City of Cedar Rapids adopts Chapter 22A - Nuisance Property Code; turns to Chapter 29 discussion

The City Council has adopted a new ordinance on Tuesday that will impact all property owners in the City of Cedar Rapids.  The City of Cedar Rapids adopted Chapter 22A, despite concerns voiced by REALTORS, Landlords, the social services community, people who attended a Rotary Club Meeting, an attorney for the ACLU and an attorney for the housing community.  Link to Letters objecting to Chapter 22A

The public hearing and first reading was held Tuesday, December 18, 2012, a week ahead of Christmas.  Many people likely are not aware of the impact on property they own, due to the busy time of the year.  Despite the objections, the City passed quickly on Tuesday, January 8th the second and third readings.

As KWWL-TV asked me last night, the ordinance includes a 1, 2 or 3 strikes and the property owner could be subject to 12 months or more of civil fines from the City of Cedar Rapids.

CEDAR RAPIDS (KWWL) -Robin Tucker is a realtor and property manager in Cedar Rapids.  As someone in charge of many homes in the city, he's not happy the city council adopted a new code Tuesday that will define a home with multiple small offenses as a nuisance property.

"A lot of it is due to the behavior of people," said Tucker.  "But to stigmatize the property specifically...that is kind of new territory."

For Tucker, the new code leaves a lot of unanswered questions.  "There's a lot of uncertainty to it," said Tucker.

The City of Cedar Rapids of Cedar Rapids will now begin taking public input for a new Chapter 29 ordinance covering Rental properties.  A public-comment session on the upcoming changes to Chapter 29 will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. today in the council chambers at City Hall, 101 First St. SE.  The Gazette article on this public-comment forum.

The City is interested in hearing feedback on the following topics which are part of the code;

1.  Tenant background checks
2.  Landlord training requirements
3.  Rental Inspection schedules
4.  Fee schedules for inspections
5.  Additional topics related to the ordinance

Individual's comments will be limited to 3 minutes so that more people may heard.  The meeting is limited to 2 hours.

The City of Cedar Rapids has not at this point answered a lot of the questions, associated with the language in the new Chapter 22A.  Chapter 22A and likely Chapter 29 reference each other in the City's language. What are some of the questions remaining with the new Chapter 22?

• Impediments to housing and homelessness
• Impact on Fair Housing
• Impact on Affordability in rental housing
• The ACLU attorney pdf is concerned about Chapter 22A on tenants and property owners
• Undermines law enforcement and hurts domestic abuse victims per ACLU
• Conflicts with Fair Housing obligations in City per ACLU
• Code fails to protect innocent victims per ACLU (see letter below)
• Code fails to protect due process rights of landlords and tenants per ACLU
• Is the proposed tax legal under the State of Iowa?  Attorney for housing community has asked questions to City Council
• Impact on Tenant Rights
• Impact on Property Rights
• Due process in 1, 2, 3 strikes system of new Chapter 22A, when the property owner is a victim of crime, due to a customer, resident, tenant, family member or member of the public.  (this covers commercial and industrial property, as well, so a business open to the public could be impacted by the public's behavior)
• Landlords, REALTORS and the Gazette Editorial board suggested that Chapter 22A and Chapter 29 be discussed at the same time, prior to passage by the City Council
• There are questions on how the City intends to administer the new Chapter 22A?
• City has failed in the past to protect Landlords to the fullest extent of Iowa Code (issue of criminal mischief by residents in possession) raised by members of both Landlords of Iowa and Landlords of Linn County

The following was an e-mail shared with us by a concerned Landlord this morning in Cedar Rapids:

Robin,

This is the Gazette article that was published 1-7-13.

Nuisance ordinance going too far

Proposed Chapter 22A Nuisance Ordinance goes too far to try to place the blame on innocent property owners of Cedar Rapids for crime in our city. Chapter 22A includes violations for owner-occupied and rental residential, commercial property and all other property in Cedar Rapids.

It is incomprehensible that property owners could be considered in violation when they are the victims of a crime. Because the owner of a property allowed someone onto their property or within 1,000 feet of their property and that person committed a crime, the property is considered in violation under Chapter 22A.

