01-21-1985 - Regular
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CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 21, 1985
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Baugh called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Community Center.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Earl Baugh
Councilman Louis Rotundo
Councilman Russell Prater
Councilman Neil Asting
Councilman James Inman
City Attorney Jose' Alvarez
City Clerk Connie Kinsey
Sergeant William Lenz
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
INVOCATION, SALUTE TO THE FLAG
There was a silent invocation and the salute to the flag.
PUBLIC HEARING - SECOND AND FINAL READING AND ACTION:
Mayor Haugh suggested a motlon to recess the regular meeting and go into the
Public Hearing. Councilman Asting so moved. Councilman Inman seconded the
motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0. May~r Baugh opened the Public Hearing.
Ord. 85-0-1 Amending Ord. 898 re: purchasing limits. City Attorney Alvarez read
this Ordinance. ORD. 85-0-1 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EDGEWATER, FLORIDA, ALLOWING PURCHASES UP TO $3,000.00 WITHOUT FORMAL COMPETITIVE
BIDDING AND EXPENDITURES BY CITY DEPARTMENTS UP TO $2,000.00 WITHOUT PRIOR
APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES
IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Baugh asked for
public input. There were no comments from the audience, or from Council
members. Mayor Baugh requested a motion to adjourn the Public Hearing.
Councilman Prater moved to adjourn. Councilman Asting seconded the motion.
Motion CARRIED 5-0. Mayor Baugh requested a motion to bring the Council meeting
back to order. Councilman Asting so moved. Councilman Inman seconded the motion.
Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Councilman Asting moved to adopt the ordinance. Councilman Inman seconded the
motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular Meeting of January 7, 1985 - Councilman Asting moved to adopt these
minutes. Councilman Inman seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Special Meeting and Workshop of January 11, 1985 - Councilman Inman moved to
accept the minutes of the Special Meeting and Workshop of January 11, 1985.
Councilman Asting seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Special Meeting of January 15, 1985 - Councilman Prater moved to accept the
minutes of the Special Meeting of January 15, 1985. Councilman Asting seconded
for discussion, and asked that a correction be made on the second page where he
made the motion and that it be worded "desired" rather than "desire or".
Councilman Asting included that correction as the second to the motion to accept
these minutes and Councilman Prater agreed as the maker of the motion. Motion
with correction CARRIED 5-0.
BILLS AND ACCOUNTS
Councilman Rotundo moved to pay all the bills. Councilman Prater seconded the
motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Mayor Baugh pointed out that there is a supplemental bill also. City Clerk
Kinsey stated that there's a bill from Diversified Electronics from the Police
Department for $125. and a bill from Dwight's for $109.74 from EVER. She
added that the purchase order was not obtained for either item and there's a
memo of explanation from the EVER President but the Police Department item was
purchased in November with no purchase order obtained but they've verified the
work has been done. Councilman Rotundo moved to pay these bills. Councilman
Asting seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
MISCELLANEOUS
There was no audience miscellaneous at this meeting.
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COUNCIL/OFFICERS REPORTS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
City Council Reports - Councilman Rotundo reminded Council members to look
at the resumes for advisory boards to make a decision at the February 4th
meeting. Mayor Baugh suggested the Board Chairmen be advised that this will
be a topic on the February 4th agenda.
Councilman Prater requested~a Special Meeting and Workshop with department
heads to discuss, and possibly get a solution to the proposed pay plan.
Mayor Baugh suggested Thursday, January 24th, at 3:00 P.M. and Council members
agreed to this date and time. Mr. Jack Spencer, former Council member, asked
the purpose of the meeting and Mayor Baugh replied that it's to discuss the
management pay plan.
Councilman Inman stated that he attended a business meeting of EVER on
January 14th and they informed him they Qrdered the new unit, and it will "be" in
around Easter. He added that they also called his attention to a problem with
the 911 emergency number which might be a dispatch problem with the Police
Department or with the County. He stated that EVER would like better coordination
between Civil Defense and their unit as far as emergency evacuation is concerned.
