It was a full house at Monday’s Carroll City Council meeting as landlords gathered to give their thoughts on the first reading of a proposed rental housing code and inspection fee structure. The council presented a schedule that would have rental property owners paying an annual permit fee of $35 for the first unit in a building and $10 for each additional. Inspections would be conducted on a three-year rotation and there would be no charge for the initial inspection. However, if a re-inspection is needed, it would come at a charge of $35 per unit. Any after that would be at $55 per unit. City Manager, Mike Pogge-Weaver, says the most often-heard comment is these costs would be passed on to the renters.
He stresses again, inspections are for life-safety issues and will uphold the minimal standards for safe housing in the City of Carroll. Council member, Mike Kots, says they are also using this to address one of the most often-heard complaints from other property owners.
Leo Kasperbauer read a letter from Margaret Saddoris, who was unable to attend. She says due to a lack of consideration from the council, she will no longer be able to provide access to her video surveillance at no charge. She also questioned the need for a third city employee to oversee housing codes that will result in higher taxes for 25 percent of the population. Kasperbauer spoke on behalf of himself, saying he feels as though the majority is being punished for the actions of a minority of landlords who do not adhere to state and federal regulations. He also says it goes beyond the inspection fees. Some of the code requirement changes, such as smoke alarms in each bedroom and concrete instead of gravel approaches, will be what drives up the rent for tenants. He called this a form of discrimination as the city is not requiring homeowners to live up to the same standards. Doug Wanninger asked that language regarding exits be cleaned up to be clear and to write the code in such a way as to target property owners who are not providing safe, affordable housing.
Mern Irlbeck says if they want to introduce something like this, the city needs to provide more support to the landlords.
Councilman, LaVern Dirkx, pointed out this code is not about punishing landlords, but is rather a tool giving the city access to properties for the protection of renters. The council agrees that the addition of this code and the enforcement personnel to go with it will give them more ability to enforce city codes with homeowners as well. Jerry Fleshner says he has given a lot of thought to the concerns brought up over the last nine months.
Renters present asked about the ability to pay from general tax revenues. They say if rent goes up, they will be forced to find housing outside of Carroll. The council tabled the first reading and Misty Boes requested a workshop to review changes and options. That meeting will be set at a later date. Full audio of this discussion can be found below.
Audio of Discussion on Rental Housing Code and Inspections 02-10-20
