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��.�' Who should staff this effort? As noted above, building inspection services are now at capacity and will be for years. Staff is suggesting that the HI�A review the possibility of contracting for the inspection services through an outside agency or company. A "Request for Proposal" (RFP) has been sent to approximately40 private housing inspectors with a deadline of December 15`. In addition, staff is contacting other cities to review the possibility of partnering for the services. Other area Cities with programs and staff include Shoreview, New Brig�Ztan or Mounds View. Whoever the new inspectors are, they will need access to existing records within both the city's planning and building inspection files and a check list process wouldbe establishedto ensure uniformity in inspection requirements. �� How will the pro�ram be funded? Staff estimates that the cost to implement and operate the program would require between $50,000 to $80,000 expenditure annually depending upon the strueture. (This does not include legal fees needed to gain compliance through court actions.) The �RA has included this implementation and operating cost amount in their 2006 budget to be funded by a Council approved HRA levy. Staff estimates that contracting for this service through private inspection services or partnering with other communities may reduce the cost by approximately 40°/o or less. � r� Possible Fee Structure: The cost of the new program will be partially offset by fees paid by rental owners. Using Ramsey County data for single family non-homestead properties, plus duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes, there are an estimated450 units subject to annual licensing. Using the average fee per unit charged by other communities of $50 per unit with an 80°/o collection rate, a total of approximately $18,000 could be collected in fees. At best, this revenue could support 40- 50 percent of the estimated annual cost for the program. Any fees collected as part of the program would directly offset the costs of administering the program — first to cover inspection services, second to cover internal administration and third to cover uncollected legal fees or abatement costs associated with properties that do not comply with the ordinance. }.�:� Process: �. : The City Attorney, Police Chief, Building Official, Community Development Director, Codes Officials, Planning Commission and HRA. have reviewed and approved of the draft ordinances. As with any new program, it is likely that slight modifications and changes would be recommended throughout the year if the ordinances are adopted and implemented as presented. 5. � Staff presented the draft ordinances to the City Council on October 24th for comment, suggestions, input. Council designated November 28" as a public hearing to gain input from rental property owners and residents. 5.'� Notice of the public hearing was published, a news fax article was completed and mailed notice was sent to suspected rental property owners who would be affected by the rental licensing ordinance. RCA_ Rental Licensing &Property Maintenance Public Hearing (ll-28-OS) - Page 4 of 5