Agenda - Council - 02/11/2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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issues if not addressed. He said he is open to hearing more ways that they can make the policy more tenant friendly. Councilmember Olson shared that he has been very vocal about his opposition of this program since the beginning. He said the ideal situation would be to offer these inspections as a benefit rather than something that is imposed. He stated he likes the content of the policy for the most part. Councilmember Peters noted he has been a renter for more than half his life and he has never had the benefit of one of these inspections. He said he thinks the policy is great to have in place for the City to take an invested interest in ensuring that the rental communities do not become dilapidated. Councilmember Buscher said she thinks this is something the City should do. She noted the intent of the policy is to protect the safety of the tenants. She shared that she understands people's concerns about having an inspector in their private spaces; however, renters should understand that inspections can take place for their benefit. She added that she would not want this to be something that people could opt out of. Mayor Heineman asked if the policy is written in a way that it protects the property owner or the tenant. Community Development Director Hanson shared that their goal with this policy was that it was for the tenant, the property owner, and the City. She said they want to have a clear policy and process for rental housing. Councilmember Stewart said she would not want inspectors looking in someone's closets or in a personal area as the inspector could touch their belongings She suggested pulling back on where the inspector will be going in these homes to make it safe for the tenants while still maintaining the unit. Mayor Heineman agreed that they should only be going into areas with specific reasons while not inspecting areas that are not of concern. Community Development Director Hanson explained that when the inspector goes into someone's closet, the only thing they are looking at is the ceiling to see if there is any water damage. She said Staff does not touch anyone's personal belongings. Mayor Heineman asked if it is pertinent that they check the ceiling in every closet. Councilmember Riley suggested that they no longer require inspections of closet ceilings. Councilmember Olson added that it would be very rare that there was a leak just limited to the area within the closet so he does not see a need for the closets to be inspected. Councilmember Buscher shared that this plan was modelled after similar policies and programs in other cities. She said she would not want to create policies based off of potential bad personnel. City Council Work Session / January 28, 2025 Page 7 of 9