The Danville City Council has passed a new rental housing registration ordinance designed to protect renters. The new ordinance makes language to correct health and sanitation issues stronger. It will allow city inspections inside rental property as well as the current outside inspections. Alderwoman Tricia Teague says there is a real need for some regulations.
The new regulations were constructed without input from the local landlords association. Alderman Jon Cooper tried to get the council to delay consideration of the plan until landlords could provide input, although Cooper says he supports the proposal. He says Section 8 housing has federal guidelines to protect rentals which are more restrictive than Danville’s.
The proposal to delay the ordinance was defeated.
The city council also amended the city code pertaining to compensation for municipal employees. The action put into code the employee levels and salaries developed by an outside agency that reviewed worker compensation. Several aldermen objected to the plan earlier and were told that some changes could be made later. But Alderwoman Tricia Teague says the council still has not had the opportunity to review the salaries.
The wage compensation package passed by a vote of 8 to 6.
The City Council also approved purchasing several pieces of property for some 300 thousand dollars. The land is in the 500 block of Chandler, the 300 block of Harmon and the 400 block of Robinson Street. City officials say the purchases are related to the West Williams Street realignment project and for economic improvement in the area.
