HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/27/2010 CEAB
MINUTES
CITY OF THE COLONY
CODE ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
MAY 27, 2010
After determining that a quorum is present, the Code Enforcement Advisory Board of
the City of The Colony, Texas convened into a regular session which was held on
Thursday, May 27, 2010 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: Casey Truskunas, Chairman; Diane Ling; Richard
Kuether; Linda Van Vranken; and Joe Zacha
Board Members Absent: Ruby Lawrence; Lloyd Martin, Vice-Chairman
Present from Staff: Iris Browder, Development Services Manager; Mike Joyce,
Director of Development Services; Tony Johnston, City Manager; and Ed Voss,
City Attorney
Present from City Council: Joel Marks, Place 6
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairman Truskunas called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
2.0 CITIZEN INPUT
No citizen input.
3.0 MINUTES
3.1 Consider approval of the minutes of the March 25, 2010 meeting.
Board Member Kuether moved to approve the minutes of the March 25, 2010
meeting as stated. Motion was seconded by Board Member Zacha. Motion carried
5-0.
4.0 CONSIDERATION
4.1 Discuss adding to the Code of Ordinances a clause that states that the
Code of Ordinances applies to the City, its contractors and all affiliated
organizations. (Richard Keuther)
Board Member Kuether stated to the Board that the city is exempt from their
own ordinances and he would like to see the city comply with the Codes along
with the residents. He feels the Code of Ordinance should apply equally.
Board Member Kuether gave two examples of where the City has violated
some of its own Ordinances. First, he stated that when the Fire Department
staff is mowing, they are blowing the grass clippings into the street. Second,
was how the City is allowed to display signs all around town.
Board Member Zacha stated that he would like to take something to Council
that would ask staff to adhere to the Ordinances. He also stated that he would
rather Code Enforcement go after others in the City rather than the City
policing themselves.
Board Member Van Vranken stated that she thinks the city should abide by
code and lead by example.
Chairman Truskunas stated that if there is a reportable violation to call Code
Enforcement and they would take care of any issue the public sees. He also
stated that there is no need to go to Council to do something that is already
being done.
Chairman Truskunas asked Board Member Kuether if he would be okay with
the City Manager issuing a statement to the Directors to be sure their staff
members follow all Ordinances.
Tony Johnston, Interim City Manager, stated that he would address the issue
with staff and if the violations continue it would be addressed as a disciplinary
issue with that individual or department. Mr. Johnston also stated that if the
City starts fining itself it will ultimately be the taxpayers who are taxing
themselves. Mr. Johnston stated that the issues can be addressed without
creating an Ordinance.
Mr. Voss, City Attorney, stated that it is a management issue and that
Criminal laws apply to people not cities.
Board Member Kuether asked if something could be added to the ordinance
that would require the City to follow the laws.
Mr. Voss stated that he is hesitant to do something like that being that the City
has immunity.
Councilman Marks stated that if a Code Enforcement Officer were to see
someone blowing grass into a street they would stop by and tell them that it is
not allowed.
Chairman Truskunas asked Board Member Kuether to make a final comment
on the issue. Board Member Kuether said he would like to educate the city
better and to make sure they know the rules and if they do not follow the rules
there will be disciplinary action versus fines. He would also like the City to
educate the contractors they use on the Codes so they are not violated.
Mr. Johnston said that he would carry the baton from this meeting and address
the issues with staff. He also stated that everyone on Council and the Mayor
wants staff to follow directions and be above reproach.
4.2 Receive an update from the Director of Development Services regarding
ideas for a Neighborhood Enhancement Program in conjunction with the
Minimum Housing and Building Standards Code. (Mike Joyce)
Mike Joyce, Director of Development Services gave an overview of the
Neighborhood Enhancement Program. Mike stated that the program would
offer incentives and volunteer programs. He said it would be of minimal cost,
but the benefit will be way more.
Board Member Ling stated that she would love to help and thinks it would be
a good idea to get the churches involved.
Board Member Van Vranken stated that between Iris and Sheron the
appearance of the streets near her house have improved tremendously.
Chairman Truskunas thanked Tony & Mike for their presentation.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
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Iris Browder, Development Services Manager