PZ 11/13/2013 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Commission/ Local Planning Agency November 13, 2013 Page 9 file in the Community Development Department). Ms. Smith stated that the City Clerk requested each department to review code language relating to the various City Boards and Commissions and consolidate the Board information to one section of the City Code. Staff also reviewed code language related to the Code Enforcement process. Ms. Smith provided the following qualitative improvements for using the special master system provided by other jurisdictions: 1. Cost savings 2. More expertise in the applicable law and its interpretation 3. Better consistency of decisions, higher degree of equal protection, more appropriate application of penalties, and better attention to due process 4. More respect for judicial authority by those subject to the code enforcement process 5. About 1/2 of the time spent in meetings 6. Less likelihood of politically -based or personally based decisions 7. No quorum problem 8. Meetings can be held during the day and more frequently than once a month 9. Greater compliance 10. No necessity to meet difficult statutory requirements for Code Enforcement Board membership Ms. Smith reviewed the draft ordinance that was included in the agenda packet (a copy is attached and made a part of the minutes). Ms. Smith said staff requests the Planning and Zoning Commission provide a favorable recommendation to the City Commission providing new language to include the option of using a special magistrate into the City's Code Enforcement process. A general discussion ensued regarding the use of a special magistrate versus the use of a code enforcement board and the current Code Enforcement staffing. Mr. Meadows asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak in favor of, or in opposition to, the request. Mr. James Fraleigh, 23 Teresa Court, Casselberry, Florida came forward. Mr. Fraleigh felt it was important to keeping the wording the way it is in the ordinance. He said we are supposed to be a government for, of and by the people. He felt that the Planning and Zoning Commission was a good representation of our City. He said the government should be setting an example. He felt that being on the Code Enforcement Board was an embarrassment because all they do is harass good people. Mr. Fraleigh felt that code enforcement could be eliminated and the City should provide a $1,000 incentive to the residents to clean up their homes. He felt that would do more for the community than threatening,