HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-98
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OCOEE
PUBLIC MEETING ON MOBILE HOME SAFETY ISSUES
HELD MAY 6, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vandergrift called the Public Meeting on Mobile Home Safety Issues to order at 7:33
p.m. in the Commission Chambers and asked for a silent moment of prayer for the lives lost
during the recent tornado. Frances Watts led in the pledge of allegiance.
PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioner Howell, Deputy City Clerk Gosnell,
Assistant Fire Chief Firstner, Fire Inspector Levesque, and Building Official Flippen.
Commissioner Anderson arrived at 7:55 p.m.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTSNIPS
Mayor Vandergrift introduced the Ocoee City Commission and Staff. Also introduced were
Ronald York, Staff of Florida Manufactured Housing Association; Phil Harris, Insurance
Administrator, State of Florida (Orlando); J ohn Warbington, Orange County - Director of
Building Department; Bob Wellfare, President, District 16, Federation of Mobile Home Owners
of Central Florida; John MacDonald, Bureau Chief, Department of Highway Safety & Motor
Vehicles, Mobile Home Construction - State of Florida; Winter Garden Commissioner John
Harriman; and Mary Shanklin, reporter for the Orlando Sentinel.
Mayor Vandergrift introduced Ms. Patricia Reimitz, 523 Whittier Avenue, Ocoee, who
purchased a home in the unincorporated area of Orange County. Ms. Reimitz gave a history of
the code violations, DPR issues, inspections encountered, and conditions she is having to
contend with, after moving in and finding that her dwelling was a "mobile home" and not a
"house."
John Warbington, Orange County Building Director, responded that he was aware of Ms.
Reimitz' situation, and many organizations, including Orange County, volunteered time and
materials to help resolve some of the issues she was facing with her home.
Gary Moody, 17205 Red Bird Road, Winter Garden, spoke to the issue of the smell of the
landfill on 545.
DISCUSSION REGARDING MOBILE HOME SAFETY - HIGH WINDS, FIRE AND
CONSTRUCTION OF HOMES
Mayor Vandergrift presented a pictorial overview of the damage done from the recent tornado
and displayed many instances of strap over I-beam failures, rusted knuckles and anchors, and
wind damage on the manufactured homes during that incident.
Public Meeting on Mobile Home Issues
May 6, 1998
John MacDonald, Bureau Chief, Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, Bureau
of Mobile Home Construction - State of Florida, stated that after the recent tornado, his
department arrived on the scene, and did a survey of the destruction particularly in the area that
Mayor Vandergrift had just shown pictures of. Mr. MacDonald spoke to several of the issues,
including the 200 to 250 mph wind factor, and how newer manufactured homes, particularly in
Hyde Park, withstood that kind of wind, and the apparent strap failure of those houses.
Mr. MacDonald remarked that some homes in Hyde Park were noted to be set below the grade
of the perimeter of which the house was set, causing water to settle underneath the house,
accounting for some of the rust that was noted on the straps and anchors. One of the Bureau's
functions is to promulgate the rule for the set up of mobile homes that deals with site preparation
and grading around the perimeter of the house, which prevents the issue of settling water. The
Bureau's biggest concern, however, was the strap issue. The Bureau recently tested the different
methodologies that are currently used today for fastening the strap to the I-beam, with the idea
that they would find out which one is the best and impose that as a rule and keep everything
uniform. From what the Bureau has seen in actuality so far, there are different ways of fastening
the strap to the I-beam and some of them do not work well. At the conclusion of the strap test,
discussions were held with the Florida Manufactured Housing Association, regarding some of
the issues that were found. In turn, the Florida Manufactured Housing Association formed a task
force and is looking at those issues. The Bureau is discussing different ideas with them to come
up with a program that will enhance the current rule on mobile home tie downs. One issue
already looked at are fasteners that attach to the I-beam as opposed to wrapping the strap around
the I-beam. They have found that installers are not getting the strap tight, creating slack in the
strap. Another issue is that the strap and the anchor head are not parallel to the point where it
causes a poor angle which enhances a weakness in the strap.
