CCMtg10-15-07MinLONGWOOD (:IT~_' COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
M][NUTES
Octotrer 1°.i, 2007
7:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor'John C. Maingot
Deputy Mayor Mike Hoyt
Commissioner ILG. "Bu1:ch" Bundy, Jr.
Commissioner Brian. D. Sackett
Commissioner Dan Anderson
Teresa S. Roper, City Atlorney
John J. Drago, City Administrator
Sarah M. Mirus, City Clerk
Tom Smith, Division Manager of Streets/Fleets
Carol Rogers, Director of Financial Services
Richard Kornbluh, Division Manager of Utilities
Marilyn Douglas, Purchasing 117anager
~~°' Craig Dunn, Computer Services Manager
Lt. David Dowda, Police ]Department
Paul Sizemore, Director of Community Services
Danielle Adzima, Community Development Coordinator
Ryan Spinella, Executive Assistant
Laurie Mooney, Fire Chief
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Maingot called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
2. A moment of SILENT MEDITATION was followed by the PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE.
3. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Minis read the following
announcements:
A. 'Senior Matinee will be held on October 17, 2007 from 1.:30 p.m. until
3:30 p.m., Longwood Communi y Building, 200 West Warren
Avenue.
B. Oil Painting A to Z- Student Art Show will be held on October 20,
2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pan., Longwood Community Building,
200 West Warren Avenue.
~ C. A BXue Grass Pickin' will 16e held on October 20, 2007 from 7:00 p.m.
until 10:00 p.m., Lonbwoo~d Community Building, 200 West Warren
Avenue.
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D. CITY OF LONGWOOD FALL FESTIVAL
Safe Alternative to Trick or Treating
October 26th and October 2~h
Haacnted House (Only) - 7:00-10:00 p.m.
FALL CARNIVAL
Wednesday, October 31St HALLOWEEN
Carnival- 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Haunted Hoarse (Only)-7:00-10:00 p.m.
Y*~Children's Costaame Contest (ages 0-12) yx"
Starting at 6:00 p.m. (pre-registration 5:00-5:45 p.m.)
At the Longwood Police Department, 235 tiVest Chaarch Avenace
4. RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATION.
A. District #2 Nomination of the Business. Person of the Month Award
for November 2007.
Commissioner Anderson nominated Mark MacGregor of Ability
Rehabilitation, .851 East State Road 434. Nomination carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
B. Proclaiming the week of October 27-November 3, 2007 as "The Week ,
of the Family." - ~rJ'
Mayor Maingot read a proclamation proclaiming October 27 -November
2, 2007 as "The `Veek of the Family" and presented the proclamation to
Bishop Todd Hanson and Lynn Whitcom. Photographs were then taken of
the presentation.
Bishop Hanson presented the Commission with a plaque for proclaiming
"The Week of the Family". Photographs were then taken of the
presentation, `
5. BOARD APPOINTMENTS.
A. District #4 Nomination to the Land Planning Agency.
Commissioner Bundy deferred the nomination.
6. PUBLIC INPUT.
A. Public Participation.
Joe Rosier, 559 South Country Club Road, Lake Mary, said he is a
candidate for the District House N.o. 34. He said he is very involved in the
community and has resided in Lake Mary for twenty-eight years.
Connie Adams, 279 East Jessup Avenue, said she spoke to the Codes ~~
Enforcement Officer last week, and she was told whether to go forward
with the civil lawsuitthey have against the City was in the hands of the
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City now. She advised her Attorney has been in touch with the City,
Attorney regarding the terms. of their agreement. She inquired if there was
1 away the Commission could motivate a response.
Ms. Roper said she was currently working on the matter. She advised she
was interacting with Ms. Adam.' Attorney and Ms. Adams would need to
inquire through her Attorney.
7. CITY ADMI1vISTRATOR'S R:EPOP:T.
Mr. Drago said Ms. Meli has indicated i:or the past two years that no one has
showed up for Blue Grass in December. They would like to cancel Blue Grass for
the month of December.
It was the consensus of the Corrunission. to cancel Blue Grass for the month of
December.
