HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-01-04 Government Operations Committee Minutes
Government Operations Committee
Minutes
January 4, 2016
Councilors Attending: Plourde, Perry, Graham, Sprague, Faircloth, Durgin
Staff Attending: Conlow, Farrar, Emery, Higgins, Riitano, Sandborn
Others Attending: Media Representatives
Committee Chair Plourde called the Meeting to Order at 5:15pm
1. Update—Multifamily Housing Inspection Program
- Fire Chief Higgins, Assistant Fire Chief Riitano, Fire Inspector Sandborn and Community and
Economic Development Director Emery provided background information and details on the
st
first five months of the program which commenced on July 1. Engine Company’s from the Fire
Department have completed 149 inspections—549 individual units have been inspected so far.
These are three and four unit dwellings. Dwellings with over five units that are not inspected by
other regulatory agencies are being inspected by fire inspectors given their size and the
additional complexity. Among the more common findings / violations have been the lack of
working smoke and C.O. detectors, no GFI’s, misuse of electrical cords and the need for general
clean-up / housekeeping. Many of these issues have been corrected quickly and at minimal cost.
The number of serious violations has not been significant to date. When violations are found
that involve time consuming or expensive repairs or alterations, staff works with the landlord to
develop a reasonable remedy schedule. Staff indicated that landlords have been receptive to
the inspection program so far. A brochure was distributed that is made available to tenants and
landlords describing general types of violations and other inspection related information.
Committee members asked several questions about the program and specific types of
violations, and expressed their appreciation for the work that has been done to date. While
there was some initial skepticism about the program and privacy concerns, Committee members
indicated that they were pleased with how the program is operating and the results. Chief
Higgins noted that inspection work will continue and he praised the work of the firefighters who
are conducting the inspections in additional to their other regular duties. The Committee
thanked staff involved for their work and the positive report. As this was an update, there was
no Committee action required.
With no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30.