When in the history of our country have we thought anyone else other than the person who committed the crime was guilty of anything? How can anyone predict what someone else is capable of doing?We all need to use good judgment when we choose the people we associate with, but how do property owners know when they allow someone into their door or within 1,000 feet of their property that that person is not going to do anything which may be considered probable cause for a crime?

The criminal does not have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt guilty of anything and the property is considered in violation of this nuisance ordinance. Chapter 22A nuisance ordinance goes too far.Sheryl Jahnel Cedar Rapids

Iowa District Court Judge rules against City of Cedar Rapids on certain mandated changes in Chapter 29

Tommy Tucker Realty Co. has utilized a Crime Free Lease Addendum for nearly ten years. However, the "Crime Free Lease Addendum" required by the City of Cedar Rapids is a different document and has been ruled out by an Iowa District Judge. We agree with the judge that the City of Cedar Rapids went too far with changes in Chapter 29 in 2010.

Court throws out Cedar Rapids Crime-Free Lease‎ -Eastern Iowa Government
“All portions of Cedar Rapids City Code Chapter 29 which reference or implement the 'Crime Free Lease Addendum' are void and unenforceable,” District Court ...

Court Throws Out Cedar Rapids Crime-Free Lease‎ - KCRG-TV9
Includes video link on a TV9 news story

We received the following e-mail on this breaking news on the lawsuit over the City's Chapter 29 change in 2010:

The Landlords of Linn County have won their District Court lawsuit for
summary judgment against the city of Cedar Rapids. Provisions of the city's
chapter 29 which dealt with the crime free lease addendum were found to be
unenforceable.

The first issue in the lawsuit had to do with use of home
rule power by the city in proposing the rewrite of chapter 29 which broadened
the provisions of the state home rule law. Landlords could have lost their
licenses to operate if they didn't follow the provisions of chapter 29. Here is
what the court said:

"This Court concludes that new Chapter 29 was not
enacted incident to an exercise of an
independent city power. The
independent city power must be something other than the general
police power
granted in the first sentence of §364.1, to “preserve the rights, privileges,
and
property of the city or of it residents, and to preserve and improve the
peace, safety, health,
welfare, comfort, and convenience of its residents”.
Defendant has not identified any
independent power to justify the ordinance
and their reliance on their power to enact housing
safety codes is
misplaced. Because new Chapter 29 violates the limitation imposed by Iowa
Code § 364.1, the Court concludes new Chapter 29 is unenforceable."

The second issue raised by the Landlords of Linn County dealt with the
conflict between the provisions of the state clear and present danger law with
particular provisions of chapter 29. The issue is whether the city could be more
stringent than the state law. Here is the court's findings:

"The grounds
for eviction and the lack of cure provisions in
new Chapter 29 render it
irreconcilable with state law. The conflict between the two laws is
obvious,
unavoidable and not a matter for reasonable debate. The only way to resolve the
conflict between the two is, as the Defendant points out, to choose the
provisions of § 562A.27A
to protect a tenant who has followed the cure
provisions afforded by that statute or who has
committed a crime that is not
enumerated in § 562A.27A. Therefore, this Court finds that the
conflict
preemption form of implied preemption applies to preempt the ordinance in this
case and
provides an additional basis for finding that new Chapter 29 is
unenforceable."

Landlords of Linn County had two other provisions in
their summary judgment argument. The court didn't find their arguments
compelling on the points of the city's ordinance being "vague" in violation of
Iowa's constitution and the argument that the ordinance amounted to a violation
of the "taking" provisions of the Iowa Constitution.
However, the losses on
those points didn't mean anything. Winning on two counts was enough for the
court to find on behalf of the Landlords of Linn County.
We congratulate
this chapter for standing up for their rights. The document should be useful for
any other chapter finding themselves similarily situated.

