HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.14.2001COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 14 ,2001
4:15 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Jordan, Krizek, Gronen, Getty, Berry, Murphy.
Moved by Berry, seconded by Jordan that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Murphy. Motion carried.
Frank Magsamen, Fire Chief, reviewed the changes to the Housing Code as it pertains to
inspections and inspection fees. The proposed changes will require rental property owners to
register all rental properties within the city. A $15.00 annual registration fee will be charged for
each rental property. There will be no charge for the first rental unit inspected, with a $15.00
charge for the second and each additional unit within a rental property. There will be a $200.00
fee for failing to register rental property annually.
Chief Magsamen stated that he reviewed the Housing Ordinance for Council Bluffs, which
requires the property owner to go through a check list and submit the form with the annual
registration.
Chief Magsamen stated he is recommending the council approve the rate increase as there is a
cost to perform rental inspections. The costs include: inspection, reinspection, complaints, court
costs, fuel and postage costs. Chief Magsamen stated it costs approximately $100,000 per year
for the inspection program, and the city receives approximately $30,000 in inspection fees.
Murphy now present at 4:45 p.m.
Councilperson Getty stated he feels the registration program will help the Waterloo Water Works
and Waste Management Services. Councilperson Anders asked if the program would allow a
reduction in staff, and Chief Magsamen stated it could reduce rental inspections but there are
2,400 to 2,500 commercial properties in the city. Councilperson Krizek stated that hopefully the
inspections make the units safer and prevent fires. Chief Magsamen stated the inspection
program helps maintain housing stock and it is beneficial for firemen to be in the homes to
promote fire safety. Councilperson Anders stated if the city does nothing, the non -rental
population is helping to subsidize rental units.
Pat Price, 1202 Independence, stated that a lot of the complaints are from renters being evicted,
and it seems to him everyone is trying to get the landlord. Mr. Price stated he feels the city
should inspect all homes, not just rental property. Mr. Price stated he does not think this is a
good process, as the city goes after the landlord and not the tenant for any nuisances. Mr. Price
stated everyone needs to work together. Mr. Price stated the landlord cannot touch the tenant's
property or enter into the unit.
Councilperson Krizek asked if the city could change the ordinance to put the obligation on the
tenant. Chief Magsamen stated that rental inspections are required by state code. Councilperson
Gronen stated inspections tend to protect the landlord against liability and are beneficial.
Gary Rankin, 1016 Colby Road, asked if the $100,000 inspection budget is broken down by
manpower, fuel and insurance. Mr. Rankin stated the landlords want to be treated fairly and
would like to see numbers that are accurate to actual cost and then see what the fees should be.
Mr. Rankin stated we should keep in mind that renters subsidize the Fire and Police Departments
because rental property is taxed at 100 percent of assessed value. Mr. Rankin stated passing the
cost along to the tenant would be a great thing and perhaps a way to make the tenant responsible
for items such as batteries. Mr. Rankin asked if the state code still requires an inspection every 8
years and Chief Magsamen responded he doesn't think the law has changed. Mr. Rankin stated
if the state code only requires inspections every 8 year, then why not use 8 years and concentrate
on the properties that need to be inspected.
Karen Atwood, 902 West 8th Street, stated she feels it isn't just the landlords who have homes
looking bad on the outside, but many residential homes are in bad shape. Ms. Atwood stated the
Council Work Session
May 14, 2001
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city can't balance the budget on the landlords' backs. Ms. Atwood suggested the following: no
home should be inspected every year, won't have new landlords with the registration program, if
done right could eliminate some of the inspections and target certain areas. Ms. Atwood stated
that taxes on an $80,000 or $90,000 vacant property is pretty tough, and she feels housing costs
will continue to rise.
Forest Dillavou, 1725 Huntington Road objected to the increase in fees as he will have to pay
three times what he is currently paying. Mr. Dillavou stated he does not feel the landlord should
have to post the occupancy permit where everyone can see it.
Noel Harris, 912 Clough Street, stated he personally objects to the changes as he feels this is an
additional tax levied against landlords. Mr. Harris stated he feels the city should inspect all
properties not just rental property. Mr. Harris stated he disagrees that the landlords do not take
care of their property. Mr. Harris does not feel it is necessary to require landlords to register
rental property, and he is opposed to being required to register every year.
Mayor Rooff stated he would like six landlords to work on the proposed changes and asked that
they contact his office.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Jordan that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:55 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk