Loading...
07/14/2005 J CITY OF GRAND TERRACE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING-JULY 14, 2005 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace was called to order in the Council Chambers,Grand Terrace Civic Center,22795 Barton Road,Grand Terrace,California,on July 14, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT: Maryetta Ferr6, Mayor Bea Cortes, Mayor Pro Tern Herman Hilkey, Councilmember Lee Ann Garcia, Councilmember Jim Miller, Councilmember Tom Schwab, City Manager Brenda Stanfill, City Clerk Steve Berry, Assistant City Manager Larry Ronnow, Finance Director Jerry Glander, Building& Safety Director Lt. Hector Guerra, Sheriff's Department ABSENT: Gary Koontz, Community Development Director John Harper, City Attorney The City Council meeting was opened with Invocation by Pastor Rick Doucette,Calvary,The Brook Church followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Herman Hilkey. ITEMS TO DELETE -None SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2A. Martial Arts Program Awards Assistant Citv_ ManaR_er Berrv, introduced Tammy Lawrence, the Martial Arts Program Instructor. Tammv Lawrence, introduced the students that are going to be testing for new belts. She indicated that they will be having an award banquet on Tuesday, July 26 and invited the Council to attend. 2B. Home of Distinction Award Assistant Citv Manager Berrv, announced that Gary Muray is the winner of the Home of Distinction Award for this quarter. Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 2 CONSENT CALENDAR CC-2005-68 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA,SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, CARRIED 4-0-0-1 (MAYOR PRO TEM CORTES ABSTAINED), to approve the following Consent Calendar Items with the removal of items of 3B.,3E., and 3F.: 3A. Approve Check Register Dated July 14, 2005 3C. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda 3D. Approval of 06-23-2005 Minutes 3G. Continuing Appropriations for FY 05-06 ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR 3B. Ratify 07-14-2005 CRA Action Councilmember Hilkey requested clarification on a procedural issue. He indicated that if the Agency has a closed session item that is postponed until after the City Council Meeting it only seems appropriate not to Ratify the CRA Action until after the Closed Session has taken place. He requested comments from City Attorney Harper regarding this issue. 3E. Reject Liability Claim- Jewkes 3F. Reject Liability Claim-Palafox CC-2005-69 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER,SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, CARRIED 4-0-0-1 (MAYOR PRO TEM CORTES ABSTAINED), to approve the remaining consent calendar items: 3E. Reject Liability Claim- Jewkes 3F. Reject Liability Claim-Palafox PUBLIC COMMENT Don Hallwachs, 12581 Mirado Avenue, indicated that it is his hope that the Council will continue the endorsement of the Soccer and the Little League as the benefactors for the selling of Safe and Sane Fireworks in Grand Terrace. He stated that this is the primary fundraiser for both organizations and without it they wouldn't be able to provide the equipment needed to maintain the fields, they wouldn't be able to provide scholarships for those who are unable to pay the fees and they may not be able to provide the youth recreational programs provided to the City. Bamev KarRer, 11668 Bernardo Way,stated that the residents don't know what CRA Action Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 3 is ratified if the Council does not say. He stated that the library is in direct competition with local businesses in Grand Terrace with the rental of videos and tapes. He feels that the library is for reading books and newspapers and a place to do research not for movie rentals. He doesn't understand why the City wants a larger library. Bill Hays. 22114 De Berry Street, stated the following: A few meetings ago, Mr. Harper said that you don't have to disclose negotiations on real estate deals done in closed sessions until after escrow closes. Mr.Harper stated it was in the Brown Act. He requested that Mr. Harper give the chapter and verse. They have been unable to locate the section. He questioned if there are now more tax allocation bonds in the works or have any more been issued since the$13,000,000. He stated that according to Mr. Schwab's comments in the press,the City is going to have a shortfall on the budget of around $2,000,000 or more. He questioned how the Council intends to make up the shortage. He stated that he believes that the time limit has passed for the OAC revision and requested that they share the Market study with the voters. He stated that they know from the press that the Market study has been presented to the City in a bullet point presentation. He stated that Mayor Ferre excused herself from participating in the discussion and voting on the Metropolitan Water District issue at a past council meeting because her son worked for BBK, who is the General Counsel for the District and questioned why she didn't do the same for the OAC because BBK is a consultant for the OAC. Citv Manaeer Schwab.he stated that staff did receive comments on fireworks both positive and negative. He plans to bring back the issue of Fireworks to Council for discussion in September.He state that the only action item on the CRA Agenda is the 06-23-2005 Minutes and that is the action that the Council is ratifying. He indicated that the issue Councilmember Hilkey