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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-93 SS '-' MINUTES OF THE TRAILER PARKS PUBLIC FORUM HELD BY COMMISSIONER COMBS ON MARCH 20, 1993 This meeting was called in response to requests from citizens residing in the trailer parks who wished to discuss their needs in open forum and specifically at the request of Mrs. Frances Watts, who had asked Commissioner Combs, as Commissioner for that district, to referee. The meeting was designed to give citizens in each trailer park one and one-half hours to be heard. These minutes will show first the citizen's name and address, the requests made by that citizen, and then the staff response, which will be underscored. Commissioner Combs opened the public forum for the residents and owners in Pioneer Key Park 1 at 1:00 p.m. in the commission chambers, explained the purpose of this meeting, and introduced those present representing City Commission and City Staff. He noted that both Commissioner Johnson and Commissioner Woodson wished to be present as well but other duties had prevented their attending. PRESENT: Commissioners Combs and Foster, City Manager Shapiro, Administrative Services Director Beamer, Public Works Director Brenner, Police Chief Boyd, Building Official Flippen, Fire Lt. Ledford, Engineering Consultant David Hamstra, P.E.C., and City Clerk Grafton. Mayor Vandergrift was also present in the audience but not seated at the head table, as he was also monitoring the fishing tournament at Starke Lake. ABSENT: Commissioners Johnson and Woodson. '-' Tommie Sanders presented a note from his wife listing items that need attention: 1) Street light at Deer Key Court goes on and off all night. 2) Mobile home at 92 Deer Key Court is an eye-sore as it has windows and screens out and portable steps have been put in place where the porch came off last year. Buildinv: Official Flippen advised that the enforcement of the Minimum Standards Codes is iust beginning and that it is working. He said that Code Enforcement Officer Braddy will inspect any complaint presented to that office and take action. Commissioner Combs said that thev are looking toward hiring another inspector as the work load is very heavy in that department. Tommie Sanders, 96 Deer Key Court, (656-1479) expressed concern re: 1) Parking on the streets in the trailer parks - the streets are too narrow for vehicles to be parked on both sides. Chief Boyd said that if Commission establishes no parking on Circle Key it will be enforced. Citv Manae:er Shapiro said he will have staff determine where and how parking should be done and bring back a plan. as the Code must be able to stand in court. 2) Cars with no muffler. City Manae:er Shapiro said this is no longer covered bv city ordinance but rather bv state law and it can and should be enforced. Mrs. Frances Watts, 43 Shell Key Court, asked about those residents who have 3 or 4 cars in their yards. City Manae:er Shapiro advised that the City has no right to control how many cars a family owns. Chief Boyd said that where they put them can be controlled with parking signs. Mrs. Watts asked also about big dump trucks being parked within the trailer park. Commissioner Combs suggested that a homeowners/residents association could determine restrictions and put pressure on neighbors in those matters that it is not lawful for the Citv to enforce. '-- ~ Commissioner Combs' Open Forum with Trailer Parks March 20, 1993 ~ Mr. Bart Rostiser, 90 East Circle Key, (656-2673) listed those who helped him paint and fix up the entrance and expressed his appreciation for their help, then he presented the following concerns: 1) He has not seen any teeth marks from the new ordinance. City Mana~er Shapiro advised that staff is working on the inspections and the follow-up takes a number of davs for due process. but that the City will not let it go. 2) It appears that a trailer at 115 E. Circle Key is being used for commercial purposes. Code Enforcement will investigate. 3) There are about half a dozen trailers where the weeds and grass are too high. Code Enforcement will investigate specific reports. 4) Parking on sidewalks. City Manaeer Shapiro advised that some of the sidewalks are on private propertv and Citv cannot cite vehicles parked on those. but will cite those on public ~roperty. 5) Shopping carts from the grocery store left in the park. An ordinance enabling City to fine owners of stray shopping carts is on the next Commission agenda. 6) Loud music at 92 Deer Key Court. City Manaeer Shapiro advised that the current law provides that the police officer responding to a loud noise call is to iudge whether the noise is a nuisance and stop it if it is. There is a new process under consideration wherein the state furnishes a noise level machine for the use of trained police personnel. When research on the availability of this is completed. an ordinance will be processed and this method will be incorporated into the City's Code. Citizens were encouraged to call every time they have a complaint no matter how often it happens. 7) Cats walk all over his car each time he washes it. Cats are considered by authorities to be wild life and so uncontrollable. Can call Countv Animal Control or Humane Society and thev will place cages for removal of cats. 8) Noted that a document dated 1980 cites the same problems they are bringing up today, which he felt indicates that there has not been much progress in dealing with their problems. His concern was the rapidity of the depreciation of mobile homes as opposed to other homes. City Manager Shapiro advised that the citizens in the trailer parks are certainly entitled to equitable service. but that. in a town of 15.000 citizens. for the City to devote all of the ins~ection time available to the needs of the 300 families in the parks would not be equitable. Commissioner Foster said that some interest in doing what needs to be done must come from within the parks. as it is the responsibilitv of the residents and owners in every neighborhood to care for their propertv. Mrs. Mary Myers, 140 W. Circle Key Drive, (656-8015) thanked the Police Department for the foot patrol, saying that conditions are somewhat better in her area because of this. Public Works Director Brenner advised that the recycling bins will be distributed to both trailer parks for Monday collection and he asked for participation and cooperation from all the citizens in this area. Mr. Rostiser suggested placing bags next to the big recycling containers for other items and Mr. Brenner said he would give that suggestion a 90 day trial. Mrs. Lois Rose, 110 Conch Key Court (656-1105) had presented a speaking reservation form but said she had nothing to add to the questions already raised. '--' 2 '-'" '-' '--' Commissioner Combs' Open Forum with Trailer Parks March 20, 1993 Mr. Leo Lukasik, 102 Cypress Key Court, (877-6235) complained of conditions on Kissimmee Avenue behind his lot. City Manaeer Shapiro advised that this is in the County and directed Chief Bovd to contact the proper authorities to take care of this complaint. Citv Manager Shapiro said he will get a registered letter requesting "No Trespassing" from the owner and will enforce it. Mr. Bart Rostiser advised those present that any senior citizen with a complaint could contact him and he would pass the information on to police through the SALT program. Mr. Paul Troxel, 111 Conch Key Court, (656-6425) advised that someone has moved into a trailer where all the windows are out and there is no floor. Mrs. Rose Marie Harris, 81 Siesta Key Court, (no telephone) expressed her appreciation for this opportunity to be a part of the community, for the Bike Patrol and the general cleaning up of the neighborhood. 1) Mrs. Harris said that she was shown a list of restrictions that she understood would be enforced when she first moved in but that, as none of those things have been done, she thought the list should be circulated again. City Manaeer Shapiro advised that the document Mrs. Harris is referring to is Ordinance No. 620. which was passed at the request of the owner/developer of Pioneer Kev Parks 1 and 2. but that the document was not legal and no deed restrictions were registered with the County. Since this is true. the ordinance is unenforceable and no legal right exists to enforce the rules as they do not legally exist. Mr. Shapiro said that he believes that the basis for a class action suit exists. Said she was given the trailer but has no resource for funds to fix it up, and asked if there was any avenue for help. City Manager Shapiro advised that he is looking into a Block Grant and also Housing Assistance. Flooding is a problem. City Manager Shapiro advised that the drainage in that area used to be easv because all of it was taken care of by orange grove owners: but that. since the orange groves have been replaced bv development. and the planning for drainage that should have been done was not adequate. remedial steps must be taken which require careful planning and cooperation with/from the County . 2) 3) Mrs. Frances Watts, 43 Shell Key Court, (656-5622) said that the Silver Star Road portion of Pioneer Key Park 1 looks much better but inside the park still needs attention. Mrs. Watts said she feels that citizens should return the grocery carts they use themselves rather than to abandon them in the park. 1) Had talked to an insurance agent who said he would not cover some of the trailers and asked that City intervene. Citv Manager Shapiro advised that this was a business decision on the agent's part and that the Citv should not have any control that. Mr. Shapiro suggested that citizens keep their eyes open and report if there is a need for code enforcement. such as too many people occupying a residence. etc. and that will help improve the conditions of the trailers. 