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Council adopts parking changes
By BOB McCLURE
| Article published on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 |
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SEMINOLE – Despite concerns, the City Council voted June 23 to pass on second reading a pair of ordinances that relate to parking on public streets and private property.
The first prohibits overnight parking, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., of recreational vehicles, vessels, watercraft, trailers. commercial motor vehicles, cargo vehicles rated in excess of three-quarter ton carrying capacity, truck tractors or semi-trailers on public streets in single-family neighborhoods.
The other prohibits persons from living in recreational vehicles parked in residential districts and limits to two any combination of boats, trailers or recreational vehicles that can be parked in the front yard of a residential property between the public right of way and the front building line of the home. If it causes a visual barrier to safe access for neighboring properties, parking must be behind the front building line.
The rule does not affect passenger vehicles.
Both passed by 6-1 votes with Councilor Patricia Plantamura the only no vote.
“I have a real problem putting limits on people’s property,” said Plantamura. “It doesn’t seem like a good idea to me.”
Both ordinances came about following a survey conducted by city officials last fall. The city received an overwhelming 55 percent response rate and 70 indicated they wanted the changes.
“”I also have a problem with (limiting) private property rights and have mixed emotions,” said Councilor Dan Hester. “But having said this, I will vote for this due to the results of our survey. Our taxpayers have spoken very loud and clear.”
Councilor Tom Barnhorn agreed with Hester and Councilor Bob Matthews pointed to another factor for passing the ordinances.
“We’re forgetting the safety factor involved here,” he said. “That’s the reason for this.”
“I’m pleased with the way this has played out in the survey. It was an overwhelming response,” said Councilor Leslie Waters. “The citizens are well aware of what’s in front of us today, so I’m going to be in favor of this. Plus, it makes our neighborhoods look better, which is a positive thing for our community.”
Councilor John Counts said he didn’t understand why there was any discussion at all on the issue.
“I don’t understand why we’re having philosophical differences,” he said. “We ask people to mow their lawns and that’s private property. What’s the big deal?”
In other action, the council:
• Passed on second reading an ordinance that grandfathers in certain residences in Seminole Gardens that were previously declared non-conforming to the city’s Comprehensive Plan in 1999. The 30 residences were damaged by fire May 6. “This allows for the building that caught fire to be rebuilt,” said Director of Community Development Mark Ely. “It grandfathers non-conforming use as to density.”
• Unanimously passed an ordinance on first reading amending the land development regulations regarding school concurrency. “This comes into play for site development,” said Ely. “When a developer submits a site plan, we must submit a copy to the school board to see how it affects them. It’s a growth mandate from the state. One size fits all. We have to do this.”
• Passed an ordinance to accept an annexation request by Richard and Eva Sikorski at 10701 Village Green Ave.
• Passed an ordinance to accept an annexation request by Terri Michaud-Alex at 11164 91st Terrace N.
• Passed a motion to approve a polling place agreement with Pinellas County. The agreement calls for the county’s use of the Seminole Community Library and Seminole Recreation Center for polling places in four elections between Aug. 24, 2010 and March 8, 2011.
• Authorized City Manager Frank Edmunds to execute an agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to extend the current Master Drainage Plan Agreement. The update, which includes newly-annexed areas, has been delayed by Swiftmud due to unanticipated reasons. Swiftmud asked for an extension to the Watershed Management Plan to June 30, 2010 and the contract completion date to Dec. 31, 2010.
• Authorized Edmunds to execute an agreement with Wachovia Bank for a $10 million line of credit to be used only in the event of a declared emergency. The money would be repaid to the lender once the city is reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The funds would complement the city’s Emergency Fund, which has about $4 million.
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Article published on Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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