brought up was what do you do when a Closed Session item is heard at the end of the meeting once they have already ratified the CRA Action. He stated that libraries are very different than they use to be. There is a high demand for internet access and they would like to increase the internet access for patrons,they would like a quiet room and a children's section. He stated that they do have a lot of DVD's and a large section on books on tape. He responded that he doesn't believe the City has any tax allocation bonds in the portfolio. The City Council has just approved a budget and there was no shortfall and is unaware of the article Mr. Hays is referring to. He stated that staff will be sharing the Market study for the OAC with the Council in August. Councilmember Miller.stated that he would like to see an incident report on what happened in town on July 4'. He requested a breakdown on the groups or organizations that participate in the sale of safe and sane fireworks,how much they raise and what they spend the money on. Citv Manager Schwab. indicated that he is doing some statistical work with the City of Highland and Loma Linda,who do not allow fireworks, on what type of activity went on in Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 4 their communities. He stated that there must have been a change of the availability on illegal fireworks. He will have more to report in September. Cvnthia Bidnev. 12219 Pascal, stated that she is concerned about the Town Square Project but even more concerned about the older children in the community. She feels that there is nothing for the older children in the community to do, there aren't any programs available. She would like to see programs grow and questioned why the City isn't looking into a YMCA or a Boys Club. She stated that it is hard to keep the kids safe and on the right track.. She would like to see something for the kids incorporated when talking about these large proj ects. ORAL REPORTS 5A. Committee Reaorts 1. Crime Prevention Committee a. Minutes of 06-13-2005 CC-2005-70 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA,SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, CARRIED 5-0, to accept the June 13, 2005 Minutes of the Crime Prevention Committee. 2. Emergency Operations Committee a. Minutes of 06-07-2005 CC-2005-71 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM CORTES, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA,. CARRIED 5-0, to accept the June 7, 2005 Minutes of the Emergency Operations Committee. COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Hilkev, stated that he was at a soccer tournament in Cypress and took pictures of a peak generator plant and shared them with the Council. He requested clarification on the assignments and hours of the Sheriff Service Specialist. He suggested changing the message on the phone so that callers know whether she is here or not and when she will be available. He suggested that we change the wording on the Agenda to "Ratify the Community Redevelopment Agency Action Taken." He appreciates the comments on library, he has also observe that half of the library is video tapes and DVD's, however we don't have any input on the library. He hears someone asking for the City to provide guidance for the children and for the City to take care of the children more. He feels that it is not the City's job. Those communities that have a lot of programs for the kids have other problems that Grand Terrace doesn't have. He doesn't feel as though it is a City issue. Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 5 Councilmember Garcia,thanked Cynthia for her comments. She would like to have a Youth Action Plan and get young people engaged. It is the parents responsibility,however she feels that there is a way that parents can share information. She requested information on the Concert in the Park. Assistant Citv Manager Berm stated that there will be a summer concert in the Park on September 16"' at Rollins Park. The Riverside Concert Band will be performing. Bring a Picnic, blankets and chairs to enjoy the old fashioned home town free event. They are looking for underwriters to support this event. Flyers are out and he encourages everyone to attend. Councilmember Garcia, reported that she along with Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem attended the Public Hearing put on by Omnitrans regarding Omnilink. They had an interactive public hearing. Assistant Citv Manager Berrv,indicated that staff has been in contact with Omnitrans since the hearing and it looks like they will be cancelling the Omnilink service in September. Access route will continue. A map should be included in the next BMO. Councilmember Garcia, stated that we provide as much information as possible on the website and that there is a Omnitrans link for anyone who would like further information. She welcomed backed City Manager Schwab. Councilmember Miller, reported that the Chamber will be hosting their annual golf tournament on August 26, 2005 and encouraged everyone to participate in that event. He requested more information on the exclusive Negotiation Agreement that we have with Grand Terrace Partners. He questioned if there is an automatic extension and has the City received all of the items listed in the agreement and when they will be presented to the Council. Citv ManaLyer Schwab, stated that the City has received the deliverables that they were required to provide and that it will be brought to the Council in August. Councilmember Miller, questioned if the agreement is automatically extended. Citv Manager Schwab. stated that he would have to review the ENA but he believes that if they meet their goals the extension is automatic. Councilmember Miller,stated that there are other developers interested in the project and he wants to make sure that they met their deadline. Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 6 Mavor Pro Tem Cortes, thanked Mr. Hallwachs and stated that she supports organizations that have fundraisers and scholarships. She stated that she invited Dave Nunez to give a brief follow- up on what took place on July 41'' David Nunez. Battalion Chief San Bernardino Countv Fire, stated that San Bernardino County Fire takes a very proactive stance on fireworks. They brought on the paid call firefighters to man the second engine in Grand Terrace. The paid call firefighters put in 163 total man hours over the 4"'of July weekend in the City of Grand Terrace alone. The station handled approximately 20 call during the weekend for assistance for anything from fires to medical aids and investigations. Theyprovided one of the fire investigators to Grand Terrace to patrol and be highly visible. They confiscated 100 lbs worth of illegal fireworks. No citations were issued. There were additional chief officers that were brought in to oversee the management of the area. There were a couple of fires small in nature. We were fortunate that there was a high level of humidity. There were no major accidents or incidents in the City. Councilmember Garcia,questioned ifthe Sheriff's Department and Fire Department worked together. Mr. Nunez, responded in the affirmative. The Sheriff s Arson Bomb Detail worked along with the Fire Investigation Division. Grand Terrace is not an isolated City that had illegal fireworks or legal fireworks. This year was quite unusual compared to previous years. Mavor Pro Tern Cortes, questioned if Lt. Guerra had any comments to add. Lt.Guerra.San Bernardino Countv Sheriff's Department,stated that the Department worked in conjunction with the Fire Department on a lot of the enforcement efforts. He indicated that he will provide detailed information regarding the activities in other areas and what has caused the perceived increase activity of illegal fireworks. There was a slight increase in calls for service regarding illegal fireworks and did very similar patrols as the Fire Department. They were visible and informed people of the legal and illegal use of fireworks. In most cases the citizens were unaware that they were using illegal fireworks and were willing to comply with instructions. There were a few cases that they had to confiscate them. No citations were issued and there were no arrests. They took a friendly approach to the situation as in the past. They have the ability and can take additional enforcement efforts. Mavor Ferr6, reported that she attended along with other Councilmembers the installation Dinner for the Chamber of Commerce and reported who the new officers are as well as the Board of Directors. She felt that it was a very nice event. She stated that in response to the Best,Best, and Krieger Law Firm, it is a very large firm employing over 100 attorneys in 3 different offices in the State of California. She stated that she is not aware of Best,Best,and Krieger being involved in the OAC and if they are that is fine. She stated that her son is Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 7 General Counsel for the a Municipal Water Company and when the water company came before the Council it would have been very legal for her to vote,however, so that there was no look of impropriety she excused herself. Councilmember Hilkev. stated that On nitrans is mainly funded by the Gas Tax. Grand Terrace is suppose to get part of that tax. He stated that Grand Terrace does not seem to use public transportation. The Access Program is required and feels that they should promote that program better so that more people who need it know about it. He feels that there is no simple solution and wished Councilmember Garcia luck. PUBLIC HEARING 6A. Street Cut Policy and an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace, California Establishing Fines for Failure to Obtain a Street Cut Permit and Failure to Perform Street Cut Construction in Accordance to the Specifications as Described in the Specifications for Construction within the Public Right of Way. CC-2005-72 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM CORTES, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 5-0,to continue the Public Hearing for Street Cut Policy and an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace, California Establishing Fines for Failure to Obtain a Street Cut Permit and Failure to Perform Street Cut Construction in Accordance to the Specifications as Described in the Specifications for Construction within the Public Right of Way until August 11,2005 and direct staff to meet with the inter utility coordinating council in a workshop and to bring this item back to Council with recommendations. UNFINISHED BUSINESS -None NEW BUSINESS 8A. Non-owner Occupied/Rental Property Program Assistant Citv Manaizer Berrv,reported that the purpose of the Non-Owner Occupied/Rental Property is three fold: 1. To clean up sub-standard rental stock 2. To improve the quality of life in neighborhoods 3. To maintain or increase the economic value of single-family homes and other rental residences. The steps to