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Councilmember Specht shared that on the Attorney General's website it states that background <br /> checks are required for all property managers. He asked if they consider the landlords to be <br /> property managers. <br /> Code Enforcement Officer Swalchick explained that landlords are considered property managers <br /> if they do not hire a property manager. <br /> Councilmember Howell noted that these property owners are not happy, and she would like the <br /> Council and Staff to listen to their feedback to see if they can offer a solution. <br /> Ms. Neilson asked how this program was implemented in the first place and how property owners <br /> were not notified of these changes until they went to renew their license. She said she did not find <br /> out about these changes until she went to renew her rental license for 2024. <br /> Code Enforcement Officer Swalchick shared that he is fairly certain that they sent formal letter <br /> mailings to every property owner, and they held public hearings and Work Session meetings about <br /> the program prior to adoption of the ordinance. He added that once the ordinance was adopted, <br /> letters were sent out to all property owners. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove noted that even though this program passed with a unanimous vote, it <br /> would behoove them to take a look at how the program is working and listen to these resident's <br /> concerns. She shared that it is unrealistic for them to think that the program will ever be able to <br /> pay for itself. She suggested charging more for visits to check on violations. She thanked these <br /> residents for coming forward and sharing their concerns. She said that she does not want these <br /> property owners to have to close their rental business because of this. She asked if tenants are <br /> required to have a background check. <br /> Code Enforcement Officer Swalchick said no. He stated that background checks are required as a <br /> part of State law for property owners and managers. <br /> Councilmember Woestehoff shared that if they ignore the fee concerns, this program is very <br /> successful. He noted that this program is an asset to tenants and property owners. He said he would <br /> not have any issue with subsidizing affordable housing and have the taxpayer subsidize rental <br /> property owners so they can keep their pricing down. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove reiterated that they should charge more for violations and re- <br /> inspections. <br /> Mr. Jones said he thinks the program is great; however, the cost is the issue. <br /> Code Enforcement Officer Swalchick shared that almost every property that he has inspected has <br /> had code violations. He noted that they have written a lot of correction orders this year; however, <br /> they are trying to be lenient with property owners and giving them until the next year's inspection <br /> to comply. He explained that they have been issuing citations where they see fit,for example,they <br /> City Council Work Session/August 12, 2024 <br /> Page 9 of 12 <br />