Loading...
05-18-1988 I" r v o CITY OF EDGEWATER SCREENING COMMITTEE May 18, 1988 6:30 P.M. CONFERENCE ROOM CITY HALL MINUTES The Screening Committee meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Thomas L. Sheridan, at 6:30 in the Conference Room of City Hall. ROLL CALL Members present were: Wallace Trickey, Dominick Fazzo~e, William C. Hoffart and Thomas L. Sheridan. Mr. James W. Bonneville was excused. Mr. Sheridan stated the applicants coming in are not in order according to Boards and the secretary explained some people could not come in, some people could not come at the suggested time, so the next best thing was done and interviews set up when the people themselves ,could come in. The Committee agreed it will be a little confusing and asked for the list of the people and the time coming in, which the secretary read to each member. The Committee discussed having the screening one week and having the interviews one week later. This will be discussed at a later meeting. JEFF;;\.R,IDGDILL Mr. Ridgdill was introduced to members of the Committee as a member wishing to serve again on the Parks and Recreation Board. In answer to Mr. Sheridan's question as to how he believes he has benefitted the City by being on this Board, Mr. Ridgdill replied it has really been a team effort this past year ; that suggestions were placed with Mr. Garrett, who would inform the Board what could be done at once and what had to be put on the burner. Mr. Ridgdill believes the Roberts Road area has been much improved in the last year and one-half featuring in the future a nature trail; Menard Park has received the playground equipment which had been ordered and stored for quite a while due to maintenance work which had priority. Mr. Ridgdill also mentioned the Umbrella Tree Park had been completed, among other things. Mr. Ridgdill said the Board has worked on the Comprehensive Plan, studying other Cities' plans, and making suggestions for this City. He also said questionnaires were mailed out to approximately six thousand people and perhaps just one hundred and twenty replied. The Committee discussed the public asking for a swimming pool, according to the questionnaires, versus a bike path. When asked his opinion of the name "Whistle Stop Park", Mr. Ridgdill stated the Board thought it was appropriate, after vote, and was submitted to Council, who chose it. Mr. Ridgdill also stated he thought it was appropriate, being right near the railroad tracks and the fact that a train is going to be put there for the children. Mr. Sheridan then asked the question of a pet project being shot down by the Board on which he may have worked personally for quite a while, and Mr. Ridgdill said he would just have it go in the minutes that he had done a lot of work on it, but just let it go. He did say he would probably go to Council if he felt strongly about it, and probably have Mr. Garrett go with him. Mr. Ridgdill then answered to questions by Mr. Sheridan that he had no conflict of interests, and had not violated the sunshine law by discussing business outside the Board. Discussion continued as to the comprehensive plan including a bike path and perhaps something for the older age group. Mr. Ridgdill believes the comprehensive plan will include such things and Mr. Sheridan said the older age group would like to see horse shoes, a senior citizens' area where they could dance, have parties, play ball. Mr. Sheridan said in selecting members for this Board the Committee wants to make sure they will have people whom they are sure will have the best interests of the City atheart and deliver to the public what the public wants. ./' ? o o There being no further questions by the Committee, Mr. Sheridan thanked Mr. Ridgdill for coming in and asked for the next applicant. ELIZABETH VALENTINE Mr. Sheridan introduced Mrs. Valentine to the Committee and explained she had applied for all the Boards but had made the finals for the Merit Board and Citizens Code Enforcement Board. Mr. Sheridan read the purpose of the Code Board to Mrs. Valentine and asked if she understood the functions and structure of the Code Enforcement Board. Mrs. Valentine replied she believes so but would like him to be more specific. He explained it has to do with code violations; the violators are given so many days to come into compliance; if not, the Board will act on it. Mr. Sheridan explained the Code Board, especially, has to watch itself in what it says and does due to the sunshine law. Mr. Valentine stated she would be available to attend all meetings. Mr. Hoffart asked the meaning of E.E.O. Counselor, and Mrs. Valentine stated "Equal Employment Opportunities Counselor" and added she is a government employee. Mr. Sheridan asked the questions of being able to sit at a Board and have the ability to look at things objectively along with a pet project idea being shot down by other members of the Board, and Mrs. Valentine answered she can be objective and as to a project of hers,be{n~,shct dowrr, sh~ would prefer to discuss it individually, and she doesn't believe she would go to the Mayor for any help. Mr. Trickey stated he believed from the background of Mrs. Valentine, she would be very highly qualified to be on the Merit Board. Mr. Sheridan said yes, we could interview her while she is here as to the Merit Board. Mr. Sheridan then read the purpose of the Board, mainly to direct the merit system of the personnel program; to advise City Council of all personnel matters. Questions were asked concerning Mrs. Valentine's position at N.A.S.A. and she explained she has two or three students under her guidance studying in the engineering field, learning the program. Mrs. Valentine also explained any government employee can come to her to file a grievance and she will work with others to evaluate and solve the problems. Mr. Fazzone detailed the duties of the Merit Board and asked if Mrs. Valentine believed she could be an effective part of that kind of proceeding, and she replied absolutely. Mr. Sheridan thanked Mrs. Valentine for coming in and asked for the next applicant. MAUREEN BORNER Mrs. Borner was introduced to the members of the Screening Committee and the secretary informed the Board Mrs. Borner was here for the Citizens Code Enforcement Board vacancy. Mr. Sheridan read the duties of the Code Board to Mrs. Borner and informed her the Code Board E a very important Board. He then asked for Mrs. Borner's thoughts as to what direction and function this Board should take. Mrs. Borner stated she would like a little more information as to how the Board goes about this. Mr. Sheridan explained when there is a code violation, it goes to the Board, who determines the fine and the amount and terms of the fine. Mrs. Borner was cautioned she may have to sit in on one of her neighbors, if she should get on the Board, and would be asked to make a decision. He stated this could be a conflict of interest, which would require her to sign an "abstain from voting" paper. Mr. Sheridan emphasized a member has to be knowledgeable about the codes; must be able to sit down and discuss the matters with the Board; must have the time to do this. Mrs. Borner stated she does have the time and has no problem getting along with people. When asked about her pet project being. shot down after hours of work, Mrs. Borner said she believed it should be discussed individually and she also stated she would not go to the Mayor as the Board members should be able to determine if it is or is not a good idea. Mrs. Sheridan said in other words, Mrs. Borner would be a team player. Mr. Hoffart then discussed the idea that he doesn't believe a code book is necessary, when anyone can drive the streets of Flordia Shores or the City and see violations, which should be taken to the Board or police or code officer. Some members agreed to this idea, just being a concerned citizen. Mrs. Borner was thanked for coming and told she will be notified of results. -2- Screening Committee Minutes of May 18, 1988 Meeting. o o LAWRENCE R. LANCHONEY Mr. Lanchoney was introduced to members of the Committee and Mr. Sheridan read the duties of the Parks and Recreation Board to Mr. Lanchoney, adding the Committee was very pleased with his resume. Mr. Lanchoney explained he and his wife were settling here after his retirement from the service in April of 1988; they purchased a home here in 1965 with intentions of retiring here, which they have done. He also stated he formed a Homeowners' Association to help preserve a good residential environment, the whole idea being to get involved in the community. Mr. Sheridan said Mr. Lanchoney is eminently qualified and asked if he had any knowledge of the structure, function and direction of the Parks and Recreation Board, and Mr. Lanchoney said no, he does not. Mr. Sheridan explained the Comprehensive Plan instituted by the State; that_ the Comprehensive Plan was sent down by Tallahassee, and the Plans have to be ready and in operation sometime in 1989; that a pro- jection of twenty years should be made by the Parks & Recreation Board for securing land, etc.; that there should be five acres of land for every 1,000 inhabitants. A-discussion was held as to the use of the impact fee monies, which has generated in the neighbor- hood of seven or eight hundred thousand dollars, and the monies are to be used for the acquisition, development and maintenance of parks and recreation areas and open spaces. Mr. Sheridan stated according to Edgewater population, we should have around seventy acres and we have only twenty five acres, more or less. The Committee discussed the senior citizen problem, as the facilities are to be for all age groups, there being about 42% senior citizens. Mr. Sheridan listed the racquetball court, shuffleboard (which was not built by the City), Roberts Road Park, which contains tennis courts and handball courts, but not one thing for senior citizens. The Committee agreed with Mr. Sheridan's ideas of a senior citizen center, where there could be concerts, dances, parties, name bands to be brought in. Mr.Sheridan asked the question of Mr. Lanchoney about a pet project being shot down, and Mr. Lanchoney said he would swallow his pride or try an alternative approach, and may consider going to the Mayor if he believed it was critical. Mr. Sheridan thanked Mr. Lanchoney for coming In. JACK HAYMAN, SR. Mr. Sheridan introduced Mr. Hayman to the Committee. Mr. Hoffart read the rule~ duties and purpose of the Building Trades Regulatory and Appeals Board. Mr. Sheridan added the Board really rides herd on the contractors and sub-contractor work in the City to see the codes are not violated. Mr. Sheridan said Mr. Hayman's resume qualifies him and asked if Mr. Hayman had the knowledge of the Board, and Mr. Hayman said just what was given to him by the secretary. He also said his first interest was with the Land Regulatory Agency, but he is very interested serving the community. Mr. Sheridan explained the procedure of this Committee to Mr. Hayman, saying we recommend but do not have authority to appoint anyone, just to recommend. In answer to the question of being able to communicate, Mr. Hayman said he had addressed groups of 220 people or more during his twenty three years in the service. In answer to the pet project being shot down by other members of the Board, Mr. Hayman stated he would first weigh very carefully the reasons for rejection and any- thing personal would have to be eliminated; he would go back and reflect and try to salvage if it is a truly great project which would benefit the citizens, and he is also a firm believer in not backdooring an agency, as it would not be loyal to go higher. Mr. Fazzone said he noticed Mr. Hayman was employed by the Hayman Company, and Mr. Hayman said he is the Hayman Company, contracting for carpentry work, framing, finishing, etc. Mr. Sheridan thanked Mr. Hayman for coming and said the Committee will be in touch. -3- Screening Committee Minutes of May 18, 1988 Meeting. o o HARRY JONES Mr. Jones was introduced to the Committee and Mr. Sheridan asked his reasons for wanting to serve on the Merit Board. Mr. Jones stated he is not familiar with the Merit Board of Edgewater and Mr. Sheridan read the rules and duties of the Merit Board. Mr. Jones then continued he had been Executive Xecretary of the Board of Civil Service Examiners, which examined and set up certified people for employment. Mr. Jones was assigned to hire and fire and was senior personnel officer. Mr. Sheridan stated Mr. Jones' resume is very impressive. Mr. Jones stated he had the time to devote to the Board and as further experience said he was into continuing education, sat on both sides of a negotiating table. Mr. Sheridan asked if he would consider setting up a training and retraining program for some of the employees and Mr. Jones said yes, that was his forte for years and he would be happy to do that. He said he has had guidance counseling, and except for one course would have had his master's degree in Counseling. Mr. Fazzone said he was very impressed with Mr. Jones' background affecting employment, recommending policies for safety and also setting up an effective employees' grievance commettee. Mr. Sheridan then thanked Mr. Jones for coming in and said the Committee would be in touch. MARY CICCARELLO Mrs. Ciccarello was' introduced to the Committee