accomplish this goal includes developing,passing,and implementing anew city ordinance that would, in part: 0 Contain an inspection process for all non-owner occupied/rental property Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 8 • Include an enforcement process • Impose fines for violations and non-compliance on property owners • Establish a working database for all rental property • Be financially self-supporting Staff feels that a well conceived, implementation of such a plan, would benefit the City of Grand Terrace with: • Increased property values for both rental and non-rental property • Increased rental demand • Increased property management involvement in solving rental property issues • Decreased general call for police services • Decreased call about rental property problems to Code Enforcement It is the intent of this program to address condition that pose immediate hazards or which clearly present a threat to human life, health or safety and will require full and rapid compliance. Significant Code violations that do not pose immediate hazards to human life, health or safety will be subject to full compliance proceedings. However, reasonable time periods shall be established for achieving compliance. Minor Code violations that relate primarily to superficial or preventative, property maintenance may be cited. But primarily will be noted and transmitted to the property owner. In accordance with the provisions of Health and Safety Codes, City of Grand Terrace Codes, and various other Housing and Building codes, it is not the intent of this Program to require mandatory retrofits of existing structures that were built or installed in accordance with building standards in effect at the time of construction or installation and in which have been maintained in a good and safe condition, unless the retrofitting is required by ordinance as adopted by the City of Grand Terrace, or by State law. The provisions of this Program shall apply to only non-owner occupied, residential rental properties. Mobile home rental units located within mobile home parks, nursing, convalescent or retirement homes which are otherwise subject to inspections by other agencies including but not limited to the County Environmental Health Services, the State Department of and Community Development, or the State Department of Social Services, are exempt from this program. He gave an overview of the program and the fees that would be involved. He also stated that the actual costs to implement this program are unknown and gave an overview of the potential costs and manpower needs. He indicated that staff is seeking direction from Council and authorization to proceed with the Non-Owner Occupied/Rental Property Program. Mayor Pro Tern Cortes.questioned if the City will be charging an annual fee like the County Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 9 of San Bernardino does. Assistant Citv Manager Berry,stated that we would not have a base fee,it would be per unit. Mavor Pro Tem Cortes,indicated that the County of San Bernardino charges for a certificate of use and questioned if Grand Terrace would do the same? Assistant Citv Manager Berrv,responded in the negative. Mavor Pro Tern Cortes.questioned what other cities charge for their inspection program who have implemented similar programs. Assistant Citv_ Manager Berrv, stated that there are a number of cities that have a rental program and gave a brief overview of what their fees are. Councilmember Hilkev. stated that he is all for the Program. He questioned if condominiums are part of the program. Assistant Citv Manager Berrv,responded that only those that are rented out. Councilmember Hilkev,clarified that the Program includes all rentals. He stated that he has never seen a copy of the contract with the County of San Bernardino. Assistant Citv Manager Berry, stated that he has a copy of the contract with the County. Councilmember Hilkev, questioned who signed the contract. Assistant Citv Manager Berry,responded that it was approved many years ago. Councilmember Hilkev, stated that there are a lot of rentals in the City that are currently paying fees to the County. He questioned how the violations will be cited. Assistant Citv Manager Berry, stated that the citation will go to the property owner. Code Enforcement Officer Owens, stated that currently they cite the renter and it is a problem because the renter feels that it is the property owners responsibility and the property owner feels that it is the responsibility of the renter. Councilmember Hilkev.questioned ifthe proposed action is approving the staffing of 1.5 full time employees. Assistant Citv Manager Berrv, responded in the negative. Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 10 Councilmember Hilkev, questioned if staff will be inspecting for non-safety mechanical. Code Enforcement Officer Owens,responded that if it is considered a public health situation, yes. Councilmember Hilkev, questioned if not a public health situation. Code Enforcement Officer Owens,responded that it can be recommended that they make the repair. Councilmember Hilkev, stated that he appreciates including the apartments in the program. He strongly feels that the single-family home fee is much too low. He would like the single family fee to be changed. Mayor Ferre opened discussion to the public. Kim Hathaway. 