Mr. MacDonald stated that for a minimal cost, we can exceed the current ASTM standard by
double coating the anchor with zinc from 03 to 06. In all probability, the State of Florida will go
to that new strap standard.
Mr. MacDonald stated another problem found were side wall fasteners that come off the side of
the wall of the house where the strap is connected has a sharp edge because it is stamped at the
factory that produces it. Future requirements may include the installation of radius clips, which
will serve as a cushion for the sharp edge.
Mr. MacDonald stated that another important issue which should greatly enhance the tie-down
of the mobile home, are longitudinal ties. These are anchors that are installed at the hitch end
and at the back end of the house as well.
Mr. MacDonald remarked that over and beyond the HUD Code Requirement, the Bureau plans
on adding some additional requirements that will be instituted only in Florida.
Mr. Jack Denton, Orange Tree Mobile Home Park, Winter Garden, Florida, stated that he
had been in five tornadoes in his lifetime, and that tornadoes lack respect towards any type of
construction. Mr. Denton suggested someone contact Signal Steel Strapping Company,
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Public Meeting on Mobile Home Issues
May 6, 1998
probably owned by Illinois Tool Works in Chicago, or Acme Steel, who manufacture a 1-1/2" -
2" 050 strapping with rolled edges, in double galvanized.
Mr. MacDonald stated that the Bureau has looked into the thickness issue, and the feasibility of
how well it will currently wrap around the I-beam and through the bulk and anchor.
Mayor Vandergrift asked if the installer should be using a torque wrench when tying down the
straps. Mr. MacDonald replied that there is no requirement for a torque wrench; however, there
is a requirement that the straps be tightened and that they be wrapped three times with a bolt, and
reported that many times they have found them wrapped once.
Mr. MacDonald reported that they are concentrating on coming up with the best methodology
based on test at this time, and the key is inspection and enforcement.
Mr. Robert Wellfare, President, District 16 Federation of Manufactured Mobile Home
Owners, spoke to the issue of straps over I-beams and requested another look into tie downs
going over the entire roof to hold more than just the beam of the structure.
Mr. Wellfare offered the following telephone numbers for those interested in obtaining the FMO
News: 1-800-959-7539, or 1-888-319-3696.
Mrs. Frances Watts, 43 Shell Key Court, Ocoee, FL, spoke to the issue of paneling on the
mobile homes and how dry they appear to be, and that the windows with cranks wear out very
quickly and are not useable.
City Commissioner John Harriman, Winter Garden, FL, asked if anyone knew the weight of
a stick house as opposed to a mobile home. Mr. MacDonald responded that it would be
impossible to determine unless the specifics were given as to what materials were used in
constructing the stick house.
Commissioner Harriman reported that coverall roofs are invincible and described their merits.
Mr. John Warbington, Orange County Building Director, spoke to the issue of safety of both
site built homes and manufactured housing. The process begins with the architects who design
it, the State promulgates the rules, installers, who must have a license to do it, inspectors who are
involved in the process, manufacturers who have standards and the homeowner who maintains
the property. He stated that this is a "process" and we are all partners in it.
Mayor Vandergrift stated that there are 400 mobile homes in Ocoee, and possibly there was
some way that we could work it into our busy schedule, maybe Orange County or Winter
Garden, or whomever, to inspect the mobile homes, particularly senior citizens' homes, so they
don't have to pay the $60 or $100 or $1,500 inspection fee.
Orange County Building Director Warbington replied that Orange County would be willing
to perform that service.
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Public Meeting on Mobile Home Issues
May 6, 1998
Ocoee Building Official Don Flippen reported that the City has two full-time inspectors that
perform mobile home inspections, including looking at tie-downs. So far no problems have been
noted, but there are mobile homes in our City that are over 25 years old.
