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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-97 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF OCOEE FORUM FOR CONSTRUCTION CONCERNS HELD NOVEMBER 12, 1997 CALL TO ORDER Building Official Flippen opened the Forum for Construction Concerns at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers with a moment of silent meditation followed by the pledge of allegiance. PRESENT: Building and Zoning Official Flippen, Commissioner Parker, City Manager Shapiro, Assistant Building and Zoning Official Washington, City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira, Executive Secretary Seaver, Code Enforcement Supervisor Simon and City Clerk Grafton. Also present in the audience were Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Howell and Construction Administrator Gardner. ABSENT: None. INTRODUCTION OF PANEL Building Official Flippen read a prepared statement on the mission of the Forum and introduced the panel. He then recognized Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Howell, and two contractors from Lennar Homes. AREAS OF DISCUSSION Commissioner Parker informed those present in the audience that she had information in seeking class action lawsuits for those having siding, piping and termite problems. She proposed there be another forum for construction concerns meeting scheduled for late February and suggested advertising it as soon as possible. She warned that there was a blind and window covering manufacturer in the area who is accepting large down payments and then disappearing with the money. Mayor Vandergrift spoke of problems he is having with his fairly new home, informed those in the audience that he serves on the Termite Task Force with the Board of Realtors and would answer questions. Commissioner Howell said that when doing a room addition to a home, termite treatment is required and asked if it is guaranteed. Building Official Flippen explained that it would only be guaranteed by the insect exterminator being used and the contract should be read very carefull y. Commissioner Parker pointed out two ways to help alleviate subterranean termite infestation: I) make sure builders do not stucco all the way to the ground, and 2) use the chemical chlordane. Commissioner Howell asked if termites normally enter homes from the bottom, as he had known homeowners who had treated for termites and their homes still became infested. Commissioner Parker said contractors and homeowners should have the insecticide tested City of Ocoee Forum for Construction Concerns Held November 12, 1997 contractors and homeowners should have the insecticide tested because many private exterminators who wish to make a bigger profit will water down their product. City Manager Shapiro said that keeping landscaping and sprinkler systems should be kept away from homes as termite preventative measures. Mr. Joe Maguire, 1303 Carpenter Branch Court, responded to questions from the panel and audience regarding warranties when treating for termites. Commissioner Anderson asked if the City of Ocoee could come up with a policy to make sure building contractors did not install stucco all the way to the ground. Mr. Flippen said the City is now enforcing that policy. Commissioner Howell asked if a building contractor had to be present when exterminators were treating for termites and Mr. Flippen said no. Mayor Vandergrift suggested that contractors have a check-offlist to retrace their steps when a house is finished. Commissioner Anderson asked contractors in the audience to speak to the issue and advise panel on what measures they take when building homes and they responded. Mr. Maguire spoke about the building practices and pest control policies of several counties and said he had drafts of their practices available. Mr. Shapiro asked for copies of the drafts he had spoken of. CITIZEN COMMENTS There were no citizen comments at this time. COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS Commissioner Parker said that with the major growth in the City of Ocoee, there should be a new homeowners education program so that major problems could be prevented. City Manager Shapiro asked Mr. Flippen if the Building Official Association ever put together such a document and Mr. Flippen said he would check into it. Commissioner Parker proposed having another Community Forum on Construction Concerns in late February or early March. Mr. Flippen said he would get together with Commissioner Parker and set a date. Assistant Building and Zoning Official Washington said the bottom line is most cities and states wait until it's too late before addressing a potential problem. Suggested getting together with the Building Officials Association and putting together information to help educate people on building practices and termite control, and setting the handouts out on the counters. 2 City of Ocoee Forum for Construction Concerns Held November 12,1997 Mayor Vandergrift thanked the Panel for putting the forum on construction concerns together and suggested presenting the issue of educating the public on these issues to the state. Said if the City of Ocoee is not requiring builders to stop stucco 6 inches above the ground, they should begin forcing them to do so. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Attest: APPROVED: 'b I.J. SfJ~~ Don Flippen, Buildi g Official 3