Fair Rent Commission

DRAFT MINUTES FAIR RENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING (HYBRID) OF AUGUST 14, 2024 Present: Commissioner/Chair Rakim Grant; Commissioner/Vice Chair Caitlin Duffy (remote); Commissioner Robert Rosenthal; Commissioner Sal Calvo; Commissioner Robert Kronenberger; Alternate Commissioner Stacey Barka. Staff: Atty. Philip G. Kent, as outside counsel for the Commission Public: Atty. Darrell Fennell 1. Call to Order: Commissioner / Chair Grant called the Meeting to order at 7:16 p.m. 2. Public Comment: Commissioner / Chair Grant called for public comment with no response. The Commission took a moment to introduce itself to Alternate Stacey Barka. 3. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Rosenthal made a MOTION to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2024 Regular Meeting. Commissioner Calvo seconded the motion and the motion passed without further discussion. Commissioner Kronenberger abstained. 4. Correspondence Atty. Kent reported on correspondence under New Business. 5. New Business A. Discussion and/or vote re additional revisions of Bylaws Atty. Kent reported on the status of issues raised previously by Atty. Fennell with respect to the bylaws, in relation to three issues being 1) a proposed correction to conform the bylaws to the Ordinance concerning a certain time period; 2) a proposed issue concerning a change in ownership of a building during a pending complaint; and 3) a proposed issue concerning whether the Commission retains jurisdiction over a complaint when a tenant moves out but has alleged retaliation as part of the complaint. Alternate Commissioner Barka and Commissioner Calvo inquired concerning the underpinnings of a retaliation claim and the impact of a tenant moving out, which was briefly discussed. Atty. Kent will continue to review these issues and report back at the September 2024 meeting.  B. Discussion re various issues 1. Informing community re FRC – Flyer Commissioner/Chair Grant reported that he is revising the proposed informational flyer with more neutral language, which was discussed briefly. Commissioner Rosenthal asked for a deadline to be set for reviewing the flyer. Commissioner/Chair Grant agreed and stated he would provide a draft by the end of the month. Commissioner Rosenthal inquired whether the City agreed to assist with generating, distributing and displaying the flyer. Atty. Kent will follow up with the City re same. 2. Letter to Mayor re FRC suggestions The Chair tabled this agenda item for a future meeting. It was discussed that by October or November this issue may be ready for further discussion. 3. Other/General The Chair called for discussion on other issues but none were raised. C. Discussion of pending complaints, mediation, answer dates and scheduling Hearings 1. Muhammad complaint status Atty. Kent reported that this matter remains pending but may be withdrawn at the end of the summer by the complainant if she determines that the alleged bed bugs issue has been resolved. 2. Gardner complaint status Atty. Kent referred to the prior email that withdrawal of this matter is pending and will follow up with the reported conservator. 3. Natale complaint status Atty. Kent referred to the prior email concerning the withdrawal of this matter. 4. Yeboah complaint status Atty. Kent reported that the complaint was received, and that notice issued with an answer date of July 23, 2024. Atty. Reckmeyer has appeared and filed a response on behalf of the landlord. 5. Schoffstall / Kamp-Wilson complaint status Atty. Kent reported that this newer complaint was withdrawn by the tenants. 6. Field complaint status Atty. Kent reported that this complaint was received regarding a DOH congregate housing unit / tenant, but is under review due to a possible jurisdictional issue. 7. Andrews / Bisson complaint status Atty. Kent reported that the complaint was received, and that notice issued with an answer 2 date of August 27, 2024. 8. Fenell complaint status Atty. Kent reported that additional mediation is being attempted and that he will report back as to the status. 6. Old Business A. Hearing / deliberations / decision re Fennell complaint This matter was tabled to the September meeting date at the written request of landlord’s counsel, which the Chair granted. B. Hearing / deliberations / decision re Vicenzo complaint This matter was tabled to the September meeting date at the written request of landlord’s counsel, which the Chair granted. 7. Executive Session, if needed Not applicable. 8. Adjournment: Commissioner/Chair Grant made a MOTION to adjourn, and Commissioner Calvo seconded the motion, which passed unanimously without further discussion. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. 3