HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - CCC Minutes 02/22/21MINUTES
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY COMMISSION
Meeting was held via Zoom due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Ames City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Monday, February 22, 2021
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:06pm by Eric Abrams
Members Present: Eric Abrams, Evelyn Beavers, Karin Chitty, Tom Lindsley, Warren
Madden
Members Absent: Peter Englin, Sandeep Stanley, Mason Zastrow
Staff Liaison: Deb Schildroth
Approval of Minutes: Warren Madden moved approval of the January 25, 2021 minutes.
Evelyn Beavers seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Forum: There was no one present for Public Forum.
City Council’s Direction on Addressing Tenant/Landlord Issues:
A. Update on the revamp and promote Rent Smart Ames website and other
forms of informational material
• Landlord Survey Results: The landlord survey was sent to a random
sample of thirty-five (35) landlords/property management companies in
Ames. Of that, thirteen (13) responded to the survey with input on the Rent
Smart Ames website.
Regarding use of website, all thirteen (13) respondents said that they do not
use the Rent Smart Ames website to advertise vacancies. Vacancies are
advertised on their personal website, using yard signs, and via social media.
Respondents said they did not use the apartment locator on the Rent Smart
Website and instead use website with a higher search engine optimization
such as Zillow or apartments.com.
Respondents indicated that educational material contained on the website
was the most helpful; including but not limited to tenant rights and
responsibilities, roommate agreements, and budgeting. Seventy-five (75)
percent of respondents said this information was easy to find with twenty-
five (25) percent saying it was not. Explanation for those stating the material
was not easy to find included a variety of input on how/why the website
would benefit from being consolidated.
Respondents were also asked what information they would like to see
added or taken off. Multiple respondents indicated that they would see
benefit in there being a contact for tenan ts to call or email with questions
and concerns. Others gave input that they would like to see the language
on the site better reflect that of the tenant code and highlight information
regarding emotional support animals.
Through discussion of the results of the survey, the Commission agreed
that being mindful of producing purely education content and not crossing
over into the realm of legal advice is important as revisions to the website
are being made.
• Student Survey Update: There was no update available on the status of
the student survey.
After much discussion, the Commission decided to brainstorm ideas on what
updates/changes to make to the Rent Smart website but will refrain from making those
changes until student responses are received.
At the conclusion of, the meeting the Commission will follow up with Stanley on the
status of the student survey via email. If no update is provided by the end of the week,
the Commission appoints Englin and Zastrow to roll out the survey so responses can
be gathered, and updates can be made to the website in preparation for a joint meeting
with Council.
B. Update on the potential expansion of the Story County mediation pilot
program: The planning committee for this project is still getting the materials
organized to launch the mediation program. There are no further updates from last
meeting.
Commissioner Comments: Discussion was had on how the housing market has
changed since the start of the Rent Smart website revamp project. The Commission also
spoke briefly on the eviction crisis and rental assistance programs, noting these topics as
ones they would like touch on again in future meetings to stay informed.
Next Meeting: March 22, 2021 at 6:00pm
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 6:40pm