Joe Kelly
Lobbyist for Landlords of Iowa

We hope the City of Cedar Rapids will consider bringing the community to the table to improve public safety, the delivery of City services and further discussion of housing issues, including affordability and preservation of housing stock through the establishment of a Housing Commission for the City of Cedar Rapids. Realtors, Landlords and others in the community have been recommending such for some time.

ttrco

Happy Tax Day to all: April 18, 2011

It's Federal Tax Day today, Monday, April 18, 2011, since Washington D.C. had a Holiday on the 15Th this year. It's also a beginning of a Full Moon.

This morning, the radio was at 3Rd Street East and the underpass of I-380 for the beginning of demolition for the new Events Center in Cedar Rapids.

City Hall to Start Demolition at Convention Complex Site on April 18 - KCRGTV9

We attended our monthly local Realtor Government Affairs meeting this morning. Good lively conversation on a variety of issues.

• Congress and President's Obama repeal of the 1099 Landlord Reporting Law



• Update on various RPAC events and fundraising



• The Chair asked a short report on the Charter Review Commission, which I and 12 other citizens were appointed to. Work will be from May 5, 2011 to August 15, 2011



• We discussed the upcoming May 3Rd LOSST votes for Linn County, including the cities of Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Robins and Fairfax



• Chapter 29 lawsuit update that will be held April 22Nd at 11 a.m. in Linn County Court - local landlords are suing the City of Cedar Rapids over Chapter 29



• Discussed the Melrose Avenue matter in the City of Iowa City



• Discussed the Mortgage Interest Deduction and the proposed $40 dues increase from the National Association of Realtors for all members



• Discussed the local sign ordinances for Cedar Rapids and Marion

At Noon, attended the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids program from Jim Schnoebelen and Dave Elgin on Transportation, with an update on the Highway 100 extension for the City of Cedar Rapids.

Other notes for the week of April 18, 2011

• 4/18, Passover



• 4/18, Revolutionary War began on this date in 1775



• 4/22, Good Friday, our offices will be formally closed for our work families to enjoy the Easter holiday with family and friends



• 4/24, Easter

Have a great week! If you are traveling, be careful, take it easy and play it safe!

ttrco

Chapter 29 and Chapter 69 conversations in the City of Cedar Rapids

The City of Cedar Rapids changed Chapter 29 of the municipal code in 2010. However, the Courts are now involved, due to language used by the City in establishing an updated fee and inspection system that requires licensing, as well as specific crime-free language ...

Cedar Rapids landlord group fighting city’s crime-free ordinance

- The Gazette article is linked on the pending lawsuit against the City of Cedar Rapids

Roemerman is representing a group of Cedar Rapids landlords seeking summary judgment in their lawsuit against the City of Cedar Rapids over the “Crime Free Lease Addendum." (Gazette file photo)

A group of landlords filed a motion for summary judgment Friday in its lawsuit against the City of Cedar Rapids over the “Crime Free Lease Addendum,” which was approved last summer. The Landlords of Linn County, a non-profit group comprised of 150 landlords, and Rehman Enterprises, owner of 14 rental properties, claim in the lawsuit ...

The City of Cedar Rapids is considering changing Chapter 69 of the municipal code in 2011. Some of the new recommendations have property owners, landlords and proponents of limited government concerned. Should a property owner, landlord or agent be required to accept Section 8 housing?

The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission has formed the Friends of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission recently. They are seeking support for advocacy efforts in the community for civil rights. We had the opportunity this week to sit down and learn about the advocacy work that is planned, including the formation of the Youth Advisory Board for Friends of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission.

We have a couple of two bedroom houses for rent in the Cedar Rapids area. Also, there are plenty of houses for sale in the Cedar Rapids area. If you are in need of assistance, please call and talk to one of our Realtors.

We are wrapping up the week of February 7Th through 11Th. We completed a city inspection on Friday. Next week, we have a final inspection at another local property. The City of Cedar Rapids has a five years inspection cycle, while the City of Marion has a three year inspection cycle on rental housing.

