CC Minutes - 05/19/08 Public Hearning

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expansion of the program even though it had assisted few people and caused many evictions. He pointed out that Eugene was hosting the Olympic Trials next month and yet roads were deteriorating and public buildings in disrepair. He said the council had failed the citizens and urged it to stop chastising small businesses and correct its own mistakes. Patti Lundeen , Lusk Road, Eugene, spoke on behalf of Metro Multi-Family Housing Association, representing many members in the Eugene area. She said the association provided education on mold and moisture and was opposed to the expansion of the housing code to include mold. She said it appeared staff was recommending the expansion in order to avoid returning surplus funds to landlords and lower inspection fees. She said mold, security and smoke alarm issues were frequently the result of tenant behavior and at the very least language addressing tenant responsibility should be included. Jami Sterling-Counard , Spyglass Drive, Eugene, stated she had been in the property management business for over 30 years. She agreed there were mold problems but believed in finding the right balance. She said the industry had a strong emphasis on education and wanted to do the right thing. She said she had not received any notifications of the proposed code revisions until last week and was troubled by the lack of input from the industry. She said when the program was established there were some issues that were highlighted: the program would sunset and there would be a review to determine costs versus need. She said that had not occurred and instead the program was being expanded. She said of the 815 calls the program received, 106 were legitimate concerns and of those only five resulted in violations. She was not certain how that demonstrated a need for the program. She urged the council to ask for an accounting of the fees collected by the program and delay a decision until a program review had been conducted and funds accounted for. Will Hays , Ridgley Boulevard, Eugene, stated he was an ROA member and agreed with previous speakers from the association. He listed 20 years of experience in property management and maintenance, specializ- ing in environmental and habitability issues. He had conducted training in mold and mildew abatement for a wide range of organizations and agencies. He emphasized that mold was everywhere and it required moisture. He said the Environmental Protection Agency had not established any thresholds related to mold and did not think the council had the expertise to establish that level. He said the ROA had procedures and materials that were available to anyone, including tenants, to address mold problems. He was also concerned that cost estimates were made without any regulatory experience. He urged the council to remove mold from the ordinance. Larry Sweek , Walterville, said he had been in real estate and property management and was concerned with the lack of communication with the industry. He supported establishing a committee that would bring stakeholders and resources together to discuss the issue and determine needs. John Huddleston , Patterson Street, Eugene, said he was a University of Oregon student. In 2005 he was living off campus when a fire started outside his window and the entire apartment caught fire. He said residents were able to escape, but he was badly burned; no one heard a smoke alarm and he agreed with the need for higher standards relating to smoke detectors. Mayor Piercy determined there was no one else wishing to speak and closed the hearing. She called for comments from the council. Councilor Ortiz agreed with the need to revisit the ordinance. She was concerned with the lack of participation from a significant part of the community as both tenants and landlords should be involved in MINUTES—Eugene City Council May 19, 2008 Page 7 Public Hearing