Steger Passes 'Crime-Free' Housing Decree Cornell Hudson January 01, 2009 | Steger News Steger village board passed a "Crime Free Housing Program" ordinance at its December 15 board meeting. Landlords will be required to obtain licenses and their rental units will be subject to regulations for the health, safety and welfare of the community. Beginning May 1, all landlords are required to have a residential rental license issued by the village clerk for each specific location. Licenses will not be required of group homes governed by state or federal regulations. License application will be made by the owner of the rental dwelling, who will also supply contact information. The annual fee is $100 for one to 25 dwelling units and $200 for more than 25 dwelling units. This license fee is in addition to the annual inspection fees. Rental units must be inspected to meet all applicable laws and regulations. Units that change ownership shall be required to be inspected before a new license can be issued. Owners will be provided with inspection reports and afforded a reasonable opportunity to correct deficiencies. All applicants must attend a Crime-Free Multi-Housing Seminar administered by the Steger Police Department prior to license issuance. Effective May 1, every residential lease must include a "Crime-Free Lease Addendum," which states that tenants, tenant household, guests or other persons associated with the tenant: -shall not engage in criminal activity, including drug related criminal activity -shall not permit the dwelling unit to be for criminal activity. Any criminal activity shall constitute a violation of the lease and be grounds for lease termination and eviction. Residential rental properties are subject to periodic inspections. The village shall serve notice of violations and the time period for correction. If not corrected, the lease may be suspended or revoked. Certain acts and multiple offenses may be declared a "nuisance," thereby violating the act. The village may impose fines under the ordinance and the village administrator may recommend suspension or revocation of a license to the village president for review and determination. Any person whose license is suspended or revoked shall be entitled to appeal to the Village Board of Trustees within 15 days of the village president's decision. In other meeting activities: The Muscular Dystrophy Association's program manager presented the Steger Fire Department with plaques for its "Fill the Boot" fundraising efforts. Realtor Bruce Hackel provided a report that detailed a breakdown of Steger housing sales for the last eight years. The number of sales this year is about 55% of 2007 numbers. The average sales price is 90% of the 2007 sale price. Many thought these numbers would be a lot worse Ð which is why it is important to deal with facts. A new business, Second Hand is Better, at 33 East 34 Street, was issued a business license. The owners Ð Linda Culbreth, Lisa Culbreth and Steve Culbreath Ð attended the board meeting. Public Works Superintendent Bill Cox reported that village wells pumped 17 1/2 million gallons of water, and all samples were satisfactory. Fire Chief Al Martinez received board approval to purchase a trailer to haul hazardous material equipment and extrication equipment. This two-year-old 14-foot trailer has a 7500 kilowatt generator and two telescoping lights. The cost is $6,500 and the funds will come from the absorption of the Miller Woods Fire Protection District into Steger. _

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