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Post by lisas84 on Apr 18, 2008 12:55:19 GMT -5
Below is a press release announcing this forum.
Human Relations Committee Hosts Rental Property/Code Enforcement Forum
Freehold Borough, NJ – The Reverend Frederick Parrish, pastor of Beth-AME Church and chairman of the Human Relations Committee, has announced that the committee will hold its first ever Rental Property/Code Enforcement Forum for borough landlords and tenants to help them understand their rights and responsibilities of renting in the municipality. The forum will be held on Tuesday May 6th at 6:30 pm at Borough Hall, 51 West Main Street.
The forum is the culmination of one of 14 recommendations put forth by The Rental Property Advisory Committee, a group formed solely to guide and implement reasonable controls of the approximate 1,900 rental properties in Freehold Borough and to address specific landlord-tenant issues that have arisen in the municipality.
Subjects to be covered include proper registration procedures for landlords and tenants, the role of code enforcement and what to expect during property inspections, as well as how and why summons are issued and what to do when a summons is issued.
Featured speakers at the forum include Hank Stryker, construction and code enforcement official for Freehold Borough; Councilman Sims, Kathy Sheedy, municipal prosecutor for the borough, and Kerry Higgins, Freehold Borough attorney.
Additionally, there will be several English-to-Spanish translators from Monmouth-Ocean Legal Services.
For more information, please contact HRC chairman Reverend Frederick Parrish at (732) 363 3930.
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Post by novillero on Apr 18, 2008 13:13:00 GMT -5
This should be distributed to the Rug Mill, other apartment complexes in town and to the Spanish Newspapers (probably re-written for those papers) - for full effect and maximum attendance.
And if true turnout is what is really wanted, a volunteer (or 2 or 3 or 4) could get the master list of renters and walk notices from door to door (rewritten to appear less like a formal press release and more like an invitation for something that people would like to attend). THat sounds like a good job for them there advocates.
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Post by lisas84 on Apr 18, 2008 13:46:24 GMT -5
Novillero,
Your thoughtful contributions are very appreciated. Thank you so much for the wonderful ideas you posted above.
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Post by stffgpr2003 on Apr 21, 2008 15:33:09 GMT -5
Please be advised that this forum is mainly geared to the landlord and tenant rental relationship.
The above is separate from another forum that is being geared to our entire homeowner community and will educate everyone on the workings of the code enforcement department and municipal court. No date has been set for this one, as of yet.
I just don't want to confuse anyone by thinking the varying subject matter is being lumped together, though there inevitably will be some information overlap.
Thank you.
Marc
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Post by admin on Apr 21, 2008 16:05:18 GMT -5
Please be advised that this forum is mainly geared to the landlord and tenant rental relationship. The above is separate from another forum that is being geared to our entire homeowner community and will educate everyone on the workings of the code enforcement department and municipal court. No date has been set for this one, as of yet. I just don't want to confuse anyone by thinking the varying subject matter is being lumped together, though there inevitably will be some information overlap. Thank you. Marc Thanks for the heads up, Marc. It is good to know and I am confident that the HRC will do a very good job with this. I will also add this to the calendar. |
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Post by novillero on Apr 22, 2008 9:15:39 GMT -5
Please be advised that this forum is mainly geared to the landlord and tenant rental relationship. The above is separate from another forum that is being geared to our entire homeowner community and will educate everyone on the workings of the code enforcement department and municipal court. No date has been set for this one, as of yet. I just don't want to confuse anyone by thinking the varying subject matter is being lumped together, though there inevitably will be some information overlap. Thank you. Marc Marc, just curious... are you aware of any involvement by the LLA or Casa Freehold to reach out to the hispanic tenents? Perhaps church bulletins may assist. I think it is a good thing to empower the latino community to help it ensure that they are not being taken advantage of, and empower them to have better living standards. The fear is that many might be ignorant of their rights, or afraid to assert themselves. But if they know things should be better,and can get better, then there will be no excuses for quality of life problems eminating from our latino neighbors. |
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Post by quidproquo on Apr 22, 2008 11:22:36 GMT -5
7 of 1900 teneants will show up.
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Post by stffgpr2003 on Apr 22, 2008 11:33:45 GMT -5
The HRC is organizing the forum, so there are many outreaches being made into the landlord and tenant communities, which include our immigrant population.
