Aug 11, 2018 2 min read

The city of Monongahela has a taken a proactive step with the adoption of a rental register and inspection ordinance.

Councilwoman Claudia Williams said at last week’s council meeting the ordinance, which will go into effect in January, will require an annual inspection and require landlords to register their properties for a yearly fee of $50 per property. Property owners who live more than 15 miles outside the city must have a property manager for their rentals. The city will be advertising for and hiring a certified inspector.

“We are being proactive. We have adopted this ordinance to help combat blight,” Williams said. She added there will be a checklist that will be looked at during an inspection. Property owners will have time to rectify any issues, and if the issues are not fixed, the property cannot be rented. There are about 800 rental properties in Monongahela. Williams said this ordinance will help to address properties that are rundown and abandoned.

In other action, council accepted the lone bid from Clayton and Theresa Rump to purchase a vacant lot located on Fifth Street for $6,200.

The city is looking for a part-time grass cutter at $12.50 per hour; applicants may apply at city hall.

Councilman William Polonoli requested the city pay $2,000 for police presence at next year’s 250th celebration and donate an additional $3,000 for the event. Council approved the request, and Councilman Ken Kulak said it would be accounted for in the 2019 budget.