CPLA Regular Meeting Minutes January 19, 2016

CPLA Regular Meeting Minutes – September 20, 2016

Officers Attending: President Bill Kitt, Trustee Bud Cawthern Trustee Paul Davis and Secretary Gloria Sprankle.

Not in attendance: Vice-President Barb Weakland, Treasurer Vance Villano

President Kitt started the meeting at 7:04PM by welcoming everyone.

There were 34 members in attendance. The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance. No minutes were read as this is the first meeting of the new year.

All of last years’ officers have consented to return in their same positions:

President: Bill Kitt

Vice-President: Barb Weakland

Treasurer: Vance Villano

Secretary: Gloria Sprankle

Trustees: Bud Cawthern, and Paul Davis

President Kitt made mention that if anyone is having problems accessing/using the CPLA website, to please contact Pam Mitchell at 814-941-5000.

The CPLA website URL is: http://www.centralpalandlords.com/

President Kitt held a discussion regarding the Assessments. He recommends that you go through the process: informal, formal and possibly appeal assessment. If you appeal the assessment, it is recommend to secure an attorney. Some members shared their experiences with the process they have gone through. Some assessments were lowered minimally, most stayed the same, and some even increased.

A member recommended that CPLA gets a group of members together to file an appeal. This would be a class action and we would need 100 properties involved.

PROA is working on shortening evictions to 10 days to get someone out of your property. Legislation is currently under consideration in Harrisburg. It was recommended that you give the process 11-12 days to appeal and not appeal exactly on the 10th day. A lot of appeals cross in the mail on that 10th day, causing more work on your end.

In regards to Rental Inspections in Altoona, no major problems have been found. We have been informed that the one inspector who repeatedly made additional appointments for a minor infraction (batteries, etc.) will not be making additional appointments for such minor items.

A member recommended that we have the Prothonotary office attend a meeting to discuss the eviction process. They have presented at a CPLA meeting last year. Information distributed at that meeting may be found online in the Members section of the CPLA website. (http://www.centralpalandlords.com/) If you have any questions, call their office (814-693-3080) and they will walk you through the process. Keep in mind that it is the Landlords obligation to follow through with the process. There are monies in the office that have not yet been claimed.

President Kitt distributed information about the Landlord Educational Workshop that will be held on Friday, November 2, 2016 at the Altoona Grand Hotel (See flyer in the Members section of the CPLA website.) CPLA is one of the proud sponsors, along with Operation Our Town and the Altoona Housing Authority.

A brief discussion incurred regarding Service Animals – seems to be on the rise and can become an issue. Highly recommended that you get documentation from a reliable source that a service animal is needed. Concerns in college housing and service animals are: other students with severe allergies to those types of pets and who is responsible if the pet scratches/bites another student?

It was noted by a member that the Mt. Lion Backpack is holding a bowling fundraiser on October 16, 2016 from 1-4PM. All members are urged to get involved.

A comment was made regarding the decrease in the college housing market need. There are a significant amount of vacancies.

President Kitt then introduced the guest speaker: Angela Gorzelsky, manager at the Johnstown Credit Bureau.

Angela discussed the services offered by the JCB: Credit Reports, Criminal Background Checks (a nationwide check), Tenant Database and Collections. All forms and fee costs are available in the Members section of the CPLA website.

All CPLA members are members of the JCB – fees are paid by CPLA.

As the JCB is a reseller for Experion, all Credit Reports must be secure. If you want to receive Credit Reports for prospective tenants, an inspection of your office must be completed. This is for both Home and Business offices. Residential Inspections occur annually at a fee of $75 per inspection; Commercial Inspections have a one-time inspection fee of $75.

Members are urged to submit information for entry into the Tenant Database. Both negative and positive remarks are needed. If submitting negative comments, be sure you have paperwork to back up the comment.

President Kitt urged members to keep a folder for each tenant. Put EVERYTHING in writing and keep a copy in the folder.

Section 8 Housing vouchers have gone up significantly in Blair County. It was noted by a member that Cambria County vouchers are much less than Blair County vouchers.

The CPLA Christmas Dinner will be held on December 9, 2016 at the Buccinese Club (same venue as last year: 614 8th Avenue, Altoona).

It was agreed upon by the members that future CPLA meetings will continue to be held at the Heidelberg Country Club (812 Frankstown Road, Altoona).

A motion to adjourn was made by Paul Davis, seconded by Lou Ann Beers. The meeting adjourned at 7:56PM.