Minutes - Council Work Session - 08/12/2024

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said that it would make more sense to penalize those who are not in compliance rather than everyone. He noted that the City is doing something wrong with this. Recess and Reconvene The meeting recessed at 6:57 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:18 p.m. Code Enforcement Officer Swalchick continued the conversation on the rental housing inspection program. He explained that items like social security numbers, driver's licenses, and dates of birth are required by the IRS so the City has to obtain this information to then provide to the State. He added that there is also a State statute that requires background checks for all landlords under the Kari Koskinen Manager Background Check Act. He explained that many other cities in the metro area have the same application requirements. Ms. Neilson shared that there are many metro cities that do not require background checks including Anoka, Nowthen, and other cities surrounding Ramsey. She asked why those cities do not require this. Code Enforcement Officer Swalchick said he would not be able to answer why other cities are not complying with State statute. He explained that when they were doing their research for this program, they called all surrounding cities, and they were told by other cities inspectors that the fees that they charge do not cover the cost of the program. He shared that in Andover, all they are able to do for the $75 fee is drive by the rental house. He noted that Dayton charges $300 for their rental licensing and Nowthen does not have a rental licensing program. Councilmember Woestehoff shared that he just pulled up Anoka's website and their application does require a background check. He noted that if this is State law that a background check be required and whether or not another city complies with this or not is not the discussion of this case. Councilmember Howell asked if a background check is required because of the Crime-Free and Rental Housing Program and if they did not have this program if the background check would not be required. Code Enforcement Officer Swalchick said it is State statute whether or not they have the program in place. He noted that there is a 25%rental fee discount for those who participate in the program. He added that they also have discounted inspections. He noted that they are also requiring the Crime Free, Drug Free class as a lot of updates have been made to the class in recent years. He shared that they offer online options for taking this class and they are also working with the Police Department to make sure that the City can offer this class free of charge to residents. Mr. Jones asked if the class is required to be completed within the calendar year. Code Enforcement Officer Swalchick shared that part of the ordinance was to have the class completed within the calendar year; however, they understand that there have been some hurdles. He noted that they have to work with residents and tenants. City Council Work Session/August 12, 2024 Page 8 of 12