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Council gets testy -- wants quick action on ordinance to clean up properties

By Howard B. Owens

When Batavia City Manager Jason Molino suggested Monday night that an ordinance proposed by the Neighborhood Improvement Committee to force landlords to better maintain their properties couldn't be quickly implemented, he found stiff opposition from council members who are tired of repeated constituent complaints about poorly maintained properties.

"We can't have any more bull," said Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian. "We can't push this aside any longer."

Some council members wanted Molino and his staff to act on the proposal within 30 to 90 days, even though the NIC's request gives the council until the end of the year to implement a new ordinance.

"This is not a turnkey piece of legislation," Molino said. "There is a lot of staff impact."

The proposed legislation would require city staff to inspect every rental property every 36 months, and every owner-occupied home each time it is sold. Once inspection requirements were met, a Certificate of Occupancy would be issued.

Items that could be inspected would include smoke alarms, CO2 detectors, plumbing fixtures, heating, appliances, wiring, safe exits and that the exterior is safe and sanitary.

Additionally, landlords would be required to register tenants with the city and ensure an agent of the property resided in Genesee County.

Molino maintained that it would take a good deal of research and study to determine the impacts on city resources, and whether additional resources would be needed.

Every council member spoke to the need for quick action to deal with a long festering issue in the city, but Councilman Frank Ferrando pointed out that NIC requested a deadline for action that might allow Molino enough time for research and ensure a new ordinance could be brought forward in a reasonable amount of time.

NIC requested that the council vote on a new ordinance by the end of the year.

"Let's follow the recommendation of the committee and give Jason and his staff the time necessary to do it right," Ferrando said.

After a bit more debate, the council agreed to instruct City Attorney George Van Nest and Molino time to figure out the impacts, write the proposed law -- which could include implementing the proposal in stages, such as tenant registration first, and annual inspections later -- and bring back a recommendation to the Council before current terms that expire this year end.

Pictured: Bob Bialkowski, who initially raised the idea of the proposed ordinance with NIC.

Gabor Deutsch

I understand about the need to be tough on homeowners and/or landlords (rental) properties on the outside appearance but this is getting a bit too, intrusive for renters and owners. I think this will cost taxpayers more money to hire people to inspect, rent to increase, and more landlords and homeowners to sell properties due to financial or legal issues. Just what we need, more FORSALE signs on lawns here in Batavia. More people will move out of Batavia, and then we can enjoy the urban blight like Buffalo has now. Good idea that will help raise the value of everyones property !

Jul 14, 2009, 11:31am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

Are we going to demand that parking lots and driveways be paved more often as well?
How about paint? Many houses in Batavia could use a scrap and paint job. If I choose a color that is an eye sore like on Time Bomb Tattoo will I be fined for that?
Will the City demand that my car be in good repair to and not look like a junker even if it passed inspection?

Jul 14, 2009, 11:43am Permalink
Lucille Van Son

The city already will notify you if the house needs to be painted, and gives you a timeframe in which to get it done.
That is why some of the houses on Walnut and S. Main were painted outragious colors a few years back, from what I understand.

Jul 14, 2009, 11:47am Permalink
John Roach

Four years ago Council had a local law to take care of this up for a vote. Mr. Ferrando had it put aside and it has never come again.

Now, when another law is being considered, he wants to delay again.

I hope Mr. Bialkowski doesn't let him get away with it.

Jul 14, 2009, 11:47am Permalink
John Roach

Tyler,
Truth in posting: I ran against Mr. Ferrando, and six others, four years ago on a 3rd party line (and lost big time).

And, he did kill the "slum lord" law. If it was not worded right, as he said, he had four (4) years to fix it. And, as posted above, he wants to wait on this new one.

Jul 14, 2009, 12:19pm Permalink
Tyler Hall

Gotcha. I don't know you or this Ferrando guy. Totally unbiased, but I just picked up on it over the last few weeks in certain posts. Nothing bad about it.

