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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVI (I) Discussion/ Action re: Construction Industry Task Force Agenda 9-2-97 Agenda 8-19-97 . , 1 "CEVTER OF GOOD LIVING-PRIDE OF WESTINMP . Item VI H -I Ocoee Agenda 8-5-97 Item VI F CITY OF OCOEE ......„ . ... ._ . . ,./ femi4 re.1 \I-- 4I 546611 -"Cl -.. ...... I° ) 1 0 N. LAKESHORE DRIVE OCOEE. FLORIDA 34761-2258 Item VI H (407)656-2322 Agenda 7-15-97 CITY MANAGER ELLIS SHAPIRO MEMORANDUM TO: The Honorable Mayor and Board of City Commissioners FROM: Ellis Shapiro, City Manager DATE: July 8, 1997 RE: CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TASK FORCE Approximately 2 weeks ago the attached memo from Commissioner Parker was sent to me about her concerns regarding the Construction Industry Task Force. Upon discussion with her at some length, Commissioner Parker and this writer came up with the possibility that our Chief Building Official. Don Flippen, could have a meeting with the construction industry on a monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly basis to create a forum for the resolution of building issues within the City of Ocoee and issues affecting the industry in Central Fiorida. At their first meeting they could decide to either create a set group of individuals as a task force or create a different type of committee, or none at all based upon the outcome of their discussions. The residents of our community would be welcome to attend to provide input to this important issue. Furthermore. the City of Ocoee Protective Inspections Department would monitor the Governor's Building Code Study Commission and report its status as well as the topics of discussion from our community's meetings to the City Commission. As a result of the discussions above. Commissioner Parker also suggested that we possibly divide the City into three or four sections and set up meetings in those sections of neighborhoods to show the residents our city services, equipment, special projects and planned development in their area to better inform the people of Ocoee. I have asked Janet Resnik to provide some thoughts on this issue for your discussion. Respectfully Sub • 'ed, iii, Attachments dr . • Ocoee "� fy O MEMORANDUM: ' . ,•�� 1 or G000 NANCY J. PARKER COM2vIISSIONER DISTRICT 4 DATE: June 26, 1997 150 N.LAKESHORE DRIVE OCOEE,FLORIDA 34761 TO: Ellis Shapiro, City Manager OFFICE:(407)656-2322.EXT.171 RES:(407)292-8647 FROM: Nancy Parker j • SUBJECT: Construction Industry Task Force I have given serious thought to ways to approach meeting the real need that exists for homewners to be able get information and assistance with construction problems they encounter, whether from poor construction methods or undesirable materials. I do not believe that another board or committee that meets regularly under the Sunshine Law requirements is the answer. I do know that homeowners are often left with no where to turn for answers or guidance. I still receive several calls a week about the OSB siding alone, not to mention the termite control complaints, copper pipe leaks and many others. Many homeowners are surprised to find out that their problems are not at all unique. Positive results come from networking and sharing information. I also find that many residents have no idea what thq City can do for them or in turn, what they need to do in relationship to permitting, inspections, procedures, etc. I have read the comments received from Staff about the program as it exists and where it should go and am in basic agreement with them on most points. There must be some way to go about this that will cover the ongoing need and provide a much needed service to our citizens. Perhaps, we can come up with a way to gather and distribute information to benefit citizens on dealing with problems within City Hall. To help cut down on staff time, we might be able to appoint citizen volunteers to do some research and follow-up on common problems with construction, including monitoring the Governor's Building Code Study Commission, any progress or discussion about the termite control/treatment dilemma, product problems and class action lawsuit status. Staff could keep the Commissioners advised on a regular basis, be that monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or whatever. I also believe we can consider a way to educate the general public by taking government to them per our discussion earlier this week. By this I mean that we could divide the city into geographical quarters and hold 1 meeting in each section, either an evening or a Saturday morning, in a church, school, whatever, to make it convenient for area residents. Representatives from appropriate departments and a commissioner could be there to talk about permitting, code enforcement, drainage issues, up and coming issues of interest including road improvements, developments, neighborhood watch and so forth. At the same time, we can hear THE PRIDE OF WEST ORANGE about construction related problems and concerns for us to research. A program of this general nature could be of benefit to all concerned by generating more participation in government by citizens, getting them out to City Hail and involved. At the same time, we in City Hall can learn a little more about what needs exist for us to address. I know you have discussed the need for restoring faith in government, maybe this is one way to help. , In any event, there should be goals and guidelines set that are realistic. It is highly unlikely that we will be able to resolve the statewide termite problem, but we might be able to work with state entomologists on some recommendations and educate the citizens on cutting their chances of infestation and how to find the right