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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-15 CEAC MINUTES• • • Englewood Code Enforcement Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes August 15, 2007 I. Call to Order Vice Chair Chris Hoagland called the regular meeting of the Englewood Code Enforcement Advisory Committee to order at 6:30 p.m . Roll Call Members Present: Margaret Becker, Brian Bleile, Chris Hoagland, Marty Mosman, Ronald Rutherford, and Jill Wilson. Members Absent: Robert Zuccaro (excused), Koren Lowrimore (alternate), Laurett Barrentine, Council Liaison Council Liaisons: Jim Woodward Ex-Officio Members Present: Sergeant Gary Condreay, Deputy Manager Michael Flaherty Guest: Bob Mccaslin, Council Member At-Large, Ken Bronson A quorum of the Committee was present. II. Approval of Minutes Member Wilson pointed out that she had stated that Arapahoe County allows a warning prior to issuing a fine for weed and snow removal violations. This information was omitted from the minutes. Member Wilson made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 18, 2007, as amended. The motion was and seconded by Member Rutherford. The minutes were unanimously approved. III. Open Public Forum Ken Bronson, 280 E. Bellwood Drive, addressed the Committee regarding an issue with a neighbor. The neighbor's property is unkempt and over 10 cats are maintained by the neighbor. There is a lack of cleaning and often offensive odors resulting from the numerous cats. Mr. Bronson reported that he has attempted to trap the cats that venture onto his property, but the trap, provide by Code Enforcement, was stolen . His property has been vandalized and garbage thrown into his yard. He believes that their may be some potentially serious social issues with his neighbor and asked how the City can assist him in dealing with this problem. Sergeant Condreay provided Mr. Bronson with his business card and stated that Code Enforcement would assist him to the fullest extent possible and that referrals to social services agencies could be arranged, as may be warranted. Sergeant Condreay stated that there an unrelated matter " regarding this property might help to resolve the current problems. However, he said that due to • the nature of the matter, he was not at liberty to provide any additional detail at this time. • • VI. New Business Election of Officers Vice-Chair Hoagland opened the floor for nominations. Member Mosman nominated Chris Hoagland for Chairman. The motion was seconded by Member Wilson. As no further nominations for chairman were forthcoming, Member Becker made a motion to close nominations, with the second made by Member Mosman. The motion was approved unanimous I y. Vice-Chair Hoagland opened nominations for Vice-Chair. Member Becker nominated Marty Mosman with a second from Member Rutherford . Seeing no further nominations, Member Becker moved to close the nominations , with a second from Member Wilson. The motion was approved unanimously. Member Becker called for ratification of the nominations and was seconded by Member Bleile. The motion was approved unanimously. V. Unfinished Business A. Decriminalization Vice Chair Hoagland stated that he had requested Sergeant Condreay to review the pros and cons of decriminalization of some types of code violations, particularly weed control and snow removal. He also distributed a time-line of the code enforcement process previously provided by the City Attorney. Sergeant Condreay responded that the Code Officers support decriminalization of these types of code violations because they believe issuance of tickets will be a better use of their time, allowing them to address more pressing issues. After some additional discussion, Vice Chair Hoagland suggested that the Committee take up the issue at their next meeting and that staff request input from other cities that have decriminalized code violations, especially Fort Collins and Wheat Ridge. Member Bleile added that the Committee should review with three goals in mind: 1. Efficiency in utilization and productivity of Code Officers 2. Increase compliance 3. Expedite the process B. Council Member Tomasso's Request Vice Chair Hoagland said that he had spoken with Council Member Tomasso and that Tomasso had the mistaken impression that because the City no longer had a City Forester, that the enforcement of vegetation obstructions into the public right-of-way could not be enforced. Hoagland informed Council Member Tomasso that the regulations , described in sections 11-5-5 and 11-5-6 of the City Code, can be enforced by the Code Enforcement Di vi son J • • • C. Vicious Animal Task Force Report Member Bleile, the CEAC representative on the Vicious Animal Task Force, reported that the Task Force had meet with City Council during their Study Session on August 13; however, the discussion was not completed and has been continued to September 24. He suggested that the CEAC discussion on this topic be continue until after that meeting. D. Fun Fest Member Mosman reported that she is working with Community Relations Coordinator, Toni Geier and members of the Safety Service "Ready Colorado" liaisons on staffing the CEAC booth for Fun Fest on August 25. Sergeant Condreay confirmed that a Code truck and staff member would also be present. Games for children will be included in the booth, with candy prizes donated by King Soopers. Member Mosman said she was still looking of assistance. Vice Chair Hoagland said that he would assist. Council Member Woodward said that he would be attending Fun Fest, but working at other location. However, he said that he would stop by as possible. VI. Monthly Activity Report Items of interest in the August activity report included 29 dead animals , which is significantly higher than usual and was prompted by the squirrel plaque scare reported in the local media. Condreay also noted that graffiti violations were up , but inoperable vehicles cases were down. Officer Faseruk was in process of closing out several zoning cases, which has been time consuming for her. VII. Topics for Future Meeting A. New Business (a) Trash Removal (b) Trees/Plants/Shrubs Right of Way Trimming B. Unfinished Business (a) Decriminalization and abatement of code violations (b) FunF est Recap VIII. Adjournment Member Mosman made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Member Bleile The motion carried. T meefng was adjourned at 8:20 p.m .