Citizens appear before Onaway Commission

Several people came to the Onaway City Commission meeting last Monday evening, concerned that they were not contacted by the city, either by letter or telephone, about the new city ordinance enacted on February 17, on rental units and homes. Landlords will be charged $45 for the inspection of rental homes and units.

This would cover a return inspection by county housing inspector Tim Spens, who has been contracted by the city, after the owner has made corrections.

Commission member Jessie Palmer said the reporter for the Onaway Outlook ran stories on the subject and information on the ordinance was provided in the column ?From the Desk of the City Manager,? by Joe Hefele, in the same paper, Palmer said.

A short heated discussion between another landlord in the audience, landlord Tom Gilbert and commissioner Gary Fagel, provided a few tense moments. ?The city should pick up the cost. It should not be forced on us,? said Gilbert, addressing the commission.

?Homeowner rehab and rental rehab housing grants are committed to the city,? said Hefele. ?This is the one thing that the city has to do, adopt an ordinance such as this, or that money is off limits from here until the end of time.?

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The inspection will cover a five year period. ?It boils down to seventy-five cents a month,? said Bernie Schmeltzer, commissioner.

Other matters discussed:

? Were dogs running loose and getting into the trash.

? Onaway Police Departments request for a new radar unit was approved.

? Hefele said 25 percent of the property taxes are late.

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