2022.03.08 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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come to her first, prior to reaching out to the city if they have a concern. LaMotte stated in some cases, tenants were afraid of landlords, which was unfortunate. In these cases, the City served as a go between for these tenants. He asked how much of a notice the City gives to property owners that they would be inspected. Gigrich estimated he gives property owners at least 10 days to notify their tenants of an upcoming inspection. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas thanked the City for all of their efforts with the landlords and property owners through the crime-free multi-housing program. She questioned what the City would do if a situation were to arise and a landlord was not cooperative. Massopust stated fortunately, the City has not had to revoke or deny a rental license. Gozola explained he has instructed his staff to reach out to neighboring cities to see how they address these types of cases. Councilmember Abdulle indicated the City cannot control what landlords do or who they target as tenants. Massopust reported this was the case and commented on how the City handled the provisional situation that arose with Fountain Terrace due to the number of police calls this property was receiving. Councilmember Axberg questioned what t ype of complaints the City was receiving from single-family rental properties. Gigrich stated he did not have the exact numbers, but noted he received calls for residential properties that had renters. He indicated the City will respond to these calls and complaints. He commented so far, the property concerns or problems have been addressed. Councilmember Allen asked what resources or policies should be in place to make multi-family units in New Brighton safer. Gozola reported one community that was researched had a tiered system in place for the charges issued for licenses that was tied to the number of units and number of calls coming into the City. He stated this system rewarded landlords that took care of their property and did not have long-standing issues. Councilmember Abdulle questioned what else was missing that the City should be looking at in order to keep renters safe and to hold landlords accountable. He requested further information on the call volume for multi- family properties. Massopust commented on the call volume stating this related strictly to public safety matters. Sonsalla discussed State Statute regarding the tenants remedy action. Councilmember Abdulle explained there may be many tenants that do not know they can contact the City for assistance if they were not able to receive a proper response from their landlord. He inquired how the City was getting this information out to renters or tenants. He believed it was valuable for renters to know the City was on their side. Gigrich stated Home Line was a non-profit lawyers group that helps renters and noted this information has been passed onto renters over the years. He stated staff could do more to educate the public that the City was available for assistance. Gozola reported the City could require leases to have a provision that states the City was available should an issue arise, or a poster could be created and be posted within each multi-family building. Councilmember Allen stated he supported the City requiring landlords or property owners attending the quarterly apartment coalition meetings. He commented it was unfortunate that the rules that were being discussed were for the minority of the property owners, but still had to be in place to protect all renters in New Brighton. He reported he would like to learn more about how long it took the City to view all units in the community. He stated in general, he appreciated how hard staff worked to address concerns and complaints that were brought to the City. He indicated he supported the City having the proper policies in place to address the interests of all renters. In addition, he would like to explore a more robust analysis on who can be granted a rental license in New Brighton.