HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.09.2001 (2)• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
July 9, 2001
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Jordan, Murphy, Gronen, Getty.
Members absent: Krizek, Berry.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Murphy that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Absent: Krizek, Berry. Motion carried.
The changes to the Housing Code as it relates to self -registration, self -inspection and annual fees
was reviewed.
Ned DeBerg, Battalion Chief, reviewed the inspection fees. There will be a $10.00 annual
registration fee for each rental unit. The property owner or his/her agent will be required to make
a yearly self -inspection on all residential rental property. Mr. DeBerg stated that the annual self -
registration will help the Fire Department track owners of rental property. With the proposed
ordinance, property owners will fill out the rental inspection form and mail it to the Fire
Department with the $10.00 per unit fee. Mr. DeBerg commented that comparing the current fee
with the proposed fee using a 12-piex the current cost would be 19 cents per unit per month and
the proposed cost would be 83 cents per unit per month.
Mr. DeBerg stated that a reinspection fee of $100.00 per unit if not in compliance will be charged
for the first reinspection and if not in compliance will be charged for all subsequent reinspection.
There will be a $200.00 fee for failing to annually register all rental units within a rental property.
The Fire Department would perform five to ten randomly selected inspections each week. The
Fire Department will also respond to complaints about housing conditions. Mr. DeBerg stated
that tenants in Council Bluffs must submit their complaint in writing, and the Fire Department is
reviewing that process.
Jack Nooren stated that by eliminating inspectors the city will be decreasing costs, but the city is
going to raise inspection fees. Mr. Nooren commented that doesn't make sense.
A landlord commented that it looks like to him that the city is trying to get the landlords and
tenants to subsidize the Fire Department.
Councilperson Getty stated he was under the impression the Fire Chief was going to meet with
the Landlords Association.
Gary Rankin stated that Mayor Rooff said he would form a committee, and the Landlords have
names to submit for the committee. Mr. Rankin stated that the Council Bluff ordinance was to be
used just as a sample.
Mayor Rooff stated that the council made it clear that they did not want to look at this change
until the Fire Department met with the landlords. Mayor Rooff stated that the city wants safe
apartments and living space. Mayor Rooff commented that one of the things that has been talked
about is making the tenant responsible.
Moved by Getty, seconded by Jordan to table the proposed ordinance change until the Fire Chief
meets with the landlords. Ayes: Five. Absent: Krizek, Berry. Motion carried.
A landlord asked how the meeting will come about. She stated she called the Mayor's office to
say the landlords were ready for the meeting, and they did not hear back from the Mayor.
Moved by Getty, seconded by Gronen that the meeting be adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Council Work Session
July 9, 2001
Page 2
Joel Harris, 912 Clough, stated that changes to the Housing Code Ordinance have been before the
council since 1998, the council tables the changes indefinitely, and then the changes are brought
back to the council under the table.
Mayor Rooff stated that all the meetings are open meetings. Mayor Rooff commented that the
council asked for input from the landlords and that was not done and that is why the council is
tabling the proposed changes.
Mr. Harris commented that the landlords have given input, and the fees are not okay with the
landlords. Mr. Harris stated that no one wants fees to go up over 400 percent. Mr. Harris stated
he does not have a problem with the self -inspection program.
Mayor Rooff stated he will appoint council representation to meet with the landlords and Fire
Department.
Forest Dillavou stated that the Landlord Association is a wonderful association, but a lot of
people do not belong to that organization and won't be invited to be part of the committee.
Mayor Rooff responded that we have to start somewhere and use a formal group.
Mayor Rooff stated it is not a question of whether the Fire Department needs these fees because
their budget is balanced. Mayor Rooff stated he does not feel landlords should be penalized.
Following comments a vote was taken to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. Ayes: Five. Absent: Krizek,
Berry. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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