2022.03.08 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

owner of the complex. He stated some renters are not aware of the fact they can call the City for assistance. He explained during COVID calls have been pretty slow from renters complaining. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas inquired if complaints against a unit were kept on file for the property. Gigrich stated this was the case and noted staff speaks with property owners regarding concerns that have been brought to the City. LaMotte reported the inspection team was aware of when a complex was on the verge or becoming a provisional property. He commended Officer Farmer for his great communication skills with the complex managers and property owners. He commented further on the discussions that were held with the Fountain Terrace management team when they were approaching the provisional process. Councilmember Allen requested further information on the crime free multi-housing program and the participation rate. LaMotte stated he wished every property owner was involved in the crime free multi- housing program called the New Brighton/Mounds View Apartment Coalition. He indicated he strongly encourages every property owner to participate. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas questioned if the City could require multi-family property owners or managers to participate in the Apartment Coalition quarterly meetings. Sonsalla advised this was something the Council could consider and would have to be added to City Code. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas commented she was interested in exploring this further. Councilmember Allen agreed. He then discussed the age of the multi-family units in the community and asked how structurally sound these units were. Gigrich indicated the City has a mix of units that were aging. He stated some property owners were investing in their units, while others were only doing the bare minimum. LaMotte discussed how all new apartment complexes were fully sprinkled, which was improving unit safety. Councilmember Allen discussed how retrofitting apartment buildings with sprinklers would improve renter safety in the community. He asked if there were grant opportunities available to assist with retrofitting older apartment complexes. LaMotte stated retrofitting buildings would be a good thing for property owners to pursue and noted renters do not have to be displaced in order to accomplish this task. He reported there were bills in place with the legislature for high rise (7 stories or larger) structures. He noted the main cause for fires in rental units was due to cooking fires. Gozola explained staff was always looking for grant opportunities to help multi-family property owners out. Gigrich indicated stovetop fire stops have also been promoted to property owners. Councilmember Abdulle questioned how frequently units were inspected in the City. Gozola stated the City has an annual inspection program in place and licenses are not issued until inspections are completed. He explained for three or four unit buildings all units will be inspected, for five to twelve unit buildings one-half to one-third are inspected and the larger complexes have 10% to 15% of the units inspected. Councilmember Abdulle inquired if the building owners know which units will be inspected. Gigric h indicated the property owners do not know which units will be inspected. He reported the property owners have to inform all units that they could be inspected. Councilmember Allen suggested the City provide property owners as much notice as possible when their property will be inspected. He understood that not all properties were having issues, but perhaps this would assist with catching some of the units that were a concern. Councilmember Axberg commented she has a positive relationship with the City of St. Paul housing department and explained she owned an eight story high rise. She noted she always encouraged her tenants to