Mayor Vandergrift reaffirmed to Mr. Warbington that Orange County would be able to go out
to the mobile homes to simply look at the straps and tie-downs without any charge to the
citizens, and that Ocoee and Orange County could work out the details. Mr. Warbington
replied that this would be cooperatively handled, and that Orange County has employees who
volunteer for projects all the time. If nothing else, Orange County can do this on a volunteer
basis.
Ocoee Building Official Don Flippen stated that although the Building Department is quite
busy right now, as time permits, they can go out and look at those units.
Mayor Vandergrift stated that he felt the group just made a giant step.
RECESS 8:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Mr. Frank Griffo, Law Engineering, 605 E. Robinson Street, Orlando, FL, spoke to the
issues of on-site testing for pull out capacity of tie downs and ground anchors, soil compaction
and classification, and torque values for anchors.
Mr. Wellfare stated that he felt the soil compacting should be tested before anchors are inserted,
and suggested that this testing should be done initially on new installations.
Mr. Bill Turney, Florida Manufactured Housing Association, 10510 N. Nebraska Avenue,
Tampa, FL, reported that for the record, the anchors did not fail during both Hurricane Andrew
and the recent tornado. The top of the homes were gone, straps and rusted areas failed, but the
anchors did not fail. Most mobile homes affected in Dade County were from the 1940's-50's-
60's - 70's, some 1980's and a few 1990's. Dade County began permitting in 1972.
City Commissioner Scott Anderson asked if stick homes were built using the same standards
as manufactured homes, and if the inspections of the two types of homes were the same and of
the same quality. A discussion ensued regarding the process of inspecting manufactured homes
and how units were inspected.
City Commissioner Danny Howell spoke to the issue of stick housing, stating that they were
strictly a wood frame house on a block foundation, and wanted to know how they were fastened
to the ground. Building Official Don Flippen replied that if there is a foundation, they are
bolted to the foundation, but if they are on blocks off the ground, they are not fastened.
Commissioner Anderson asked if anyone has devised flaps to the tops of the manufactured
homes to have less lifting effect.
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Public Meeting on Mobile Home Issues
May 6, 1998
Mr. Curtis Blackman, Compliance Inspector - Tampa Office, State of Florida, described
how manufactured homes are inspected through all the processes, and explained roofing changes.
Mayor Vandergrift asked that those in attendance fill out the Volunteer Form for a task force on
mobile homes.
Commissioners Danny Howell and Scott Anderson requested information on the inspection
process for manufactured homes -- if every phase of the house is inspected and if the inspections
are continually the same. Mr. MacDonald responded that no, not every phase of every
manufactured home is inspected. Inspections are to ensure that there are no systemic problems in
the manufacturing process, and invited all those interested to visit the Aburndale or Ocala
manufacturing plant to see first hand how it is done.
Ms. Patricia Reimitz spoke regarding her concerns on her street, but since it is an enclave
within the City, she is blocked and cannot be annexed in.
Mayor Vandergrift thanked everyone, especially Mr. MacDonald for attending the meeting, and
asked, without objection, if the City would support some kind of program for the Building
Department to help citizens by inspecting the straps of their mobile homes without cost, if the
citizen requested us to do so.
Commissioner Anderson suggested that renters should have this available to them also. Mayor
Vandergrift stated that renters were another discussion, and would be brought up at a later time.
Commissioner Anderson stated that the City needs to do whatever it has to do to get with our
Building Department to get the complimentary inspections done.
Mr. Phil Harris, Insurance Administrator, State of Florida, stated that he felt this meeting
was very enlightening and that he learned a great deal.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vandergrift thanked everyone again for attending, and declared meeting adjourned at
9:50 p.m.
ATTEST:
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APPROVED:
City Ofo..coee.. ".. ...~
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S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
Fran Gosnell, Deputy City Clerk
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