Councilman Inman stated that he met with the Police Department and it's requested
they turn over the 1979 Ford LTD to the Code Enforcement Officer. He noted
that this vehicle is no longer safe for law enforcement. Mayor Baugh noted
that he'd talked with Mr. Earl Copeland about this car and he said the car is
in good running condition. City Clerk Kinsey pointed out that it has high
mileage. Mayor Baugh suggested they take the vehicle the Animal Control Officer
is driving, the Nova, and let the Code Enforcement Officer use it when the new
vehicle comes in. Councilman Inman said he felt they could work this out and
noted that the Code Enforcement Officer also requested a radio be installed in
the vehicle and there is one radio that is surplus. Mayor Baugh asked if he's
referring to the 4-channel Regency and Councilman Inman replied yes. Councilman
Inman suggested they pull the crystals out for the Police frequency and put the
signals in for the City barn frequency, and Mayor Baugh agreed. Councilman
Inman asked about the pickup truck for Animal Control, and Mayor Baugh pointed
out that they were waiting for a request from the Chief for a full size under
State bid. City Clerk Kinsey stated that the order has been cancelled. Mayor
Baugh pointed out that if they go for State bid price it will be full size but
after talking with people about the mid size, the parts will be higher so
Council will have to decide if they want State bid or not. Councilman Inman
stated that this has been drug long enough and he moved that they get a full
sized vehicle under State bid. Councilman Asting seconded the motion. Council-
man Rotundo asked for clarification if it's a pick up or a regular vehicle and
Mayor Baugh replied it's a pick up. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
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Councilman Inman stated that he'd talked tot-.ftC dcree-t=-:i:-v-e-Hl the Police Depart-
ment who has requested an additional man be transferred to the detective unit
from patrol. He pointed out that one of the detectives resigned and was never
replaced and the Detective Sergeant has such a workload now that he can't com-
plete his work in a regular day. He noted that he'd recommended to the Police
Department that they make a decision on who they'd like to pullout of the patrol
ranks and make detective, with approval of Council. Councilman Asting asked
Sergeant Lenz if he has a patrolman who would be interested and Sergeant Lenz
replied that several have expressed an interest. Mayor Baugh asked Sergeant
Lenz if he has the manpower to do it and Sergeant Lenz replied that they have
several new officers who are inexperienced and there's one man who wants to
go into detectives who has experience, but removing him from patrol will make
them short in the field. Councilman Asting asked if they should delay the
appointment and Sergeant Lenz said he should look into it. Councilman Asting
suggested that Sergeant Lenz make a recommendation of his choice and Sergeant
Lenz said he'd come up with a reasonable solution to the problem as a group
effort.
-2- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 1985
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COUNCIL/OFFICERS REPORTS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (Continued)
City Council Reports (Continued) -
Councilman Inman stated that when they get another person in the detective
division, it's possible vehicle #311 can be reworked with the steering system
stabilized and realizing that it will not be high speed chase. He added
that he'd asked Mr. Earl Copeland to check into this to see if it's
feasible and financially possible to get the vehicle checked. Mayor Baugh
said he talked to Mr. Copeland that afternoon and the Ford is in better
shape than the #311 Aspen and he suggested they could fix up #311 for the
Code Enforcement Officer. Councilman Inman said he was concerned about #311
being on the road plus it has high mileage. Mayor Baugh suggested they see
what's in the best shape and let the Code Enforcement Officer have it and
then sell the other to the salvage yard. Councilman Inman agreed.
Councilman Inman stated that weapons and leather specifications should go out
on sealed bids, in compliance with the union contract, and Sergeant Lenz
had told him they could draw up the specifications and submit it to the City for
consideration and approval. Mayor Baugh noted that Sergeant Lenz had talked
with him and they don't want the patent leather, and asked if they want the
specifications brought back to Council. Councilman Inman agreed and said it
has to comply with the union contract. Mayor Baugh asked Sergeant Lenz to
draw these up.
Councilman Inman said he was asked about an auxiliary force status as the
last one was abolished several years ago and the former Council tabled it to
turn it over to this Council and now it's up to Council to determine if they
want it or not. Mayor Baugh asked Sergeant Lenz if he sees a need for an
auxiliary and Sergeant Lenz replied that at this time with the amount of
problems and equipment they have to work with, it would be difficult to
implement an auxiliary program. Mayor Baugh noted that it was done away with
before because they only had one function which was July 4th and the insurance
and liability for the City didn't make it feasible to have an auxiliary.
Sergeant Lenz sated that it would be difficult to have one or create one now
but it might be necessary later on. Mayor Baugh asked for a motion to TABLE
this until a later date when the Police Department can get back with them,
when they determine if they need it or not. Councilman Inman so moved.
Councilman Asting seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
City Attorney Reports - City Attorney Alvarez stated that they had a negoti-
ating session with South Florida Natural Gas Company which was very beneficial
and he thanked their attorney and their representative, Mr. Morgan, and
suggested that since the Ordinance regarding the franchise is later on the
agenda that it be moved up for their benefit. Mayor Baugh asked if Council
had any objection to moving Ordinance 85-0-4 up on the agenda at this time
and no Council member expressed an objection.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ord. 85-0-4 South Florida Natural Gas Company Franchise - City Attorney Alvarez
read this Ordinance and stated that it's first reading. ORD. 85-0-4 - AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA, GRANTING TO
SOUTH FLORIDA NATURAL GAS CO., A FLORIDA CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND
ASSIGNS, A FRANCHISE FOR THE OPERATION OF A GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN THE
CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA; IMPOSING PROVISIONS AND CONDITIONS RELATING
THERETO; PROVIDING FOR F~~CHISE PAYMENTS; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THIS
ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Inman moved
to adopt Ordinance 85-0-4. Councilman Prater seconded the motion. Motion
CARRIED 5-0.
City Clerk Reports - City Clerk Kinsey stated that plans for the bike path are
completed and the utilities companies have been contacted regarding moving of
the poles and they've submitting the application to Volusia County for the Use
Permit and are at the point for Council authorization to go out for bids on the
entire project. Councilman Asting asked if they have specifications for the
concrete work and City Clerk Kinsey replied yes, they're on the plans. Council-
man Inman moved to go out for bids on this project. Councilman Prater seconded
the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
-3- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 1985
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COUNCIL/OFFICERS REPORTS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES(Continued)
Deputy City Clerk re: Home Occupational License Application - City Clerk
Kinsey read the January 16th memo from Mrs. Susan Wadsworth, Deputy City
Clerk, which stated that Mrs. Mary Wenzel couldn't agree with all the
criteria for a home occupational license. Mrs. Wenzel came forward to speak
with Council. She noted that she is actually making ceramics, pouring them
and using the kiln and taking them to craft shows to sell. Councilman Prater
asked if she'd be selling them out of her home and Mrs. Wenzel replied no and
nobody will be coming to the home, and she works out of her garage. Councilman
Prater asked if she has a large inventory and Mrs. Wenzel replied no because
she doesn't have the cash available but makes just enough for another show.
Councilman Rotundo asked if she'd keep making them at her home if the business
enlarges and Mrs. Wenzel replied no. Councilman Prater asked how many times
she uses the kiln and Mrs. Wenzel replied it's about 6 to 8 times a year.
Councilman Prater asked the type of fuel and Mrs. Wenzel said it's electricity.
Councilman Asting asked if it's similar to a hobby and Mrs. Wenzel replied it's
a glorified hobby but her health prevents her from working away from home.
Mayor Baugh asked if anyone will be coming to the house and Mrs. Wenzel replied
that nobody will be coming to the house and she'll be picking up her own supplies.
Councilman Rotundo moved to grant this home occupation request on the condition
that the Code Enforcement Officer goes over there 8 months from now to see how
large an operation it is. Councilman Prater seconded the motion. Motion
CARRIED 5-0.
Police Department - Procedure for filling Police Chief position - Councilman
Prater suggested they screen the present Police Department to see if there's
a qualified person to be Police Chief. Councilman Asting suggested they
continue the way they are for the present, with Council keeping a close eye
on activities to be sure everything goes along well and make a judgement after
a period of time to see if they want to promote one of their own people. He
added that the Sergeants are doing a good job and he'd prefer to promote from
within with someone who's qualified and is knowledgeable of the City and the
department. Councilman Inman agreed it's best to promote from within and
added that he'd expressed his feelings when he met with members of the Police
Department. He noted that some had expressed their concern of loss of pro-
tection from the union if they'd be selected as Chief but he felt they could
work out some terms. Councilman Inman said he agreed with Councilman Asting
to let it roll for awhile and come back at a later date to see if one of them
desires to become a Chief. Mayor Baugh asked if they want to advertise to
see what they'll get and Councilman Asting said they shouldn't advertise
unless they're going to hire because it's a waste of money. Mayor Baugh asked
the length of time and Councilman Rotundo said he felt six weeks should be
sufficient. Mayor Baugh stated that they could reevaluate them in six weeks
and Councilmen Inman and Asting said they had no problems with that.
Parks and Recreation Department - Request for authorization to go out for
bids for Menard-May Park Project - Mr. David Garrett, Recreational Director,
stated they have authorization from the State to go out for bids and they've
approved the site plans. Councilman Prater moved to approve the permission
to go ahead with the bids. Councilman Inman seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED
5-0.
Parks and Recreation Department - Recommendation on future park site - City
Clerk Kinsey read the January 16th memo from Mr. David Garrett regarding his
recommendation to purchase the 14 acres south of the City with recreation
impact fee monies. Councilman Asting asked if there are sufficient funds to
cover this project from the recreation impact fund and City Clerk Kinsey replied
yes. Councilman Rotundo moved that they make a contract with the owners to
purchase this property. Councilman Prater seconded the motion. Councilman
Rotundo asked Mr. Garrett if the sellers want the entire amount this year and
Mr. Garrett replied that they'd like a lump sum. Councilman Asting asked about
the legal aspects for this proposed transaction and City Attorney Alvarez said
he saw the appraisal,which is the asking price,and it's 1982 value so it's a
good buy but it's a business decision. Councilman Rotundo asked if there are
any other costs to the City besides the $60,000.00 Mr. Garrett stated that the
asking price is $60,000.00 but they want $62,000.00 if they have to pay legal
fees and closing costs. Motion CARRIED 5-0. City Attorney Alvarez clarified that
the motion was to enter into a purchase agreement and bring it back to Council
after the price has been negotiated and insurance and abstracts done. Councilman
Rotundo agreed that would be per his motion.
-4- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 1985
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COUNCIL/OFFICERS REPORTS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (Continued)
Building Department request for addition to building - City Clerk Kinsey
read the request from the Building Department for an addition to the east
of the existing facilities. Councilman Asting asked Mr. Dennis Fischer,
Building Official, if he'll hire a masonry contractor for the walls and
Mr. Fischer replied that he's contacted a masonry and concrete contractor
and is waiting for the air conditioning bids and the City crews will do the
rest. Councilman Asting asked what City crews he'll use and Mr. Fischer
replied that it's Mr. Garrett's crew and he has a very competent carpenter.
Mayor Baugh asked if he'd have heat with the air conditioner and Mr. Fischer
said it will probably be strip heat but he can price the reverse cycle.
Councilman Prater asked if the south wall of the men's restroom will be closed
in and Mr. Fischer replied yes and there's adequate ventilation to the east
for the restrooms. Councilman Rotundo asked where the money is coming from
and City Clerk Kinsey pointed out that they'd budgeted $6,000.00 for a vehicle
and he'd rather abandon that project at this time and build the building.
