02-28-1985
(J q
CITY OF EDGEWATER
Ci tizen Code Enforcement B.oard
February 28, 1985.
Minutes
Mr. Williams called the regular meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the
Community Center.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Messrs. Williams, Rosa, Turano~,Richardson*, Delarwelle,
and Biggerstaff and Mrs. Kane. Also present: City Attorney Jose' Alvarez,
Dennis Fischer, Building Official and Joan Taylor, Secretary.
*Mr. Richardson arrived at 7:12 p.m. and Mr. Turano arrived at 7:07 p.m.
Also in attendance were Mr. Wm. Cichewicz, Mr. Lloyd Van Winkle and Court
Reporter Cindy Shuckley, present at the request of Mr. Cichewicz.
Continuation of Cases 84-CC-13 and 83-CC-14 - alleged violations at 101 S.
Ridgewood and 103 S. Ridgewood.
The City Attorney suggested that the members review the minutes and continue
with that part of the meeting in order to allow time for two members of the
Board to arrive.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Rosa moved that the minutes of the January 29 special meeting and the
January 31, 1985 regular meeting be approved as submitted. Mrs. Kane
seconded the motion, which CARRIED 4 - 2. Mr. Delarwelle and Mr. Bigger-
staff voted No as they were not present at the previous meetings.
Mr. Williams welcomed new members, Mr. Delarwelle and Mr. Biggerstaff, to
the Board.
While the members waited for Mr. Richardson's arrival, the City Attorney
explained that it should be ascertained whether or not the two new members
have acquainted themselves with the facts of the case before the Board
at this time. Mr. Williams questioned Mr. Delarwelle and Mr. Biggerstaff
concerning their knowledge of the case. Both members confirmed that they
have read the minutes of the previous meeting and have been to the site
in question. Mr. Biggerstaff explained that he read the minutes over
tho~oughly and talked to each of the parties involved, after which he
went over the property. Mr. Delarwelle also stated that he talked
to the parties and went over the property and felt he was aware of the
situation.
Mr. Cichewicz asked if he could ask a question and Mr. Williams said no.
Mr. Williams asked the Building Official, Mr. Dennis Fischer, to report
on his findings regarding the four violations which were left open at the
last meeting.
Mr. Fischer said that he has studied the situation and has submitted a
report to the members of his findings. In conclusion, Mr. Fischer stated
that his findings are that there are no violations presently existing at
Personal Touch Lawn Care Service or U. S. 1 Auto Electric to be acted upon
by the Board. It is his opinion, he said, that it is a private matter
between two property owners and the solution would be better resolved in
a court of law.
Mr. Turano moved that based upon Mr. Fischer's statement, after he looked
at it twice, that the site be found in compliance. Mr. Delarwelle seconded
the motion. Mr. Rosa asked if a letter stating he was in compliance should
be sent on this case. Mr. Turano said he meant for that to be done.
The motion CARRIED 6-0.
Mr. Cichewicz asked if the floor was open for questions and the Chairman
advised him that it was not. Mr. Cichewicz asked if he could be recognized
and the Chairman said yes, he could ask a question. Mr. Williams pointed
out that the hearing was the previous month. He explained that the Code
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Board is a nonbiased Board and it works for the public. The Board goes
strictly by the Code Book, and Mr. Fischer is the Code Enforcement Officer.
The Board goes by the Code Book and Mr. Fischer works for the City. Mr.
Fischer says the site is in compliance, so all the Board can do is go by
him. He pointed out to Mr. Cichewicz that he had a chance to present all
his material at the last meeting and he did a very fine job, but he cannot
allow him to bring forth additional material, because if he lets him do
so, then he must let Mr. Van Winkle and Mr. Comerate also speak. He had
an opportunity to speak at the last meeting and now it is closed. Mr.
Fischer said that they are in compliance.
Mr. Cichewicz asked if he was being told that because Mr. Fischer has
stated that all of these violations are within the Code that they are
not violations against the Edgewater Code. You did not look at the
Code book, he stated, you are simply going by the fact that Mr. Fischer
has stated that these are in compliance. Am I correct in assuming this,
he asked.
Mr. Williams said that Mr. Fischer is employed by the City of Edgewater
and the Board goes by his decision.
Mr. Cichewicz asked if he realized that on page 208, section 2-48, states
the purpose of the Enforcement Board, "to enforce codes and ordinances".
Mr. Williams asked that he not talk any longer as it was not fair to him
or anyone else. Mr. Cichewicz responded that, "You are damn right it
it isn't fair and we will see you all in court." Mr. Williams said, "That's
your privilege, Sir."
As there was no other business before the Board Mr. Delarwelle moved for
adjournment, seconded by Mr. Turano. The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Joan Taylor
Citizen Code Enforcement Board
February 28, 1985
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