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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.03.1998COUNCIL WORK SESSION August 3, 1998 5:00 p.m. Council Chambers Members present: Mayor Rooff, Murphy, Jordan, Anders, Krizek, Getty, Collier. Moved by Jordan, seconded by Murphy that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Four. Absent: Getty, Collier. Motion carried. The proposed Housing Code Ordinance was reviewed. Mayor Rooff explained that he does not want to discuss the issue of fees, but would like to look at the content of the proposed ordinance. Mayor Rooff reviewed the items discussed at the meeting held on Monday, July 27, 1998, and then started the review of the proposed ordinance on page 13. Under the acceptability criteria, all exterior wood or exterior unfinished surfaces must be sealed and painted or surface coated with an approved protective coating, or treated to prevent rot or decay. Getty now present at 5:10 p.m. Mayor Rooff stated that he is hearing two concerns from the landlords: 1) The fees, and 2) how will the city enforce the code. Mayor Rooff stated that there is an overriding feeling that our community needs to be cleaned up. The kity has picked up nearly 100 tons of garbage over the past three years. Mayor Rooff asked how many in the audience would be willing to take an active role to help this administration clean up the city. A landlord questioned why the city is singling out the landlords and not the homeowners. He believes what is good for one is good for both. A lot of homeowners have trashed their homes. Mayor Rooff explained that the proposed ordinance is not meant for only rental property. Cheryl Christensen stated that the ordinance gives the Fire Chief police powers. Ms. Christensen stated that the city has a code in effect that should be enforced, and that she feels the proposed ordinance should be scrapped. Mayor Rooff stated that the reason the city is proposing registration for landlords is because that currently in some cases the city is having difficulty locating some of the owners of rental property. This will require all property to be registered with the fire department. Mayor Rooff asked how the landlords would feel about the proposed ordinance if there were no fees for registration of the property. A landlord stated that he objects to the city singling out the landlords. He asked what percentage of buildings in poor condition are owned by landlords and homeowners. He stated that if this administration wants to clean up the city, why pick on just the landlords. Collier now present at 5:17 p.m. A landlord questioned why swimming pools are included in the proposed ordinance as they are regulated by the State of Iowa and inspected by the Black Hawk County Health Department. Mayor Rooff responded that Black Hawk County Health does not want to do the inspections any longer as they are too busy. A landlord sated that Sec 19-17, Fees (b)(1) states that the registration fees shall apply to all rental dwellings and dwelling units, including rented single-family dwellings and dwelling units in owner/occupied buildings. Mayor Rooff stated that the city is trying to expand its current ordinance and do what is in the best interest of the city. A landlord stated that the city should start with the first home on a block. Landlords pay non - homestead tax, homeowners do not. The majority of landlords are cleaning up their property. Council Work Session August 3, 1998 Page 2 A landlord questioned Sec. 19-19, Space and Occupancy Standards and Acceptability Criteria (n)(1) Early Warning Fire Protection System. This section requires that by the Year 2000 all dwelling units and rooming houses shall be provided with smoke detectors which are either hardwired with battery back-up or operate on a multi -year tamper proof battery. This includes any replacements prior to the Year 2000. She feels that the cost to comply with this section is too high. Sec. 19-12, Responsibilities Defined (f) Fire Protection System, was discussed. This section requires every occupant of a dwelling unit, if the early warning fire protection system is battery operated, to be responsible to maintain the device in proper working order or notify the owner or manager of any in -operability. Fire Chief Frank Magsamen reported that they run from $15 to $18. Sec. 19-20, Notices and Orders of the Fire Chief (b)(3)(a) was discussed. This section requires that if the Fire Chief determines that the building or structure must be repaired, the order shall require that all required permits be secured and the work commenced within such time (not to exceed 30 days) and completed within such time as the Fire Chief shall determine is reasonable under all circumstances. The question was asked what happens if someone is unable to complete the work in that time frame. Fire Chief Magsamen stated that there is an appeal process included in the proposed ordinance. A landlord stated that everyone should have to hardwire smoke detectors, not just landlords. Mayor Rooff stated that many tenants ask the city for help with leaking toilets, roofs, etc. A landlord stated that if the city receives a complaint, they should make it known to the landlord. A landlord stated that the proposed ordinance requires an inspection every five years. He requested that if the city raises fees, they should extend the inspection to every seven years. The state requires an inspection at least every eight years. Mayor Rooff asked what if the city doesn't change the Housing Code, and we get the community to give of their time to clean up the city, how many of those present would be willing to give of their time to help clean up junk and trash, locate problems and work with the city to find solutions. Another work session will be scheduled for Monday, August 10, 1998 at 5:00 p.m. to continue discussion of the proposed Housing Code Ordinance. Moved by Jordan,seconded by Anders that thfmeeting be adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Ayes: Six. Motion canted'. . Nancy Eckert City Clerk