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01-07-92 v CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD AGENDA 7:30 P. M. , JANUARY 7, 1992 Call to order Pledge to the Flag Roll Call 1 . Approval of the minutes of the meetings of November 5, 1991 and December 10, 1991 . 2 . Recognition of Visitors and Guests 3 . Old Business: For review: Case No. 0022 - Charles Watson, owner of property located at 210 Mayport Road and adjacent property, Atlantic Beach, in violation of City Ordinance Section 12-1, for a dangerous structure and Section 103 . 2. 1 of the Standard Housing Code for unlawful storage. For review: Case No. 0024 - Thomas L. Jackson, owner of property located at 463 Irex Road, in violation of City Ordinance Section 12-1( 7 ) , unlawful storage of abandoned vehicles. 4. New Business Case No. 0020 - Forrest Thomas, owner of property, located at 45 Donner Road, in violation of City Ordinance Section 12- 1( 7 ) , unlawful storage of junk vehicles. 5. Board Members Comments 6. Adjournment MINUTES OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD MEETING HELD AT THE ATLANTIC BEACH CITY HALL ON JANUARY 7, 1992 CALL TO ORDER Present: George Bull, Jr. Chairman Barbara Bonner Heywood Dowling, Jr. Edward Martin Herbert Moller And: Suzanne Bass, Prosecuting Attorney Alan Jensen, Legal Counsel to Board Don Ford, Code Enforcement Officer Trudy Lopanik, Secretary Absent: John Venn, Excused 1. Approval of Minutes of November 5, 1991 and December 10, 1991. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve the minutes of the meetings of November 5, 1991 and December 10, 1991 . 2. Recognition of visitors and guests - There were no visitors or guests. 3. Old Business: a. Case no. 0022 - Charles Watson, owner of property located at 210 Mayport Road and adjacent property, Atlantic Beach, in violation of City Ordinance Section 12-1, for a dangerous structure and Section 103. 2 . 1 of the Standard Housing code for unlawful storage. Don Ford reminded the Board that at the last regular meeting Mr. Watson was requested to bring his property into compliance with city codes. Mr. Ford advised that Mr. Watson has brought his property into compliance with city codes to the satisfaction of the city. He advised that Mr. Watson is trying to decide what to do with his property and presently the property is being advertised for lease. If the property is leased, the property will be renovated for the tenant. Mr. Ford also advised that he followed the instruction of the Board and the first step of condemnation proceedings has begun and Mr. Watson has been notified. Mr. Ford advised that he will continue to give the board updates on this property. He indicated that the condemnation process will take about six to nine months. This case will be monitored by the Board via reports from Mr. Ford. b. Case No. 0024 - Thomas L. Jackson, owner of property located at 463 Irex Road, in violation of City Ordinance Section 12-1 (7) , unlawful storage of abandoned vehicles. Mr. Ford indicated Mr. Jackson has reduced the amount of cars on his property from six cars to three cars. He has placed a canvass covering over two cars that remain in his yard. Mr. Ford reported that Mr. Jackson indicated one car is sold and will be removed shortly. The other car is being used for Page 2 Minutes of Code Enforcement Board Meeting January 7, 1992 parts to rebuild a car which is located on his carport. Mr. Ford indicated the complainants are satisfied with the results of this compliance. Mr. Martin indicated his displeasure in the appearance of this property and he indicated he does not feel the placing of canvass over a car solves the problem. After a short discussion the Board indicated their feeling that this property is in compliance. c. Definition of Junk Car Mr. Bull asked Alan Jensen, City Attorney, if he has a definition of what constitutes a junk car to which Mr. Jensen replied he has received some language from Suzanne Bass. Mr. Jensen indicated he will ask the City Commission at their next regular meeting if they would like an ordinance to define junk cars prepared. d. Appointment of new Vice-Chairman Mr. Bull advised the Board that since the vacancy of Mattie Freeman the Board is without a Vice-Chairman. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to appoint Edward Martin as Vice Chairman. 