and Mr. Sheridan asked how long she has been on the Board and she answered three years, is the Chairman at present and has served as Vice Chairman. Mr. Sheridan asked if Mrs. Ciccarello could say how many times an individual or group of individuals have been fined, and Mrs. Ciccarello said perhaps one dozen times. Mr. Sheridan asked the routine followed by the Board in determining a fine or giving a certain amount of days. Mrs. Ciccarello said the Code Officer follows up on the cases and it is a metter of judgment, and that habitual offenders have been handled by fines or liens on their property and Mrs. Ciccarello believes the Board is handling cases in a much more efficient way. Mr. Hoffart asked if the Board ever creates new ordinances and Mrs. Ciccarello said they have recommended changes but are not in the position to create new ordinances. Mr. Hoffart suggested something be done about the -sign situation,. such as on cars and trucks and houses for sale. Mrs. Ciccarello said complaints like this should be brought to the code enforcement officer, then the Code Board could recommend changes be made, or Mr. Hoffart may speak with someone on Council about this matter. Mrs. Ciccarello stated the Code Board is more of a judicial nature, their task is to enforce the codes, not to go out and find violations. Mr. Fazzone then asked if the Code Board isn't like a jury, and decides what penalty shall be assessed against violators, and the violation must be brought before the Board by the Code Officer, to which Mrs. Ciccarello answered yes, that is true. DICK KOZLOWSKI Mr. Koslowski was introduced to the Committee and Mr. Sheridan started the interview by asking Mr. Kozlowski's reasons for wanting to serve on the Building Trades Regulatory and Appeals Board. Mr. Kozlowski said he lives here; he believes Edgewater is a diamond in the rough~: he loves it here and would like to contribute any knowledge he can impart. He also stated he has been in the building, construction and architectural structure for the last thirty two years of his life. Mr. Kozlowski said he believes there is a lax in the zoning and building codes, houses being built on various levels and codes not being followed. Mr. Sheridan then explained the idea of the Building Trades Board and asked the pet project being shot down question. Mr. Kozlowski said he believes he probably did not do a good enough job presenting it and would do some home- work to see what was wrong. Mr. Sheridan said Mr. Kozlowski could do the City a lot of good with his knowledge and background; that a lot of the codes should be modified, as some were written"ten or fifteen years ago. Discussion continued as to changes being ~ade Screening Committee Minutes of May 18, 1988 Meeting -4- o o every three years or so in the building trade and it will be a challenge. Mr. Fazzone read the purpose of the Building Trades Regulatory and Appeals Board stating it is a very valuable Board. There being no further questions of Mr. Koslowski, Mr. Sheridan thanked him for coming in. Mr. Sheridan presented the question of not recommending anyone who has not been interviewed and the Committee agreed this has to be followed. Mr. Sheridan stated Mr. Gold is still on the Merit Board until June 7th and, therefore, can be interviewed, along with Mr. Denton, both being on their vacations at this time. The Committee agreed to June 7, 1988, as interview evening and the secretary was asked to inform Mr. Gold and Mr. Denton by letter as to time and place for the scheduled interviews. The Committee proceeded to vote for the very best applicants, the results being: Building Trades Regulatory and Appeals Board, one vacancy: JACK HAYMAN, SR., 4-0; Citizen Code Enforcement Board, two vacancies: MARY CICCARELLO, 4-0; MAUREEN BORNER, 4-0: Parks and Recreation Board, two vacancies: JEFF RIDGDILL, 4-0; LAWRENCE R. LANCHONEY, 4-0. The secretary was instructed to send these recommendations.to the Mayor and City Council members. A discussion was held as to perhaps sending letters to applicants who were not selected/and keeping their applications on file for future considerations. The Committee agreed this would be a very nice gesture. There being no further business before the Board, Mr. Trickey moved the meeting adjourn, seconded by Mr. Fazzone. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Minutes submitted by Dorothy C. Garrity, Secretary -5- Screening Committee Minutes of May 18, 1988 Meeting