PINELLAS PARK – Foreclosed properties in the city now need to be registered.
The City Council passed at its Dec. 10 meeting on second and final reading an ordinance which applies to properties with a mortgage that is in default whether the property is vacant or occupied.
The mortgage company now needs to have the property inspected weekly if it is vacant and monthly if it is occupied. They also need to put a sign on the premises with contact information so if there is a problem at the property the city code enforcement or police or fire knows whom to reach.
Under the measure properties must be registered. The property needs to have a local property manager within 20 miles of the city that will oversee security and maintenance of the property, said Susan Walker, neighborhood services administrator.
Federal Property Registration Corporation will facilitate the foreclosed property registration process.
The council also approved an agreement with them.
“Our program helps communities manage foreclosed properties,” said FPRC’s Jim Madden of Madeira Beach.
FPRC gets involved in the process early. They trace the foreclosure and alert the city so they have an early opportunity to know a property is being foreclosed. They identify a responsible party so they can maintain the property, Madden said.
“This is certainly a need, not just in our community,” Councilman Ed Taylor said.
The city does not spend funds on the program. The mortgage company pays a $150 registration fee. FPRC splits the fee it collects with the city.
The council discussed the amount of time the city staff had been spending trying to figure out who is responsible for the properties. The staff was spending eight to 16 hours per property said Councilman Jerry Mullins. “This tool will free up our staff,” he said.
The city did not have a foreclosed property ordinance previously. So when a problem occurred at a foreclosed property the city staff had to find a responsible party.
“It would take just hours and hours of time and phone calls and messages,” Walker said.
In other matters:
• The city recognized a pair of employees for 20 years of service each. Terry Tuggle was commended for his generous spirit as a senior utility technician. Al Strand was noted for his congeniality. He started his career as a data service clerk and is now the utility billing manager.
• The council approved waiving landscaping requirements at 3791 118th Ave. for Frank and Hazel Adams. Housh Ghovaee of Northside Engineering said the area was used for a mobile freight terminal and they could not build anything on it and it would be an economic hardship for the existing business to donate to the tree fund.
• The council approved modification to a preliminary site plan including adding covered storage at 8311 63rd Way N. for E.L. Shearer Concrete & Masonry.
• Residents and business community leaders wanting to learn more about the inner workings of the city departments are encouraged to apply for the APPLE Program. APPLE or A Pinellas Park Learning Experience is held each year from February until April but applications are being accepted now. Call Cara Reed at 541-0800.
