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Council renames Climate Action Advisory Committee, approves changes to rental registration ordinance
Summary
Council voted to rename the Climate Action Advisory Committee to the Environmental Stewardship Committee and expanded membership. It also introduced and, after debate, approved amendments to the residential rental registration ordinance to grandfather certain legacy units and simplify HOA certification.
The Common Council voted April 20 to rename the city's Climate Action Advisory Committee to the Environmental Stewardship Committee, expand its membership, and broaden its responsibilities, a measure proponents said better reflects local stewardship goals.
Councilor Locke described the change as a way to place the committee "in a position to help the city achieve its goals" around environmental stewardship, sustainability and financial resilience. Council voted to suspend the rules and act the same evening on ordinance D‑2817‑26 to implement the renaming and membership changes.
Separately, the council introduced and ultimately acted on ordinance D‑2818‑26 to amend the residential rental dwelling registration and permit program. The ordinance makes two principal changes: it allows properties to be considered legacy dwellings if an owner can prove a lease was in place before 01/31/2026; and it simplifies HOA certification by allowing a written affirmation instead of requiring an HOA board signature where such affidavits were proving difficult to obtain.
Councilors described the aims as fairness for long‑time landlords who encountered technical registration barriers and as protection for public safety by ensuring emergency and enforcement contacts are available for rental properties. City attorneys clarified that a permit misrepresentation could lead to revocation and that the ordinance does not affect private HOA or landlord‑tenant causes of action.
If the state sunsets the occupancy cap referenced in the conversation, staff indicated the registration requirement would remain in place, and the city would amend the ordinance accordingly when needed.
