Ask The Mayor

Q. - I called to report a substandard rent house across the street from my home.

 

I am concerned that the ordinance regarding rental properties will not pass due to a few "greedy, immoral" landlords. Elected politicians need to have courage to do the right thing for the majority regardless of what a few wealthy property owners want.

 

When is the next meeting regarding the housing ordinance? I want to be there.

 

Answer - Your call to the City is appreciated. Many residents do not consider how many buildings and lots there are in the City. Our code enforcement people stay really busy and do not patrol every street in the city, so we need citizens to let us know when they see what appears to be a problem.

 

The Council and city staff have already done a lot of work on a plan to inspect single family rental properties. (You probably know that we have already established an apartment inspection program.)

 

As we worked on our single family rental inspection program, a lot of questions developed about the details of how it will work. We have tasked the City Staff to look carefully at all parts of this plan, including looking into currently successful rental house inspection programs elsewhere.

 

I am confident we will move forward on this but we do not have a specific timeline. All of our meeting agendas are posted on the City bulletin board and often covered in the Tribune.

 

All properties, rental or not, in the City must comply with the current Neighborhood Integrity Ordinance.

 

Sincerely,

 

Hal Richards, Mayor