Since these forums will be of benefit to all landlords and tenants, everyone is hopeful that the turnout will be impressive.
And you are absolutely correct. The forums are intended to help educate everyone about - BOTH - fairness, responsibility and cooperation within the landlord and tenant relationship. Resulting from these efforts should be a reduction in overall complaints and violations and improvement with regard to compliance and safety issues.
Along with education comes enforcement, so everyone involved in a rental relationship should attend or contact Borough Hall to learn what their responsibilities and rights are.
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Post by admin on Apr 29, 2008 5:21:02 GMT -5
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Post by admin on May 6, 2008 8:53:13 GMT -5
Just a bump and reminder that this forum is tonight. I encourage all residents to go to this meeting to show support for the the forum and the HRC who is hosting it.
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Post by lisas84 on May 6, 2008 10:41:52 GMT -5
I worked with the folks to create the press release so I can confidently assert that this forum is for educational value; it is not a rally or complaint fest.
If you feel you have any legitimate concerns regarding any level of responsibility for either or both landlords and tenants, it will behoove you to voice them at the appropriate time and in a non-combative manner.
Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
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Post by novillero on May 6, 2008 11:03:26 GMT -5
Hope it goes well, but I am concerned about the attendance. I hope it is not as quidproquo estimated, but I have a funny feeling he may be right. Lisa, will you be attending? Brian?
If so, please report back with how the event went, attendance, demographics of attendees (incl. spanish speaking, landlords, interested parties who are not a landlord or tenant, etc.)
Pre-Forum, any word as to how well this went over with the hispanic community? Is any turnout expected? I would think that this is an integral part of changing the quality of life complaints - empowerment of those who are in the best position to change landlord abuse and negligence.
The forum tonight has:
(1) the person who will bust you - Hank Stryker;
(2) the person who drafted the municipal ordinances and who is knowledgable of state laws - Kerry Higgins;
(3) the person who will prosecute you - Kathy Sheedy, and
(4) a translator.
Seems like if there were questions, an answer should be readily availably.
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Post by admin on May 6, 2008 11:12:50 GMT -5
I will be there taking notes. I belive we will see a few people there. The best case would be for a really good mixture of our town to show up. We need to see a good, productive, community forum. I have confidence that we will.
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Post by stffgpr2003 on May 6, 2008 11:13:41 GMT -5
I am hoping that tonight's Landlord/Tenant forum will be a great success and that it will be repeated on a regular basis.
The purpose of tonight's seminar is to bring Landlords and Tenants up to date on their rights and responsibilities to one another other, as well as with those of their neighbors and the town. Safety will play a big role in tonight's presentation, because each and every rental arrangement must take this into account. It is also expected that everyone in attendance will leave the room with a comprehensive understanding and respect for the penalties associated with noncompliance of federal/state housing laws and related Borough Ordinances.
Please remember that tonight's forum is only "part one" of the RPAC committee recommended meetings involving our town's code enforcement department. In the near future, a separate date will be announced for another meeting geared to the public's general understanding of code enforcement and the workings of our municipal court. That one will go much further than rental property compliance to address all around neighborhood property code compliance, not just those involving tenants and landlords. So, please be sure you are attending the right meeting for your appropriate interests.
I am pointing this out because I want the hard work of the Rental Property Advisory Committee, the HRC and code enforcement to be respected by recommending that the public realize that there are to be two separate seminars with totally different agendas. This is very important to understand.
The presenters and attendees must remain on topic so that everyone in attendance leaves each session with lots of relevant information and that everyone have a positive experience learning about what they need to be doing to keep everybody safe and in compliance with our laws/ordinances. I am asking everyone to respect the format (of each forum) and help keep things on track to maximize the benefits of tonight's focus.
On behalf of the RPAC, I want to thank the HRC for planning this terrific presentation. Let's make sure it is a success and is frequently repeated for future tenants and landlords to benefit from.