Mr. Drago said the Commission requested he come back with information in
regards to the Community Building and the Arts & Crafts Festival. He said the
options were to not do anything, block everything off as previously done, or block
the grass area leaving the front entrance open, He stated there would be the choice
of whether to remove the fiuniture; from the porch.
Commissioner Anderson said it was never his intention to open the doors, but to
have the front porch,available for people to sit. He stated he understands blocking
off the grass and flowers.
Mr. Drago said the question was i:Fthey want the furniture left out.
Commissioner Anderson said that was the City Administrator's judgment call.
Commissioner Sackett inquired if it wouad be the orange fence blocking the grass.
Mr. Drago said.Mr. Smith was going to ;;et a sample of the green fencing. He
stated he knew from experience, the public would, take advantage. He suggested
leaving the front open to the porch area i=or people to walk around. He reviewed
the areas that would need to be blocked.
Deputy Mayor Holt said he would like tc~ see the building blocked. He said if they
don't, they will need ash trays and trash cans placed there.. He stated it would be
expensive to keep. it clean and children would be tempted to climb on the railing.
Commissioner Bundy said if they were €;oing to have it open, then the furniture
needs to be removed. He suggested posting signs that no food or beverage is
allowed. He stated a police officer will be close by to patrol the area. If there is
any adverse affect they will know not da it next year.
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Mayor Maingot said he would like to see the furniture removed, and have signs
placed for no food or beverage.
Deputy Mayor Holt said it sounds like it is going to be open. He inquired how
many ingress/egress areas would there be.
Mr. Drago said the front, gazebo, and back would be open. He stated if it seems to
get out of hand, then it can be shut down. He stated he would barricade the water
feature and staff would monitor the crowd and make sure people were in order.
Mr. Drago said each Commissioner received a copy of the Ad Hoc Sign
Committee's recommendation. He stated the Commission had previously
indicated they wanted to hold a Workshop to discuss the recommendations
relative to the Sign Ordinance.
Commissioner Bundy said they did not need to' hold a Workshop. He said their
suggestion could have been handled that. night since they recommend no change.
He stated he was disappointed that only three. members showed up to the. two
meetings. He said he explained to his appointee that there were going to be some
changes and this was~their opportunity to discuss the matter.
Commissioner Anderson said he was also very disappointed. He said some of the
most vocal people who were appointed to the Committee didn't show. He stated
this was their opporhmity to suggest how they would make changes. He said the .,_,%'
Commission would need to take some time to talk through how to proceed. He ~
inquired if they need a Work Session for this or discuss it at the end of a meeting
as an agenda item.
Mayor Maingot said it would require about an hour for discussion.
Commissioner Sackett supported Commissioner Anderson's suggestion of placing
it on the end of a meeting as an agenda item. He said he vas disappointed in the
recommendation of doing nothing and stated that something, needs to be done.
Mr. Drago said they would place the matter on a fiih~re agenda. He stated not too
long ago, a former Building Official wanted to move forward as an agenda item to
condemn some stnictures in the City and the matter was postponed. The charge
was for the Building Official to meet with the property owners and go to they
property for review. He advised that for one of the properties the demolition
permit has been pulled. Another property off of Wildmere, the Attorney for the
property owner has indicated they would be pulling a demolition permit forthe
single family stnicture. He said the owner of the mobile home could not be
located.. He stated notices were sent by certified mail and according to the law
they have posted the vacant mobile home with the letter. He reported the last
property owner owns two properties and the procedures were followed sending
him certified letters.. The Building Official went to his place of work and his
,v<
property without being able to see him. In accordance to the law, he posted the
two properties. He said the owner took offense to this and called the Police
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Department and issued a trespassing vialation against the Building Official, so
they have been required to file additon~~l paperwork. He stated they would see
this item in the future as an agenda item.
Commissioner Bundy said he had a conversation with the property owner in
question and before this gets too far out of hand, he could arrange for the Building
Official to go onto the property.
Mr. Drago said they want the Building Official and Fire Marshal to be able to
inspect the property..
Commissioner Bundy said he would set up a meeting with the City Administrator,
Building Official, and Fire Marsh~~l.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT..
