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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09192001 CEB CITY OF SEBASTIAN CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 19, 2001 Chairwoman Barczyk called the meeting to order at 3:04 P.M. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Chmn. Barczyk Mr. Cosco Mr. Schofield VC Connelly Mr. Davis(a) Mr. Morozowski(a) UNEXCUSED ABSENCE: Mr. Neglia, Mr. Cavallo, and Mr. Kea ALSO PRESENT: Police Chief, Jim Davis Officer Hovasse, Alarm Administrator/Code Enforcement Officer Lt. Lockhart/Code Enforcement Rich Stringer, City Attorney Sally Maio, City Clerk/Code Enforcement Secretary Jeannette Williams, Assistant City Clerk Ann Brack, Recording Secretary Councilman Joe Barczyk APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOTION by VC Connelly/Davis(a) I'll move we accept the minutes of June 20, 2001, as printed. A voice vote was taken. 6 - 0, motion carried. Chairwoman Barczyk explained that this meeting is to discuss the organization of Code Enforcement and the role of the police officers in the Code Enforcement process. Chief Davis mentioned the Board's expectations of the Police Department, and the Police Department's expectations of the Board. He spoke of the citation process and everything resulting from that going before a judge. He noted that nothing from this process would come before this Board. He indicated that this is the easiest process. He continued with noting that some violations should come before this Board. VC Connelly commented that he didn't think there was any problem with the citation process. But he felt that this Board receives no input, but continues to see many violations around the City. He also noted that Board members seem to get the blame for various violations. CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF September 19, 2001 Chief Davis noted that anyone driving around the City can find violations. He indicated that at any given time, there are about sixty (60) open cases, which means that some of the visible violations are in the process of being corrected. Officer. Hovasse commented that one of his problems is some confusion between some of his responsibilities and those of the Building Department. He mentioned the burned out house on Englar Drive as one example, and noted that this confusion can slow down the process. Chief Davis mentioned receiving a letter about a drainage pipe and subsequent activities that have resulted in a flooding situation, and he doesn't know if this falls under Code Enforcement, Engineering, or Building Department. He made reference to the fact that there are only certain activities that the Code Enforcement Board can be involved in and his understanding was that the Board has no role in writing or amending the ordinances and making recommendations on changes. Board members informed Chief Davis that they very recently played a role in developing classifications for fines. Chairwoman Barczyk and VC Connelly commented that the Board does not feel that they are being utilized at present, and they cannot sit on any other Board. Chairwoman Barczyk asked if it would be possible for a Code Enforcement officer to take a Building Inspector on one of their trips around the City. Officer. Hovasse commented that he gets together with Phil Patnode from Engineering to determine issues at times, which helps. He also talks to George Bonacci, Building Official at times. Mr. Cosco, past Chairman of this Board, commented that this Board is on the books, but that's all. Chairwoman Barczyk noted that all Board members volunteered to serve, and if they are not being utilized, she didn't see any reason to keep the Board. Chief Davis indicated that the Ordinance provides the option of citation or Board hearings. He also indicated that some of the violations might be better served by the Board instead of before a judge, and as a last resort, a difficult case could be taken before a judge. In response to a question from VC Connelly, Atty. Stringer noted that a City is not required to have a Code Enforcement Board. (Mr. Davis(a) left the meeting at 3:20 P.M.) It was noted that at least eight Board members have adequate experience hearing cases on violations, and one member was present for a couple of alarm hearings. CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19,200'1 Chief Davis suggested a field trip for Board members to St. Lucie County Administration for an hour or two of their Board meetings. Lt. Lockhart commented that most of the cases are compliance cases - the people do comply and there are very few citations. Atty. Stringer commented that the only upgrade that he would suggest would be to videotape the violations. The field trip to St. Lucie County Code Enforcement Board hearing was again mentioned. Councilman Barczyk gave information on the types of cases that go before the Vero Beach Code Board. There was discussion about compliance time in some cases, and what type of cases could come before the Board. (Many voices speaking at once.) Mr. Connelly voiced his opinion that the Board should not be punitive, but should strive for compliance. Atty. Stringer explained the difficulty in calling for a special hearing meeting because of the noticing requirement. The subject of posting the property was discussed, and Atty. Stringer noted that if the property owner cannot be contacted within a reasonable amount of time, the property may be posted. Officer Hovasse informed the Board that under current procedures, once a property is placed under permanent lawn care by the City, until the owner takes over the property and manages it himself. This action creates a lien. (Many voices speaking at once.) There was discussion about when the other Code Enforcement officer, Susan Voyten, might return to work, and Chief Davis responded that it is unknown. Officer Hovasse noted that he does tree inspection, but when he encounters one that he cannot handle, he turns it over to the Building Official, George Bonacci. There was further discussion about the "field trip". Chairwoman Barczyk and Ken Cosco indicated they would like to participate, and a couple other members were unsure. All Board members will be notified for a complete response. The decision was made to attend a Board hearing in St. Lucie County, and when a final count of participants is determined, Chief Davis will set it up. There was discussion about the effect that the police uniform seems to have on residents. Susan had experienced non-compliance until Officer. Hovasse made a visit CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2001 and the parties came into compliance immediately. Other code violations were touched upon such as garbage and signage. Mr. Schofield (also a Police volunteer) mentioned the lack of house numbers and how important that these numbers are. Chief Davis summarized by noting that he can arrange for the field trip, and he has a case that can be sent to this Board for a meeting next month. He also indicated that an activity report can be furnished to Board members at the next meeting. Chief Davis also noted that in reference to the devastation in New York, they have more help than presently needed, but Sebastian has committed two (2) officers and one patrol car. There was more discussion on this situation. Chairwoman Barczyk suggested that this Board get together periodically in a workshop setting to discuss matters and get updates. Chairwoman Barczyk adjourned the meeting at 3:56 P.M. (9/27/01 AB)