HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.07.2001 (2)• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 7, 2001
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Jordan, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry.
Members absent: Krizek.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Getty that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Absent: Berry, Krizek. Motion carried.
Fire Chief Frank Magsamen reviewed the changes to the Housing Code pertaining to registration
of rental properties and inspection fees. The changes include requiring an annual registration fee
for each rental property and changes to rental unit inspection fees. Each unit would be required
to place the occupancy permit where it is readily available for examination by prospective tenants,
tenants and inspectors at all time. Chief Magsamen stated that the changes would streamline the
process and help when sending out letters to property owners advising them of an inspection.
Berry now present at 4:48 p.m.
Chief Magsamen stated that the Fire Department reviewed the fee structure.
Councilperson Murphy stated that he has received quite a few telephone calls, and that most are
not against the registration requirement but are opposed to increases in inspection fees as they feel
their taxes are already too high. Chief Magsamen stated that the fees do not cover the cost for
the inspection, and that the fees have not been raised in a number of years.
Councilperson Jordan stated he has concerns with increasing the fees 100 percent, and if the city
keeps taxing we will become a ghost town, and he feels a 100 percent increase in one year is too
much. Councilperson Jordan stated he does not support the increase in inspection fees, but he
does support the philosophy of registration.
Councilperson Anders stated that the calls he has received have opposed the changes to the
ordinance. Councilperson Anders stated that as a lay man the fees do not look exorbitant to him.
Councilperson Murphy stated he feels the city should look at registration of the property, but he
does not support raising the fees.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, stated that no one likes to see taxes increased, but
when someone owns a personal business and the fees do not pay for operating the business, the
business would increase their fees. Ms. Weidner stated she feels if the rental inspection fees do
not carry their own weight, they will have to be increased.
Councilperson Gronen stated that in five years these rates will look cheap, and he asked if the
council would support a gradual fee increase. Councilperson Gronen stated he feels we have to
pay for the services.
Councilperson Anders asked if it is still in the ordinance that the occupancy permit must be placed
on the door. Chief Magsamen responded that he would be willing to work on where the permit
should be placed. Chief Magsamen stated that there will be a cost to implement the registration
program, such as administrative costs and mailing costs.
Mayor Rooff stated that it is important to have input from the landlord on issues that will affect
them. Mayor Rooff suggested that the city talk with the landlords and let them be part of the
decision making process.
Gary Rankin stated it would help to have concrete numbers, such as what will the landlords pay
and the cost for the services. Mr. Rankin stated that a lot of things come into play in the
deficient, such as the fireman being on duty while inspecting the buildings. Mr. Rankin suggested
Council Work Session
May 7, 2001
Page 2
that the inspectors use smaller cars when doing the inspections rather than using a fire truck. Mr.
Rankin stated he feels the city needs to change the way it conducts the inspections, and he does
not feel the landlords should pay the entire salary for the fireman.
Moved by Berry, seconded by Murphy to table his item and another work session be scheduled
for May 14, 2001. Ayes: Six. Absent: Krizek. Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Berry, seconded by Jordan that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:07 p.m., Ayes: Six. Absent: Krizek. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk