When all the

dust had settled, The Union City Council decided not to implement rental

property inspections.

The council

tackled the controversial issue during this week's meeting. The issue

has evoked spirited debate across the country and has resulted in numerous

lawsuits from those on both sides of the issue.

The debate

between Council members closely mimicked the ongoing lines of debate in

other cities privacy rights versus the rights of the government to ensure

decent and safe housing.

Mayor Ralph

Moore came down firmly in favor of the inspection of rental properties.

Noting the increasingly transient nature of the community and the "substantial

inventory of older homes," he said, "It is incumbent upon this

board to protect assets."

He urged the

council to look on inspections not as "a form of hassle, but a form

of preserving the community and ensuring that we have safe and affordable

housing."

Council member

Shirley Jackson voiced strong objection to rental inspections. Stating

she felt the inspections would "discriminate against those who rent,"

she said, "I don't think we have slum lords."

Jackson also

noted that the cost of inspections would potentially increase the price

of rents.

Council members

batted concerns and questions regarding privacy rights of tenants, government

intrusion, the issue of discrimination between rental properties and homeowners

and the effect of poorly kept rental properties on the property value

of neighboring homes.

After considerable

debate and numerous questions regarding specifics, the council voted not

to implement inspection of rental properties.

In other actions,

the City Council voted to approve a four-way stop at the intersection

of Highpoint Road and Ravenwood Road; approve a three-way stop at the

intersection of Lower Dixie Lake Road and Deer Lane at Deer Creek subdivision;

and to approve an application from Dr. Velvet McDonald to move three buildings

into the City.

The City Council

approved the rezoning of 0.66 acres on Watson Street from general commercial

to residential single-family.

The C.U.P.

Moratorium was extended for an additional 45 days and financing through

the Georgia Municipal Association for the new public safety sub-station

was approved.