If we can be of service to you, with your property management or real estate needs, please let us know. You can contact us in various ways.

ttrco

Deadline for Landlord Licensing and Rental Property Registration is approaching in Cedar Rapids

Letter to the Editor - The Gazette

There was an article in The Gazette on the Landlord Licensing process in Cedar Rapids. The letter was published in the Thursday, October 21, 2010 edition of the paper.

http://thegazette.com/2010/10/20/landlord-licensing-process-poorly-run/

The new Chapter 29 in Cedar Rapids requires all property owners involved in rental activity of residential properties to get a local license from the City and register all properties within the City of Cedar Rapids that are being used for rental activity. The new registration and licensing requirements in Cedar Rapids should be completed by the end of October, 2010.

Tommy Tucker Realty Co. does hold a Landlord License to Lease, Rent and Manage properties under Chapter 29 of the Municipal Code in the City of Cedar Rapids. Previously property owners were not required to be licensed. We can lease, rent and manage your property under our license, if you desire to seek outside management services for your rental houses and apartments. Registration fees are required.

If you have questions about Chapter 29 of the local municipal code, please contact the City or you can talk to us at Tommy Tucker Realty Co., regarding our property management services.

ttrco

Update on Housing, Licensing and Registration in the City of Cedar Rapids

We received notice from the City of Cedar Rapids that we have our License for the new Chapter 29 of the Municipal Code, which is requiring all owner / operator /landlord providers for rental housing in Cedar Rapids to obtain. Further, everyone needs to register or re-register all rental properties in the City by the end of the month. Registrations have been a requirement for some time, but the License with the City is new. Regardless, new paperwork is needed and the City's web site has the following message:

NEW LANDLORD LICENSE & REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
All Landlords must apply for a landlord license and re-register all of
their residential rental properties within the city limits by October
31st, 2010. All forms are found on this page. If you have any questions
feel free to give us a call at (319) 286-5197 or stop by our office.

We are working with our property owners to re-register all the properties we manage for various clients here in the City of Cedar Rapids. The process is pretty straight forward, but it does require time.

The Gazette had an article in the Thursday paper titled 'Few of C.R.'s landlords in compliance with new law.'

If you own rental property in the State of Iowa, you should likely check with the municipal authority to determine what your local licensing requirement are. The City of Marion has a different system, for example, than the City of Cedar Rapids.

In other business activity, meet with fellow Brokers with the Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors this morning. Good meeting and everyone was reminded about Chapter 29 in Cedar Rapids.

ttrco

Back in the Saddle, after the Labor Day holiday here in Eastern Iowa

We hope you enjoyed your Labor Day holiday weekend!

We are reviewing paperwork received today by the City of Cedar Rapids, regarding the new registration form for licensing and property permits. The City of Cedar Rapids enacted a new Chapter 29 ordinance this Summer for all property owners in Cedar Rapids. Whether you are big or small, renting multi-family, single-family or one room, you may want to learn more about the Chapter 29, which impacts all property owners who are involved in any form of tenant-landlord (i.e. - charging rent).

We have houses for rent in the Cedar Rapids-Marion, Iowa area.


Current Properties being marketed:

We are currently accepting applications for Houses For Rent in our area:

• Two bedroom Ranch at 886 14Th Street NE for $500.00 per month


• Two Bedroom Ranch at 828 14Th Street NE for $575.00 per month


• Two Bedroom Ranch at 866 14Th Street NE for $525.00 per month


• Three Bedroom Ranch at 2140 Pike Court in Marion for $1,730 to $1,950 per month


• Five bedroom two story at 7806 Thorndale Road NE for $2,200 per month

You can contact Robin Tucker at 1.319.365.6956 or by e-mail at Tommy Tucker Realty Co, if you are interested in one of these properties or have a tenant-landlord question? We may have a couple of new properties in the coming weeks.

ttrco

Cedar Rapids: City’s New Landlord Licensing Program in Effect

Housing News in the City of Cedar Rapids, the week of August 23, 2010:

The City of Cedar Rapids Code Enforcement Division has begun
implementing the new landlord licensing and rental housing registration program
as part of the new Chapter 29 of the Municipal Code. This program includes new
requirements for landlord licenses, rental housing registration and tenant
agreements.

