HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/24/2008 CEAB
MINUTES
CITY OF THE COLONY
CODE ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
APRIL 24, 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, April 24, 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; Lloyd Martin, and
Casey Truskunas, and Linda Van Vranken
Board Members Absent: Chris Italia, Robert Taylor, and Barry Vondersmith
Present from Staff: Donna Bateman, Development Services Director; Iris
Browder, Development Services Manager; Wes Morrison, City Planner; Bob
Hager, City Attorney; and Tracey Sherman, Administrative Assistant.
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairman Kuether called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm.
F2.0 CITIZEN INPUT
No Citizen input
3.0 MINUTES
3.1 Consider approval of the minutes of the March 27, 2008 meeting.
Vice Chairman Truskunas moved to approve the minutes of the March 27, 2008
meeting with changes to the last paragraph to reference the spitting in public
ordinance. It was seconded by Board Member Van Vranken and the motion carried
unanimously (4-0).
4.0 CONSIDERATION
4.1 Review and discuss proposed changes to Chapter 6, Article V. of the Code of
Ordinances. (Morrison)
Wes Morrison presented the proposed changes to Chapter 6, Article V. of the Code of
Ordinances.
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Chairman Kuether asked what the definition of a boarding house was and if there was
a certain amount of days associated with it. Donna Bateman stated this was the
National Certified definition and there is no set amount of days. Chairman Kuether
asked if rental registration applied to people renting rooms if they are all confined in
the same house. Bob Hager, City Attorney, stated yes, it does apply. Board member
Van Vranken asked if there is a limit to the number of beds. Mr. Hager stated it is
based on the occupant load allowed.
Chairman Kuether asked where the ten year rental inspection ordinance came from.
Legal stated City Council approved the decision after several local multifamily
owners provided input.
Board member Martin asked why we do not inspect old properties every year instead
of every two years. Legal stated city council recommended the two year time frame
in order to balance the work load. Ms. Bateman stated that with every tenant change
a rental inspection is also done.
4.2 Discussion of weeds and grass ordinance.(Kuether)
Chairman Kuether stated his concerns with the weeds and grass ordinance.
He asked how many weeds would be considered too many. Ms. Browder stated it was
up to the Code Enforcement Officers discretion; however, she is confident that they
will use their best judgment when writing up violations. Chairman Kuether stated
using the officer's discretion is not fair. Ms. Bateman stated that the Code
Enforcement Officers are not looking for the difficult cases to prove. Ms. Bateman
also stated that City Council overwhelmingly stated that enough was not being done
to keep the city clean and if the board proposes a change in the annual notice per year
this would go against what City Council wants.
Ms. Bateman stated that at the last CEAB meeting the board members agreed with the
annual notice for weeds and grass violations. Chairman Kuether stated that the
annual notification should be given to residents more than once a year.
Board Member Van Vranken stated she agreed with the current weeds and grass
ordinance and the meeting should move forward.
Vice chairman Truskunas asked, if residents are allowed to call the Code
Enforcement Department to inquire about the time left in between notices. Ms.
Browder stated yes.
Ms. Browder stated the process in which weeds and grass violations are handled. She
also stated that with the tracking software the city uses they are capable of
researching the history of the property and can tell how many times the property has
received violation notices. She also stated that the code enforcement department
keeps very detailed information on the progress of the each case they open.
Vice chairman Truskunas asked what was the average cost or fee for weeds and grass
violation. Ms. Browder stated $145.00.
Vice chairman Truskunas asked could the fees be stated in the letters sent to the
residents. Ms. Browder stated yes, she will add the administration fee.
Chairman Kuether asked were there any other offenses that adhered to the annual
notice policy besides weeds and grass. Ms. Browder stated no.
Chairman Kuether asked why weeds and grass were considered different than the
others. Legal stated it is a state nuisance law.
4.3 Discussion of trees in parkways.(Truskunas)
Vice Chairman Truskunas proposed changes to trees in the parkway ordinance and
stated he is against trees being removed from the parkway. Mr. Morrison stated that
the reason trees should not be allowed in the parkway was due to the tree roots
affecting the water and sewer lines and the damage it causes to the sidewalks.
Legal stated that TXDOT prefers not to have trees in the right of way for safety
reasons.
Chairman Kuether stated no new trees could be planted in the parkway; however
existing ones would be allowed to stay. Legal stated this is true.
Legal suggested the city look at what type of trees could be planted, if any.
Board member Martin recommended Vice chairman Truskunas speak with the
Beautification Committee.
Board member Van Vranken stated the trees will only be removed from the parkway
if they become a nuisance.
Vice Chairman Truskunas wanted it stated in the minutes that he is against tree
removal in the city!
Meeting adjourned at 7:22 pm.
Richard Kuether, Chairman
N ~T4 I(A G
racey Sher n, Recording Secretary