HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-RHAC-2013-05-15RENTAL HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
May 15, 2013
Present: Monica Moll, Graham Kerslick, Rob Flaherty, Nikki Sayward, Denise
Thompson, Mitch Paine, Larry Beck
1) Approval of the April 17, 2013 meeting's minutes
2) Property owners responsible for sidewalks in front of property. Various ideas on
buying sidewalk concrete in bulk to save property owners money. Benefits Assessment
Plan was passed by the Board of Public Works, which could make handling of sidewalk
improvements easier. Preliminary proposal in early June at next BPW meeting.
3) Concerns about tenants engaging in questionable safety practices (sitting on
roofs, disengaging fire alarms, etc.) Fines can be incurred.
4) Outreach at Cornell Coop. Extension was "far- reaching ". Need to improve Rental
Housing Information section of City website.
5) Member Replacement possibilities: Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services,
Ithaca Housing Authority
6) Sidewalk Repairs: Property owners responsible for sidewalks in front of property.
Block: Everyone pay certain percent, corners perhaps twice as much. Will spread out
over time. Possibly tied to "certificate of code compliance" (NYS). Tree planted by City
or roots underneath sidewalk: City pays historically but is happening less. Possibly
reinstate? "Perceived by rental property owners, advertising this" allows for better long-
term budgeting. (LB) MM: Sidewalk Bulk Buying Program: more concrete = cheaper /sq.
ft. Property owners can hire anyone they choose and if sidewalk is neglected, city will
take care of it with 25% surcharge. Unfair advantage with houses that have sidewalks
vs those across street that may not. Also, issues with consistency in sidewalks (would
look better) so everyone pays as well as benefits. A lot of flexibility with potential annual
fees vs. lump sum payment. Do worse blocks first. Possible bid to private contractors?
Y. City could bid but is unlikely. How much concrete is per sq. ft. depends on total
amount being done but varies between $12 -16 (Estimate from Monica). Concerns about
flagstone on Historic Ithaca properties (Especially slippery in winter - dangerous for
handicapped and elderly.) Benefits Assessment Plan was passed by Board of Public
Works, which could make handling of sidewalk improvements easier. Ari Levine (City
Attorney) is leading Taskforce for project. Preliminary proposal in early June for next
BPW meeting. Will have to go to public referendum as it changes city code -will go to
vote. Property owners who live outside Ithaca will not get to vote.
Rental Housing Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes May 15, 2013
7) Life & Safety: Residents challenge life and safety quality issues. Fines on state
levels for messing with fire extinguishers. Cornell Greek houses will get a fee if this
happens as well. Inspections are done by Fire Dept every 3 years, extinguishers
certified and serviced yearly (by private company). This is more of a back -up for
landlords when tenants engage in questionable safety practices. Owner - occupied likely
to be treated as differently by the Building Dept. More research with Building Dept and
possible public education with outreach.
8) Co -op Meeting: Discussion was far - reaching. Carole Fisher commenting on
City's website -needs for expansion and improvement. Link with student organization for
public outreach. Section 8 Housing stops in Oct for Tompkins Community Action for lack
of money. No rent increases allowed by state in 2013. Reach out to neighborhood civic
associations before general outreach. IC provides very little off - campus housing
support. Cornell Off - Campus Housing used by Ithaca College and Ithaca communities
in addition to Cornell.
Next meeting Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Submitted by
Nikki Sayward, RHAC Member
05/17/13
Approved at 8/21/13 RHAC Meeting
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