Jul 14, 2009, 12:21pm Permalink
Tyler Hall

but back to the main issue, I'm totally cool on this proposal. This is regarding the safety and welfare of citizens. However, I'm totally against all that weed removal or the matters that don't pertain to the safety of people.

Jul 14, 2009, 12:27pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

So I guess everyone is ready for government to intrude in their home, dwelling, castle ? Better not have more than five empty boxes in a room because that's a fire hazzard and a fine. Too many extension cords, any electrical outlet near a sink or water supply must have a built in breaker, Pipes are sweating, must be a leak. Failed Fined Jailed !

"Items that could be inspected would include smoke alarms, CO2 detectors, plumbing fixtures, heating, appliances, wiring, safe exits and that the exterior is safe and sanitary".

What about HUD and their approved apartments ? HUD passes but City doesnt ? how is that gonna work ?
Too bad all the eyesore weeds werent smokeable coz we wouldnt have any problem with removal ! LOL.

Jul 14, 2009, 1:45pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Gabor - not only am I opposed to the intrusion but I don't see where the city has the resources and the qualified personnel to do this. They are proposing having firemen do the inspections but I don't believe that this is part of their training, not to mention in their contract. Someone is also going to have to keep records on the thousands of tenants, inspections, etc. Is that going to be done by the staff that the City currently has or will they be hiring someone new to do this?

Jul 14, 2009, 2:02pm Permalink
Mark Potwora

How long can you keep xmas lights up...I notice the pine tree on main street between Bank of America and the Insurance company still has lights on it...Who's going to fine the city...plus the tree looks like its dying..

Jul 14, 2009, 2:18pm Permalink
Charlie Mallow

Beth, why do you seem to be so much against the idea of using the employee’s that we have to do the work that needs to be done? Especially, since we are talking about safely inspections. I know I have already told you that this is done in other communities, why not here?

For those of you who think we need a whole department comprised of professional firefighters, why not look for a value add? Proactive, inspections to keep our homes safe seems like a good use of the department, don’t you think?

Jul 14, 2009, 2:25pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Has anyone looked to see if these "other communities" had to train their fire department to do these inspections? I just don't see where they are qualified to do electrical inspections without some sort of additional training. Also, would we have to re-negotiate the fire department's contract to have these additional duties added? Does the City's existing personnel have the time to do all of the extra duties that will be asked of them? I just don't want to have to hire additional personnel to do the inspections and/or the recordkeeping because if over half of Batavia's properties are rentals, this would be an enormous task.

Jul 14, 2009, 2:37pm Permalink
Charlie Mallow

Mark, that's a replacement for an employee who is leaving. Not a new one.

Beth, new tasks require training. City staff will shift focus with the desire of the citizens. From what we on Council see, a large vocal majority of city residents expect to live in a clean, safe city. Council is reacting to that.

Jul 14, 2009, 3:02pm Permalink
Peter O'Brien

So if the citizens say jump off a bridge charlie are you going to do that?

Council members are elected to temper the cries of the masses not to appease them.

Jul 14, 2009, 3:31pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Charlie - I am not trying to be difficult but I am just afraid that Council is going to push this ordinance through with no real plan as to how they will implement it. Who will be doing the training of the fire department and no one has ever answered the question as to whether this is even allowed per the contract? It seems like it would have to be quite in depth if we expect them to be able to inspect plumbing fixtures, heating, appliances, wiring, etc. And all of the record keeping that would be involved? You say "City staff will shift focus with the desire of the citizens". What exactly would they shift their focus from? I'm sure if you asked any one of them, they would say that they already have a full plate and if they had to "shift focus" to these additional tasks, what tasks would no longer be done?

Jul 14, 2009, 4:10pm Permalink
Bob Price

Why don't you go after the contractor who did that horrible work on our "beautiful" City Centre??????Must be the city wants one if the newest buildings in Batavia to look like crap.....it's been like that for years......no, let's go after taxpayers!!!More people travel Main St. and see half painted light poles,weeds between the bricks on the less traveled corners,than people who travel side streets.It's amazing how many for sale signs are up around the city-it's always been a few that will ruin it for everybody.I see quite a few vacant homes(or foreclosure ones) with weeds and poor upkeep.