Mayor Baugh noted that if they get the old vehicle from the Police Department
they won't need the vehicle. Councilman Prater moved to grant the request to
go ahead with the project. Councilman Asting seconded the motion. Motion
CARRIED 5-0. Mayor Baugh asked how long this will take and Mr. Fischer said
he thinks 4 to 6 weeks.
Library Board recommendation to reappoint two members (expiration of terms)
Councilman Rotundo moved to grant this permission to reinstate Mrs. Dudley
and Mrs. Shafer. Councilman Asting seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Parks and Recreation Board request to put picnic tables, benches, walkways and
shrubbery at "Duck Lake" on 16th Street - City Clerk Kinsey read the January
14th memo from Mr. Kirk Jones, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Board.
Mayor Baugh asked Mr. Garrett if the benches and tables would be at the end
and Mr. Garrett replied it would be the east end of Duck Lake. Councilman
Prater asked if they might need some fill before they put these in and Mr.
Garrett replied that they'll shoot the elevation and see just what's needed.
Councilman Rotundo moved to go along with this project. Councilman Prater
seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Parks and Recreation Board recommendation to appoint negotiator for recreational
property - City Clerk Kinsey read the January 14th memo from Mr. Kirk Jones,
Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Board, which recommended that Mr. David
Garrett be appointed as negotiator for recreational property. Councilman
Rotundo said he thought that was what they were doing earlier and City Clerk
Kinsey noted that it was only for the one property. Councilman Rotundo made
that a motion, and Mayor Baugh noted that it's to give Mr. David Garrett the
authority to negotiate for purchases. Councilman Prater seconded the motion.
Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Industrial Development Board request for aCcess to industrial land north of
Park Avenue - City Clerk Kinsey read the January 10th memo from Ms. Doris
Massey, Chairman of the Board. Councilman Asting suggested that since the
next item on the agenda is also regarding FEC that they also talk to the
representative at the same time about opening up Dale Street. He noted that
the spur line is in a decrepit condition and should be abandoned and perhaps
the railroad will give access to the property north of the spur. Mayor Baugh
agreed they could cover both items at the same meeting. Councilman Asting
reviewed that the former Council tried this but got nowhere. City Clerk
Kinsey then read the next item on the agenda.
Industrial Development Board ,request for Board chairman and Mayor or Council
member to meet with FEC representative - Mayor Baugh said he'd talked with
Ms. Massey to see if she'd contact FEC to set up a meeting and they need to
appoint someone to meet with Mrs. Massey and FEC, plus the City Clerk.
Councilman Rotundo asked Councilman Asting if he'd be willing to take this
task and Councilman Asting agreed he would since he's familiar with it.
Councilman Rotundo made that a motion. Councilman Prater seconded the motion.
Motion CARRIED 5-0. Mayor Baugh asked Mrs. Massey to arrange the meeting
and asked Councilman Rotundo if the City Clerk was included and Councilman
Rotundo agreed she was. Councilman Asting stated that he'd like the meeting
in Edgewater if at all possible.
-5- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 1985
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COMMUNICATIONS
Doris Massey, Realtor, request to vacate buffer strip for planting purposes,
and dedicate same for street purposes - City Clerk Kinsey read the January
15th letter from Ms. Doris Massey, Realtor. Mayor Baugh asked City Attorney
Alvarez for input. City Attorney Alvarez pointed out that later they have an
ordinance redesignating one section from buffer to street use and perhaps
Council would like to look at these together if it doesn't hinder anyone.
He noted that Council has to be aware of the impact of the action if they
decide to do it, such as direct and indirect benefits to the people, traffic,
etc. Mayor Baugh asked Ms. Massey if they were to incorporate this into one
ordinance if it would hinder the sale of property. Ms. Massey said she felt
it would be all right to incorporate it in the one they're doing tonight
and she knows it will delay things but would like to go with it. City Attorney
Alvarez noted that he has two trials coming up which will take a lot of his
time and there's no problem with continuing tonight. Ms. Massey said she
researched each one of these and furnished the attorney with the maps of
Florida Shores with them drawn in yellow and it shouldn't take long. Council-
man Asting moved to turn this over to the City Attorney for his recommendation.
