Agenda - Council - 11/26/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8. 1. CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 11/26/2024 PrimaryStrategic Plan Initiative: Create a positive image for residential neighborhoods,business districts and key g corridors. Title: Adopt Ordinance#24-15 Amending Chapter 26 Pertaining to Rental Housing Licensing Requirements (Crime-Free Housing Program) Purpose/Background: The proposed ordinance is only to eliminate the Crime-Free Housing portion of the rental housing licensing program. Other changes to the inspection portion of rental licensing that were discussed on November 12 will be brought forward under a separate action. Attached is the adopted code with the proposed amendments from staff. Staff is proposing to eliminate the Crime-Free housing program and related phases. At this point, the Police Department does not have the resources to implement a Crime-Free housing program. As part of The Minnesota Crime Prevention Program, it is a requirement that the Crime-Free program is implemented by the Police Department. Although staff is recommending the program to be eliminated, staff is proposing to provide voluntary educational opportunities twice a year similar to the Crime-Free course in which the Rental Housing Inspector will administer with assistance from the Planning, Code Enforcement, and Fire staff. Topics will be similar to those in the Crime-Free program; such as the inspection processes, fire safety, International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design(OPTED), Attorney General information, etc. Staff believes the property managers and owners would still benefit with the additional education as part of the licensing process. On a related note,the proposed 2025 fee schedule shows a$50 per building license discount for property owners/managers who have taken a Crime-Free class in another community in 2024. Many of our current license holders attended a Crime-Free class in other communities instead of waiting for a Ramsey-based class and staff would like to honor their attendance. Feedback from the owners/property managers was generally positive in that they were provided information helpful to their rental businesses. Notification: None required. Funding Source: Costs associated with this work are a part of staffs normal duties. Recommendation: Staff recommends introducing Ordinance#24-15. Outcome/Action: