HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-RHAC-2013-04-17RENTAL HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
April 17, 2013
Present: Rob Flaherty, Larry Beck, Monica Moll, Graham Kerslick, Carol
Fisher, Denise Thomson, Kevin Kelly
1 — February and March 2013 Minutes were approved
2 — The definition of a quorum for the RHAC was determined to be 5 out of the 9
members. This was supported by opinion provided by the Ithaca City Attorney's office.
3 — City Parking Ordinances were discussed. The protection of legal non - conforming
uses under New York State Zoning Law, the desire to preserve back yards from
becoming parking lots, the current Code requirement to provide off street parking, the
desire of tenants to obtain and property owners to provide off street parking, and the
City Working Group to develop a City -wide parking policy were all discussed.
4 — New members to fill existing and future vacancies are sought. Carol Fisher and
Kevin Kelly are interested in joining the Commission.
5 — Outreach to stakeholders' forums were discussed and planned. Cornell Cooperative
Extension will host a Forum at 10 am on 9 May 2013, prior to an 11 am presentation by
Assistant Attorney General Mike Danaher on Landlord /Tenant issues. Outreach to the
South Hill Civic Association, and the Southside Center are planned.
6 — Denise Thompson from Cornell Off Campus Housing suggested that there appear to
be many rental properties that do not and have not acquired a Certificate of
Compliance, which is required to operate within the City of Ithaca. Graham Kerslick will
contact the Building Dept over the database oversight of housing code compliance.
7 — Rob Flaherty reported that some tenants, who are required to pay water and sewer
usage are paying late fees since the bill is sent to the owner, who passes on the bill to
tenants. The issue of responsibility to inform tenants properly versus the responsibility
of tenants to pay a quarterly bill was discussed.
8 — Next meeting is scheduled for 15 May 2013.
Submitted by Larry Beck 18 April 2013