WESTMINSTER RENTAL PROPERTY FEES AND LICENSING BILL

December 14, 2010

Despite all of our united efforts, the Westminster City Council voted unanimously last night to approve Ordinance CB 64 (original & FINAL) concerning rental licensing and rental inspection fees. 
Last night alone, more than 25 people testified against the legislation.  Our talking points included lack of process and the unintended consequences including the decline in property values that would occur if this ordinance were to pass.  City council was urged to delay the vote so that stakeholders and interested parties could be included in the discussions.  At the end of the hearing, Mayor McNally said that this issue  was discussed at numerous community coffees and meetings and that we, as an industry, “should have known.”  State Representative–elect,  Robert Ramirez-R, Westminster, testified on our industry's behalf.  He spoke on creating good public policy includes discussions with the stakeholders and urged city council to delay the vote. 
 A week ago, Rocky Sundling, Brandon Rich, Bryan Stern and myself met with the City Manager Brent McFall.  Mr. McFall promised that we could be in discussions to revise the inspection process to include incentives for units passing inspections at a certain percentage to be able to delay the next cycle of inspections.  After emailing and following up via phone message, I have not yet heard from him to schedule that meeting. 
Your government affairs team, including many members of the Association, spent numerous hours making phone calls, holding multiple meetings with interested parties to create coalition forces, writing correspondence to the city, meeting with Westminster City managers, council and staff, state representatives, county commissioners, engaging in advocacy efforts, contacting the media, lining up testifiers and preparing testimony for both council meetings. Even through these undying efforts, our industry was not called to the be a part of discussion regarding the details this ordinance. The Realtors were a big part of our force and they too, spoke on lack of process and not being invited to the table. 
The recommendation from JLAC to obtain a legal opinion on this matter is underway. Our local lobbyist is currently gathering information on the upcoming 2011 Westminster election. The Realtors have expressed interest in working with us as we evaluate these next steps. 
Special thanks to Jennifer Routon who alerted us on this issue.  We will be advocating for all property managers and staff to attend city council community coffees on a regular basis and to skim the local newspapers to become aware of these issues.  Now that this has passed in one municipality, it is more likely to spread to others.  Municipal budgets are extremely tight with the past recession and they are seeking new revenue streams. 
Special thanks to the North Denver Realtors, NARPM and AAMD members that testified. Vic Sulzer appeared at both council meetings and presented excellent testimony as it related to our industry.  Others that assisted in strategy or testimony included: Jennifer Routon, Cherie Shaw, Meredith Wright, Bryan Stern, Brandon Rich, Rocky Sundling, Bob Alldredge, Apryl Brady, Megan Gutenkauf, Stephanie Brooks,Erika Freeman-Daniels, Dennis Malone, Cicely Crampton, Drake Powell, Lauren Brockman, Mark Tschetter, Brad Coldiron, Terry Simone, Meghan Storrie, Kathryn Works, Erin Goff and last but not least, State Representative Robert Ramirez-R, Westminster. 

Any comments, concerns, questions, please call me.

Thank you.   

Nancy J. Burke

Vice President of Government Affairs