Jul 14, 2009, 4:16pm Permalink
John Roach

You can bet dimes to dollars that inspection service will come up at the contract talks with the Fire Department.

When you places like the City of Tonawanda, have a half paid-half volunteer force, things might have to change around here.

It might even prevent a volunteer force in the future.

Jul 14, 2009, 4:18pm Permalink
Charlie Mallow

Beth, your getting ahead of things. Council approved the NIC's request and asked the City Manager and Attorney to come up with a plan for implementation.

Tyler, I am not going to debate societal norms of cleanliness with you. It is what it is.

Jul 14, 2009, 4:19pm Permalink
Tyler Hall

I love to sit here and debate with ya'll, but I'm going to make society a safer place and go outside. I'm digging up all my lawn. There will no longer be any grass or weeds outside my house because I just found out how unsafe it is. I'm going to bulldoze all of it and put down clay and sand. Throw in some rocks while I'm at it too. Big boulders.

Jul 14, 2009, 4:23pm Permalink
Tyler Hall

Nah, it's fun watching little children play on giant rocks with giant jagged edges in them. Certainly, they can't play in grass or weeds because I no longer will have any. Grass and weeds are unsafe so I'm going to turn my front lawn into a stone quarry. Would this violate any eye-sore laws?

Jul 14, 2009, 4:38pm Permalink
Laura Scarborough

I live near a rental property that was not cutting the lawn, had 2 junk cars and because the grass was high, were able to put their household trash about the yard to include used diapers. I would think this is a hazard both fire and rodents. Our town code inspector was alerted to it and now it's being taken care of. So, yes, there are some properties that need this measure.

Jul 14, 2009, 4:40pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I'm seeing two themes emerge here -- people who want to live in a city that is clean, safe and prosperous, and those who want to see it disintegrate into a dirty, ratty, crime-infested, poverty-ridden slum. I mean, if you think people shouldn't be required to keep their property up to some minimum standard for the benefit of the whole community, why do we even bother paying for police and fire? Let's just save a whole lot of money and bother, lay them all off and let everything go to ruin.

Jul 14, 2009, 4:44pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

I know that certain codes are being enforced because my Landlord mowed the lawn, trimmed the hedges and filled a ditch. Usually the lawn gets mowed twice a month and he has done it twice in less than three weeks !

Jul 14, 2009, 4:50pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Howard - I agree that people should be required to keep their property up to some minimum standard for the benefit of the whole community. I take pride in my property and have spent a great deal of time and money on making it look nice. I am just concerned that this new proposed ordinance hasn't been very well though out as to how it will be implemented. Many of us can't afford for our tax bills to be any higher and it seems like this could potentially cost a lot of money to implement e.g. negotiating a new contract with the firemen that will be inspecting. And it is my understanding that there are already laws on the books that would cover a lot of these issues (uncut grass, etc.) that are just not being enforced.

Jul 14, 2009, 4:59pm Permalink
Tyler Hall

Laura, was the high grass causing this problem or was it the diapers themselves? Maybe facilitate it. But why don't you actually address the problem at hand; the diapers? If your scum neighbors were digging wholes and dumping diapers into them would just suggest outlawing shovels?

Jul 14, 2009, 4:59pm Permalink
Lucille Van Son

Well then, they must be enforcing them in your neighborhood because I have seen things elsewhere that need attention badly

Jul 14, 2009, 4:59pm Permalink
Andrew Erbell

How about we start by holding everyone to the same standard? Perhaps instead of celebrating the innovator of the small business incubator on a regular basis and bending over backward to appease their every want, demand they maintain their properties just like Joe Homeowner?

Jul 14, 2009, 5:02pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

Howard, thats funny. Its kinda true with the complaints. I just feel its a bad time to go hardcore on properties when everyone is having a hard time with money right now. Its no excuse to let properties go to ruin but where the hell was all this concern before the economy tanked? I think thats why people are getting pissed off now. As a renter I am sick and tired of getting inspections and preparing to move, having things fixed getting inspected having to move rent goes up getting inspected having to move......

