Laserfiche WebLink
Special Council Meeting <br />December 9, 2017 <br />Page 2 <br />Council Member Drake said it becomes a health and safety issue. Mayor Clifford said he <br />did not want any person's health and safety at risk, but at the same time this might cause rental to <br />go up and force some people on the street, He said he just wanted everyone to keep in mind their <br />rules had consequences,. Council Member Portugal said the City of Kaufman recently passed an <br />ordinance that excludes apartments. Mr. Godwin asked Council if they wish to put together a <br />committee and Council favored doing so. Mayor Cliffi)rd said he was not for an ordinance that <br />makes a person replace all of the wiring in their house, or states they are in violation if they have <br />cracked mortar, but wanted it to be based on a safety and health basis. Council Member Knox <br />said she would like to see something written that if the police are called several times for noise <br />and other nuisances, that there is teeth in ordinance to do something. Mr. Godwin suggested <br />they may want to require a certificate of occupancy be issued each time a house is rented and <br />charged approximately $20.00. Council Member Knox liked that idea and said if the rules are <br />violated, then the certificate could be pulled. City Attorney Stephanie Harris reminded everyone <br />the property owner would still have to go through the eviction process, <br />Council Member Trenacto inquired about redevelopment. Mr. Godwin said letters had <br />been sent to four different developers with regard to vacant lots. He also explained the <br />developers were informed fees would be waived and property would be given to them, if they <br />would build houses on the lots. Mr. Godwin said only one of the developers was interested, but <br />so far has not moved forward. They discussed the home loan program through the banks, and <br />Council Member Jenkins asked if the stipulation could be dropped that the owner had to occupy <br />the house in order to get a loan. Mr. Godwin said he would check. on that with the banks. <br />Following additional discussion, it was a consensus of the City Council for Mr. Godwin <br />to put together a committee and to develop an ordinance with regard to maintenance of rental <br />houses. <br />6. Discuss downtown redevelopment and possible new ordinances, <br />Mr. Godwin said this was similar to the housing issue, in that they did not want to <br />penalize those that took care of their property. Mayor Clifford asked if they could do tax credits <br />and abatements in the downtown area. Mr. Godwin answered in the affirmative and said they <br />could enter into 380 agreements as that was passed several years ago. It was a consensus of City <br />Council to move forward with this. Council Member Knox said HPC was trying to preserve <br />downtown, and it was important that they stay within the guidelines in order to get tax <br />restoration credits. She said she would like to see more grants for historic properties. Mr. <br />Godwin said a vacant registry ordinance was a good too] and said he would bring something to <br />Council in the future. <br />T Review and discuss the street bond projects; the budget for street repairs; street projects <br />completed by city staff, and equipment needs. <br />Council Member Drake said she requested this item and confirmed that Collegiate Street <br />was not on the original list. Mr. Godwin said that was correct, and that projects would be added <br />