Councilman Inman seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0. City Attorney
Alvarez suggested he get input from the administration as to whether this is
beneficial and to what extent, for those items of an administrative nature.
Petition from Evergreen Drive residents requesting paving of street - City
Clerk Kinsey read the petition signed by 11 residents of Evergreen Drive.
Councilman Asting moved to TABLE this for a Special Meeting and Workshop, as
he understands Mr. Copeland has a list of the streets that need paving and
resurfacing, on a priority basis, and Council should discuss this and possibly
make a decision to pave or resurface certain streets, based on Mr. Copeland's
recommendation. Councilman Inman seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Petition from Fern Palm Drive residents to repair and resurface street south
of Indian River Boulevard - Councilman Asting stated that he intended to
include this in the motion regarding the prior petition and suggested they
set a date and time for the Special Meeting and Workshop. Mayor Baugh
suggested Monday, January 28th, at 3:00 P.M. to discuss the paving and resur-
facing of roads, and Council members agreed.
Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Committee re: Employee of the Month - City
Clerk Kinsey read the January 16th letter regarding New Smyrna Beach and
Edgewater alternating each month and naming an Employee of the Month by
division. She noted that two of our departments aren't mentioned, the
Parks and Recreation and Building Departments. She added that she'd tried
to contact the writer of the letter but hadn't reached her yet. Councilman
Asting moved to TABLE this until she can get in touch with the Chamber of
Commerce to see if they can include the two departments. Mayor Baugh pointed
out they are coming up on a deadline of February 1st and suggested they
authorize the City Clerk to go ahead with this and make arrangements with the
different departments and see which department they could be included with.
Councilman Asting agreed and no Council member expressed an objection.
Donnie H. Williams request for rezoning from R-3 to B-3, 119 Park Avenue -
City Clerk Kinsey read the January 11th letter from Mr. Williams.
Mr. Williams told Council that he didn't expect a decision from them at this
meeting but he'd appeared before the Planning and Zoning Board at their last
meeting and they tabled this. He suggested that Council look at this from an
overview rather than for one location because there are 14 non-residental
activities from Riverside Drive to U.S. 1 and only about 4 residences.
Councilman Asting pointed out that the request will be taken up by Planning
and Zoning at their next meeting and they'll make a recommendation to Council.
The location of the house was reviewed and Mr. Williams noted that this has
been excess property for several years and older people are afraid of the siren
at the tower and that the tower might fall over, so it would be better if it
were rezoned to commercial. He suggested that Council look at the property.
-6- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 1985
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COMMUNICATIONS (Continued)
William Cichewicz re: issuance of City licenses and enforcement of City
codes by Building Official - Mr. Cichewicz reviewed the threats to his
person, bricks thrown through his showroom window, and assorted acts of
harassment and intimidation. He stated that this all came about because
he asked a neighbor to cooperate by not having his employees park in front
of his store, causing his customers to be prohibited from parking at his
business. He said when he didn't get cooperation from the individual, he
turned to the City to get limited parking in front of his store, and he
later found there had been a number of complaints against this business
usurping the parking of other businesses in a similar manner. He said the
abuses as stated earlier were the result of his going to the City. He
stated that he asked Dennis Fischer, Building Official, to enforce the Code
regarding the display of sale items along the sidewalk. He reviewed the
violation of this Code by Personal Touch, and also the fact that when a
property line was being determined he had to point out to the Building
Official the setback. He stated that Mr. Fischer had selective interpretation
of the Codes, rather than enforcement, and permitted a fence to be erected
between the two properties, and the crossway had been an exit for his property
for 25 years. He read from page 1630, Section 706. of the Code regarding
fences not being permitted along a corner lot, and said this fence will
set a precedence and allow fences across parking lots elsewhere in the City.
He stated that they've allowed fences on corner lots along Indian River
Boulevard, despite the Code. He referred to the petition presented to Mr.
