03-08-11 Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC)

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This was Catherine Soler's last meeting as President of the Student Body and all wished her well and complimented her on doing a marvelous job. She thanked everyone and stated that nothing would have been accomplished without all people present working together, not just for safety but additionally for Neighborhood concerns. NEIGHBORHOODS Neighborhoods are doing well; a flier was handed out for an event that should include students and Fat Tuesday was discussed as it is usually a fun time in the neighborhood. Mr. Kramer stated that crime has not been a serious issue and snow shoveling has been much better. Ann Puzzello brought up a bill that Cathy has been working very hard on concerning grandfathering in of properties. There are many houses in Ann's area to pin down and the laws are not exact enough to go over to the Building Department and check on the status of a property. Building may say nothing on that property but that does not mean that it was not grandfathered in — working on making this a must; there needs to be documentation to be grandfathered in. If the transfer of property was before 2003 or 2004 it does not matter but the documentation needs to be there so people can be in compliance. Mr. Kirsits pointed out that this is important for students because you can't always tell if there is adequate egress or if the area is in a bad neighborhood. Kathy Cekanski- Farrand stated that there have been meetings held so there will be a better Ordinance in place. Mr. Kramer stated that prior to 2003 or 2004 he would take things to Don Fozo and he would grandfather them in and wanted to know if this was still valid. Cathy Toppel states that as long as it is still in use and being used for its purpose. If property not being used for its intended purpose, this would no longer apply. There will be a list of things that will need to be met to be able to meet the grandfathering in status. There is a document that will assist in differentiating the requirements currently being drafted. Ms. Toppel went on to state that she is moving forward on all the houses being used illegally — potentially hundreds — too many people living in them, violations pending, etc. that will be directed to the landlord. Tim Sexton inquired if the action will disallow landlords to continue to incur violations. Ms. Toppel responded that the internet is very helpful in finding out the information regarding potential or actua! violations as the potential landlords and sellers' advertising is incredible — they are former ND students that decided to go into business for themselves. Mr. Kramer stated that she needs to educate the Board of Realtors which she does every year. Mr. Kramer stated that they are not listening — they do not understand the factors involved and that's where it starts -- they are misrepresenting the way houses can be used. Dick Nussbaum asked if there was any way that some kind of communication could go out to freshman — they are the ones at risk. Their parents if they are buying houses and