NORWICH – A public hearing was held at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Common Council to discuss the proposed New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code that must be adopted this year. Although this was the topic of the public hearing, those in attendance seemed much more concerned about the proposed rental registry.
There was confusion about the details of the fire code, with many in attendance unclear if the new codes applied to only new construction or if it would affect other areas as well. Police Chief Joseph Angelino tried to explain the terms of the new codes.
“The city has to adopt the state guidelines,” Angelino said. He explained that the new codes would be in effect for every project that requires a permit.
There was little other discussion on the uniform code. During open forum, several city residents instead stood up to voice their opinions on the city’s proposed rental registration. The registry has been laid out as a possible addition to the city code as Chapter 51. It would call for non-owner occupied or vacant rental dwelling units to participate in the registration. Landlords would have to provide a name, address, and a telephone number where they can be reached at all times. In addition, rental property owners could be asked to provide a local contact, to act on their behalf, in the event they cannot be reached.
Norwich resident Ed Morano again encouraged the council to take action, citing the findings in the city’s comprehensive plan that stated the density of the multi-family conversions was a problem for the city. “Government works slow and tries not to offend anyone,” Morano said. “It’s a nice philosophy, but it doesn’t always work. It’s important for you people to either decide, or decide not to do anything.”
Several landlords addressed the council about the same issue. Theodora Arnell told the council that adding Chapter 51, the rental dwelling unit registration, to the city code would be redundant. “Chapter 50 (of the city code) covers rental property. There are standards in place. There are penalties for non-compliance. There is an appeals board to resolve conflicts,” she told the council.
Several of the other landlords echoed Arnell’s opinions. Instead of adding another chapter to the city code, they told the council they would like to see Chapter 50 amended to include the registry. Many thought the fee structure that could be associated with the registry was unnecessary, and the cost of setting up the system should be obtained through fines for those who don’t comply.
“The number one objective is to get a registry so we can contact the landlords in a hurry and tighten up enforcement of codes,” said Patrick McNeil. “If those are the two main concerns, amend Chapter 50. Don’t penalize 95 percent of the good landlords in the city. Penalize those who aren’t complying.”
The council responded during the discussion portion of the meeting. “Our interest is not to punish the good landlords – it’s in the health, safety and security of city neighborhoods. If we don’t do something like this, safety and security are going to be an issue,” said Ward Six Alderman Robert Jeffrey.
Suzanne Williams, Ward Three Alderwoman, said she would like to see Chapter 50 and the proposed Chapter 51 of the city code examined by the task force, and recommendations be made to the council. Mayor Joseph Maiurano said the task force would address the finance and personnel committee at the next meeting with their recommendations.
“It (the rental registration) will be put in to effect by the end of next month,” Maiurano said, “and it will be done in the best way possible, to do the job intended with the least resistance.”