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HRA Meeting Minutes – Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Page 5 1 Munson noted that those problem buildings also tended to have little in the yards, in addition 2 to near dumpsters, and causing problems throughout that neighborhood. 3 4 When code violations notices were processed for those problem buildings that were not well- 5 managed, Mr. Munson noted that it took longer for compliance, causing the violations to 6 remain problematic for the entire neighborhood and greater community for a longer time. 7 Since staff was unable to inspect units, other than for Section 8 reviews, Mr. Munson advised 8 that they could not investigate bug and/or rodent infestations even when made aware of them; 9 as well as reports on over-occupancy issues since staff had no recourse to pursue those 10 concerns. 11 12 As an example, Mr. Munson noted that in a well-managed building, when an appliance broke 13 down, or between vacancies, the appliances were replaced or upgraded and the units 14 remodeled or cosmetically improved and carpets shampooed. However, in buildings not well- 15 managed, another inferior appliance might be brought, and the units not sufficiently cleaned 16 between vacancies. Mr. Munson noted that, while staff was asked to inspect Section 8 units, 17 those standards included in their checklist were not very high, and not based on cleanliness 18 unless there were obvious roaches or broken windows, or large holes in a wall, while less 19 extensive damages could not be cited. 20 21 Chair Maschka questioned what creative recourses other communities were using to address 22 these issues, referencing the Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul’s experience in bringing 23 buildings into compliance, while attempting not to necessitate evictions or displacing tenants. 24 25 Mr. Trudgeon advised that, later on tonight’s agenda, staff would be making suggestions, one 26 of which was the HRA’s receipt for funding for additional CURA intern services, and plans for 27 the intern to perform a survey to collect data from other communities to find best practices that 28 would be applicable for use in Roseville. 29 30 Lisa Peilen, Minnesota Multi-Housing Association representative, advised that cities varied in 31 their enforcement techniques. Ms. Peilen noted that some required a unit to be vacated versus 32 the entire building until it was brought up to standard, and requiring that the landlord could not 33 rent any other vacant units until other units were brought into compliance, while allowing 34 current tenants to remain if possible during the work. Ms. Peilen used several recent examples 35 (e.g. Burnsville and Brooklyn Park) that had been in the news in the metropolitan area and the 36 issues involved and their responses for resolution. Ms. Peilen noted that Brooklyn Park was 37 very active in resolving issues in appointing a receiver for the building with all monies going 38 to the receiver until repairs were completed, with the owner remaining responsible for taxes, 39 utilities, and other operational costs. 40 41 Chair Maschka asked the panel, and individuals on the panel, for their recommendations. 42 43 From a fire safety perspective, Chief O’Neill noted that the conditions found in the common 44 areas were indicative of the private areas or units. While able to make limited observations of 45 units if called for a fire alarm check or medical call, Chief O’Neill noted that there were often 46 obvious maintenance issues, overcrowded units, and bug infestations, and allowed staff to 47 observe first-hand some of the issues. Chief O’Neill advised that the key was to be able to 48 access and inspect the units, and then find a means to correct the issues once access was 49 gained. 50 51 Chair Maschka questioned the projected staffing requirements to perform rental inspections. 52 53 Marshal Loftus opined that for the initial inspection, the resource commitment would be 54 substantial, with much time invested in writing up violations, and then enforcing them – 55 through the court system if necessary, and then following up on that enforcement process.