Jul 14, 2009, 5:04pm Permalink
Tyler Hall

"those who want to see it disintegrate into a dirty, ratty, crime-infested, poverty-ridden slum. "

You're completely right Howard. That's my goal. When I wake up every morning I think to myself, "How can I make Batavia a dirtier, rattier place with more crime and poverty?"

.......Now I'm obviously joking, but if that was a real question ,I think the best answer would be to grow tall grass. 9-11 terrorist attacks??? Nah, tall grass and weeds seem to me like a more dangerous weapon.

Jul 14, 2009, 5:16pm Permalink
Richard Gahagan

Get off the computer and go mow the lawn now and while your at it pick up the trash and then wash the freakin windows. Tomorrow go by some paint and put a fresh coat on the house. When your done check back for further instructions on how not to live like a scumbag.

Jul 14, 2009, 5:47pm Permalink
Richard Gahagan

Pretty clear and simple advise for anyone too lazy to take care of their own home, further instruction will be provided free of charge.

Jul 14, 2009, 6:23pm Permalink
Daniel Jones

I agree with Beth and Tyler, we need to make sure that we're not getting in too far. We're talking about eliminating the fire department, raising taxes and making major cutbacks across the board. The question has to be asked, can we afford to be more stringent with our enforcement? Again, as Beth asked, will the firemen used for inspection need to be re-contracted? Can the firemen, whom work extremely hard and around the clock already, handle the burdensome task of having home and property inspections to do as well? Will this require the need to hire more city staff?

Jul 14, 2009, 6:02pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

I think the idea is Socializm. How is it legal to intrude into someones home, in every room, to determine if its safe. Thats why I'm married. My husband and I work together to make our home safe, and our quality of life what it is. We are adults, free, living in the US. If this goes through, it will be interesting to see the results of the inspections of city officials homes, bedrooms, closets, bathrooms ect. Hey we will see how they like their lives and privacy intruded on. Ill buy tickets for that one. I am against this idea for alot of the same reasons stated above. Now their are some exceptions, like the homeowners and renters who are slobs. Then I agree something should be done. But what is being proposed is rediculious. Just for the record, last I checked there were no slums in Batavia....

Jul 14, 2009, 9:46pm Permalink
John Roach

This is new law is not for private homes, lived in by the owner.

This is for rental units, many of which we all know are run time slums. Renting will require you to meet certain standards, just like many other businesses are required to do.

However, just because you have laws on the books, doesn’t mean they will be enforced. The city staff will do what Council wants them to, so this year, at election time, vote either for people that will enforce the law, or the ones who want things to stay the same.

Jul 14, 2009, 10:04pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

John with all due respect, we are renters, of 15 years, in the same half a house, and take these new rules as an insult aimed at renters in general. Why only renters?? Thats all Im saying. For some reason, it really ticks me off, that renters are considered 2nd class citizens, slum dwellers if you will. And again, for the repeat code offenders, yes do something, but why not just enforce the existing rules?? Make all home owners, landlords, renters,{Tenants sounds to slummish} participate, so it is fair, for everyone. Otherwise it is favoritizm. Tell me you understand my point of view John. Well enough said. How about I come down and apply for the code enforcement position. Put in a good word for me John :)LOL Ill be sure to do a good job.

Jul 14, 2009, 10:42pm Permalink
John Roach

It's not the renters, it's the land lords, and I do understand. Your land lord is not the kind they are thinking about, but the law will apply to him also.

The problem has been, and might still be in the future, favoritizm. It's no big secret that some land lords never seem to have the law applied to them. Again, take care who you vote for.

Jul 14, 2009, 10:46pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Posted by Howard Owens on July 15, 2009 - 12:37am
Actually, owner-occupied homes would be subject to inspection and certificate of occupancy upon sale of the house.

Howard,
I would go along with that. It would be in the best interest of the homebuyer.

Jul 15, 2009, 12:41am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

Bea, Buyer beware is the better option. If you aren't smart enough to higher your own home inspector then you shouldn't be buying a home.

