HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 [09] Sep 18
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September 18, 1996
Page 3020
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St.
Joseph met on Wednesday, September 18, 1996 at 7,00 p.m. in City Hall, in spècial
session with representatives of the permanent residents, students, landlords,
College and University to discuss rental problems and methods of alleviating
them. I
MEMBERS PRESENT:
and Cory Ehlert.
Mayor Bud Reber; Councilors Ross Rieke, Bob Loso, Ken Hiemenz,
Rachel Stapleton, Clerk/Administrator.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Bob Heim - Moderator. Jim Hardwick, Erin Logan, Mary Geller,
Marcella Gill, Mark McKeon, Linda Sneziek, Nettie Pfannenstein, Doris Johnson,
Molly Sharkey, J. Schwartz, Jason Vout, Gina Shields., Brad Lindgren.
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OTHERS PRESENT: M. Deutz, Daniel Nierengarten, Betty Walz, John R. Gamades, 'I Bob
Gill, Addy Burgett, Lori Pfannenstein, Isaac Connolly, OSB, Chris Churchill" Jay
Rudeen, Kathy Krebsbach, Eric M LeCompte, Diane Schneider, James D. SChwegal!,
Glenn Pence, Dan Schmitz, Pam Sonntay, Jay D. Taylor, Steve Streng, Jody Terhaar,
Steve Dehler. '
The residents discussed a lost quality of life due to fear and harassment iJ some
neighborhoods with rental housing. There is need for education in respect ~nd
responsibility to neighbors. The colleges have some responsibility as well :as
the landlords. The property owners should take more interest in keeping up Itheir
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The students agreed that responsibility and respect are necessary. They also
indicated they came to the community because they were attracted to it and .ant
to retain that spirit in the community. The student representatives indicated
they have felt lack of respect even though they as individuals have done n¿thing
wrong.
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The College and University officials indicated the schools have recognized a need
to better serve the commuter students. The schools also may consider adopting
acceptable standards of behavior (for students).
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The landlords indicated they have met as a group several times. They felt the
tenants should be held accountable, through lawful means. The landlords felt
they are limited in the amount of control they may exercise over the tenants.
They also expressed concern about the policy change which requires the landlord
have a hearing before the City Council after the first noise violation to !
consider a possible suspension of the rental license.
An informational pamphlet from St. Cloud State University on the penaltiesjand
fines of various violations was passed out and generally approved as a sample
beneficial tool for use. The committee felt this pamphlet should be worked on
for the registration materials. I
The landlords representative felt the penalty for a noise violation should be
increased to a misdemeanor rather than the current petty misdemeanor.
September 18, 1996·
Page 3021
It was generally agreed that corrective action will require the efforts of all I
stake holders. The committee felt that a code of conduct needs to be adopted, to
require respect and responsibility. A method to manage parties needs to be put
in place. The landlords should let the neighbors to their properties know their
names and phone numbers.
The City should consider legal changes to impose greater penalties. Punishment
for violations is necessary along with positive reinforcement. Everyone should
work towards fostering a positive image of the community. The Newsleader could
do a chalos and pitchforksæ type column. Further education on students and
tenants responsibilities.
The Committee members will bring to the next meeting ideas for actions which each
group may do to make a better community. The next meeting will be held on
October 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Haehn Campus Center at the College of St. Benedict.
Respectfully submitted,
~¿¿f:te$~
Clerk/Administrator
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