22988 Vista Grande Way, stated that she owns a rental property at 22235 Victoria that her son lives in. She stated that it is not a business. He pays the house payment only. She stated that she cares for and loves this City and because of that she stands before the Council as a very concerned citizen that has lived in Grand Terrace since 1960. She stated that when she moved to Grand Terrace her mother immediately became involved in community organizations. One of the projects that she spearheaded was a beautification program within the city that included underground wiring. She grew up learning to be involved in the City, to follow the rules, to be kind and considerate to people, honest and forthright and that if she followed the rules she would not be punished for doing what is right. Lately it seems in Grand Terrace that everywhere they turn there is a penalty or a fee of some sort that is being imposed on them. It seems that if you live on Barton Road and the City or a Developer wants your property it's too bad if you don't want to sell or don't want to move, because you are going to have to. It is too bad if you don't want a Lowes or Riverside Highland Water Co. or Manhole Co. or a three story senior complex in your backyard. Now with the new idea of a residential inspection program and maintenance fee. No one wants to look at a run down property, but why are you going to punish those who take care of their property and follow the rules. In the staff report that she read it said mandatory inspections. Maybe you wouldn't have to higher another inspector if you were only inspecting the shotty properties. If they are in violation,give them a notice and time for the compliance. If it is not fixed in the allotted time,then perhaps the City could contract it out and the owner would be billed for the service. If they don't pay then this results in a property tax assessment against said property for the amount and the fine. She asks that the Council think long and hard, search their conscience about this and other projects you are working on within the City. She would like them to be fair to those who take care of their properties. If you don't follow the rules you pay a price if you do you should be rewarded, not charged a fee. She was taught to love her neighbor as herself, to stand up for what she believes in and to stand for principle and right and fair ideas. She asks the Council if this Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 11 action or actions are really a right and fair idea, right now she thinks not. Karen Fricke, 10630 Town Center Drive #16, Rancho Cucamonga, stated that she is the executive director of the Apartment Association Greater Inland Empire. She stated that they are a chapter of the California Apartment Association. She represents over 1200 rental owners and over 60,000 rental units in the Inland Empire. Although they have been working with the Assistant City Manager Berry on this program,the Apartment Association Greater Inland Empire still opposes fee based rental inspection programs. Fee base programs punished the good owners who take care of their property and do nothing for those who do not. In the plan before the Council, 28% of the revenues for that program will come from 1 owner, 1 property, a well kept professionally managed property. The Highlands will be charged $20,000.00 for your inspector to walk around on the grounds, that is clearly punishment. An Inspection Program will not clean up substandard rentals stock,it will not improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods, and it will not increase the value of homes in cities. Education not inspections is the answer. The program provides nothing for education. The cities that Assistant City Manager Berry spoke of that have successful programs, their programs are successful not because of the inspections,but because of the education program. If the owners are not educated in property management nothing will change. The City will be re-inspecting and issuing fines on the same properties every year, on the same owners every year,and these.are the properties that you are already having calls on. A rental inspection will not increase demands for rentals in the City. It may even decrease the demands if tenants are inconvenienced by inspections and this could lead to vacant units. A wonderful education program is the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program,this program is available to cities for less than$20,000.00. It is an educational program run by the police department and community volunteers. This community has numerous volunteers. Owners learn how to screen tenants and keep their properties free from crime and well kept up. Screening the tenants is key an inspection ordinance does not teach them how to screen their tenants that is why you keep going back to the same properties because you have the same tenants there and the owners do not know how to screen for tenants. Jo Strin2field.22273 Barton Road, stated that she is not a landlord. She feels that this is an overkill and the landlords are being punished. It should be saved for where the problem is. She sometimes feels that this is a way to place a lien on the property so that eminent domain can be used to take the property. She feels that this is micro-managing. She is concerned about the landlords and how they feel and how she would feel if she were one. Thelma Winkler Beach. 