Fischer on November 19, 1984, signed by the abutting property owners of the
Van Winkle property, which Personal Touch rents, listing 11 violations of
the Code. He noted that Mr. Fischer replied to the petition with a letter
dated December 5, 1984 and sent to him and not the other signers of the
petition, and none of the items Mr. Fischer since stated were done had been
done at that time. He stated that later in December, Mr. Fischer, with the
assistance of Sergeant Westfall, got Personal Touch to comply with correcting
some of the violations. He reviewed the storage of junk and debris at
Personal Touch and asked why Mr. Fischer enforces the Codes along his property
and then violates them next to Mr. & Mrs. Sedwick's property,
Mr. Cichewicz asked Mr. Fischer why U.S.l Auto Electric can service cars under
a sun roof when the Code requires it be in an enclosed building.
Mr. Cichewicz stated that issuance of City licenses is contrary to one another
and the Building Official is responsible to check for conformity to Codes and he
said the City had originally issued a restrictive license to Mr. Van Winkle
for the five inside bay areas and to three employees, and then issued a three-
employee license to Personal Touch in the same building, which then allowed
six employees, but a newspaper article stated that they employed 17 people
at Personal Touch.
Mr. Cichewicz contended that the City, through thoughtless issuance of occupational
licenses and selective or non-existent enforcement of the Code~ has created a
situation which infringes upon his ability to effectively conduct his business
as well as cause a hardship in regard to the renting of his property for
income purposes. He added that it created a situation where his person and
property have been threatened by an individual who has such little regard for
the City that he parks daily in a restricted parking area and is abetted by
the Building Official.
Mr. Cichewicz requested the Council look into the validity of his complaint
and if necessary, allow him to bring it to the Code Enforcement Board as has
been denied him by Mr. Fischer. Councilman Inman noted_ there were a lot of
charges and he questioned the fence being erected on a corner lot as he doesn't
think it's the corner. Mayor Baugh asked Mr. Fischer about the fence and Mr.
Fischer said the fence is a separation between two property owners and under
his interpretation of the fence ordinance, a property owner has the right to
fence his adjacent property to the property line and he permitted for that use.
-7- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 1985
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COMMUNICATIONS (Continued)
William Cichewicz re: issuance of City licenses and enforcement of City codes
by Building Official (Continued) - Mr. Fischer noted that about six months
ago he'd requested the Planning and Zoning Board to look into the present
fence ordinance but got no response so it was left to his interpretation
and he feels fencing would be along with visibility and being 50 feet back
from an intersection. for safety reasons. He reviewed the requirements for
fences.
Councilman Asting noted that there were two letters included in the packet
and one was to Personal Touch advising if he didn't cooperate it will be
taken to the Code Enforcement Board. He asked if Mr. Comerate cooperated,
and Mr. Fischer replied that he got almost 100% from the parties involved
when he got a chance to talk with them and met with no resistance plus
they successfully removed material, debris from the rear areas, roof areas, and
the mulch. He pointed out that Mr. Jones, Assistant Code Enforcement Officer,
is a State certified fire inspector and he observed this and it was done to
his satisfaction. Councilman Asting asked if it was removed prior to going
to the Code Enforcement Board and Mr. Fischer replied yes, it was done prior
to turning it over to the Board.
