01-10-2005 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . City Council Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 2 5.2 Council Open Forum There were no additional items for discussion. 5.3 Apartment Inspection Program Update Fire Chief Bruce West introduced recently hired Fire Prevention Specialist/Housing Inspector Jeff Smith. Mr. West explained that the Elk River Fire Department has taken over the apartment inspection program from the Building and Environmental Department. This program was started in 1995 and there are 1080 units within 53 apartment buildings. License applications are sent out to the apartment owners along with a license fee of $15 per unit to be paid to the City of Elk River. After the receipt of the rental dwelling license application and the license fee, Jeff Smith will set up inspection times with the apartment owner or the apartment owner's representative. This program will be using the 2000 International Property Maintenance Code as its guideline for all apartment inspections. Fire Chief West explained that Fire Inspector Cliff Anderson and he will work together during the first year of transition from the turnover and will be assisting Mr. Smith in the learning process. Mayor Klinzing stated that people living in low rent apartments don't always know that they have recourse and some don't even have copies of their lease. She inquired as to what process is in place for compliance. Fire Chief West responded that they would be working with the building owners to make sure that they do get into compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code. Fire Inspector Anderson responded that there is recourse through the city attorney if the owners don't submit the paperwork. Also, in a year's time they will have to be re-licensed again and the city will be looking at their past record. Mayor Klinzing inquired if there is anything in our code that talks about rights of renters and the responsibility of owners. Chief West responded that this could be brought up during the apartment coalition meetings. Fire Inspector Anderson stated that there is nothing under the fire code but Minnesota Statutes do apply. Councilmember Motin asked if it is standard to do these inspections on an annual basis. Mr. Anderson responded that it is common practice to do them annually or on a bi-annual basis. Councilmember Gumphrey asked what the time frame would be to get these done. Fire Chief West responded that corrections could be done within 24 hours up to six months depending upon the issue. Councilmember Gumphrey asked if there is a fine in place and if a $15 inspection fee was sufficient. Fire Chief West responded that they will be looking at a fine amount in the future and they will be evaluating if $15 is enough. Councilmember Farber asked if the owners are given a chance to get items resolved. Fire Chief West responded, yes, they are given a week or longer lead-time prior to inspections.