TOWN OF EASTON, MARYLAND
Workshop Regarding Housing
June 18, 2003
Town Clerk Robert F. Karge, Town Planner Tom Hamilton and Economic Development Coordinator Al Bond. Those also in attendance were: Mr. Austin Webster, Ms. Ginger Howell, Ms. Barbara Heatly, Ms. Carlene Phoenix, Ms. Joan Banks, Mr. Lou Dorsey, Ms. Carolyn Jaffe, Mr. Don Bibb, Mr. Dan Brasington, Mr. Joe Schwaninger, Mr. Tripper Showell and Mr. Leroy Rothe.
The Mayor and Council and interested citizens met in a workshop session at 6:02 p.m. in Council Chambers.
WORKSHOP MEETING
Mayor Willey announced that the Black & Decker facility has been sold and transferred today. He stated that he had met with the new owners that already have two tenants that are close to moving.
Mayor Willey stated that during the last meeting on May 8, there were concerns regarding rental housing program, condemnation of property and how we work with substandard buildings, etc. Mayor Willey asked Mr. John Garlick, Rental Housing Inspector to explain how his department works.
John Garlick was present and explained the rental inspection program. He stated that landlords are required to license the properties within the Town of Easton. Mr. Garlick stated that inspections are done on a random basis as well as by complaints by tenants. He discussed the problems he finds.
Discussion occurred regarding non-owner occupied houses and the necessity to register and inspect rental houses.
Mr. Garlick discussed rental units that are above-average minimum livability standards with on-site maintenance and on-staff management.
Mayor Willey asked if the repairs deemed necessary are significant enough to cause increases in rent in order to recover costs of repairs. Mr. Garlick stated that some of the repairs would cause an increase in rent such as lead paint remediation.
Mr. Garlick discussed demolition and condemnation procedures.
Mr. Garlick discussed inspections accomplished by the Easton Housing Authority. He explained that their standards were above standard livability.
Mr. Garlick explained safety issues that have to be fixed immediately such as water and heating problems. He stated that lead problems are handled by the State of Maryland, Maryland Department of Environment.
Mr. Garlick stated that there are probably less than 100 properties that have not registered for rental inspection. He discussed ways to find unregistered rentals and success rates for repairs and renovations.
Mr. Jensen discussed problem landlords. Mr. Garlick discussed pressures landlords are under to fix mold, asbestos and lead paint.
Discussion occurred regarding the need for routine inspections and the anonymity of tenants.
The President of the Council introduced Executive Director of Easton Housing Authority, Mr. Don Bibb.
Mr. Bibb stated that many of the resources available for rehabbing properties in town are funded through the state programs. He discussed funding from the CDBG program where the Town of Easton will be a recipient of funds to make loans and grants available for property owners for the purpose of fixing properties. He discussed the state’s application process and contributions.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked for a date for a Special Loans Program talk.
Mr. Webster discussed a meeting to be held tomorrow evening regarding special loans, indoor plumbing program and lead paint removal from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. He stated this meeting is targeted towards landlords.
The President of the Council asked if there was any further action on a safe-house. Mr. Bibb stated that they are still in negotiations with the property owner for that project.
Mr. Bibb discussed waiting lists and stated that they can go anywhere from two to four years. He stated that it is on a first come, first serve basis with the waiting lists reviewed annually by HUD. Mr. Bibb stated that the Federal Government is not building any more public housing. He stated that public housing units may be offered for sale to the people that occupy the units.
The Town Planner, Mr. Hamilton discussed Planned Unit Developments and converting rental units to owner occupied homes.
Mr. Bibb discussed arranging a meeting with Mr. Bill Fitzgerald, the new CDA Director to explain in detail how the programs are to be changed.
Ms. Jackson-Amis discussed guidance from the Historic District Commission when applications are made for renovations.
Mr. Bibb discussed subsidized housing, affordable housing and the programs in place.
Mayor Willey stated that there is help available; we need to get a plan together how to go after it and figure out how to get these grants prepared. Then we must identify the places that are in need of help that we might be able to demolish housing that is not fit to repair. Mayor Willey stated that we need to have an inventory of historical houses.
Mr. Webster stated that the Town of Easton is going to have to come to terms with creating a position to have someone to write grants. He stated that the key is manpower. Mr. Webster stated that we have to figure out how to implement this.
Mayor Willey asked Mr. Bibb to address the safe house with the church.
Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that once the repairs are cited, the landlords do not follow through with repairs. She stated that monitoring that process and making sure the repairs are completed is what she is having trouble with. Ms. Jackson-Amis stated that we need to find a mechanism where the court supports the tenant.
The Town Planner stated that the Rental Inspection department is doing property maintenance as well.
Mayor Willey asked that we look at the grants available and the game plan. He also asked for a housing inventory.
Mr. Bibb announced the dedication ceremony for the Graham’s Park Development next Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. He invited those presents.
Ms. Jackson-Amis asked that the homeowners be invited.
Mayor Willey thanked those present for their time.
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Town Clerk