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127 Mr. Cox said he supports the idea that properties that are eyesores can be brought back to productive use, but he is not sure about what gets put in their place, and he would like to see a mechanism that assures the neighborhood about this. Mr. Toscano said heis not sure about the viability of rehabilitating very small houses and hoping they will stay in homeownership. Ms. Richards made a motion to approve the boarded up housing program as described, Mr. Lynch seconded the motion, and it was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. Noes: None. PUBLIC HEARING: BLIGHT CONTROL ORDINANCE Mr. Tolbert explained that the proposed blight control ordinance was presented to Council in May and Council requested that a public hearing be held. Mr. Tolbert Said that over 600 notices of the public hearing were sent to those persons listed as property managers. Mr. Tolbert highlighted the proposed ordinance. Mr. Toscano noted that the zoning portion of the ordinance needs to be referred to the Planning Commission. The public hearing was opened. Mr. Eldon Wood, 104 Village Court, said he thinks this is a good ordinance, but requested that Council make sure that in the fine print that it cannot be used inappropriately, and not used as an excuse to tear something down that should not be, such as historic structures. Ms. Karen Firehock, 707 Avon Street, said that as a resident and landlord she supports the proposed ordinance overall, but expressed a few concerns. She asked how the City will enforce the provision that says rents cannot be raised as a result of complaints made by renters, and said some way needs to be found for people who are repeatedly cited for violations and wait until the last minute to correct the situation. Mr. Eric Sellers, 900 Rockland Avenue, said he is very much in favor of the ordinance though he does have some concerns. In the past Mr. Sellers said he thinks the City's enforcement has been arbitrary and capricious, and unreasonable when it gave him only two weeks to paint in January. Mr. Sellers said not everyone is a slumlord. Mr. Sellers said he feels the maintenance code needs to be made available by the City, three months should be given before the inspection process starts, and thinks property owners should be contacted by phone before receiving a written violation. Mr. Sellers said pictures should be documented and include time stamps. Mr. Sellers said he feels a hardship waiver should be given for low-income and elderly homeowners. Mr. Rick Jones, 102 South First Street, said he is in favor of the ordinance, but says it is unclear whether violation means convicted. He also expressed concern that officials can come in at any time and he does not think that is great. Mr. Jones said he would like to see the violation for weeds made more strict, and feels that the limit of 18 inches is too high and the ten day notice is too long. Mr. Jones said he would also like to see the City address the issue ofpeopte who leave furniture, etc. next to dumpsters in apartments where they do not live. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Lynch asked if there was any response from the QCC group about the proposed ordinance, and Ms. Rochelle Small-Toney, Assistant City Manager, said no. Responding to questions from Ms. Richards, Mr. Tolbert said that the vast majority of the ordinance was lifted directly from the State Code. Mr. Tolbert said the City operates under that Code now, but the City Attorney felt it was easier to adopt the State Code into the City Code. Mr. Tolbert noted that nothing has changed regarding