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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 11 18 Code Enforcement Board Regular Minutes MINUTES CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD NOVEMBER 18, 1997 - REGULAR MEETING 1. Call to Order. Pled2e of Alle2iance The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 1997, by Vice- Chairperson Lurene Lyzen in the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida). The Pledge of Allegiance followed. 2. Roll Call Ken Haines, Chairman, absent Bob Gray, present Anne Schneider, present Marc Clinch, present Kitty Reilly, present Lurene Lyzen, present Joanne Krebs, present Also Present Charles C. Carrington, AICP, Community Development Director Don LeBlanc, Interim Code Enforcement Director Deputy Chief Robert A. Pieper, Winter Springs Police Department 3. Approval of the October 21. 1997 Re2ular Meetin2 Minutes Motion by Reilly, and second by Krebs. Motion passed. 4. Introduction to the Interim Code Enforcement Director. Don LeBlanc and his supervisor. Charles C. Carrin2ton. Community Development Director Don LeBlanc introduced himself as the Interim Code Enforcement Director, and then he introduced his supervisor, Charles C. Carrington, AICP, Community Development Director. Mr. LeBlanc then explained the current status of the City's Code Enforcement Department. He began by saying that by December 1 st, we should have the new Inspector hired, with the possibility of hiring a second Inspector at some point in the future. Mr. LeBlanc next spoke about the length of time that a "Relief Order" was valid for and he gave an example of 91 Lombardy Road, and stated that the Relief Order in this case had been issued in 1991. There was brief discussion on this subject. MINUTES CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD NOVEMBER 18, 1997 - REGULAR MEETING PAGE 2 OF 4 Mr. LeBlanc also mentioned that he had just found out that cover letters were not sent with written warnings (via Certified Mail). He stated that he would like cover letters being utilized in the future. Kitty Reilly asked Mr. LeBlanc if the department would still be sending out the same computer generated reports as in the past? Mr. LeBlanc stated that "If a violation has been reported and corrected, I personally see no reason why you should have that information, unless it's a recurring violation and we bring it to you. I think what you should really look at, is exactly what we're going to meet about - to enforce the code if it can't be corrected. But, that's up to the Board". Bob Gray said to Mr. LeBlanc, that it seemed as if everything had come to a stop, that he was sure AI White had a staff, and wasn't this staff continuing the same procedures, even after he had left. Mr. Carrington explained that presently we were in a transition phase and that the Code Enforcement Department was in the process of being moved from the Police Department to the newly established Community Development Department. Mr. Carrington clarified that the Department did have a secretary who was still working in the same capacity. He also noted that both he and Mr. LeBlanc had been out on Code Enforcement related calls; in fact, they had just filed a lien on a property that AI White had previously taken Code Enforcement action upon. Mr. Carrington also stated that they had been in contact with P.E.I. Homes regarding recent Code Enforcement action, and he said to the Board, "No, I would not say that things are in a hiatus" . Mr. Carrington further added that some job descriptions had recently been re-written, and that Don LeBlanc had been designated as the Interim Code Inspector by the City Manager. He added that the City had hoped to hire a new Code Enforcement Specialist within the next ten (10) days. Mr. Carrington also stated that a new "Environmentalist" or "Forester" position had also been approved, and that this position (in the future) would be able to assist by working closely with the Arbor ordinance and other related issues. Mr. Carrington further explained that "The reason we wanted to get with you tonight, is that...for several reasons. One, it's the Manager's intent, as I understand it to gradually phase out the Police Department, and Captain Pieper was gracious enough to show up tonight, even though this is an informal discussion with you all about procedures, but he's been very cooperative in helping us understand the process that AI White followed, and that you all had followed in the past". The Board was asked by Mr. Carrington if they had any suggestions for changes, and if the Board was comfortable with the way the procedures have worked in the past. The Director, Mr. Carrington said that "We're here to answer your questions, and to tell you that we want to work with you, that we recognize the importance of Code Enforcement, and most of all, we recognize the contribution you all make and the importance of this Board; and certainly you'll have my cooperation, and I'm confident that you'll have Don's cooperation" . MINUTES CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD NOVEMBER 18, 1997 - REGULAR MEETING PAGE 3 OF 4 There was further discussion as to the continued involvement of the Police Department; computerized case reports; ongoing compliance of cases; the current Code Enforcement situation involving P.E.I. Homes; and the search for the new Code Enforcement Specialist. Marc Clinch commented about the training of the new Code Enforcement Specialist and asked, "Is there some type of minimum standard operating procedure that's been established in the past to pass on to this new Code Enforcement Specialist? What is the plan"? Mr. LeBlanc and Deputy Chief Pieper both spoke on this issue. Deputy Chief Pieper explained that "AI's credentials and ability came through an organization called F.A.C.E. _ the Florida Association of Code Enforcers, and I'm sure that just as AI was a member ofF.A.C.E., I'm sure that the City's plan is to seek somebody that either currently has or will obtain the different levels of certification that F.A.C.E. offers through particular training and instruction that they give". Deputy Chief Pieper further elaborated - "You're going to be satisfied with whoever you get, because the code is not going to change, it's simply going to be the inspector". There was further discussion as to the involvement of the Police Department, the actual enforcement of the Code, and the status of the computer generated reports. Some Board members commented on how they liked receiving these reports as they leant credibility to the process. Mr. Carrington said that he did plan to continue having the reports generated, and that he would ask Vivian (Gould) to continue generating that type of data for the Board, until the Board decided otherwise. There was continued discussion about why AI White left the City and Mr. Carrington explained about his departure and his new position. Joanne Krebs asked if the Board could organize a workshop on issuing "relief orders". Mr. Carrington and Mr. LeBlanc also wanted to be involved, and they asked if the Board would wait until the new Code Enforcement Specialist was on board, so that the new employee could be included also. After some discussion, the Board decided to wait until the holidays were over before setting up this workshop. There was discussion on the City's Codes, with emphasis on the Code that pertains to the number/kinds of pets allowed at each residence. Mr. LeBlanc reminded the Board that they could set aside some time at the end of a "regular" meeting, or they could hold a "special" meeting to make any changes, if they so desired. Anne Schneider mentioned that several years ago Board members had attended a seminar on "Code Enforcement" and that it had been very helpful to them as Code Enforcement Board members. She asked if it would be possible for this Board to attend a similar seminar, as it would be most beneficial. Mr. Gray commented that these types of seminars were often produced by the Institute of Government. Vice Chairperson MINUTES CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD NOVEMBER 18, 1997 - REGULAR MEETING PAGE 4 OF 4 Lyzen said that she had previously attended a similar seminar organized by Seminole Community College. Board Member Schneider next asked who had the book on the "Sunshine Law", and Kitty Reilly said that she thought that Chairman Ken Haines had this book and that it was to be passed on to the other Board Members that had not yet seen it. Vice Chairperson Lyzen told Deputy Chief Pieper that he would be missed, and the other Board Members thanked him and wished him "Good Luck"! 5. Adiournment Vice-Chairman Lyzen adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. with the consensus of the Board. Minutes respectfully submitted by: Andrea Lorenzo-Luaces, Deputy City Clerk City Of Winter Springs, Florida BOARDS/codeellfo/fy9798/minutes/1I 1897.doc