12570 Mt. Vernon Avenue, she seconds-what everyone has said prior to her. She has no problems with owner accountability. She has a sub basement rental apartment under her roof. She feels that it is her responsibility to see that it is taken care of. An inspection schedule is written into the rental agreement,why should she pay the City to do the intrusion when it is her responsibility. She is a little disturbed about the dictatorship that seems to be progressing more and more in the community. She has been here for 20 years and has been very happy and hopes to be here 20 more. She will do everything that she Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 12 can to keep her property inside and outside as well as she can. It is not easy and it is not cheap,but it is her property and she is responsible for it but she does not want to be forced to pay for an inspection of something under her roof. Until it becomes a public problem,she doesn't feel that it should be touched. Joe Ramos. 12138 Palm Court,he has a rental at 11948 Canal Street. He has been a Grand Terrace resident for 34 years. He has some questions and comments. Why is a rental house assessed an inspection fee of$95.00 per house and a complex unit is $36.00 or$48.00 per unit. It seems like a rental house would be easier to inspect and should be lower in inspection costs. He heard a Councilmember say that he feels that$95.00 is too low and that it should be $200.00. You go from an inspection to a quality of life issue,because we live in an affluent community with high priced property values,currently,we shouldn't be paying $95.00 per unit we should be paying$200.00 a unit. He questioned if alternatives have been considered. He questioned the costs of the additional employees. He feels that this proposed ordinance is another back door tax. The owners are getting beat up and taking the heat for those property owners who aren't taking care of their property that is not rental properties. He questioned why that situation is not being taken care of. He feels that it is but not adequately enough for his taste. He would say that the rental properties are a business,but by being a business you would want to keep your property up and that there are other ways to make a rental property owner comply. Why,not give the code compliance officer administrative citation power. He opposes the tax. Jeffrev McConnell,21758 Walnut Avenue,stated that he is wearing his real estate hat today. He stated that he is involved and deals in real estate everyday and sees pros and benefits of enforcement,so he believes that some kind of enforcement should address the problems that Grand Terrace has with a few absentee and owner occupied homeowners that don't take care of their property. He feels that the way this program is presented it is kind of discriminatory. Maybe a drive by inspection should be done. He is in favor of some type of enforcement. He knows that when you clean up blighted areas it does improve property values. Another problem that has not been discussed yet is graffiti, which seriously contributes to blight. Code Enforcement Officer Owens is very busy and is on top of things. He stated that she works with violators. He doesn't think that the City should bring in another code enforcement officer. He thought that when the Outdoor Adventure Retail Center is developed, the money the City will get would allow for more staff to be hired for this problem that exists. Maybe Council could wait a few more years to implement this program or create some type of temporary plan with the help of Karen Frike. He doesn't feel that Grand Terrace should be compared to San Bernardino or any of the larger cities. He would like the Council to take everything into account and compare apples to apples. Carol Bischoff. 21951 Grand Terrace Road, stated that she agrees with those who have spoken this evening. She is opposed to the fee. The neighbors of her rental property could do some cleaning up of their property. She thinks if anyone should be punished it should be them too, along with renters. She doesn't feel that those rental properties that are kept up Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 13 should be penalized and given all of the fees when they are compliant. Her renter had threatened to move out if the manhole project goes in. She fights the idea of losing her renters. She would like to see Grand Terrace beautified, however, she feels that they are penalizing those who are keeping up their rentals and that it is very unfair. She would like to see the homeowners around her clean up their properties. She is opposed to the program. Barnev Kamer. 11668 Bernardo Way, stated that the City has a Code Enforcement Officer and now the City is going to hire a professional home inspector for $25,000.00 a year including all benefits. We are not going to get much for this amount of money. He feels that the City does not need this program and is opposed to it. Mayor Ferr6 returned discussion to the Council. Councilmember Miller,stated that he has been in property management for 25 years. He and his wife have managed apartments, duplexes, and rentals. They currently have rentals and pay a fee every year on some of the rentals, which are not in Grand Terrace. He can understand what they are thinking. He wasn't excited about paying the fees that he has to pay. Since he came onto the Council he has wanted to see about looking into getting another code enforcement officer. He walks the City streets and feels that there are a lot of houses that are not maintained and taken care of. He does not know if they are rentals or not. He indicated that he drove around for about three hours looking at properties