District #4. Commissioner Bundy reported he attended the Florida League of
Cities Work Session for Municipal Services Delivery Council. He said the
fimding. mechanism for Affordable and'vVorkforce Housing is due to sunset in
2008. ~He stated the Committee, has come up with a sample Resolution that he
would like to bring to the Commission at a fixture meeting for their consideration.
District #5. Commissioner Sackett said the Urban Planning.. Council Comm.itfee
was .charged with .growth management and fimding, mandates. He stated they
discussed the drain on water and decided that the Bottle Bill that some cities along
the, coast were. supporting would be laid to rest until they see what the State does
as far as going green. He .said he would like to see a large sign at the 434
widening that states they are not in the City of Longtivood to contact the County.
Commissioner Sackett discussed t:he proclamation presented earlier and said. that
5% o% more of the children who go to Longwood and Woodlands Elementary
School do not have the family to go home to. He said there. was a huge request
within the City for people: to mentor children. He said Seminole County Schools
has a workshop on November 8th on meritoring children.
District #1. Mayor Maingot reported th;~.t he attended the Harvest Moon Ball on
October 3`a it was successfiil. He visited. a 92 year old woman on October 3`d to
discuss the Commuter Rail Station. He attended a meeting on October 5th'to
discuss the Property Tax Amendment. On October 8th, he attended the Longwood
Area Chamber of Commerce meeting and October 9th, he participated in the
inauguration of the Longwood Area Chamber. He reported attending. the Florida
League of Cities Legislative Committee and their focus has been on the erosion of
Home Rule. He attended the grand. opening of Northland's new facility.
Mayor Maingot reported he received communication from Mayor Bush asking the.
City to support Judy's Pet Rescue and adopt a Resolution supporting her for an
~"~ Extreme Makeover. He asked for the concurrence of the Commission so the Clerk
can prepare a Resolution.
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Commissioner Anderson said this came up at CALNO. He said the television
show•was looking for groups that are doing something phenomenal. He explained ~
this was why they were trying to get the cities involved.
It was the consensus of the Commission to bring. forward a Resolution.
District #2. Commissioner Anderson reported on Friday at the Fiscal
Stewardship Committee where discussions were held in regards to the restriction
on ad valorem tax. He stated they were infuriated that 180 cities chose not to go
with the roll back rate. He said the League was trying to get them to tuiderstand
they had set a target of $500 million from the cities that would be rolled back.
The proposed millage rates were $4.80 million. Once they see what the actual
adopted millage rates are, it will probably exceed the Legislature's target. He
stated they essentially wanted language that would say revenue to cities shall be
capped. Financial talks kept. tying cost of living out of the Congressional Budget
Office, but there was nothing to account for liability or health insurance rates. He
said what came from this was that municipalities try to find what works best for
them.
Commissioner Anderson reported that Cynthia Coto gave a presentation at
CALNO on the County's 40 year Master Plan. They are looking at how to
consolidate operations and she reviewed their budget.
Commissioner Anderson said Northland has been working on getting people to
volunteer and to address community issues. He said one of the items discussed
today was affordable housing. He stated he would like to connect these people
with Commissioners to address specific matters. He said people were very
effective in helping in areas previously mentioned with regards to mentoring
children.
District. #3. Deputy Mayor Holt said he appreciates listening to these types of
issues. He stated this Commission always strives to the best for children. He
reported the Mayor was at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Historic Civic
Center and showed support. He referenced a memorandum from the City
Administrator regarding the sidewalk project. The contractor and the County had
different drawings and this was now moving forward:
9. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Approve Minutes of the October 1, 2007 Regular Meeting.
B. Finance Division of the Financial Services Department recommends
payment of approved and estimated bills for November 2007.
C. Finance Division of the Financial Services Department recommends
approval of the Monthly Financial Report for September 2'0.07.
D. The Utilities/Customer Service Division of the Financial Services ~~
Department recommends the City Commission approve a three year
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~, piggyback contract, in the. annual amount of $14,000 with Advanced
i Xerographics Imaging Systems, Inc. (AXIS) for all costs related to the
printing and mailing of t:he monthly utility bills and authorize the City
Administrator to sign all appropriate documents.