Jul 15, 2009, 7:10am Permalink
Mark Potwora

So if the city inspects the home before a sale,and the new buyer finds out that the city missed some major code issue,doesn't that open the city to lawsuits..I'm with Peter on this.Why is it the city responsibilty or the taxpayer for that matter to make sure the house you buy is up to par...

Jul 15, 2009, 9:11am Permalink
Beth Kinsley

And whose responsibility is it to fix violations? Buyer or seller? Is the inspection done prior to the closing or after? The standard real estate contracts that are used in Genesee County, which I believe were drafted by the Genesee County Bar Association, will have to be revised to account for this.

Jul 15, 2009, 9:19am Permalink
Chelsea O'Brien

We had our home inspected by a certified home inspector, and then dealt with what he found. Most of the time inspections are highly recommended before buying a house, and if a buyer doesn't get one, I believe it's the buyer's responsibility. The city should not have its nose in home buying.

Jul 15, 2009, 9:26am Permalink
Karen Miconi

I'd be interested to know how many other small citys like ours practice this intrusion. John do you know if any other citys and towns around here are doing this? Chelsea's right city officials have their nose in everyones business, trying to make up new laws for what? to grind the axe, and why?? because we challenge them, and ask questions?? "A Well Behaved Woman Seldom Makes History".

Jul 15, 2009, 10:51am Permalink
John Roach

I don't know which, if any, have all the same rules as are being considered.

Councilman Bob Bialkowski went to a NYCOM training and brought back the information.

The reason for the new code is that too many rental properties have become run down and the city has had a poor record of doing anything about it. Bob, Rose Mary Christian and others have had enough. With new code enforcement people and better laws, maybe the slum lords will clean up their units.

Again, there is an election this year, right. You can vote to leave things the way they are, or vote out the old council members and elect ones that will enforce the law.

The people of the City get to make the final decision in November, just a few months from now.

Jul 15, 2009, 11:01am Permalink
Karen Miconi

I agree with Beth in that, the city drags their feet now not enforcing the existing laws, so what will be any different with new ones? Just another waste of time and money.

Jul 15, 2009, 11:21am Permalink
Richard Gahagan

Blah Blah-How can this be bad the run down trash dump rental properties are what is being targeted to get slum lords off their lazy butts to clean them up. If you don't own or live in a pile of crap run down rental slum hole you have nothing to worry about.

Jul 15, 2009, 11:33am Permalink
Beth Kinsley

True Richard unless our tax dollars are going to be used to implement this new law. It goes way farther than getting slumlords to clean up their properties and would require personnel to inspect every rental property and every residence being sold and also personnel to keep the records of the inspections and the names of the tenants for every apartment in Batavia.

Jul 15, 2009, 11:40am Permalink
Karen Miconi

Your right Richard, as I could bitch till the cows come home, but it wont do any good will it. The city is going to do whatever they want reguardless what us little people have to say. They have made a mockery of Batavia,and made us look like a bunch of disfunctional fools.{And For What}? They have attacked our proud Firemen, Local Ambulance, City Police Department, Rights, and Batavia, like it is a slum infested scum city. Sad because, I have always been proud of our city. I guess unless you've lived here all you life, only then would appreciate, the history, generations of families, and the Beautiful city, that is Batavia. Is nothing sacred anymore? So, Let it be written. BLah Blah, Im done. Ill just observe from afar.

Jul 15, 2009, 12:24pm Permalink
John Roach

Some of our present council members have done nothing to enforce the present code for four years and will not do it in the future.

Reelect them if you like the way things are. But, if you agree there are too many slum units, and want them cleaned up, vote for new people.

This is one of those times you really get to be heard; at the ballot box.

Jul 15, 2009, 11:48am Permalink
erin martin

The city of Batavia has made an easy decision for our family. We will be moving out and going somewhere else. We did not get informed when we bought our house that there was a homeowners association that has very specific rules on how our property is so suppose to be kept. We thought this was a city and that as homeowners and adults we would keep our property clean for ourselves and our neighbors. It is the uneasy feeling that this city is moving in on my rights as a US citizen to be left alone in/on my property that has made our decision to leave. Once one thing is put in place then something else will be added and so on until someone files a lawsuit against the city.

