Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-06 Business and Economic Development Committee Minutes BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Wednesday, June 6, 2012, 5 pm City Council Chambers Minutes Councilors: Chair Gratwick, Nelson Durgin, Charlie Longo, and Ben Sprague Staff: Cathy Conlow, Rosie Vanadestine, Shirar Patterson, Tanya Pereira and Jeff Wallace, Ron Gastia, Norm Heitmann, Jeremy Martin Others: Steven Hicks The meeting was called to order by Chair Gratwick at 5:00 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Community Development Residential Rehabilitation Loan – 666 Finson Road, Lot 190 Councilor Longo moved to accept Staff’s recommendation and approve the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded and it passed unanimously. REGULAR AGENDA 2. Executive Session – Economic Development – Land disposition – 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) C. A motion was made and seconded to move to Executive Session. 3. Executive Session – Economic Development – Lease Negotiations – Baltimore Waterfront Associates Parking Lease – 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) C. Councilor Durgin made a motion to move to executive session. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. 4. Committee Action on Above Item A motion was made a seconded to accept Staff’s recommendation on this item. The motion was approved unanimously. 5. Proposal for a Disorderly Property Ordinance. Rosie Vanadestine explained that this proposed ordinance is a result of discussions and comments from participants at the Main to Third Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Meetings. Chief Gastia explained that there were complaints made at those meetings regarding disorderly events that interrupt quality of life involving tenants or renters of properties. The Police Department supports this type of tool which would enable them to take the steps needed to deem a disorderly property and start the steps for remediation. This Ordinance would be that tool. Norm Heitmann discussed the proposed Ordinance. He outlined what constitutes a disorderly property, what the procedure would be to document an event, and the process of remediating the event. He indicated that the intent of the Ordinance is to make landlords accountable for their tenants. There are existing Ordinances that afford the City a means to deal with businesses such as Certificates of Occupancy, Liquor Licenses, etc.. This particular Ordinance is designed as a tool to discourage bad behavior of tenants. Cathy Conlow indicated that the Ordinance deals with disorderly property events that occur written in the vernacular. Councilor Sprague asked if this Ordinance would require more resources for the Police Department and the Code Enforcement. Staff indicated that they felt that this will reduce the number of complaints, calls and events. Councilor Durgin indicated that he was in favor of this Ordinance but had concerns that the landlords could possibly be burdened with a tenant’s illegal activity. Councilor Gratwick indicated that he was in favor of this ordinance. He asked if there is currently a list of landlords. Jeremy Martin indicated that presently the only list used is the Assessing Department’s database of property owners. Under this Ordinance a rental registration list would be required. Chair Gratwick indicated that he would like to see the title of the Ordinance changed because of the connotation of “disorderly property.” Councilor Longo indicated that he, too, supported this Ordinance. Public Comment Mr. Steven Hicks, a Sanford Street resident, indicated that he is in favor of this Ordinance. He noted that other communities (including South Portland) have instituted this type of Ordinance that has been successful. As a property owner, he is concerned that his property values may decrease because of disorderly tenants. Chair Gratwick indicated that it was the consensus of the Committee to proceed with the proposed Ordinance and suggested that it be passed on to the next appropriate venue. There being no further items for discussion, the meeting was adjourned.