2) Some street lights were shot out and Florida Power Corporation has advised that they will replace the lights but the citizens will have to pay some of the replacement cost. Citv Manaeer Shapiro advised that the citizens should get the pole number and report it to Public Works Director Brenner. who will then turn in a request for repair. 3 ~ Commissioner Combs' Open Forum with Trailer Parks March 20, 1993 3) Asked about smoke alarms. They are included in the building code and fire code and both the building inspector and fire inspector will inspect for them. 4) Asked about a park/playground for the children. City Manager Shapiro adyised that he is looking at block grant money to applv for to put a park across the street from the trailer park in the second phase of the M & M Utility program. A grant has already been received which will supply trees for it. Commissioner Foster said that Mrs. Watts had been asking for help for a long time and they had been working on it all along and he wanted her to know he was glad it was all finally coming together. Mr. Andre M. Banchi, Jr., 36 Eagle Key Court, (623-2869) expressed his appreciation to the Fire Chief and Police Chief for their assistance in a recent incident involving his son and said that he knows from personal experience how fast trailers burn. 1) Reported a lot on the next street to him that has high grass and needs cleaning. 2) Has a problem with trash collection. City Manaeer Shapiro advised Public Works Director Brenner that citizens are getting conflicting answers from the sanitation crews and the public works secretary about the service on the routes and directed that this be cleared UP. 3) Parking of cars. Citv Manaeer Shapiro said that all except those on private property have been cited. 4) Is there a training program for youth in the Fire Department? There are limited programs for youth in Ocoee other than the teen dances. \.. 5) Asked for handicapped child sign for his neighborhood because of his daughter. Will be done. Sandra Crane, 89 Buck Key Court, (656-1161) thanked Mayor Vandergrift for his help in cleaning up the park. 1) Asked for speed bumps to slow down the traffic through the park. Unable to do this on public property due to liabilitv. 2) Need neighborhood watch. Check with Chief Boyd or Officer Vance who will help re-establish the Safe House program. 3) Need direction for homeowner's association. Commissioner Combs will haye someone there with expertise to guide them when they set a meeting date. Mrs. Crane said she will leave a pad for all to sign and have another meeting. Mr. Rostiser said he will help. Commissioner Foster suggested calling the association the Concerned Residents Association rather than Homeowners' Association because of the predominance of rental propertv in the parks. as having the emphasis on homeowners would cause others to not feel included. Mrs. Joyce Robbins, 12 N. Lee Street (656-1614), asked if the engineer knows that the drainage ditch they dug causes the water from the trailer park to go into her yard, and she asked that Commissioner Combs come and look at her property. Mr. Hamstra said that it is a large ditch that seryes a large wetland. Commissioner Combs will meet her at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. As it appeared that all who wished to speak had been heard, Commissioner Combs adjourned the forum for Pioneer Key Park 1, invited all present to the regular commission meetings on the first and third Tuesdays each month and said that any further concerns could be expressed at that time. '-' 4 '--' Commissioner Combs' Open Forum with Trailer Parks March 20, 1993 RECESS 2:55 P.M. TO 3:05 P.M. Commissioner Combs opened the meeting to the citizens of Pioneer Key Park 2, repeating the welcoming remarks and introductions made at the beginning of the meeting with Pioneer Key Park 1. '--' Mr. Jack Havens, 29 Coquina Key, (877-6651): 1) Said that some parts of the streets are very bad and he wondered why the holes were not repaired properly, instead of just dropping some asphalt in the holes. City Manal!er ShaDiro advised that anv repairs done before the drainage problem was solved would be a waste of time as the drainage would have to be dealt with first. He explained that Mr. Hamstra was present to let the Citv know what the whole problem is and how to repair it. Public Works Director Brenner said that the whole road will have to be done from the base up. Mr. ShaDiro said that the water coming from the grove behind the park sweeps over and under the roads and a solution to that has to be worked out before the roads can be correctly repaired. 