07-25-05 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mark Kramer of 812 East LaSalle stated that he is the owner of Domas Properties. He stated that "he has spent millions on these properties", and was speaking on behalf of landlords. He noted that persons may hesitate to invest in neighborhoods d of the eo ordinance hough passed. He sees the ordinance as an undue burden and landlords Steele of 10300 Jefferson Road in Osceola stated that she does not to students. She good neighbor. sees the $2,500 fine as excessive. She is a MIPOA mem ber and tries to be Cooperation not legislation is needed. Dave Waszaik of 806 East Wayne urged the city to pay attention to zoning codes and have Code Enforcement enforce them instead of passing new regulations. Sharon Smith of 529 East Altgeld is a MIPOA member and stated that landlords should not be held responsible for the conduct of its tenants. Dave Smith who gave a PO Box with 66332 as his zip code stated that the Police Department may need more tools and that the drug house ordinance has worked very well. He believes that a different tool should be given. Diana Williams of 532 Ballard in Mishawaka stated that the renters are legal adults and she should not be held responsible for their activities. Larry Crider of 2520 Riviera Drive in Mishawaka stated that"if you do the crime you should do time". John Brady of 1715 East Wayne stated that he was a landlord and real estate agent and sees community service as a better penalty rather than a high fine. Council Member White stated that the time for the opposition had expired and asked if Ms. Nash wished to give a rebuttal. Ms. Nash suggested that a community service option would require more depletion of city services. She noted that the drug house ordinance and the proposed ordinance are similar since both have the opportunity to correct and both would be enforced against owner-occupied homes as well as landlord/rental homes. She noted that loud parties where there is underage drinking is unacceptable behavior. Council Member White then called for comments/questions from the Council. Dr. Varner inquired about the definition of "owner" in light of Mr. Brady's comment on mortgages. He also noted that the Council has received several letters stating that a ticket should be issued first. Ms. Nash stated that the mortgage holder is does not have an equitable interest. and the city would not seek actions against banks. Charles Leone, City Attorney, stated that ownership is based on a deed and not on a land contract. There would be no mechanic lien actions taken against a mortgage holder. July 25,2005 Health and Public Safety Committee of the 2005 South Bend Common Council -page 3-