancy language should be <br /> revisited to allow landlords more than 30 days to find new tenants. Mr. Periard recommended <br /> the Council address the problem properties while not hindering those in distress. <br /> Betty Johnson, Realtor, 7718 Groveland Road,indicated she has been a resident of Mounds View <br /> since 1972. Ms. Johnson noted there had been several foreclosures along Groveland Road that <br /> the City has managed well. <br /> Council Member Mueller questioned what percentage of properties became a nuisance to the <br /> • City in the last year. Community Development Director Roberts indicated he did not have the <br /> numbers in front of him, but noted a small portion (10-20%) of the properties created a large <br /> percentage of the work. <br /> Council Member Mueller expressed concern about the timing of the vacant building registration. <br /> She asked if it was reasonable for this registration to be completed within 30 days of the vacancy, <br /> especially for those homes going on the market for sale. Community Development Director <br /> Roberts indicated the City can set whatever timeline the Council feels is necessary. <br /> Council Member Mueller did not feel it was right for new owners to be forced into costly home <br /> repairs committed to by a previous owner. Community Development Director Roberts <br /> commented Section 1013.06 states that any proposed changes to the property will be brought to <br /> the City for further review. <br /> Council Member Mueller questioned if there would be a standard appeal process for the vacant <br /> building registration fees. While the intent of the registration was to address the problem <br /> properties, she did not want to see any other properties burdened. <br /> Mayor Flaherty indicated he would not support the vacant building registration Ordinance. He <br /> felt there were too many uncertainties within the process. He suggested the City speak further <br /> with the realtors in the area regarding the City's concerns to revise the Ordinance. In addition, <br /> the City had not budgeted the expenses to cover the software and license needed to run the vacant <br /> building program. <br /> • <br />