Mr. Cichewicz stated that at no time did Mr. Fischer come to him to discuss
the problems,and regarding the petition, he was told Mr. Fischer would advise
him when he'd gone over them but it was obvious from his letter that he didn't
look at it. He said eventually the mulch was removed from his property but
it's still to be removed from Mr. Sedgwick's property, and the debris and junk
motors have yet to be removed. He said it was removed from his property but then
put it alongside Mr.Sedgwick's property which is still a violation, and Personal
Touch did not respond within the ten days and then had to be requested to
remove it from two additional spots when they were told to remove a sign. He
asked about the parking situation that exists and said he was advised by the
Board of Adjustments to come to Council because of the existing parking problem
due to the number of licenses issued. He said the parking was not addressed
by Mr. Fischer in any way. He added that the Board of Adjustments washed their
hands of this and told him to bring it to Council. He requested Council to go
over all the information, including the Codes listed, and he'll come back for
their decision as to whether Council should take action or if he should go to
the Code Enforcement Board. He pointed out that they don't have a toilet
facility that they're operating a business out of, and fences were permitted on
corner lots, on his proerty and Mr. Van Winkle's. Councilman Inman questioned
how it could be a corner lot as the fence runs east and west approximately
in the middle of the block. Mr. Cichewicz replied that it's a corner lot and
he can draw it for them if they'd like. Mayor Baugh said he doesn't like smart
answers and Mr. Cichewicz replied that he didn't think it was a smart answer.
Mayor Baugh said he feels the property between lots is not a corner lot and
the corner would be at U.S. 1 and Park Avenue, and asked the City Attorney for
an opinion.
City Attorney Alvarez identified that what's before Council is a request from
Mr. Cichewicz to the extent that he isn't in agreement with the decisions of
the Building Official but in the matter of interpretation and application of
City Codes, the decision of the Building Official is the one that must be
followed unless it's clearly one that is erroneous or illegal, but that dis-
cretion lies with the Building Official. He added that Mr. Cichewicz is
asking Council to look over the items and go over the particular Code sections
to see if these are Code violations that have been neglected by the Building
Official, but this is not the role of a governmental body such as the City
Council and they have a Code Enforcement Board and administrative arms of the
City. He stated that if it's just a disagreement with the Building Official,
the next step to take is to challenge his decisions in court, but if it's an
item that he contends is a violation of the City Codes, the Code Enforce-
ment Board is the Board to determine if there's a violation and not the City
Council. He added that the Council should only be concerned with legislative
matters and not administrative and he wanted that to be clear, due to past
litigation against the City. He noted that disagreement with interpretations
happens a lot of times.
Councilman Rotundo moved to take the advice of the City Attorney. Councilman
Prater seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0. There was a review of the
procedure for Mr. Cichewicz to follow to file a complaint with the Code
Enforcement Board. Mr.Cichewicz apologized if he gave the impression of a
flip answer.
-8- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 1985
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o
o
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ord. 85-0-2 Rezoning Lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of Block 2, Resub in River Edge
Acres, on Lincoln Road - City Attorney Alvarez read this Ordinance.
ORD. 85-0-2 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDGEWATER,
FLORIDA, CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF LOTS 5,6,7,8 & 9, BLOCK 2,
RESUB IN RIVER EDGE ACRES LOCATED ON LINCOLN ROAD WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF
THE CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA, FROM ITS PRESENT ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF
R-l TO R-2; PROVIDING THAT THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF EDGEWATER,
FLORIDA, SHALL BE AMENDED TO REFLECT THIS CHANGE IN ZONING: CONTAINING A
REPEALER PROVISION; A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. Mayor Baugh stated that this is first reading. Councilman Asting
moved to adopt the ordinance. Councilman Rotundo seconded the motion.
Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Ord. 85-0-3 Redesignating 6 foot wide buffer strip in Florida Shores along
35th Street from planting strip to a right of way - City Attorney Alvarez
read this Ordinance. ORD. 85-0-3 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA, REDESIGNATING A SIX (6) FOOT WIDE BUFFER
STRIP IN FLORIDA SHORES ALONG 35TH STREET FROM ITS PRESENT USE AS A PLANTING
BUFFER STRIP TO A RIGHT-OF-WAY; CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION; A SEVERA-
BILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Baugh stated that
this is first reading. Councilman Asting moved to adopt the ordinance.
Councilman Prater seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no Unfinished Business brought up at this meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no New Business brought up at this meeting.
ADJOURN
Counilman Asting moved to adjourn. Councilman Inman seconded the motion.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:53 P.M.
Minutes submitted by:
Lura Sue Koser
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App\oved this~da of
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MAYOR
-9- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
January 21, 1985