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<br />Councilmember McGlone stated he did not see any value in requiring these permits and <br />conducting inspections, and felt this represents taxation without representation. He stated a <br />homeowner would be better served taking their $94 and spending it on a licensed home <br />inspector. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wise agreed with Councilmember McGlone and pointed out if this service is not <br />provided, there is no associated overhead. <br /> <br />Mayor Ramsey stated if there is no public safety issue involved, he was not sure why the City <br />requires these permits. He added the City can playa role in educating people but he did not see <br />any value in requiring permits for siding, roofing, and window installations. <br /> <br />Building Official Kaehler stated that the City inspector is not liable, rather, the City is liable <br />under the statute and is responsible to cover any lawsuits. He noted that OSHA will not allow <br />the inspectors to go up on a roof without a guide wire and there is a significant issue around the <br />country about whether municipal inspectors can go up on a roof. He stated he feels the City <br />should do the roofing and siding inspections; the window inspections could arguably be called a <br />repair but he did not feel the City should eliminate window inspections. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen recited a portion of Minnesota Rules pertaining to liability and noted that <br />it states that a building official does not incur liability due to the negligent performance of its <br />function. He stated he would like to obtain the City Attorney's opinion on this before taking <br />action. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Nelson agreed to obtain the City Attorney's opinion on this matter <br />and bring it back to the Council for further discussion. <br /> <br />Rental Licensing Program <br />Deputy City Administrator Nelson stated the City has issued 115 new rental licenses and <br />conducted 388 inspections for the period January 1,2008 through July 31, 2009. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wise stated he was in favor of the rental licensing program, primarily because <br />the inspection ensures the property is safe, e.g., working smoke detectors. He added this also <br />provides a way of tracking permits and how much rental property the City has. <br /> <br />Councilmember McGlone stated he was not in favor of the rental-licensing program. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated he was in favor ofthe rental-licensing program. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he. was in favor of the rental-licensing program. <br /> <br />Councilmember McGlone stated he felt there was a conflict in the City's Code in two areas <br />relative to multiple dwellings and rental units. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look returned to the meeting at 6:52 p.m. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / August 25, 2009 <br />Page 4 of5 <br />