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Councilman Eley questioned whether routine rental inspections were performed at different
apartment complexes throughout the City. Mr. Roach replied no, periodic inspections were
performed in the Southeast community and inspection were on a complaint basis.
Vice Mayor Bethany questioned whether there were other buildings that could fall within a similar
situation as Seaview Loft Apartments. Mr. Roach replied no. He shared the Ivy Towers had similar
problems in prior years, but the building had a new owner, went through a comprehensive renovation
and everything had been upgraded and in proper working condition.
Councilman Harris questioned what was being done to assist with the families that had been displaced.
Ms. Blount-Moore replied there were some families that continued to have contact with Human
Services. The Department of Human Services (DHS) had contact information (email addresses and
telephone numbers) and would receive a status or update on those families. She advised that
approximately three months prior, DHS heard from the last two people who needed support with
leases and incidentals for a new apartment. Councilman Harris questioned whether everyone from
Seaview Loft Apartments had confirmed receipt of new housing and informed DHS of their progress.
Ms. Blount-Moore shared that those individuals who had engaged with DHS came off the list three
months prior. She indicated that support was provided through the Housing Brokerage Team and
other resources.
Councilwoman Vick questioned whether there were other residents at Seaview Loft Apartments. Mr.
Roach replied there were no tenants in the building; however, a Resident Manager was on site at
Seaview Loft Apartments.
Mayor Jones thanked City staff for the update provided. He indicated that City Council requested
information and status report because they were new to Council. When the condemnation of Seaview
Loft Apartments happened in July 2022, it was said it seemed to have been a perfect storm, and he
believed that City staff was attempting to stop that from happening again. He inquired whether
additional funding could assist with additional staff to perform inspections. Mr. Roach replied that
additional funding was not necessary for additional staff. It came down to getting concerns addressed
and fixed quickly with willing partners. Mayor Jones expressed concerns about rushing the inspection
process to get residents back into Seaview Loft Apartments. Mr. Roach replied that City’s Ordinance
Number 7320-16 – Section 13-197 – Multifamily complexes stated (a) If a multifamily complex contains
more than ten (10) residential rental dwelling units, in the initial and annual inspections, the
department of codes compliance shall inspect no less than two (2) units and not more than ten (10)
percent of the residential rental dwelling units. Mr. Roach advised that he suggested and encouraged
the property owners to allow an inspection of the entire building, in order not to be back in the same
situation. He stated, “Once the property owner received a clean bill of health from the City, they could
stand on that”. Mr. Roach reminded, during a recent visit to Seaview Loft Apartments, 17 units were
inspected and none of those units were in condition to pass. He indicated that Seaview Loft
Apartments were nowhere near ready to be occupied.
Regarding the ten (10) percent, Vice Mayor Bethany questioned, from a policy prospective, what the
City could do to increase the percentage. Mr. Roach replied he was not aware of how the City could
authorize an increase of the percentage as he believed it was prescribed through a State code and
would need to defer that question to the City Attorney. He indicated that the inspector would perform
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