[Adopted 9-10-2003 by L.L. No. 6-2003]
The purpose of this article is to advise, counsel, mediate problems and disputes, and to improve relations between landlords and tenants.
The Village Board of Trustees of the Village of New Paltz hereby creates a council, which shall be known as the “Village of New Paltz Landlord-Tenant Relations Council,” hereinafter called the “Council.”
[Amended 1-25-2012 by L.L. No. 1-2012]
The Council shall consist of seven members, who shall be appointed by the Mayor subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees and who shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and the Village Board of Trustees. Three of such members shall represent landlord interests, three shall represent tenant interests, and the seventh shall be an impartial appointee. Persons representing tenant interests, as well as the impartial appointee, must reside within the Village of New Paltz. Persons representing landlord interests must either reside within the Village of New Paltz, or reside within the Town of New Paltz, but own property within the Village of New Paltz. Persons who meet the membership criteria and who are interested in the improvement and stabilization of relations between property owners and their residential tenants shall be eligible for appointment as member of the Council. The first three members appointed shall hold office for a term of one year, and the second four appointees shall hold office for a term of two years. The successors of all seven appointees shall be appointed for full terms of two years. Vacancies on the Council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, except that a vacancy occurring other than by the expiration of the term of office shall be filled only for the remainder of the unexpired term. The Village Board of Trustees shall have the authority to remove any member of the Council so appointed for cause, after a public hearing, if requested by the affected member.
A. 
Officers. The Chairman of the Council shall be designated by the Village Board of Trustees from the members so appointed to the Council. All other officer positions necessary for the welfare and efficiency of the Council shall be determined by the members and elected from said members by the members.
B. 
Meetings. The Council shall meet on a monthly basis at a day and time of the week to be determined by the Council at the commencement meeting. Special meetings shall be called by the Chairman or the Village Board of Trustees as needed.
The powers and duties of the Council shall be to:
A. 
Conduct research into community housing issues;
B. 
Formulate programs to improve landlord-tenant relations;
C. 
Accumulate statistical information on available housing accommodations;
D. 
Counsel the Board of Trustees on landlord-tenant issues, problems, and disputes and recommend programs for the solution of the same;
E. 
Resolve problems and disputes between landlords and tenants through mediation and/or discussion at meetings of the Council.
The Council shall submit an annual report to the Village Board of Trustees not later than the first day of April of each year, commencing in 2004, concerning the activities and work of the Council and from time to time shall submit such reports and recommendations as may be necessary to fulfill the purposes of this article.
The members of the Council shall receive no compensation for their services as members thereof, but may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties within the appropriations made therefor.