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<br />CASSELBERRY CITY COMMISSION <br />Minutes of December 8, 2008 - Worlllbop <br />Page 2 of3 <br /> <br />Discussion: The City Commission was asked to discuss and give direction on the following: <br /> <br />What is the City Commission trying to accomplish with regard to a rental ordinance. <br />Which of the three models presented seemed most feasible. <br />Which components the City Commission feel are most necessary for a successful ordinance in <br />Casselberry. <br />Is a local property contact necessary or is a registered contact necessary. <br /> <br />Commissioner Solomon and Mayor Glancy inquired if any of the ordinances presented required a criminal <br />background check. Ms. Lipscomb stated the intent of rental ordinances is for structural issues relating to <br />health, safety and welfare. <br /> <br />Commissioner Doerner stated the original intent when the City began to discuss possible implementation of <br />a rental ordinance was for major and blatant structural issues and inspections would never be conducted <br />when the dwelling was unoccupied by tenants. Commissioner Doerner voiced concerns regarding interior <br />inspections. Discussion ensued regarding which codes would be applied for minimal internal inspections <br />and when inspections would be conducted. It was suggested by Commissioner Doerner and Vice Mayor <br />Hufford that inspections could occur when a property was turned over and the City could utilize its utility <br />transactions for when there is a change in the name on the utility account. Commissioner Doerner stated the <br />original intent was that any fees associated with a rental ordinance would be nominal and meant to just cover <br />the cost of inspections and related administrative costs. <br /> <br />Mayor Glancy inquired if building inspectors or code enforcement inspectors were utilized for rental <br />ordinances, and what was the average inspection time. Staff indicated it would depend on what codes were <br />utilized for the inspections, and they would check with the three cities regarding the average inspection time. <br />Commissioner Solomon inquired ifthe City currently has the necessary manpower and budget to cover the <br />cost of implementing a rental ordinance. The City Manager stated she couldn't make that determination until <br />the City Commission gave direction on the type of program it desired. Mayor Glancy stated she did not want <br />to have a budgetary impact from the implementation of a rental ordinance. Vice Mayor Hufford stated <br />her goal for a rental ordinance would be that these properties were safe and reducing deterioration, and <br />holding property owners of rental properties accountable for their properties because she felt it was a <br />business. Commissioner Miller inquired if the Orlando Regional Realtors Association weighed in on rental <br />ordinances. It was noted the Association did weigh in opposition to rental ordinances several years ago. <br />Commission consensus was that if a rental ordinance was to be implemented, it should be for the basic <br />protection of the health and safety of citizens, and not aesthetics. Commissioner Solomon stated because <br />of the current economic climate she would not be in favor of going forward with this type of ordinance at <br />this time due to cost impacts. Vice Mayor Hufford stated she wanted to continue to develop an ordinance, <br />but did not want something in place that is punitive to landlords, but merely makes them responsible for the <br />upkeep of their rental properties. Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Solomon acknowledged that <br />owners of rental properties pay substantially more in taxes because they are not homesteaded. Initial, <br />random, and systematic inspections were discussed. Consensus was to have an inspection on turnover of <br />property, but no more frequently than once a year. The City Manager stated that type of program would most <br />likely require additional staffto implement. Consensus was not to treat rental properties as businesses, but <br />rather holding them accountable in taking care of their properties. <br /> <br />Direction: Staff was given direction to work on developing an ordinance based on the Deltona and Mount <br />Dora models. Staff was also directed to bring back any possible budgetary impacts from implementing a <br />minimal housing standards inspection rental program, including the licensing and training requirements for <br />the International Inspection Code. <br />