Landlord Licenses
Landlords, property owners and rental property operators
are now required to be licensed in order to rent residential properties in Cedar
Rapids. This license is only required one time per landlord/owner/operator. The
license fee is $50.00. License applications are available at the Code
Enforcement Division’s office in the Public Works building at 1201 6Th Street
SW. In addition, applicants must submit a list of all rental unit housing to be
associated with the license. There is a $1,000 penalty for each month of a
delinquent license or rental unit registrations after October 31, 2010.

Rental Housing Registration
All rental housing must be registered annually. The registration fees range from
$30.00 for single family dwellings or duplexes to $25.00 for multi-family
dwellings plus $8.00 for individual apartments or units. All rental units
transferred or purchased after July 19, 2010 must be registered within 30 days
of the transaction. There is a $1,000 penalty for each month of a delinquent
license or rental unit registrations after October 31, 2010.

Tenant Agreements
All landlords must use a Crime Free Lease Addendum/Agreement with tenants. This addendum must be incorporated into all new and renewal leases and made available for review during the compliance inspection by City inspectors. The addendum is available on the City’s Web site at www.Cedar-Rapids.org and at
the Code Enforcement Division’s office in the Public Works building at 1201 6Th
Street SW.

All aspects of the new program are expected to be implemented by October 2010. For more information about this program, please visit the Housing Inspections section of the City’s Web site at http://www.cedar-rapids.org/government/departments/code-enforcement/housing-inspections/Pages/default.aspx.

PR Date: 8/23/2010 Title: City’s New Landlord Licensing Program
in Effect
City Contact: Cassie Wilils, (319) 286-5055

Tommy Tucker Realty Co. provides property management services in the Linn County area to various clients. We can assist in Tenant-Landlord management services, if you are seeking a Realtor-Property Manager for your single family house or investment property. Please feel free to contact Tommy Tucker Realty Co. to discuss our services in more detail. Tommy Tucker Realty Co. has been serving the greater Cedar Rapids area, since 1958.

ttrco

Transition Weekend: Out with July and In with August this weekend ...

It is hard to believe that Saturday marks the end of the July 2010 and August
begins on Sunday. We have had a busy year thus far. For Carole and I, we
celebrate our 23Rd wedding anniversary this weekend. - Robin Tucker, Realtor®

We welcome you to our blog and invite you to take a look at our Real Estate Brokerage and Property Management services for the greater Cedar Rapids area.

Are you looking for a property to purchase? Link to our local MLS

• Tommy Tucker Realty Co. on Facebook
• Buying
• Selling
• Property Management
• Leasing
• Chapter 29 questions or issues?
• Like-kind exchange
• Business brokerage

Our offices are open typically 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or otherwise, by appointment. My office number is 319-365-6956 ext. 103. We invite you to let us know, how we can be of service.

ttrco

City of Cedar Rapids replaces Chapter 29 and mandates Crime Free Lease Agreement/Addendium for all housing tenants

If you own a rental property, big or small, the City of Cedar Rapids requires you use a Crime Free Lease Agreement or Addendum, that you become licenced locally, and you register all rental rooms, houses and apartments.

[DOC] Crime Free Lease Addendum / Agreement - CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS
File Format: Microsoft Word - View as HTML
CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS. Crime Free Lease Addendum / Agreement ... or any breach of the lease agreement that otherwise jeopardizes the health, safety, ...

Here is a link to the new Chapter 29 approved by the City of Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, July 20, 2010. The new ordinance will become official on Monday, July 19, according to a phone call with Housing Services Department.

Ordinance for Chapter 29 regarding Licensed Registration ...
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - View as HTML
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA, as follows: Section 1. Chapter 29 of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Code is hereby ...

Landlords Now on The Hook to Help Clean Up Cedar Rapids Neighborhoods‎ - KCRG
At the Tuesday evening council meeting, Walter Skovronski, president of Landlords of Davenport, told the Cedar Rapids council that tenant background checks ...

