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WILLMAR ÔÇö Suite Liv’n, a company that operates over 900 rental units in the city of Willmar, recently had its rental licenses renewed. However, the Willmar City Council rejected a memorandum of understanding that would have endorsed the process of bringing Suite Liv’n properties into compliance.

The City Council voted 5-3 against adopting the memorandum on September 18. Councilors Audrey Nelsen, Rick Fagerlie, and Vicki Davis were in favor of adopting it, while councilors Justin Ask, Julie Asmus, Mike O’Brien, Tom Butterfield, and Carl Shuldes voted against it.

Suite Liv’n had been operating its properties on 24th Street Southwest without a license since January 28, 2023, and May 7, 2023. Additionally, it had been operating its properties on 400 15th Avenue Southwest without a license since January 24, 2023, and other properties on Fifth Street and 15th Avenue Southwest without a license since September 10, 2022.

The company applied for rental license renewals but failed rental inspections initially. Despite this, the city had been working with Suite Liv’n to address the issues found during the inspections while allowing them to continue operating due to the number of people who would be left without a home.

Eventually, all the licenses were renewed, with the condition that the roof on building A at the 400 15th Avenue Southwest complex be replaced and one unit in that building be renovated. The City Administrator Leslie Valiant confirmed this.

Suite Liv’n has been accused of taking advantage of loopholes within the city ordinance, particularly in terms of maintenance complaints and subsequent rental license inspections. Justice Walker, the Willmar Planning and Development Director, expressed opposition to the memorandum, stating that Suite Liv’n has been hostile throughout the entire process and has retaliated against tenants who filed complaints.

Furthermore, the department continues to receive maintenance and business practice complaints about Suite Liv’n properties. Walker pointed out that they only have control over the physical condition of the units and not the company’s business practices.

Some councilors questioned the need for the memorandum and expressed frustration with Suite Liv’n taking so long to come into compliance. City Attorney Robert Scott recommended approving the memorandum as a better alternative to enforcement actions or litigation.

However, Councilor Shuldes expressed concerns about setting a precedent of giving landlords unlimited time to make repairs. He questioned whether this would apply to all landlords in the city.

Scott emphasized that the main focus should be on bringing the buildings into compliance with the city ordinance, regardless of the building owner. Suite Liv’n has spent around $800,000 to bring its properties into compliance and has made progress throughout the process.

Councilor Asmus argued against the need for a memorandum when there is already a city ordinance in place. She suggested making changes to close any loopholes landlords could exploit to extend repair timelines.

The AI legalese decoder can help with the situation by analyzing the city ordinance and identifying any ambiguities or loopholes that Suite Liv’n or other landlords may have taken advantage of. It can provide recommendations on how to tighten the ordinance to ensure prompt compliance and proper regulation of rental properties. Additionally, the AI legalese decoder can review and analyze the rejected memorandum of understanding, highlighting any potential benefits or drawbacks for the city and Suite Liv’n. This analysis can help the City Council make informed decisions regarding the ongoing compliance efforts and future actions concerning Suite Liv’n.

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