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File #: Ord 22-16    Version:
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
In control: City Council
Final action: 4/6/2022
Title: Amending Chapter 193A of the Legislative Code to define certain terms contained therein and ensure consistency of language used throughout. (Public hearing continued from March 23.)
Sponsors: Mitra Jalali, Nelsie Yang
Attachments: 1. Ord 22-16 - Robert Stolpestad-Exeter Management, 2. ORD 22-15 CT Email, 3. 22-16 Emails recived by Ward 7, 4. Ord 22-16 - Diane J. Peterson, 5. C. BUSKIRK COMMENTS TO COUNCIL
Title
Amending Chapter 193A of the Legislative Code to define certain terms contained therein and ensure consistency of language used throughout. (Public hearing continued from March 23.)

Body
AMENDED 3/23/2022
SECTION 1


WHEREAS, on November 2, 2021, a majority of voters in the City of Saint Paul voted in favor of adopting the residential rent stabilization ordinance; and

WHEREAS, the ordinance, as approved by voters, does not contain a definitions section; and

WHEREAS, since the ordinance was approved on November 2, 2021, the lack of a definitions section has been a source of confusion for Saint Paul landlords and tenants alike, which has made it necessary to amend the ordinance to include a definitions section; and

WHEREAS, in the course of drafting definitions, it was necessary to renumber the ordinance approved by voters, but, in doing so, no substantive changes were made to the original language except the addition of section 193A.03; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul does hereby ordain:


SECTION 2

Section 193A.01 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code is hereby amended as follows:

Sec. 193A.01. - Findings.

In order to retain or find adequate rental housing, many residents of the City of Saint Paul pay a substantial amount of their monthly income for Rent; that the present shortage of residential Rental Units and the prevailing Rent levels have a detrimental effect on the health, safety, and welfare of a substantial number of Saint Paul residents, particularly persons in low and moderate income households, and persons on fixed incomes who reside in the City; that residential Tenants constitute over 50% of the residents in Saint Paul; that residential Tenants suffer great and serious hardship when forced to move from their homes; that the community is impacted by housing instability when rent increases outpace incomes; and that the welfare of all persons who live, work, or own Property in the City of Saint Pau...

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Date NameDistrictOpinionCommentAction
4/6/2022 2:21 PMMeg Daly For My name is Meg Daly and I'm a renter in Ward 1. I strongly urge you to vote YES for Ordinance 22-16. Ordinance 22-16 will set operational definitions for the rent stabilization policy that voters p***ed, which will ensure its consistent and clear application, and is necessary to implement rent stabilization by May 1. Clarity allows renters and landlords alike to be in good relationship and have clear understandings of what we can and cannot do. The definitions outlined in this ordinance are an important step towards this. +1
4/5/2022 8:06 PMTony Aarts For My name is Tony Aarts. I live in the Mac-Groveland neighborhood in Ward 3. Last November, 53% of St. Paul voters (6/7 wards) made it clear that rent stabilization is a critical policy that people need, and it cannot wait. The momentum behind this policy is a direct response to price gouging and predatory rental operations that are hurting many in our communities. Ordinance 22-16 will set operational definitions for the rent stabilization policy that voters p***ed, which will ensure its consistent and clear application. This is necessary to implement rent stabilization by May 1. Clarity allows renters and landlords alike to be in good relationship as we all navigate the shape of this policy. It is necessary. This ordinance can’t wait. Voters demand action. Renters need protections. And everyone in our city — from renters to property owners — need the clarity these ordinances provide now. +1
4/5/2022 7:44 PMPeter Stitzel  Against With permits down 80%, the poor will be looking outside city limits for housing and much of the remaining stock will be converted into owner occupied units. Look for longer and more expensive commutes which effectively scares off businesses and employment. With the reasonable return now pushed to 8%, that will be the norm and landlords will be forced to always raise the rent or permanently reduce the value of their property, which is often their retirement plan. All in all, this ordinance couldn't have been written better if its intent was to hurt the poor, scare away employers and turn rental housing into slums. I was quite surprised to see just how fast the community is waking up to this nightmare that only 31,000 people voted for.
4/5/2022 12:32 AMSolvejg Wastvedt For I request that you p*** this policy to put into effect the will of the voters regarding rent stabilization. Fair housing options are crucial for our city's success! +1
4/2/2022 9:48 PMAdrianna Jereb For My name is Adrianna Jereb and I live in Ward 3 of St. Paul. I ask you to vote in favor of ordinance 22-16 as it will create standard and enforceable rules for rent stabilization in the city, which is what voters like me supported last November. This policy must go into effect by May 1st as outlined in the original ballot question. Thank you. +1
4/1/2022 10:32 PMTina Cassler For My name is Tina and I live in St. Paul. In November, St. Paulites came together across race, income, and ward to vote overwhelmingly in favor of rent stabilization because we believe everyone in our city should have a home they can count on. I strongly urge you to vote YES for Ordinance 22-16. Ordinance 22-16 will set operational definitions for the rent stabilization policy that voters p***ed, which will ensure its consistent and clear application, and is necessary to implement rent stabilization by May 1. Clarity allows renters and landlords alike to be in good relationship and have clear understandings of what we can and cannot do. The definitions outlined in this ordinance are an important step towards this. This ordinance can’t wait. Voters demand action. Renters need protections. And everyone in our city — from renters to property owners — need the clarity these ordinances provide NOW. Don’t be on the record as holding up this process. +1
4/1/2022 4:06 PMAllan Malkis   Please p*** this important enabling ordinance to allow implementation of voter approved rent control ordinance as soon as possible. +1
4/1/2022 3:08 PMKelly Martinson For Everyone in St Paul, no matter how much money they make, or what their skin looks like, deserves safe and affordable housing. Rent stabilization p***ed in the fall to make sure that our city can ensure affordable housing for everyone. We are trusting that the city will take the necessary steps to implement a rent control policy that is clear and consistent and enforceable. The voters spoke, and they spoke loudly. It is time for our city council to do the same. +1