2021.04.27 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 27,2021 Page 6 of 8 Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas stated in the past any activities or changes required a variance. She commented now that a variance was not required,if more authority or power would be given to the owner of the park. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola reported there was no change in how the City was managing this process. The City would allow the same things to occur that have occurred for the past 20 or 30 years,except for the fact staff would like all units to meet proper separation requirements. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas indicated manufactured home parks are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health. She asked if the MDH required leases for manufactured home parks. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola stated he did not have expertise in this area.City Attorney Sonsalla commented she represented a city that owned a manufactured home park and this park had leases in place.She understood that leases were not required,but she assumed that leases were in place to spell out expectations for both the park owner and the resident. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas stated it was her understanding that Lakeside Park does not have leases in place. She explained she was told this information by a resident. Councilmember Abdulle inquired if there was something the City can do to put more protections in place to protect the residents living in manufactured home parks.City Attorney Sonsalla explained there was a manufactured home code that has to be adhered to within State Statute.She commented as far as the City putting further restrictions,this may not be the City's business with respect to how private property owners regulate their property.She advised one protection the City could put in place had to do with advanced notification(60 days or 90 days)to residents if being asked to move out. Councilmember Abdulle supported the City pursuing the advanced notification for these homeowners. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola explained staff could report back to the Council on the process that has to be followed if a manufactured home park were to close and residents had to move out Councilmember Axberg asked if the new code sort of mirrored how the City has been operating for the past 20 years.Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola stated this was the case.He explained this Ordinance was his best effort to make yesterday the same as tomorrow. Councilmember Allen supported the City considering a tenant protection Ordinance for residents of manufactured home parks. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned what will happen to the vacant lot within the manufactured home park. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola reported this lot would have a new home and a new resident once the Ordinance was published and the zoning for the manufactured home parks was corrected. Councilmember Allen discussed how the ownership of the two manufactured home parks has changed over the years and he looked forward to the City holding a public hearing if a tenant protection Ordinance were drafted. Councilmember Dunsworth explained she supported what the City was doing,but expressed concern with how the residents of the manufactured home parks would be impacted.She feared what the unintended consequences would be,even though the City was trying to do the right thing.Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola indicated this was a concern shared by everyone. He noted the intent of the Ordinance was to make sure there's not an impact or a change.He explained not acting,would impact residents.He commented if there were any concerns with the Ordinance over time,the City Council could review the Ordinance and make amendments. Councilmember Dunsworth recommended the City have interpreters available when this information is mailed out to residents to assist with calming fears.Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola reported the City would be holding a public hearing on this matter and it would be incumbent on the City to provide context within the Public Hearing Notice. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas commented with this in mind,she questioned if the City could wait on this a couple of weeks to ensure the public is properly notified.City Manager Massopust reported he was hearing the concerns of the Council,but explained it was important to understand the tenant protection Ordinance would be a separate matter.He indicated staff would have to speak with stakeholders about this matter before an Ordinance could move forward.He encouraged the Council to focus on Ordinance 881 with the understanding staff was asking the Council to codify existing practice.