Someone said in a previous comment that it wasn't until the economy fell that this law came about? Why is that -all of a sudden? I do understand the absentee landlords being an issue - I do but that needs to affect everyone? People are doing what they can to survive right now. Extra stress because your property isn't perfect isn't helping.

The schools numbers are decreasing in our elementary schools - that says something there too. Batavia should be working to keep young families here and right now it is pushing young families out. A few young families have said aloud they are considering making the move out of here - so it is not just my family. My parents are in the 50+ generation which is the biggest generation and when they are gone Batavia will be a ghostown that sits in the middle of two bigger empty cities. There are no decent jobs, few activites for children, and now more rules to keep the older population happy.

Why don't we do something about the kids hanging out in the middle of streets at midnight screaming vulgar language? Or the weeds on Ellicott St near the new trees and curbs? Maybe the city is overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done? Does the council realize how many kids in Batavia go without food for at least one meal a day and sometimes the weekends? My kids go to school with them and they know. So, why don't we as community work on the more important issues in life like feeding our future generations (we have wonderful groups who offer food but there is never enough food - it takes a lot for a person to go and ask for help). Instead of focusing on ways that in the long run will create more income for Batavia.

Jul 15, 2009, 12:08pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

Erin, you are a smart cookie!! It is sad that you feel pushed out, by people who think they are above the law. I am interested to see if our rights are being violated. Knowone will be forcing anything down my throat!

Jul 15, 2009, 12:16pm Permalink
Timothy Paine

I'm not crazy about inspections being done on renters only. If you want to inspect a unit before a new tenant moves in that's fine. If a tenant still lives there I don't like that the City can just invite themselves in for an "inspection". I feel a renter should be treated as a homeowner in the practice of inspections between inhabitants. If there is a safety issue a tenant should be able to go to the inspections department and invite them in to see an infraction. Then set up a time that the landlord or their representative can meet and all three can address the issue and set up a follow up inspection to verify repairs. But to just say since you rent and don't own we can make a home inspection and invite ourselves in every so often and you can't say no, just seems wrong to me. After all, we all know government. If you give them any opening they will expand on it every time. If they are allowed to give occassional inspections to inhabited apartments how long before they want to have inspections on all dwellings? As I said,if it is an inspection only when a home or apartment is empty I have no prblem. But to invade a home or apartment in use is scary.

Jul 15, 2009, 12:45pm Permalink
John Roach

As for kids out at midnight, are you suggesting a curfew? Or maybe the parents should be fined? That would make this slum lord law tame. Can you imagine the outcry?

How can City Council do something about hungry kids? Raise taxes and then offer them free meals? How would that help keep tax payers in the city?

As for weeds on Ellicott, remember how mad people got when the city was paint light posts? What would be the outcry if they were pulling weeds?

When you move, you will find that many of the more urban towns, like Amherst, Tonawanda and Kenmore, have codes also. They might not be the same as ours, but all have some sort of code to protect property owners. Out in the country, with no neighbor nearby, the codes will probably be minimal, so look to move there (taxes are usually lower to).

Jul 15, 2009, 12:48pm Permalink
Charlie Mallow

Again I think a few of you are putting the cart before the horse on this. These were recommendations submitted by a City Committee. Council has asked our City Manager and Attorney to look into and come back with recommendations. The details are far from final.

Jul 15, 2009, 1:19pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Charlie,
While they are looking into possibilities and recoomendations, it will be interesting to see how they address the senior complexes.
We are already inspected twice a year by two different entities. Will this be a third?
Also, because of the age and health of the residents, the apartment turnover is much higher than average.
Would these apartments need to be inspected each time a resident passes away or is placed in a nursing home?
Would the owners of the facility be expected to pay a fee for each inspection?

Jul 15, 2009, 1:44pm Permalink

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