City of Owatonna Landlord Association (COLA

Community Programs

COLA: CITY OF OWATONNA LANDLORD ASSOCIATION

In 2006 the Owatonna Police Department, along with landlords throughout the city of Owatonna continued to develop a working relationship in an effort to insure safe rental property for tenants and safe neighborhoods the in which they are located.

COLA began with 87 members and we currently have 102 registered users on the website which the City of Owatonna maintains. Seventy five landlords completed Phase I of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Training in 2006 and three currently are in the process of completing Phase II and III. Phase I completion requires attendance in an eight hour class sponsored by the Police Department.

A board of directors for COLA was formed in 2006 and meets monthly in conjunction with general membership meetings held on the third Tuesday of every month from September through May.

Discount Cards are provided members, and an attorney has been hired to represent and provide advice. The Owatonna Police Department maintains a website in which only members are allowed to enter. Landlords are provided with new lease agreements, applications and monthly evictions as well as numerous other forms. Minutes of each monthly meeting and the new agenda are also posted. Mass E-Mail is sent on occasion to update members on new information which had been posted.

COLA members have also become associated with the Chamber of Commerce and have worked with the Police Department regarding trespass notifications after the ordinance was approved by the City Council. Over 85 Trespass notifications were given to individuals by officers in 2006.

In conjunction with the Crime Free Program, the Disorderly Use and Nuisance Ordinance Violations were enforced by the department. In two cases, evictions were referred to the Steele County Attorney’s office and in both cases, the tenant elected to leave prior to eviction. Many more evictions were forced because of behavior issues which were violations of lease agreements resulting from communication with local law enforcement.

Police Officers were assigned to districts in 2006 and routinely worked with landlords in their areas to resolve problems. The Owatonna Police Department also provided background checks for the landlords on prospective tenants. Two hundred and sixteen background checks were completed in 2006. With increased awareness by Officers, it is expected that the number of reported violations and problems addressed will increase in 2007 as well as continued use of Criminal History Checks.

With increased awareness and education by officers, landlords and tenants, we look forward to continued growth in a Crime Free Community in this area.

2006

1st Violation

2nd Violation

3rd Violation Disorderly Use Violation

55 8 2

Nuisance Violation 38 2 1