in Grand Terrace and only a few of the houses that he feel are in violation are rental properties. He is concerned about the property values in Grand Terrace. In order to maintain the bedroom community and keep the values up you want to make sure the properties that are being rented do not become dilapidated and that the owners take care of the property and screen their tenants. When you find a recurring problem with a landlord you will find that the landlord does not know how to screen their tenants. He is sure that there are lot of people that own properties in Grand Terrace that are rentals and that they do take care of their property. He is concerned that those owners will be penalized. He would like to see staff look at who the repeat offenders are and maybe take a look at how we should handle them. He would like to take a look at those who own homes that are maintained and think about how to treat them. We have to come up withe some type of solution. We need to look at the fees and come up with a balance. He supports the fact that we need as many code enforcement officers that we can have. Councilmember Garcia, concurs with Councilmember Miller's comments on how we deal with those property owners that do take care of their property. We want to structure the process in a way that we take care of the problem. She is in support of the program but concurs with Councilmember Miller that we need to find a balance. She agrees with the idea of education and prevention. She asked about the Crime Free Multi-Housing. Lt. Guerra. stated that there are properties in the program. Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 14 Councilmember Garcia, would like to see 100% of the complexes in the crime free multi- housing program to get the education. She questioned what the back log is that the city is dealing with code enforcement. Code Enforcement Officer Owens, responded that there is a back log of 100. Councilmember Garcia,questioned once someone calls in with a complaint does it become a case. Code Enforcement Officer Owens, stated that once a complaint comes in it doesn't become a case until after the inspection. It depends on whether it is a public safety issue, a vacant property, etc. Generally you get the complaint, you do the inspection. If it is a public and safety issue that inspection usually takes place within a couple of days. If it's a complaint about tall weeds and grass it can wait for weeks or sometimes a month. Councilmember Garcia,confirmed that those complaints that aren't public safety issues that may get back logged. She feels that when creating the Non-owner Occupied/Rental Property program that they may want to consider a variance for those properties that are well kept. Mayor Ferre, stated that she too drove around the City looking at the rentals throughout the community. She found that there were a lot of rentals that were in very good shape. She also took note of homes that were not well maintained and were not rentals. She appreciates the efforts of staff putting this ordinance together. At this point in time she doesn't feel as if we need this ordinance. She would like to re-visit this in a year. She firmly supports a code enforcement officer or two as well as a clerk. Mayor Pro Tem Cortes, feels that we should educate landlords. She questioned if you rent a room in your personal home does that fall under the category of a rental. She supports the program,however, she does not want to penalize those who maintain their rentals. Assistant City Manager Berry,he stated that rental properties are a business. He doesn't see it as punishment, he sees it as more of a service. Mayor Ferre. questioned how one would go about screening their tenants. Karen Fricke,responded that a rental owner should take a legal application on the potential renter and run a credit report, an eviction search, a tele-check, and a criminal report. They should not rent to someone that has been evicted, or have bad credit. They can turn down people that have a criminal history that involves drugs. They also need to verify employment and have policies. Mayor Pro Tem. Cortes. questioned if they charge a fee for the credit check. Council Minutes July 14,2005 Page 15 Karen Fricke, responded in the affirmative. Mavor Pro Tern Cortes, stated that even though you do all of the screening it still does not guarantee a good renter. Councilmember Hilkev_ .clarified that he feels that the fee for a single family dwelling should be more than $95.00. He stated that landlords in Grand Terrace are already paying an inspection fee to the County of San Bernardino. He has had rentals for 25 years and he has paid a fee to the County of San Bernardino and they did nothing for the fee. He knows that there are landlords that do maintain their rentals. He stated that half of the police calls are from the two apartment complexes. He feels that there is a way that we can have a successful program. He would like to see what other cities in the County are doing. He feels that rentals are a business and should be treated as such. Staff will move forward with certain refinements to the program and bring it back to Council for review at a later date. CLOSED SESSION -None Mayor Ferr6 adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p.m.until the next CRA/City Council Meeting which is scheduled to be held on Thursday, August 11, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. CITY CLERK of the City/f Grand Terrace MAYO f the City of Grand Terrace