Jeannette gives first OK to rental ordinance

Jeannette council preliminarily approved on Wednesday a much-awaited proposed ordinance that would govern rental properties.

The vote was unanimous.

The ordinance, which could be officially approved next month, will put the city's manager in charge of keeping records and issuing permits to landlords.

The fire chief and a part-time code enforcement officer would conduct inspections of rental units biennially and upon a change in tenancy.

The proposed ordinance was introduced in March when council approved a first reading of the document. In April, a majority of council rejected the ordinance and solicitor Scott Avolio rewrote it, based on concerns presented at public meetings.

Other regulations outlined in the proposed ordinance include: a local manager living within 25 miles of Jeannette; information about tenants; notification to the city in the event of a change in tenants; and tenants must be provided with a recent code inspection report.

Violations would be considered a summary offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or 30 days in jail.

Council also unanimously approved an employment agreement with city manager Mike Nestico, who was hired last month. His salary will be $56,000, according to Avolio.

The contract will run through 2016, Avolio said.

Council approved Nestico's resignation from the city treasurer post. Letters of interest for people wishing to take over the position are being sought and council could appoint someone later this month.

Renatta Signorini is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-837-5374 or rsignorini@tribweb.com.