HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-RHAC-2013-08-21RENTAL HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
August 21, 2013
Present:
Monica Moll, Larry Beck, Carole Fisher, Nikki Sayward, Denise Thompson, Graham
Kerslick, Julie Paige, Peter Blanchard
Approved the May 2013 Minutes
2. We now have a quorum of six out of nine defined members. We need to find
three City resident tenants, in order to fill our membership. Sources of new members
were discussed. Cornell and Ithaca College students may be interested in serving.
3. Discussion of Common Council's rejection of Jesse Hill from PPM to serve on the
BZA. Mayor Myrick had appointed him, but Common Council voted 7 to 3 not to
approve him. Graham Kerslick explained that there was a concern that a third landlord
might unbalance the BZA, but people had questioned Hill's "outspoken opinions." The
question of the City's negative attitude towards Landlords and tenants, was evidenced
by the example of the West Spencer Street project. Twenty parking spaces in front of
three apartment buildings were eliminated in order to provide an extra 15 feet of City
property to the frontage of a single family house. The concept of the most benefit for the
most people was ignored in favor of single family. The bias of Common Council over the
years has been or has at least been perceived as against the provider of housing and
their tenants.
4. How to recognize the good landlord with a certificate modeled after the "Pride of
Ownership Award," was discussed. The quantifying criteria, the frequency, and source
of such an award were to be further discussed.
5. Radon testing as a health and life safety issue was discussed. Who should test,
how often and the accuracy of testing were issues of concern. Most radon testing is
done at the time of a sale. The authority to require testing and mitigation is not clear.
The City can not be more restrictive than the State of New York Codes.
6. The new proposed Sidewalk Ordinance for the City was discussed. The subsidy
to one and two family houses by the multiple dwellings, not for profits, and commercial
properties was evidenced by the fact that $70 per year for a one and two family house,
will only pay for three pieces of concrete over the twenty year design period.
7. Next meetings: September 18 and October 16, 2013.
Submitted by,
Larry Beck
08/22/13