A local landlords group will continue meeting, with new leadership elected Thursday night.
Ed Frey, a Hornell landlord, was unanimously elected president of the Steuben County Landlord’s Association, with David Lewis named vice president and Martha Hadley tapped as secretary-treasurer. Current communications officer Dolly Rawleigh will remain at her post.
The change in leadership followed Lewis’ announcement this month he was stepping down from the association’s presidency after five years. Lewis said if new leadership did not come forward, the group could fold by the end of the year.
Thursday’s meeting was sparsely attended, with less than a dozen members present.
But those attending the meeting praised Lewis’ untiring efforts on behalf of the group and were determined the association would continue.
Bath Village Police Chief David Rouse also attended to urge the group to remain active.
Rouse credited SCLA for a decline in crime in the village, particularly a drop in drug arrests.
“I can tell you it worked,” Rouse said, adding his department conducted more than 300 background checks in 2009.
The background checks were one of the first initiatives of SCLA, as a direct response to an increase of drug sales and crack houses in the village.
“All the crack houses operating at the time were in rental units,” Rouse said.
Since 2005, village police have conducted nearly 1,200 background checks.
The association members also have access to a database about renters’ histories, information on lease options, ways to cut insurance costs and conduct credit checks.
Landlord Bill Tobin said SCLA has been a great asset to him and to his tenants.
“I tell them ‘You are going to have as good neighbors as I can get you,’” he said.
The SCLA board agreed to hold meetings every two months, instead of the current monthly schedule.
Frey said the meetings will focus on landlords sharing information.
“I’m not going to stand up and talk,” Frey said. “We’re going to have more discussions. We’re going to communicate on a topic with other members. I’m here to learn.”
Possible guest speakers in 2010 include municipal justices, legal aid representatives and a tax preparer.
