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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.13.17 Minutes f Oshkosh RENTAL HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD MINTUES DECEMBER 13, 2017 PRESENT: Matt Mugerauer, Margy Davey, Sherri Devereau, Timothy Ernst, Matthew Stenerson EXCUSED: Cheryl Hentz, Linda Jevaltas, Lori Palmeri STAFF: Allen Davis, Community Development Director, John Zarate, Chief Building Official, Andrew Prickett, Building Systems Inspector, Casey Koelbl, Housing Inspector, Kathy Fredrick, Weights and Measures/Code Enforcement Clerk CALL TO ORDER Mr. Mugerauer called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. The minutes of the November 8, 2017 meeting were approved as presented. (Davey/Ernst) SOCIAL MEDIA Mr. Davis reported that Cheryl Hentz would be meeting with Communications Coordinator, Emily Springstroh, in January regarding developing a plan for Facebook post content. STATE LEGISLATION UPDATE Mr.Davis stated the proposed State legislation would reduce the rental inspection program to a complaint based program rather than a voluntary inspection program; and also change how inspection fees were charged. He stated the city manager and the mayor were currently in Madison providing testimony as to how the proposed legislation would undermine the ability of the City to properly administer its rental housing inspection program. Mr. Ernst suggested the Board draft a letter formally stating their opposition to the proposed legislation Mr.Mugerauer stated he understood the proposed legislation would require the City to keep a log of who filed a complaint which would eliminate anonymity. Mr. Zarate explained the proposed legislation regarding transparency in complaints was specific to city employees, council members or agents of the City being on record as filing a complaint. Mr. Davis stated he also had concerns with the proposed legislation pertaining to how inspections were billed. f Oshkosh RHAB Minutes Page Two 2018 WORK PLAN Mr. Mugerauer asked the Board for ideas regarding goals for accomplishment in 2018. Mr. Ernst stated he felt the first goal of the RHAB should be to formally oppose the proposed legislation. He offered to draft a letter to give to the common council asking them to support the RHAB position in the form of a resolution. Mr. Davis stated the Board would have to act quickly with their opposition as the proposed legislation was being fast tracked to be voted on. The Board agreed to hold a special meeting prior to the next common council meeting. Mr.Mugerauer recommended the Board's opposition to the proposed legislation be limited to what affects the administration of the rental registry and inspection program. Mr. Ernst stated he felt the Board should create a mission statement which would clarify the focus of the Rental Housing Advisory Board. He also suggested the City explore creating an ordinance requiring landlords or their property managers to live within a certain radius of the City. He stated he was also interested in committing more involvement regarding rental properties located in trailer parks;proposing a simple tenant/landlord bill of rights, issuing certificates to properties that have passed inspection, developing a specific landlord/tenant court, requiring negligent landlords to participate in training on how to be a responsible landlord, requiring landlords to represent themselves financially (mortgage payments are up to date), developing a clear policy on rent abatement(withholding of rent until issues are fixed) and landlord retaliation, not allowing landlords to post derogatory information regarding tenants on social media, and supporting decriminalization of marijuana. Ms. Davey stated she felt the Board needed a clear mission statement, however the mission statement should include educating both tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities. LGBTQ DISCUSSION Mr.Davis stated the City ordinance regarding LGBTQ had recently been updated to reflect both state and federal code requirements and to include Gender Identity as a protected class. He stated he would invite the City Attorney who drafted the Fair Housing Ordinance to a future meeting. f Oshkosh RHAB Minutes Page Three EDUCATIONAL BROCHURE FOREIGN LANGUAGE UPDATE Ms. Davey reported the French version of the educational brochure had been completed at no cost by a colleague who was currently working on a Spanish version. She stated she had not yet received an estimate to have the brochure printed in Swahili and that she was also researching having the brochure printed in another South African Zulu language. Ms. Fredrick noted the educational brochures had been printed and were available for Board members to distribute. CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ORDINANCE Mr. Davis reported the Council passed the Carbon Monoxide Ordinance. INSPECTIONS UPDATE Mr. Koelbl reported in the upcoming week he would begin completing exterior inspections of the properties on Cherry Street that did not receive interior inspections. He noted there were approximately six violations for each interior inspection that was completed. Ms.Devereau stated she was a proponent of requiring Knox lock boxes on apartment buildings containing six or more units. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Board discussed adding the following items to the next meeting agenda: 2018 Action Plan Mission Statement Rooming Houses Clarify voting status for members of the RHAB ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:33 p.m. (Davey/Ernst) Respectfully submitted, Allen Davis Community Development Director