|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Redington Beach gives code enforcement more muscle
By BOB McCLURE
Article published on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 |
REDINGTON BEACH – Town commissioners passed two ordinances on June 3 that gave its code enforcement department a more broader scope of power.
The first concerns minimum standards for bulkheads and docks located on Boca Ciega Bay and the other deals with time limits on the removal of construction debris.
The first ordinance gives code enforcement officials more power specifically with minimum standards on docks.
“It supports code enforcement to a better degree,” said Commissioner David Drillick. “It affects Chapters 5 and 6, which are docks and buildings. According to our (current) code, Code Enforcement doesn’t have the power to enforce it.”
The maximum fine is $500. Each day that a violation continues would constitute a new offense.
It passed unanimously.
The second ordinance concerns removal of debris and equipment following construction and the restoration of a work site if a contractor fails to complete construction.
Drillick’s original proposal called for a 15-day limit on debris, tools or equipment to remain at an idle work site.
“We currently have no protection if work stops or a builder goes out of business,” said Drillick. “This would protect us in the event construction has stopped more than 15 consecutive days and would force the property owner to clean up the debris at the work site.”
Kimber Butts, a town homeowner who said she has been in the process of refurbishing her home for the past 14 years, was not in favor of the proposal.
“I don’t see how this ordinance benefits anybody in this town,” she said. “To me, it’s giving power where it’s not necessary.”
Commissioner Michele Fox said safety was the underlying factor.
“This can be a safety issue that we have to remember,” she said. “Kids just get into things. We just have to remember this.”
Homeowner Gladys Rock suggested extending the period before fines would be levied.
“There’s a very simple solution to this. Just extend it to 30 days,” she said. “Give (contractors) and give (homeowners) enough time to find another contract.”
Homeowner Ed Fernandez thought 15 days would be plenty.
“Extending it to 30 days just gives people taking their sweet time more time to get a project complete,” he said. “I don’t agree. I think 15 days is plenty.”
However, the Town Commission didn’t agree and voted 4-1 to pass the ordinance predicated on a 30-day time period.
Violations will result in fines of $500.
In other action, commissioners unanimously passed a resolution entering the town into an interlocal agreement with Pinellas County relating to post-disaster cleanup of debris. Under the agreement, the county would prioritize all communities participating in the agreement, which would result in faster cleanup. Without the agreement, the town would have to wait upwards to two months to get debris removed, Mayor Nick Simons said.
|
Article published on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tampa Bay Newspapers
9911 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772
(727) 397-5563
Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