Thanks,
Marc
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on May 6, 2008 12:24:58 GMT -5
I worked with the folks to create the press release so I can confidently assert that this forum is for educational value; it is not a rally or complaint fest. If you feel you have any legitimate concerns regarding any level of responsibility for either or both landlords and tenants, it will behoove you to voice them at the appropriate time and in a non-combative manner. Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. A fitting response...Thanks Brian PS the reason I am asking only for FB resident input is because, like illegal immigration, it is easy to live elsewhere and comment that things are not bad. Lisa...,Thank you for working with folks. What gives a none resident non-home owner-investor the right to tell people what and when to speak...please Lisa, your a lovely, enchanting sweet person who only wants whats best but....I never heard Kelsy tell Adult Residents to shut up and listen...(Translation of from your post). If Brian posted your "appropriate time" comments I would respect (not agree with) that OPINION because he invested in a home, and he LIVES HERE! Just say "malcontents" not welcomed. Many people are discontented with the quality of life that has been imposed on them. When these people speak they will be passionate, frustrated voices. They will sound "combative" or like "complainers" to the owners of the ears that deny their truths. There are people who LIVE in the Borough, rely on the municipal services like SCHOOLS, Policing, Fire protection, Sanitation Pick up, Water and Sewer utilities, who invested in home ownership and so on. So until you LIVE here, you can not speak for them! Boro residents are entitled to speak what they feel. Whether you are a committee volunteer, or on the municipal payroll, you have "elected" to be in the role of a public servant. If Public servants do not LISTEN to the public, who are they serving. Honestly, if people feel this is an opportunity to complain, when else would you suggest, (if you were a resident). I cant wait to get educated tonight! ***Unless you have JUST moved into Freehold Borough, I will apologize for and remove this post..... |
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Post by lisas84 on May 6, 2008 12:37:17 GMT -5
Now, now, Fiber. Please understand that the crux of my point is solely about appropriate BEHAVIOR. About MATURITY in dealing with issues and in expressing one's concerns in a public forum wherein solutions can be galvanized.
Very basically, if you want to accomplish something, put it forth in a way that is constructive, not destructive.
You're a dad, I am sure you are teaching your children how to behave properly.
Resorting to the soil upon which I reside is missing the point.
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on May 6, 2008 12:52:03 GMT -5
Now, Now Lisa So now a non-residents needs to lecture residents on our BEHAVIOR and MATURITY? As to what I teach my children...., how about to stand up for themselves, to stand up for whats rights, stand against whats wrong, and how not to be victims of BS! I know a number of people who are put off by being told to dummy up and listen up. I think you should just let this go...you delete your posts and I'll delete mine. Now, now, Fiber. Please understand that the crux of my point is solely about appropriate BEHAVIOR. About MATURITY in dealing with issues and in expressing one's concerns in a public forum wherein solutions can be galvanized. Very basically, if you want to accomplish something, put it forth in a way that is constructive, not destructive. You're a dad, I am sure you are teaching your children how to behave properly. Resorting to the soil upon which I reside is missing the point. |
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Post by lisas84 on May 6, 2008 13:10:57 GMT -5
Quite simply, the message in my post was about empowerment. You achieve more with a mature and constructive attitude than you do with a destructive and combative attitude.
I am not sure who the "victims" are in my posts that you allude to. Being a victim is a personal choice.
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Post by novillero on May 6, 2008 13:24:38 GMT -5
