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