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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-30-98 Public Mtg. MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OCOEE PUBLIC MEETING ON MANUFACTURED HOMES SAFETY ISSUES HELD JULY 30,1998 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Vandergrift called the Public Meeting on Manufactured Homes Safety Issues to order at 7:45 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. Winter Garden Commissioner Theo Graham led in prayer, and Winter Garden Commissioner John Harriman led in the pledge of allegiance. PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Howell and Parker, Building Official Flippen, and Deputy City Clerk Gosnell. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTSNIPS Mayor Vandergrift introduced the Ocoee City Commission and Staff. Also introduced were Dick Harkey, Congressman John Mica's office; Jay Therrell, Congressman Bill McCollum's office; Ronald York, Staff of Florida Manufactured Housing Association; Phil Harris, Insurance Administrator, State of Florida (Orlando); Bobby Thomas, Certified Slings; John Warbington, Orange County - Director of Building Department; Mike Krenn, Orange County Building Inspector; Winter Garden Commissioners Theo Graham and John Harriman; and Mary Shanklin, reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. DISCUSSION REGARDING MANUFACTURED HOME SAFETY Mayor Vandergrift introduced Don Flippen, Ocoee Building Official, who stated that the City would inspect any manufactured home in the City, regardless of their age, and for people to call 656-2322, extension 133 for an inspection. John Warbington, Orange County Building Director, stated that he had received over 500 telephone calls, and that over 300 homes had been inspected so far, with 84% failing. Problems found were anchors, straps, and improper drainage, with an estimated 42.7% strap failure. Mr. Warbington explained the form used by the inspectors and reported that there is more money budgeted for the program for inspecting manufactured homes. Winter Garden Commissioner John Harriman posed two questions (1) whether or not a sticker was issued after the manufactured homes were inspected, and (2) do citizens receive a reduction in their insurance after passing the inspection. Mr. Warbington responded that Orange County used a 2-part survey form which provides a list of deficiencies to the homeowner, but that no sticker is issued after inspection. Mr. Flippen stated that a new Certificate of Occupancy could be issued if the homeowner requested it, but that no stickers were issued. Orange County Building Inspector Mike Krenn discussed the deterioration of straps on homes 10 years or older. Commissioner Danny Howell asked how anchors were checked for strength, and how long does it take for the soil to be compact around the anchor. Mr. Krenn explained that one would have to excavate to determine the anchor's strength and that you would have to have a geotechnical agency test for compacting. Public Meeting on Mobile Home Issues July 30, 1998 Phil Harris, Insurance Administrator, State of Florida, responded to the previous question from Commissioner John Harriman with regard to insurance companies providing discounts on homes that were inspected. Mr. Harris stated that it depended on the individual insurance companies and explained how rates are submitted to the State from insurance companies for approval. Mr. Bobby Thomas, Certified Sling, demonstrated a new type of strap they are presently testing which is secured by an earth anchor, and reported that the polyester strap, if kept on the building permanently, would need to be replaced within 3 - 5 years, but if installed on an as-needed basis, could last indefinitely. Mr. Thomas reported that the testing of this strap will be concluded by the end of August, 1998. Open discussion ensued regarding the safety inspections, and the concerns of the group that citizens are getting false hopes up from the inspection process. The general concern is that citizens feel protected from a tornado or hurricane. It was agreed that precautions should be suggested, such as weather radios. Additionally, safe rooms within homes, telephone alerts, and shelters were discussed, and Mr. Warbington reported that Orange County has a Shelter Deficit Committee that is very active. Mr. Flippen read a letter from the Ocoee Code Enforcement Board dated July 29, 1998. The contents of the letter requested that consideration be given to a possible City Code change, recommending that all trailers, double wides and modular homes, when removed from a lot, regardless of location within the City, may only be replaced on said premises by a new home or a trailer double wide/modular home that is not more than 5 years old. Ronald York, Staff of Florida Manufactured Housing Association and Phil Harris, Insurance Administrator, State of Florida (Orlando), both discussed the Florida Statutes which state you cannot place the kind of restrictions as specified in the Code Enforcement Board's letter; however, the City could create an ordinance with regard to regular inspection of manufactured homes, etc. Mayor Vandergrift stated that he would like to see sprinkler lines installed down the center of manufactured homes. Mr. York replied that the incidence of fire is less in a manufactured home than in regular structures; however, the incidence of death is higher, and that the idea of sprinkler systems installed in manufactured homes has been discussed by other organizations, and that HUD would have to approve it. Mayor Vandergrift then requested this issue be followed up on by those attending. DISCUSSION REGARDING SCHOOL PORTABLESN ACATION VEHICLE SAFETY Mayor Vandergrift asked if Orange County inspected the school portables, and Mr. Warbington responded that the school board inspects their own; however, Orange County does receive complaints on the portables. Mayor Vandergrift expressed his concern regarding the slack in the straps on the school portables. Commissioner Harriman asked if portables were safer with lightening rods. Mr. Warbington responded that they were not; as long as the portables were grounded, there would be no need for the rods. Commissioner Graham asked how many portables were actually moved out, and what the cost was of one now as compared to building one for a lesser price. Commissioner Howell responded that it was his understanding the rental of one portable was valued at $7,200 per year. Commissioner Howell stated that when it comes to the safety of the children, money doesn't matter. 2 Public Meeting on Mobile Home Issues July 30, 1998 Mayor Vandergrift asked if it would be possible to make vacation vehicles have a mandatory tie-down. Mr. Flippen responded that it would be impossible to enforce, but rather, think about requiring the showers to be made as shelters at camp sites. Commissioner Harriman discussed the current status of Hyde Park and how people were dealing with the recent tornado. Mr. York reported that there is a strong improvement to the rules of tie-downs and anchors, and many good ideas are being worked on. Mr. Bruce Holmes, 469 Little Rock, Ocoee, asked if there was any way to tie down aluminum awnings on manufactured homes to prevent them from turning into flying debris. Mr. Flippen replied that "add- ons" meet the 1 00 mph requirement, and they must be free standing from the dwelling. Mr. Harris announced that he brought a small supply of booklets, which are a guide to retrofitting your home, and that the Department of Community Affairs/Department of Insurance have mitigation training programs in St. Lucie County, Pensacola, and Dade County. Funds may be available through the mitigation fund in the future, which is governed by applications through FEMA. Mr. Warbington stated that he felt these funds would probably not be available to even apply for until at least March, 1999, and that Orange County is aware of the program. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Vandergrift thanked everyone again for attending, and declared meeting adjourned at 9: 15 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: City of Ocoee ~~/j~!rr ~~ ~ruiL Fran Gosnell, Deputy City Clerk 3