I worked with the folks to create the press release so I can confidently assert that this forum is for educational value; it is not a rally or complaint fest. If you feel you have any legitimate concerns regarding any level of responsibility for either or both landlords and tenants, it will behoove you to voice them at the appropriate time and in a non-combative manner. Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. A fitting response...Thanks Brian PS the reason I am asking only for FB resident input is because, like illegal immigration, it is easy to live elsewhere and comment that things are not bad. Lisa...,Thank you for working with folks. What gives a none resident non-home owner-investor the right to tell people what and when to speak...please Lisa, your a lovely, enchanting sweet person who only wants whats best but....I never heard Kelsy tell Adult Residents to shut up and listen...(Translation of from your post). If Brian posted your "appropriate time" comments I would respect (not agree with) that OPINION because he invested in a home, and he LIVES HERE! Just say "malcontents" not welcomed. Many people are discontented with the quality of life that has been imposed on them. When these people speak they will be passionate, frustrated voices. They will sound "combative" or like "complainers" to the owners of the ears that deny their truths. There are people who LIVE in the Borough, rely on the municipal services like SCHOOLS, Policing, Fire protection, Sanitation Pick up, Water and Sewer utilities, who invested in home ownership and so on. So until you LIVE here, you can not speak for them! Boro residents are entitled to speak what they feel. Whether you are a committee volunteer, or on the municipal payroll, you have "elected" to be in the role of a public servant. If Public servants do not LISTEN to the public, who are they serving. Honestly, if people feel this is an opportunity to complain, when else would you suggest, (if you were a resident). I cant wait to get educated tonight! ***Unless you have JUST moved into Freehold Borough, I will apologize for and remove this post..... |
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Post by novillero on May 6, 2008 13:24:50 GMT -5
Now, now, Fiber. Please understand that the crux of my point is solely about appropriate BEHAVIOR. About MATURITY in dealing with issues and in expressing one's concerns in a public forum wherein solutions can be galvanized. Very basically, if you want to accomplish something, put it forth in a way that is constructive, not destructive. You're a dad, I am sure you are teaching your children how to behave properly. Resorting to the soil upon which I reside is missing the point. |
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Post by novillero on May 6, 2008 13:25:22 GMT -5
Now, Now Lisa So now a non-residents needs to lecture residents on our BEHAVIOR and MATURITY? As to what I teach my children...., how about to stand up for themselves, to stand up for whats rights, stand against whats wrong, and how not to be victims of BS! I know a number of people who are put off by being told to dummy up and listen up. I think you should just let this go...you delete your posts and I'll delete mine. Now, now, Fiber. Please understand that the crux of my point is solely about appropriate BEHAVIOR. About MATURITY in dealing with issues and in expressing one's concerns in a public forum wherein solutions can be galvanized. Very basically, if you want to accomplish something, put it forth in a way that is constructive, not destructive. You're a dad, I am sure you are teaching your children how to behave properly. Resorting to the soil upon which I reside is missing the point. |
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Post by novillero on May 6, 2008 13:25:36 GMT -5
Quite simply, the message in my post was about empowerment. You achieve more with a mature and constructive attitude than you do with a destructive and combative attitude. I am not sure who the "victims" are in my posts that you allude to. Being a victim is a personal choice. |
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Post by novillero on May 6, 2008 13:27:21 GMT -5
ahhh, I love a good, dumb fight over nothing.
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Post by stffgpr2003 on May 6, 2008 13:47:10 GMT -5
Lisa, few people work as hard for our town, as you do - resident or not! Many good people admire your positive, can do attitude and I, for one, will never let anyone diminish your quality as a caring, brilliant and wonderful person. Ted has often traveled in the same circles with you and he knows this. That is why I'm very surprised he would want to hurt your feelings. Anyone want to attack me for being loyal to my friends and for defending people I respect and care about? Go right ahead.
As for tonight...I strongly suggest that no one try and steal the meeting away from those it is designed to benefit - LANDLORDS AND TENANTS!! It will be awfully counterproductive to the hard work of the several fine residents on the RPAC, who recommended this meeting format. And, the attendees will go home without the required knowledge they need to become better neighbors to us all. And...to whose greatest disadvantage would that be?
The general public forum we will have for code enforcement, soon, is better suited to discussing neighborhood complaints on a greater range of code topics, though at that meeting, civility will be still the order of the day.
I've planned and run many business and organizational meetings over the years. Here's what I learned - bad meetings are often not repeated.