company to hire. We should be monitoring the Governor's Building Code Study Commission and making comments to them for consideration. We should also be monitoring for problem products that fall under our ordinance and informing our citizens. I am also curious about what we are doing to control "unscrupulous" contractors and making them toe the line if they want to work in Ocoee. We can also schedule seminars once or twice a year for homeowners, such as the one we had last year about Homeowners Rights When Dealing with a Contractor. I am open for suggestion and discussion about the most time and cost effective way to deal with this subject, if we want to deal with it at all. As I stated before, I was the sole appointed member of this committee and I did my best not to spend City time and money in my efforts. There were some positive results of those efforts. 4 At this point, I believe the Mayor and Commissioners should discuss continuing, reorganizing or disbanding the "committee" as appropriate. "CENTER OF GOOD LIVING-PRIDE OF WEST ORANGE" MAYOR 0 COMMISSIONER S.SCOTT VANDERGRIFT Ocoee �j �j COMMISSIONERS O _ CITY OF OCOEE DANNYHOwELL a• 150 N.LAKESHORE DRIVE SCOTT ANDERSON • OCOEE,FLORIDA 34761-2253 SCUTT A.GLASS �.., °j4,45 ' (407)656-2322 NANCY I.PARKER �+''p CITY MANAGER OF GOOD ELLIS SHAPIRO STAFF REPORT DATE: July 9, 1997 TO: Fills Shapiro, City Manager FROM: Janet G. Resnik, AICP, Capital Projects/Concurrency Analyst • SUBJECT: Quarterly Community Meetings In reference to our recent discussions on holding quarterly community meetings, I have put together the following proposal. In an effort to properly plan for such a program, I would recommend that staff meet regularly (bi-weekly, possibly in conjuction with regular staff meetings) for the next few months to develop a format for the meetings and decide exactly what to present and how to present it. As I understand it, the primary objective for the meetings is to reach out to the citizens to promote an openness in government, highlighting some of the projects and services the City has planned, determining what issues are especially important to the citizens, and soliciting suggestions for improving services. If properly planned, this is an excellent way to inform the public and address the diverse needs and desires of the community. Staff will also want to touch base with the Mayor and each Commissioner to•ensure that any items they feel are important to address are included as part of the program and to determine what role the Commission wants to take in these meetings. I would recommend that all department directors attend all the planning meetings and ultimately, each community meeting. They should also have key staff people involved who are well-versed on current projects, familiar with equipment they want to demonstrate or showcase, and who can help answer questions and solicit input from citizens. Once staff has finalized all of the program specifics, the City Commission will need to set dates for the meetings for each area of the City. Staff will also need to make recommendations on how to split the City for purposes of the meetings and look into potential meeting sites. I have several ideas for possible program formats and topics to include. I can put together some suggestions or meet with staff to brainstorm and then take that input and put together a draft program. "CENTER OF GOOD LIVING-PRIDE OF WEST ORANGE" MAYoa s CommissioNER S.SCOTT VANDERGRIFT Ocoee , r1\ p .�o` CITY OF OCOEE D COMMISSIONERS '� 150 N.LAKESHORE DRIVE SCOTT ANDERSON ci. SCOTT A.GLASS p OCOEE,FLORIDA 34761-2258 NANCY J.PARKER 0�K,........ w (407) 656-2322 (4) Crrt MANAGER �� EQ Op Gao®N> FT.T.TS SHAPIRO MEMO RAND UM TO: FT IS SHAPIRO, CITY MANAGER FROM: D.W. FLIPPEN, BUILDING AND ZONING OrriCIAL i� DATE: DULY 9, 1997 SUBJECT: CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Reference is made to Commissioner Nancy Parker's memorandum to you dated June 26, 1997 concerning a construction industry task force. As per your request, I have given Commissioner Parker's suggestions careful consideration. I would suggest the following: 1) Conduct a public meeting sponsored by the Protective Inspections Department on a quarterly basis or more often if needed. 2) Meeting will be after 7:00 pm on a week day or between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm on a Saturday. 3) Invite the following: a) Building Contractors _ b) Homeowners c) All concerned citizens d) Homeowners Associations through the Association's President e) Land Developers 4) Staff members of the City Protective Inspections Department will attend to answer questions concerning building codes, zoning codes, code enforcement, arbor codes and occupational licensing requirements. 5) Suggested agenda items are: a) Construction problems b) Unworkmanlike construction c) Problem materials d) Termite control e) Copper water pipe leaks f) How to file a complaint with the City Building Department g) How to file a complaint with the State of Florida Construction Industry Licensing • Board against a State Licensed Contractor , ' "CENTER OF GOOD LIVING-PRIDE OF WEST ORANGE" MAYOR a COMMISSIONER ' S.SCOTT VANDERGRIFI' Ocoee COMMISSIONERS �� .I oa. . CITY OF OCOEE DANNYHOwELL a 150 N. LAKESHORE DRIVE SCOTT ANDERSON SCOTTA.GLASS Ocoa,FLORIDA 34761-2258 NANCY J.PARKER �... �cs (407) 656-2322 ' Crrl MANAGER EQ Op G GQO N FTJ,IS SHAPIRO h) Zoning -general information i) Code enforcement procedures and general information j) Occupational licensing general information k) Input from the public I) Need for appointed citizen volunteers to research common problems and/or monitoring the proposed construction related state laws m) Request suggestions from the citizens Your direction is requested.