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b. Rental Property Ordinance <br /> Mr. Burslie elcplained the Staff Report. <br /> Vice-Chair Hallan stated he contacted Little Falls and learned they contract out all of the <br /> management of their rental ordinance. City Staff doesn't deal with it. <br /> Planning Commission Member Habein asked if there is a requirement due to population <br /> that this type of ordinance would be needed. Mr. Burslie stated there is not. <br /> Planning Commission Member Habein asked if the City has determined a need for this. <br /> Mr. Burslie stated Pequot Lakes is like all small communities with various types of <br /> landlords. Bittner pointed out the City has received a few complaints on landlords. <br /> Planning Commission Member Wallin had invited Bob Erickson from Babinski Properties <br /> to the meeting to share his insight on this issue. Mr. Erickson stated Babinsld Properties <br /> have property in Vadnais Heights where they have enacted a Multi-Tenant Housing Task <br /> Force. When this task force was initiated, io% of your units were inspected annually. <br /> Over time it was increased to 50% and now 100% of your units are inspected annually. <br /> This inspection gives a snapshot of all of our units. The rental fee may be $35 per unit. <br /> The Vadnais Heights Fire Department, along with building management, conducts the <br /> inspections. They check smoke alarms, carbon mono�ride detectors, door handles, patio <br /> doors, extension cords, etc. This also allows management the ability to see how tenants <br /> are treating their units. <br /> Discussion ensued regarding who could do the inspections, such as our volunteer Fire <br /> Department to raise funds. Mr. Erickson stated the inspections take approximately 20 <br /> minutes per unit with a 3o-day follow-up. <br /> Mr. Burslie stated the City Council is looking for a recommendation whether or not the <br /> City should initiate a Rental Property Ordinance. <br /> The following are points to consider: <br /> • What is the City's liability? The League of Minnesota Cities has staff that could <br /> help with that. <br /> • How will this be managed? This should be determined prior to maldng a <br /> recommendation to the City Council. <br /> • 45 Pages is too much. The ordinance needs to be basic for safety and health issues. <br /> • What other avenues or options does the City have to deal with the slum landlords? <br /> Could a Task Force work with the problem landlords? Do we need an ordinance <br /> that affects i00%of our landlords or just the few problem ones? <br /> • What are the City's options to contract this out? Can this reasonably be cash flowed <br /> or will the City need to subsidize it? <br /> • Are there options that other cities have implemented? Contact the League. <br /> The Planning Commission did not feel comfortable making a recommendation until they <br /> are able to collect more information. <br /> MINUTES 5 <br /> Pequot Lakes Planning Commission <br /> November i6, 2oi� <br />