Landlords asked, Cedar Rapids Police Department looking for ... - Eastern Iowa News
The Cedar Rapids Police Department on Wednesday said it is working ... The city of Davenport also uses a crime-free lease addendum and most ...

Tommy Tucker Realty Co. has been using a different Crime Free Lease Addendum, on a voluntary basis, over the past 8-9 years for many of our clients.

Tommy Tucker Realty Co. was founded in 1958 and has specialized in property management services for various clients over the years. We would be happy to visit with people who have questions about the new Chapter 29 in Cedar Rapids or other housing and/or real estate questions ...

• Sales


• Purchasing


• Property Management


• Leasing


• Business Opportunity


• Like-Kind Exchange: 1031


• Chapter 22 questions?


• Chapter 29 questions?


• Chapter 69 questions?

Need housing or real estate assistance, contact a Realtor ...

The City of Cedar Rapids just passed the new Chapter 29 on Tuesday night at the City Council meeting. Later this year, we expect new Chapter 22 and Chapter 69 ordinances to be reviewed and enacted as well. As Realtors, we believe...

The Preamble of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ® ...

Preamble

Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated
ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our
civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interests of the nation and
its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest
distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate
housing,the building of functioning cities, the development of productive
industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment.

Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce.
They impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which
REALTORS®should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in
preparing themselves. REALTORS®, therefore, are zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS® a common responsibility for its integrity and honor...

ttrco

Attended CRAAR Government Affairs meeting this morning

The Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors® meeting this morning hosted Linn County District 1 Supervisor candidate Dennis Petersen as a speaker for our June Government Affairs meeting. Candidate information on incumbent Lu Barron and Dennis Petersen, who will face off in the November 2, 2010 general election.

Further, we discussed the pending City of Cedar Rapids changes on Chapter 29, which will have a first reading on Tuesday, June 22Nd. Many in the housing community have concerns with some of the language proposed.

A common theme among Realtors: "Now, personally I believe landlords need to take more responsibility for the folks they rent to and a form of this needs to be implemented, but this just goes too far," a fellow Realtor suggested today.

Our company has been using a Crime Free Lease Addendum for eight or nine years now. We recommend it to our clients. We have concerns over the recommended form and mandate by the City of Cedar Rapids, however.

For more information on the Iowa Property Owners Alliance organization, click here.

ttrco

Do you own Rental or owner-occupied real estate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?

The City of Cedar Rapids is planning to change Chapter 29 of the municipal code on rental real estate. Of course, all property owners will notice an possible impact to individual property rights, due to this change. On June 22, 2010, the City Council is planning to have a first reading on the proposed changes to Chapter 29 of the municipal code.

A fellow Realtor in Cedar Rapids has sent an objection to the City of Cedar Rapids.

OBJECTS TO PROPOSED CH 29 ORDINANCE CHANGES-CRIME - City of Cedear Rapids PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View
May 17, 2010 ... I am against the proposed Chapter 29 changes and the mandatory Crime ... for Cedar Rapids tenants which is a valuable asset to growth and ...

The City of Cedar Rapids is changing its web site, so google searches on the subject typically end with a bad link, such as this example. By adding .info, rather than .org, one can get into the City old web site.

More on the subject curtesy of a google search on Chapter 29:

Chapter 29 – Sheryl Jahnel, Member Landlords of Linn County ... - Landlords of Linn County
I have found that there are many difference that set Cedar Rapids Proposed changes over the top. > I am very much opposed to the proposed Chapter 29 ...
Chapter 29 – Dick Rehman‎ - Jun 15, 2010
Chapter 29 Comments: Dick Rehman‎ - May 26, 2010

Chapter 29 of municipal code is a very important public policy issue for the City of Cedar Rapids. Changes can have impacts on affordable housing, housing stock and economic development for our community in the future. The department has been very inefficient throughout the years, including the department's ability to provide data on the customers it serves.

Cedar Rapids Landlords Protest Proposed Fees - KCRG-TV9
Apr 20, 2010 ... CEDAR RAPIDS – Proposed new rules and regulations for Cedar ... The city council is still debating whether to approve all these changes, ...

