By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN Reporter
BUCYRUS — Proposed rental property requirements were the main topic of discussion during the joint Bucyrus City Council committee meetings Thursday evening at Bucyrus City Hall.
Several landlords, including Bob Erwin, expressed their disdain for the proposed requirements which include the registration of all rental properties with the city and a late fee if the properties are not registered on time.
“I don’t know any landlord that will be able to eat those costs,” Erwin said. “The very people you are trying to help will be hurt by this because the costs will be passed onto the tenants.”
City Law Director Rob Ratliff said the proposed requirements are to be put in place to allow tenants to have easier recourse when a landlord refuses to make needed repairs and to improve property values in neighborhoods throughout the city by requiring landlords to keep rentals in good condition.
Landlord Richard Crary pointed out that there are many properties around the city that are not rentals, but are in need of repairs.
Ray Fankhauser mentioned that landlords make repairs, but some tenants will cause damage to rentals.
“I replace a screen door then it is torn up in two weeks. I am not buying another screen door and should not be forced to,” Fankhauser said.
Paul Moser, the fourth landlord to speak during the meeting, said there already are laws and requirements on the books for maintaining the exterior of properties within the city.
“There are tenants who have to live in substandard conditions due to landlords that are repeat offenders, but why put us all in one group like this,” Moser said.
Ratliff said there will be penalties for repeat offenders and for the landlords that maintain their properties, there will be fewer requirements.
Erwin inquired about how the city will pay for the inspections.
“You will need people to do the inspections and there are costs that go along with that,” Erwin said.
Erwin pointed out there will be a need for vehicles, cellphones, tablets, filing cabinets, secretaries and many other costs that will come along with the inspections.
“Where will the money come from to fund this,” Erwin said.
The issue was put on hold by health and safety committee chair Kevin Myers until more information can be provided.
Water line installation and tapping fees were approved to go before the entire council to be voted on. All service connections from the main line to the curb shall be furnished by the city and the cost assessed to the property owner according to the new schedule of fees.
Various appropriations, an ORDC grant for the stage at the Schines Art Park, a liquor license transfer from one owner to another of the Crazy Fox Saloon, were approved, along with several traffic map changes, by the appropriate committees to be voted on by the entire council at the next meeting July 17 at 7 p.m.