Marc
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on May 6, 2008 14:26:36 GMT -5
OK so if attendees express disagreement or complain, there will be no future meetings.... Lisa, few people work as hard for our town, as you do - resident or not! Many good people admire your positive, can do attitude and I, for one, will never let anyone diminish your quality as a caring, brilliant and wonderful person. Ted has often traveled in the same circles with you and he knows this. That is why I'm very surprised he would want to hurt your feelings. Anyone want to attack me for being loyal to my friends and for defending people I respect and care about? Go right ahead. As for tonight...I strongly suggest that no one try and steal the meeting away from those it is designed to benefit - LANDLORDS AND TENANTS!! It will be awfully counterproductive to the hard work of the several fine residents on the RPAC, who recommended this meeting format. And, the attendees will go home without the required knowledge they need to become better neighbors to us all. And...to whose greatest disadvantage would that be? The general public forum we will have for code enforcement, soon, is better suited to discussing neighborhood complaints on a greater range of code topics, though at that meeting, civility will be still the order of the day. I've planned and run many business and organizational meetings over the years. Here's what I learned - bad meetings are often not repeated. Marc |
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Post by novillero on May 6, 2008 14:39:18 GMT -5
OK so if attendees express disagreement or complain, there will be no future meetings.... Lisa, few people work as hard for our town, as you do - resident or not! Many good people admire your positive, can do attitude and I, for one, will never let anyone diminish your quality as a caring, brilliant and wonderful person. Ted has often traveled in the same circles with you and he knows this. That is why I'm very surprised he would want to hurt your feelings. Anyone want to attack me for being loyal to my friends and for defending people I respect and care about? Go right ahead. As for tonight...I strongly suggest that no one try and steal the meeting away from those it is designed to benefit - LANDLORDS AND TENANTS!! It will be awfully counterproductive to the hard work of the several fine residents on the RPAC, who recommended this meeting format. And, the attendees will go home without the required knowledge they need to become better neighbors to us all. And...to whose greatest disadvantage would that be? The general public forum we will have for code enforcement, soon, is better suited to discussing neighborhood complaints on a greater range of code topics, though at that meeting, civility will be still the order of the day. I've planned and run many business and organizational meetings over the years. Here's what I learned - bad meetings are often not repeated. Marc c'mon, even I refuse to read that much into the thread. Just go as you planned and feel it out. We are making too much on this one. We all need to save our energy for bigger and better things. |
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Post by richardkelsey on May 6, 2008 14:56:32 GMT -5
Well -- this thing sure got heated since I last checked in.
Good news. I won't be there telling anyone anything! LOL
It's a public meeting -- and people should conduct themselves with maturity, professionalism, respect, and civility. That does not mean they cannot thoughtfully, intelligently, even passionately, express a view.
As an outsider -- I have said repeatedly -- the Borough ought to restrict public comment in Borough meetings and committees to Borough residents and property owners. (New Jersey state law may prevent that -- I don't know. But we do it in Virginia, so it is not a Federal Constitutional issue)
Such procedures would probably really help the Borough reduce the nonsense that often happens at staged meetings when outside agitators come in. Again, I might be all wet on that -- as the State with "local control" probably allows no such control.
Well -- the pre-game chatter seems interesting, I will be interested to read the post game tomorrow.
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Post by admin on May 6, 2008 14:56:54 GMT -5
OK so if attendees express disagreement or complain, there will be no future meetings.... c'mon, even I refuse to read that much into the thread. Just go as you planned and feel it out. We are making too much on this one. We all need to save our energy for bigger and better things. Bingo! novillero gets the sanity award for today. The HRC should be commended for putting this together. We have also heard that there will be a follow up session to continue addressing more of the rental issues. Tonight should be a good night. Anything that plays a role in educating people is a win/win situation. This thread is actually a continuation of discussions I had off line today. It is all really simple, there are a lot of ticked off people in this town. None of them should be shy in attending, participating and learning. But, as Lisa rightfully has highlighted, there is a right way and a wrong way. Being civil and respectful is the way to go. It is very possible for mature adults to express themselves in a sane fashion. With the above said, I have no reason to believe that there will be any mob mentality tonight. I know a number of people who may be going and they are all upstanding citizens. |
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Post by richardkelsey on May 6, 2008 15:04:38 GMT -5
Marc said:
Hopefully, a few minutes will be spent letting Landlords know that it is a Federal Felony, under 8 USC 1324(a) to provide shelter to an illegal alien or to knowingly, or in disregard of the facts, induce an illegal alien to enter or stay in the United States -- which case law indicates includes providing housing and shelter to illegal aliens. (As long as someone is covering federal law -- might as well through that one in.)
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Post by stffgpr2003 on May 6, 2008 15:05:21 GMT -5
Thanks, Novellero...you are a true caballero!  I think this will be a productive forum that, I'm sure, will have to be tweaked and perfected a little more each time, out of the box. It is intended to help to improve the rental situation, not to hinder it (improving it). I have another meeting at 7 pm, but I am going to be there at 6:30 and stay as long as I can. I'm sure the planners, will be very interested in hearing the attendee's ideas on how the forum might be further improved, after the meeting. Same goes for the general code enforcement forum, still yet to come. Hope to see many of you there tonight...even if your screen names make it dificult to figure out who you are. LOL! Marc |
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