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privacyof the tenants. Knowing the numbersof individualswithin a rental � unit is important to enforce limits on overcrowding and accurately address .} the numerouscomplaintsweget conceming overcrowding. A/so, having the � head-of-household identified helps save staff time researching these � � �, � � fx_ �� I �l II 1� I� I� individuals and their phone numbersand therefore keeps costs down for the cityby enablingstaff to addressand reso/ve complaintsmore quickly. 907.28: second sentence: Requirement that utility services be maintained in the name of the property owner? Staff response - Without thisprovision property owners sometimes make city billing s ta ff the defacto landlord in trying to resolve billing dr'sputes Under the City Code, the property owner is responsible for water andsewer charges to the property. The proposed provision in the rental ordinance is consistent with the City Code. ]� 7. 907.15: What happens under state law or this ordinance if the rental ]�} property owner fails to designate a local agent, fails to maintain the local 1�' agent, or fails to update the city with information about the local agent? ]� Increase to the 13-county area. StaffResponse - Theycoulc�bein violation ]{� o f the ordinance and, after wamings, could be justification for revocation of ?�J the license - this violation could be a misdemeanor. The local agent range '?1 could increase to the 13-countymetro area. �t �� $, 907.13: Three violations based upon tenant actions would leave the owner in �� an economic disadvantage while they try to evict. Property could be vacant �� f o r some ti m e due t o these issues. Staff Response - The City (Councilor �6 HRA) couldprovide a waiver on penalty if the owner is making agood faith �'� effort to resolve the issuesand evict the problem tenants who have broken 2�l �� � [� the law. A/so, the city could provide owners with better tenantscreening methods so the issue does not reoccur. a I 9. 907.12: Violation is subject to fine & imprisonment. This is too harsh. Staff �� Response - This is standard compliance language used by cities to encourage �� consistent violatorsand onlyalwaysusedasa last resort method The act of .}� writing a citation is not a fine or imprisonment Court citations are written �� when there is an impasse between the city and a property owner over an �r� issue; the property owner disagrees with the city's position or action. A court ,}'� citation means the issue in dispute is then taken before an impartialparty (a �� judge) for an impartial determination. Judges are typicallyinterested in �5� resolving issues, not handing out punishment. The threat of a fine and/or �� imprisonmentis usedby a judge as an incentive but usually only results when �