2) Parking signs are needed. A team will review the site and signs will be placed. 3) Kids play in the street and someone needs to exercise some control. Citv cannot legislate how people take care of their children. Citizens who witness abuse/neglect should advise the police and/or HRS. Mr. Shapiro advised that he is going after a grant for a recreation park on the M & M Utilities holding ponds site. 4) Still sees cars and junk around in violation of the rules. City Manager ShaDiro explained the Code Enforcement process and said that any improvements citizens can see are the result of the citations from the initial run-through bv the Code Enforcement Officer and Building Official. He encouraged all present to report problem residents so that the code enforcement process can begin on each offense. Mr. ShaDiro advised also that rental property is now being inspected before re-rental is permitted. 5) Many stray animals in the parks. City Manal!er ShaDiro advised that stray animals should be reported to the Countv with the understanding that the response is not wonderful. but that the County will bring out cages to pick up stray cats. 6) Many migrant workers occupy the same trailer and they have lots of cars. Should report to Code Enforcement Officer about the number of people. but nothing can be done about the how many cars are parked on the street. Floyd Chase, 79 Sand Dollar Key (P.O.Box 171), (877-8571) 1) Loud music at 2:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. that he reports is turned down by offenders when they hear the radio dispatch to their area. Bike patrols will be in a position to appear without being dispatched as they will be patrolling in that area. City Manal!er ShaDiro advised that citizens should call for every occasion as the police are there to respond as manv times as they are called. 2) Many occupants at 94 Sand Dollar Key. Code Enforcement will investigate. Mr. John Dull, 115 Cokles Key, (656-7433) said that his questions have been answered already. Ms. Jeannie Madden, 125 Cokles Key, (no phone listed) 1) Kids playing in the street are not just playing but are also destroying peoples' property. She never sees a police officer patrolling in her neighborhood, they only come when called. City '-' 5 '- Commissioner Combs' Open Forum with Trailer Parks March 20, 1993 Manal!er Shapiro said to be sure to report such things each time they happen. and he recommended that Ms. Madden call Officer Vance and get a neighborhood watch program started. Chief Boyd said that all these reports will be passed down to the patrol officers immediately. 2) Big trucks, sometimes loaded, are constantly in the park even though there are signs up to prevent it. City Manager Shapiro advised that she should call the lJolice delJartment each time it happens so thev can respond while the violator is present. 3) Parking on the streets causes her to not be able to use her driveway. No deed restrictions in that park and there is nothing the City can do about that problem other than to restrict parking to one side of the street. '-' William Spear, 47 Coral Key Drive, (656-8354) 1) Drainage ditch has finally been cleaned out and he can see a difference in the flow after a rain, but that the pipes are small. Is concerned about the possibility of a lawsuit if a child should get under the fence into the ditch and caught in one of the drainage pipes as there are no grates over the pipes. City Manager Shapiro said that there would be liabilitv concerning the fence if it were not maintained properly. and that they are working on a system that will stop the debris and still let the water gO through. Mr. Hamstra is presently working on the solution to the overall drainage problem in that area. Public Works Director Brenner said that he had walked the whole drainage area with Mr. Spears. 2) Said he fixed his own pot hole with cement and it seems to be holding. 3) Cars driving around with loud boom-boom noises are offensive. Citv Manager Shapiro said nothing can be done about cars driving down the road yet. 4) Recreation park needs to be in same area as M & M Utilities. Public Works Director Brenner said that the City does not own all of that property. Mr. Raymond Cooper, 46 Coral Key Drive, (877-6673) said that PPTD Supervisor Elmore and Public Works Director Brenner had walked the entire drainage area with them and he commended both for the way they have responded to his and Mr. Spears' request. He said that he had heard many folks say they had been there but had never seen any of them, but he has seen Mayor Vandergrift in that area 5 times in the last few months. After the ditch was cleared out the water flowed as it should have been doing all along and if it is maintained 5 months out of the year it probably will work as it should. 