|
Ludeman’s version expanded the inspection select to include
daycare centers and properties with one to four rental
units, visual first inspection, and then dust wipe first
inspections if necessary.
“There were amendments to the initial visual inspection. A
well-cared for property would likely pass a visual
inspection by the Health Department. A visual inspection
would not require a swipe inspection, and with a heavy push
on education we can find middle ground. This version is
simple and straight forward,” explained Ludeman.
An Ohio State University study estimates more than 3,400
Toledo children under the age of six have high levels of
lead. The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department tested
children over a period of weeks, and results indicated that
19 of those children have blood-lead levels of greater than
10 micrograms per deciliter. Results indicate lead poisoning
that can cause serious neurological and behavioral
disorders, and often irreversible.
The forum included an opportunity for comments from the
audience, over 20 individuals, mostly against Syke’s
amendment spoke. An Old West End tenant, who only wanted to
be referred to as “Jim,” accused Toledo City Council and the
Health Department of bullying their way into his home.
“Let’s talk about bullying. Where are my constitutional
rights to deny you entry into my home? Yes, I rent, but
that’s my home. Where would I go during this testing? Where
would I go if my rent increases? Can I decline the
inspection as a tenant? This amendment is laughable, where
is my protection from you?”
A registration of lead-safe, certified lead-safe rental
locations in Toledo would be available to the public. The
“lead-safe certificate” is required with a $45 filing fee.
Compliance with the certificate requires passing a visual
inspection, collection and testing of dust wipes or if owner
is able to owner is safety able to control lead risk. The
lead-safe certificate would need renewing every four years
for properties that need lead-risk controlling or 20 years
for properties that successfully completed lead abatement
procedures.
City Council voted 10-0 to pass the Sykes’ version the day
after the forum and the ordinance will take effect in one
year.
|
