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City Council Study Session -10/17/05 Minutes - Page 11 Licensing and Inspection of Residential Rental Property of 1-4 units HRA Executive Director Cathy Bennett reviewed the proposed ordinance; staffing; funding; and possible fee structure. Ms. Bennett suggested that the program "start small" and be built upon, rather than potential lack of success due to enormity of the task. Ms. Bennett reviewed amenities of the program; and areas of concern addressed by residents at neighborhood meetings held by the HRA. Mr. Welsh noted that all issues had been reviewed by the City's Planner, Finance Department, Police Department, Building Codes Division; and illustrated issues staff observed would improve the quality of rental housing stock within the community. Mr. Welsch reviewed the inspection and license schedule proposed; and the need to use the first year as a "learning process" while evaluating rental properties. Ms. Bennett noted various options for identifying rental property (i.e., work with Finance Department on water utility billings; mailing to property owners; properties classified as non- homestead on tax rolls); Discussion included non-compliant registration of rental properties and solutions; marketing techniques; learning from other communities having implemented similar programs; and annual licensing process. Ms. Bennett provided a bench handout outlining a suggested process for annual license application fee and renewals for rental properties. Further discussion included who would be administering the program (City or HRA); independent inspection service provider or employee hire; enforcement options; provision by owner to tenant of city-prepared handbook for renters; RFP's for private inspection services; impacts to the HRA levy budget proposal; costs of program above fee collections; proposed fees to avoid them becoming cumbersome or increasing non-compliance