HEADWATERS LANDLORD ASSOCIATION
MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 12, 2020
Annual membership meeting of the Headwaters Landlord Association was held via Zoom on November 12, 2020 beginning at 7:00 p.m. This meeting was recorded. Watch for a link to view the meeting, which will be sent to members when it is available.
Officers present: Mike Strodtman, incoming President and presiding; Joan Dreyer, Secretary/Treasurer
Board members present: Kathy Guess, Deb Ley, Paul Hofland, Harry Aylesworth, Terry Duy
Members present: 9 members
Guest presenters from City of Bemidji: Jesse Robertson and Todd Beito, City of Bemidji
PRESENTATIONS by VENDOR MEMBERS
· Aaron Tischner, ServiceMaster Clean, St. Cloud, and serving Bemidji area
· “Doc” David Winter, Tub Doctor
Applies epoxy finish for tubs and countertops, in home refinishing
Vendor members list is provided to all HLA members. See attachment
CITY OF BEMIDJI PRESENTATION
Jesse Robertson, INSPECTIONS
Inspections has a process in place during Covid-19 contact restrictions
Self-Inspection form for rental housing will be used until next spring. Landlords will receive a self-inspection form, 1 page long that can be completed via phone or email with the tenant. Completed form can be returned to Inspections Department. Forms are sent out in batches, according to the scheduled inspection date.
Todd Beito is the new Housing Inspector. Todd’s background: Plumbing business, master plumber, Lennox dealer, sewer and water in Roseau, serving both Residential and commercial business customers
Audience Question: What do we do about a tenant who does not feel comfortable having landlord entering the unit?
Inspections Staff recommends doing the inspection over the phone, tenant can follow landlord’s direction and check the items as you read them off.
Cris Bitker new Building Official has filled Brian Kerby’s position.
Cris has been a building inspector in Bemidji. When Brian Kerby left Cris filled in. Cris has been hired to fill Brian Kerby’s position as Building Official.
Rental ordinance changes? On the back burner until we can hold discussions in person. City wants to insure an open line of communication. City council wants to see changes to “Strikes” policy.
New Mayor, Jorge Prince, and the new council will wait to address issues until the offices are filled in January.
BUSINESS MEETING was called to order 7:39 pm.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Was presented by Joan Dreyer and approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Was presented by Joan Dreyer and approved.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Was conducted by Joan Dreyer. The written slate of officers and board was presented. There were no nominations from the floor. The slate was accepted as presented.
President for 2020-2022: Mike Strodtman
Vice President for 2020-2022: Kathy Guess
New Board members: Terry Duy (will complete remaining 1 year term vacated by Kathy Guess)
Robert Elliot, 2020-2022 2 year board position
OLD BUSINESS
Short term vacation rentals – Kathy Guess
Are currently prohibited inside the City of Bemidji limits. This includes the annexed portions of Bemidji. City Council has had this topic on the agenda, but it was placed on hold during the Covid-19 restrictions. City Council would like to review this restriction. HLA has a letter to present as testimony to the city public hearing, currently not on a calendar.
NEW BUSINESS
ANOTHER ZOOM MEETING, MN NORTHWEST AREA FOUNDATION
On November 16, 2020 3 pm to 4pm via Zoom
EMAIL TO AMBERN@NWMF.ORG
Covid-19 eviction moratorium (see flyer sent to you separately via email)
“How to be the smartest renter on your block”
Panel will include 4 legal and landlord experts.
Mike Vraa, expert on landlord tenant law
Robert Enger, Supervising Attorney Legal services of NW MN
Kathy Guess, Vice President of HLA, regional landlord
Kirk Karstens, Bi-County Community Action Program
Discussion will include
What happens if we have tenants that do not pay?
What is the law for State of MN CDC moratorium?
Techniques to avoid evictions
FUNDING AVAILABLE ON A VERY LIMITED BASIS FOR TENANTS, MOBILE HOME AND LANDLORDS
(See separate email sent to you on 11/14/20)
Will cover the eviction program
Tenant assistance if they are behind in rental utilities, mobile home lot rent
Limited pool of money, must act quickly
Instructions in the email on how to tap into the funds
LANDLORD ALERT
Electronic signing of leases has become a new norm.
A recent legal case involving a landlord and tenant was recently settled in Minnesota. The landlord signed and executed a rental agreement electronically before the tenant had presented the security deposit and rental payments required as part of the new lease. The tenant demanded the keys to the property, even though they had not paid their money. The MN court has upheld the tenants right to move into the property without paying the required funds because the lease document was signed and dated.
DO NOT PRESIGN and DATE YOUR LEASES. COLLECT ALL THE MONEY DUE FIRST.
UPCOMING TOPICS FOR NEXT ZOOM MEETING SPONSORED BY HLA
1. Do you have Questions for the new mayor?
2. Forum run by HLA on topics of interest to rental property owners
3. What topics or issues are you as landlords looking for more information about?
Send an email or call one of the board members to discuss your interests.
Board meetings are held on the Third Thursdays of most months. All members are invited to attend these meetings. Contact HLA secretary for notices and meeting times.
Parker Cermak, member, thanked the HLA for all the information he has received. Parker is finishing his real estate licensure specializing in investment property. He looks forward to working in the Bemidji real estate market.
Next meeting will be held on the 3rd Thursday in January. JANUARY 15, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. It will likely be on zoom.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm
Presented by
Joan Dreyer
Secretary/Treasurer