Right now, the city can't provide a list of problem landlords or even tell
you how many landlords rent property in Cedar Rapids. City staff
admit their record-keeping system needs work and they're trying to replace it. -
KCRG-TV9

Currently, the City of Cedar Rapids has no citizen housing boards or commissions. Communities, like Iowa City, have used citizen boards and commissions to help formulate public policy on housing issued. Despite the City Charter makes recommendations for boards and commissions, but, the police department and housing officials are addressing the ordinance work for our community, rather than elected officials and/or the public.

PREAMBLE
We, the people of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, under the constitution and the
laws of the state of Iowa, in
order to secure the benefits of local
self-government and to provide for the peace, prosperity and security of our
citizens, do hereby adopt this charter. By this charter, we achieve the benefits
of home rule and affirm the values of representative democracy, professional
management, strong political leadership, and citizen participation by
recognizing that our quality of life is based on community and regional
cooperation, innovation, and greater opportunities for all our citizens. - City of Cedar Rapids

ttrco

Attended monthly CRAAR Government Affairs meeting this morning

Republican 2Nd Congressional candidate Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks was our guest at our May Government Affairs meeting for the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors®.

• She spoke on her background, along with Realtor issues, including the 2008 response by our current representative in Congress to the Flood of 2008 in our District. She primarily took questions and had a conversation with Realtors in attendance.
  

The primary in the State of Iowa for both Democrat and Republican candidates will be held on Tuesday, June 8Th. Auditors' offices in each county in Iowa will be open for absentee voting on the next two Saturday's ahead of the June 8Th primary.

After discussions with Dr. Miller-Meeks on various topics, our committee visited a little about some local issues coming up in our community...

• 13 year low in new mortgages locally
• Editorial on FHA and mortgages
• Small Business Recovery
• Flood Recovery in Housing - impacted Realtor® commented
• PCI project and impact to Downtown and community in closing 2Nd Avenue SE from 10Th to 12Th streets
• Proposed changes in Chapter 29

ttrco

Realtor® = Member of the National Association of Realtors®

Our real estate brokerage began in 1958, when my father, I.L. "Tommy" Tucker decided to branch out on his own. In 1969, we located to our current location of 613 2Nd Avenue SE in Downtown Cedar Rapids.

On Thursday, April 29Th, the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors® held a brokers' meeting, in which we are a part of. My father, Tommy, has been a broker for 52 years now.

We discussed various topics, as well, as comments were made about City of Cedar Rapids staff's interest in changing Chapter 29 of the Municipal Code (Rental Housing). Many in the real Estate industry have concerns on the proposed change in Chapter 29, as well as the process being used to adopt changes. Not all providers of Rental Housing in Cedar Rapids would be classed as investors, but it can include people facing unemployment and those who have a family home that they need rented, while they are gone.

ttrco

The City of Cedar Rapids City Council meeting for April 6, 2010

"The council now is discussing steering local-option sales tax money to
landlords. Flood Impacted Landlords have helped city staff develop the
guidelines," said Rick Smith of the Gazette, who is reporting with online Live
coverage of the Cedar Rapids City Council meeting.

LIVE COVERAGE: Cedar Rapids City Council, 4:30 p.m.
Posted on Apr 06, 2010 by Rick Smith.

Reporter Rick Smith is providing live coverage of today’s Cedar Rapids City Council meeting, which begins at 4:30 p.m. Among the agenda items:

• A discussion on what to do with the former Cedar Rapids Public Library building on First Street SE;


• Awarding a demolition contract for for the fire-damaged Sinclair site, formerly the Farmstead Foods meatpacking plant; and


• Having flood director Greg Eyerly report to the council rather than to city manager Jim Prosser.

Join the live coverage from The Gazette by following the link above, starting at 4:30 p.m.

In the coming weeks, the City Council will likely hear from City staff on proposed changes to Chapter 29 and Chapter 22 of the Municipal Code for the City of Cedar Rapids. These changes will impact property rights and costs associated with rental housing and affordable housing in the City of Cedar Rapids.

ttrco