1) Asked if a copy of the Minimum Standards Codes will be sent to all citizens. No. but a copv can be purchased at City Clerk's office. 2) Talked about noise pollution measuring instruments. City Manal!er Shapiro said that he is waiting to find out if the State will provide us with one as required bv statute before going forward with the adoption of a noise code. 3) Asked homeowners to contact him to form an association. City Manal!er Shapiro asked that thev give the association a name other than homeowners so that renting residents will feel welcome to ioin. Such membership would give the association more comprehensive input and background for putting pressure on landlords. 4) Asked who to contact to start a neighborhood watch program. Chief Bovd or Officer Vance. '-' 6 '-' Commissioner Combs' Open Forum with Trailer Parks March 20, 1993 City Manager Shapiro said that he would have to raise millage in order to do the road patches with cement as Mr. Spears and Mr. Cooper suggest. Mr. Cooper said that the citizens may wish to help if contacted. Mrs. Veldine Pettus, 105 Periwinkle Key, said there is no place for children to play, but it is not their fault, as she sees parents teaching their children to ride their bikes in the street. City Manager Shapiro suggested that, as the associations in each park have similar problems, they may wish to unite and talk with each other after organizing. Chief Boyd said that his staff would attend the association meetings. Public Works Director Brenner announced that recycling is beginning soon in this park and their collection day will be Monday. As it appeared that all who wished to speak had been heard, Commissioner Combs adjourned the forum for Pioneer Key Park 2, invited all present to the regular commission meetings on the first and third Tuesdays each month and said that any further concerns could be expressed at that time. RECESS 4:10 P.M. - 4:18 P.M. '-" Commissioner Combs opened the meeting to the citizens of Security Circle/Mobile Lane Area, repeating the welcoming remarks and introductions made at the beginning of the Pioneer Key Parks sessions. Mr. James Creech, 118 Mobile Lane, (656-4260) 1) Said that 18 wheelers go on Mobile Lane and thinks a sign saying "No More Than Ph Tons" sign would be in order. It will be done. 2) Some trailers in his area need attention. He said that he has purchased several and he will clean them up, and he asked that those not be cited. City Manae:er Shaoiro said to give the address and Code Enforcement will go in and begin the process. 3) Said that neighborhood watch is needed as strange expensive cars drive through that area frequently and he thinks they do not belong there. Police Department will take note of this. Mr. Wayne Detwiler, 133 Mobile Lane, (877-1115) 1) Concerned about residents speeding on his street, as one resident has been put in the hospital as a result of it and there are children playing there also. Chief Bovd said to report the addresses and tvpe of cars to his office on Mondav. 2) Even though a little bit of soap and water would clean up some of the trailers, folks do not seem to care. He had cleaned up one of Betty Pedrick's trailers at 131 Mobile Lane and others have been dumping their trash there since then. Code Enforcement will take care of this. 3) School bus has been speeding also. Should report the bus number to school board and thev will deal with that immediatelv. 4) One dog has been reported repeatedly to Animal Control and is still loose. '-" 7 \..,., '-' '-' Commissioner Combs' Open Forum with Trailer Parks March 20, 1993 Mrs. Sarah Womer, 112 Security Circle, (656-4868) said that folks are not taking care of their trash all along the street and at Mrs. Mears' house the rentors have been living there without power for several weeks. If they have not been cited already. Code Enforcement will take care of it. Mr. Raymond Daniel, 232 Security Circle, (656-7712) 1) Reported that the church bus speeds also. 2) Asked about the loud noise law. Citv Manal!er Shaoiro advised that right now it is up to the officer to determine if the noise is a nuisance but a state statute provides that the state will provide a machine for the Citv to use to measure sound. When that haPt>ens an officer will be trained to use it and a new ordinance will be put in place. As it appeared that all who wished to speak had been heard, Commissioner Combs closed the forum for Security Circle/Mobile Lane Area, invited all present to the regular commission meetings on the first and third Tuesdays each month and said that any further concerns could be expressed at that time. Commissioner Combs thanked those present for attending and adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m. Je 8