CC_Minutes_2014_1117 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,November 17,2014 Page 28 silence with no problems, and adjacent residents unaware of their status. Mr. Bi- lotta advised that it was staff's intent to solve outstanding problems without shin- ing a light or highlighting those who haven't been creating any issues; and sought ideas on how to practically and realistic accomplish the goals without singling an- yone out. Councilmember Willmus reported on some concerns expressed at the November 9, 2014 meeting and specific to property maintenance issues (e.g. lawn mowing or inoperable vehicles in the driveway). Councilmember Willmus advised that, in his drive through the neighborhood today, he had observed some positive steps in the right direction (e.g. the microwave no longer sitting on top of the vehicle). Councilmember Willmus opined that there were things that the Metropolitan Council could do when a resident was unable to do yard maintenance; and sug- gested they could be more proactive in taking care of some of those issues that had been mentioned at the meeting. However, Councilmember Willmus noted that it was mentioned at the meeting that there was only one maintenance person available to service all Metropolitan Council homes, and it typically took them a minimum of twenty days to make the rounds; and strongly suggested that situa- tion be improved upon, with more frequent checks done. Referencing Mr. Bilot- ta's comments that most of the homes fit into their neighborhood quite well, Councilmember Willmus opined that some of the code compliance issues should serve as major flags of other issues (e.g. trash, debris strewn in the yard, or lawn not mowed) and suggested a more proactive approach to a rental unit's upkeep would prove beneficial. Mr. Bilotta advised that some of the reactive issues had already been resolved; and now the focus was how to anticipate or be proactive with other issues. At the request of Mayor Roe, Chief Mathwig reviewed the assessment of fees to the Metropolitan Council as owner and their tenant if the repeat nuisance code was applied. Chief Mathwig noted good success to-date in using the ordinance with rental companies and their tenants once things were brought to their attention and since it had been initiated, with few fines actually imposted and most issues resolved with only a warning letter. Chief Mathwig stated that he expected the same situation with Metropolitan Council homes. Specific to the November 9, 2014 meeting, Councilmember Laliberte expressed her disturbance with the insinuation and introduction that this was a racial issue; and sought assurances that the meeting served as a learning experience and would not be on the table or part of any future discussions. Mr. Bilotta noted that it was unfortunate and everyone was surprised and taken aback that the facilitator at that meeting suggested that bias going in; and advised that that facilitator would not be involved in any way as the process went forward. In his discussions with Belmont Lane neighbors, Mr. Bilotta opined that he had