HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/26/2010 CEABMINUTES
CITY OF THE COLONY
CODE ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY BOARD
AUGUST 26, 2010
After determining that a quorum is present, the Code Enforcement Advisory of the City of The
Colony, Texas convened into regular session which was held on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at
6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers located in City Hall, 6800 Main Street, The Colony,
Texas, at which time the following items were discussed:
Board Members Present: Casey Truskunas, Chairman; Lloyd Martin, Vice-Chairman;
Richard Kuether; Linda VanVranken; Joe Zacha; and Ruby Lawrence
Board Member Absent: Diane Ling
Present From Staff. Iris Browder, Development Services Manager; and Mike Joyce,
Director of Development Services
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairman Truskunas called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.
2.0 CITIZEN INPUT
No citizen input
3.0
MINUTES
3.1
Consider approval of the Code Enforcement Advisory Committee meeting of May 27,
2010.
Board Member Kuether moved to approve the minutes of the May 27, 2010 meeting as
written. Motion was seconded by Board Member VanVranken. Approved (6-0)
4.0
CONSIDERATION
4.1
Receive a report from the Director of Development Services regarding the
Neighborhood Enhancement Program, titled the "Home Exterior Rehabilitation
Incentives Program" in conjunction with the Minimum Housing and Building Standards
Code. (Mike Joyce)
Mr. Joyce gave a presentation on the Neighborhood Enhancement Program. He
explained why a Neighborhood Enhancement Program is needed and explained the
eligibility requirements. Mr. Joyce also explained in detail to the Board the three
different levels of incentives the City will be offering.
Board Member Zacha asked how we would police the gift cards. Mr. Joyce said that they
would have to provide receipts on what was purchased showing that the money was spent
in the City of The Colony.
Code Enforcement Advisory Board
August 26, 2010
Page 2 of 2
Board Member Lloyd stated he misunderstood and was under the assumption that the
homeowner would make improvements and then go before Council for a refund, Mr.
Joyce clarified that no, the homeowner would be required to go to Council prior to
receiving monies.
Board Member Lawrence asked how long the process would take to get approval. Mr.
Joyce said the goal is to get it done as soon as possible.
Board Member Zacha asked if the incentives applied to both the interior and exterior, Mr.
Joyce stated exterior.
Mr. Zacha thought that lower (level one) homes should not be charged a permit fee.
Mike said he would look into it and thought it was a good idea to add.
Mr. Joyce stated that the property has to be the owners homestead in order to participate
in the program and that rental property would not receive incentives.
Board Member VanVranken stated that we should remind homeowners to get with their
insurance company to let them know of updates or improvements.
Mr. Joyce discussed the volunteer assistance program and stated that we are looking at
each of these and what can be done to help those that can't help themselves.
Board Member Lawrence asked if the city will be liable once work is done by a volunteer
group, Mike said no the city/volunteer group would not be liable.
Mike closed his presentation by saying this is a pilot program and gauging from its
success other programs will be developed.
Chairman Truskunas approved the direction of the direction staff is taking.
Board Member Kuether stated that he would like it to be mentioned at City Council that
he does not like the idea of Council approving the application and he feels that it should
not be a political decision. Mr. Joyce stated that because it is an incentive program it has
to be approved by the City Council.