4. New Business Case No. 0020 - Forest Thomas, owner of property located at 45 Donner Road, in violation of City Ordinance Section 12-1(7) , unlawful storage of junk vehicles Vice-Chairman Edward Martin read the case hearing procedure and all witnesses were sworn in. Suzanne Bass advised the Board that Forest Thomas is a licensed welder and runs a welding business at 45 Donner Road. She indicated the evidence will show Don Ford has been talking to Mr. Thomas since March of 1991 in an effort to have Mr. Thomas clean up the surrounding premises to his welding business. Pictures that have been taken indicate the premises contain a school bus, car, flat bed dump type truck and another wrecked vehicle. This property has several inoperable vehicles as well as several other items of debris and metal type objects. The evidence indicates the junk cars have not been driven for some time and have been at the same location for a very long period of time. Don Ford asked the Board to examine the case sheet, Item No. 7, which indicates the latest inspection was made today ( January 7, 1992 ) and indicates the property is not in compliance. Mr. Ford indicated he spoke to the owner several times and has met with him several times since March 4, 1991 . Mr. Ford indicated he told Mr. Thomas that the debris should be removed from the property, as well as several junk vehicles, drums, and other items. Mr. Ford indicated he explained to Mr. Thomas the only items that are allowed to be on this property are those items that are incidental to his welding business. Mr. Ford also explained to Mr. Thomas that he is licensed as a welder, only, and not as body repair or any other type business. Mr. Ford indicated Mr. Thomas made an attempt to clean up the property and he Page 3 Minutes of Code Enforcement Board Meeting January 7, 1992 also put a fence up; however, the property is still not in compliance. Mr. Ford passed out pictures and indicated he took the pictures today ( January 7, 1992 ) and that the bus and some of the other vehicles have been on the premises since March. One car and large truck and chassis have been there for at least two months. None of the vehicles have current license plates and it appears that none of the vehicles are operable. Ms. Bass asked Mr. Ford to elaborate on the attempt that Mr. Thomas made to clean up the property to which Mr. Ford replied that some of the cars were taken away and some of the debris was removed. Debris was collected and placed on the city right-of-way for garbage pickup by Mr. Thomas. Mr. Ford indicated he explained to Mr. Thomas on several occasions that he was not allowed to have debris and vehicles on the premises. It was brought out that the license Mr. Thomas has is a current license and that the property on Donner Road is zoned for commercial business. There are residences on each side of this property, however, these houses have been grandfathered in as the zoning changed after the houses were built. Mr. Ford reported he has received several complaints from a resident who lives across the street from this property. The complaints were made against the general condition of the property and the fact that Mr. Thomas has a welder' s license and not a license to repair cars. Mr. Bull asked if the zoning in this neighborhood would permit automobile repair to which Mr. Ford replied this would be permitted only as "use by exception. " Forest Thomas Forest Thomas stepped forward and indicated the bus on his property is not in operating condition. The white truck, however, is an operating vehicle and is used in the every day operation of Mr. Thomas ' business. Mr. Thomas indicated he did not want to argue about anything but he merely wants to know how much time the Board will give him to clean up his property. He indicated he would like to keep the drums on the property as the drums are used for his business. The Board asked Mr. Thomas how long it would take to clean up the property to which Mr. Thomas indicated 60 days. Mr. Thomas added he must take the bus apart in pieces in order to remove it from the premises. A discussion followed and it was decided to give Mr. Thomas 60 days and to impose a fine if the property is not brought into compliance. It was moved by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mr. Moeller, and passed, to give Mr. Thomas 60 days, until March 7, 1992, to bring the property into compliance with City Codes. If this property is not brought into compliance by March 7, 1992, there will be a fine of $50.00 per day imposed on Forest Thomas. Compliance is as follows: removal of junk cars, bus, and debris to the satisfaction of Code Enforcement Inspector Don Ford. Page 4 Minutes of Code Enforcement Board Meeting January 7, 1992 Report concerning 851 Plaza Mr. Ford indicated the lock was missing from the gate of this property and thus the city was able to enter the property, cut the grass, and remove the junk vehicle. Mr. Ford indicated the cost to do this work is approximately $600.00. Mr. Martin asked the City Attorney if it is legal to park a school bus in a yard to which the City Attorney indicated a school bus would be considered a commercial vehicle and thus in most neighborhoods this would not be allowed. Adjournment There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8: 30 p. m. George Bull, Jr. ATTEST: Trudy Lopanik Secretary