HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/27/2008 CEAB
MINUTES
CITY OF THE COLONY
CODE ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
MARCH 27, 2008
After determining that a quorum was present, the Code Enforcement Advisory Board of the City of The
Colony, Texas convened into a Work Session which was held on Thursday, March 27,2008 at 6:30 p.m.
in the City Council Chambers located in City Hall, 6800 Main Street, The Colony, Texas, at which time
the following items were addressed:
Board Members Present: Richard Kuether, Chairman; Casey Truskunas , Vice-Chairman, Robert Taylor,
Linda Van Vranken and Barry Vondersmith.
Board Members Absent: Chris Italia and Lloyd Martin.
Present from Staff: Iris Browder, Development Services Manager; Wes Morrison, City Planner; Kim
Lafferty, City Attorney and Tracey Sherman, Administrative Assistant.
11.0 I CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairman Kuether called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm. Chairman Kuether introduced the new
member Linda Van V rank en
2.0 MINUTES
2.1 Consider approval of the minutes of the February 28, 2008 meeting.
Chairman Kuether moved to approve the minutes of the February 28, 2008 meeting with corrections. It
was seconded by Board Member Van Vranken and unanimously carried (4-0).
I 3.0 I CITIZEN INPUT
No citizen input received.
4.0 CONSIDERATION
4.1 Review and discuss proposed changes to Chapter 6 & 10 of the Code of Ordinances relating to
Articles I of Chapter 6, and Articles I and II of Chapter 10.
Mr. Morrison presented the changes to the proposed Articles I, IX, & X of Chapter 6 of the Code of
Ordinances. Chairman Kuether asked if Article I was an excerpt from the Code of Ordinance. Mr.
Morrison stated that Article I consists of amendments to the Residential Building Codes which were
recommended by North Central Texas Council of Governments and approved by City Council in 2006.
Ms. Browder stated that none of the items in Article I are being changed. Vice Chairman Truskunas
asked if Article I was from the International Codes and if it was being added to Article I or if it already
exists. Mr. Morrison stated yes.
While discussing Article IX in regards to appliances and refrigerators the city attorney voiced concern
with the phrase "non working" staff used in regards to appliances. Board Member Truskunas asked how
this definition would apply to appliances on a patio. Chairman Kuether stated that he had no problems
with appliances, including stoves, being located on a porch. Staff stated that they would work with the
city attorney on cleaning up the language for trash and debris.
Mr. Morrison stated the rodent harborage will be added to the Minimum Housing Section of the Code of
Ordinances. Chairman Kuether inquired as to why the section was being removed. Ms. Browder stated
that staff felt this was the appropriate location. Chairman Kuether stated that rodent harborage occurs in
other places besides rental properties. Ms. Browder stated yes. By including it in the Minimum Housing
Code it would cover all residential properties. Chairman Kuether asked if it also pertained to commercial
properties. Ms. Browder stated yes.
Chairman Kuether voiced concern on how 12 inches was measured relating to weeds and grass and the
percentage of the yard that was over 12 inches. Ms. Browder stated that the Code Enforcement officers
use their best judgment when leaving violation notices for weeds and grass and explained the process of
how documentation is gathered to prove a violation is in existence. Chairman Kuether suggested that
the code enforcement officer write up violations bases on a percentage of the grass in violation. Ms.
Browder stated using a percentage would be more subjective. The board also discussed the notification
process for weed and grass violations. Mr. Kuether asked what became of the city council review of the
weeds and grass notification process. Ms. Browder stated that council did not request any changes be
made.
Mr. Morrison stated that no new trees or replacement of any existing trees will be permitted within the
parkway. Vice Chairman Truskunas voiced opposition to the proposed change.
Chairman Kuether asked what constitutes a "public places" and would Five Star be considered a public
place. City Attorney provided a general definition of public place and stated in most cases a public park
would be considered a public place. Mr. Morrison stated that the Police Department enforces this
section and no changes are being proposed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.
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Richard Kuether, Chairman
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Tracey Sherman, ecordmg Secretary