Chair Solvay Spelnis told commissioners the Rental Inspection Process Subcommittee (RIPS) was authorized by resolution as a one‑year ad hoc group to review rental inspection, complaint processes and code compliance with the goal of improving rental safety and permit issuance.

Spelnis said RIPS includes seven members (three appointed) and that the commission has engaged academic partners: four PhDs, Ohio University researchers and students will assist with a program evaluation. The committee plans landlord and renter surveys, focus groups and analysis of code office inspection data. Spelnis said the group aims to submit an Institutional Review Board (IRB) packet in early 2026 and to distribute surveys between February and May, clean data over the summer, analyze results in August–September and prepare a report by October–November 2026.

"We have 4 PhDs on this project," Spelnis said, adding that Ohio University will include students as part of the evaluation team. She asked members to help refine committee inputs and noted Rob Delache (Rob Delich in transcript) is assisting with GIS mapping.

The stated goals are to ensure all rental housing in Athens is structurally and functionally safe, to improve inspection efficiency and to bring rental permit issuance into alignment with statutory inspection requirements. Spelnis said current data show annual inspections and permit issuance are not happening consistently and that RIPS will examine legal issues, inspector work requirements and best practices from other cities.

The commission did not take a formal vote on RIPS at this meeting; members discussed outreach to landlords and the need for clear communication with the code office.