Some are for it and some oppose.
Like it or love it, Manhattan City Commissioners seem inches away from implementing a rental inspection program in the Little Apple.
Members of the community voiced their desires before city commissioner’s Tuesday night, as they discussed moving ahead with framework for a hybrid inspection option.
The option would consist of external inspections that can trigger interior expectations should violations go unresolved.
Under the hybrid plan, property owners would be required to register with the city on a yearly basis.
The possibility of an annual fee exists, should the commission choose to implement one.
Commissioners have not finalized their decision to implement the program, as of the Tuesday night meeting they were working to piece together what’s become quite a puzzle – with push back from property owners and landlords and demand from K-State students wanting to see a program put in place.
A public comment section of the meeting saw varying views on the topic, most of which came from landlords and property owners – urging the commission to look at the issue from their perspective.
Property manager Maryanne Mahone said, “if I get the credit back from the last time we had this program, when my money was taken and it just disappeared,” she may not have a problem registering her property with the city.
Mahone cites a failed 2011 rental inspection program in her argument.
Mayor Pro Tem, Usha Reddi also argued that even if a program is passed, November’s election could see it swiftly repealed.
Assistant City Manager, Kiel Mangus said fees collected as part of the program would go toward marketing and the salary of a secretary who will become a full time employee.
The commission will revisit the issue during a future legislative session.
