Number
201197
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
200001
Sponsor
ALD. COGGS, DIMITRIJEVIC, LEWIS
Title
Resolution directing the Health Department to collaborate with the Department of Administration on developing a voluntary Lead-Safe Registry initiative for Milwaukee property owners.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Health Department to collaborate with the Department of Administration on developing a voluntary Lead-Safe Registry initiative for Milwaukee property owners.
Body
Whereas, The 2021 City Budget was adopted by Common Council File Number 200001 on November 24, 2020; and
Whereas, Amendment 26 to the 2021 Budget placed a footnote in the Budget stating, “The Health Department shall collaborate with the Department of Administration on developing a voluntary Lead Safe Registry initiative for city property owners”; and
Whereas, On July 7, 2020, the Common Council passed File Number 200321, which directs the Department of Administration - Intergovernmental Relations Division to seek introduction and passage of legislation that would permit the City of Milwaukee to create a program certifying that properties are lead-safe before they are rented to the public; and
Whereas, Many properties rented for residential use in Milwaukee are believed to have significant lead-poisoning hazards which can be contained or abated by regular and conscientious maintenance; and
Whereas, The regular and conscientious property maintenance needed to contain or abate lead-poisoning hazards ensures the value of these properties and surrounding neighborhoods, improving the quality of life for residents; and
Whereas, Lead-poisoning hazards can pose a serious risk to the health and safety of persons living in rental housing which is often not realized by the residents; and
Whereas, A person renting and living in a residential property has a right to presume the property being rented is a healthy and safe environment, free from risk of sickness or injury; and
Whereas, It is in the public health interest of the City to protect the health and safety of residents renting and living in residential rental properties by creating a Lead-Safe Registry that provides prospective renters and homebuyers with details related to a property’s lead situation; and
Whereas, Participation in Lead-Safe Registry would be voluntary, rather than compulsory; and
Whereas, The State of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services operates a Lead-Free/Lead-Safe Registry, which is a listing of housing and child-occupied facilities such as day cares, that meet lead-free or lead-safe property standards; now, therefore be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Health Department shall collaborate with the Department of Administration on developing a voluntary Lead-Safe Registry initiative for Milwaukee property owners; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Health Department shall update the Common Council on the Lead-Safe Registry initiative within 90 days of adoption of this resolution.
Requestor
Drafter
Alex Highley
LRB176470-1
12/8/2020