E. The. Fire Department recommends the City Commission approve a
Blanket Purchase Order for Ten-8 Fire Equipment not to exceed
$40,000 and authorize th.e Cit3~ Administrator to sign the Purchase
Order.
F. The Community Development Division of the Community Services
Department recommends the City Commission approve awarding a
work authorization with Metz¢;er & Willard, Inc., for professional
general engineering services for.the amount of $33,280 and authorize
the City Administrator to sign all appropriate documents.
G. The Community Development Division of the Community Services
Department recommends the City Commission approve the purchase
order to All American Aquatics Company for the amount of
$33,159.96 for aquatic management services and authorize the City
Administrator to sign all appropriate documents.
H. Utilities Division of the Public Works Department recommends the
City Commission approve a purchase order with Mueller Service
Company, Inc. in the amount oaf $39,0.00.00 for fire hydrant
maintenance and repair ifor the remainder of the fiscal year and
authorize the City Administrator to sign all appropriate documents.
I. City Administrator recommends the City Commission approve a
purchase order in the amount of $54,54.0 to High Tech Engineering,
Inc. for utility locating services and authorize the City Administrator
to sign all appropriate documents.
J. The Purchasing Division of the. Finance Department recommends that
the City Commission approve a piggyback contract to The Gordian
Group to provide professional consulting services and software for
Job Order Contracting (JOC) ,end authorize the City Administrator
to sign all appropriate documents.
K. Computer Services Divisiion~ of the Financial Services Department
recommends. the City Commission approve a contract and purchase
order in the amount of $E-7,,260 to The Revere Group, Inc., for
Information Technology (IT) infrastructure managed support services
and authorize the City Admini>trator to sign the appropriate
documents.
L. Utility Billing Division of the Fiinancial Services Department
recommends the City Commission approve. a purchase order in the
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amount of $42,000 to Severn Trent Environmental Services, Inc. for ~
meter reading services and authorize the City Administrator to sign
the purchase order. •
M. Finance Division of the Financial Services Department recommends
approval of audit engagement for the annual audit for fiscal year 2007
to McDirmit, Davis, & Co. for the fee of $28,200 and authorize the
City Administrator to sign the engagement letter and purchase order.
N. Computer Services Division of the Financial Services Department
recommends the City Commission approve payment in the amount of
$72,852 to Sunguard H.T.E., Inc. for annual software access,
maintenance, upgrades and support.
O. The Building Division of the Community Services Department
recommends the City Commission. approve a purchase order `vith
Page, Dixon, Chandler, Smith (PDCS) for building official, plans
• review, and inspection services for $220,000.00 and authorize the City
Administrator to sign all appropriate documents.
Commissioner Anderson moved to approve the Consent Agenda as
submitted. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Holt.
Discussion was held regarding Items 9 G, I, and O.
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
10. PITBLIC HEARINGS.
A. The Community Development Division of the Community Services
Department recommends the City Commission adopt Ordinance No.
07-1850 to vacate and abandon a five (5') foot by thirty-eight (38')
foot section of an easement described in the official plat book 20,
pages 97 and 98, located on the property addressed as 1091 Sonoma
Court.
Ms. Roper announced having proof of publication for all the public
hearings listed on the agenda. She then read Ordinance No. 07-1850 by
title only.
Ms. Adzima said the applicant has a five (5') foot by thirty-eight (38') foot
portion of his pool that encroaches into the fifteen. (15') foot utility
easement. Therefore, staff cannot permit a structure which encroaches into
an easement prior to it being vacated. She said at the vacation of easement
at the October lst meeting the Commission inquired how far the easement
ran along the subdivision. She. advised this nms the •perimeter of the
subdivision platted as Windtree West. Earlier this year, the Commission ~~
did approve a vacation very similar to this at 1100 Sonoma Court. She
advised there was a two inch. steel gas fine that runs along the perimeter
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~ within the easement and since the gas line was not directly under the
encroachment, Florida Public U~:ilities had no objection. All other utility
companies submitted letters of n.o objection.
Mayor Maingot opened the public hearing. The following spoke in favor
to the Ordinance:
Ken Pawlowski, 1091 Sonoma Court, said it was his request that the
portion of the easement directly under his. pool be vacated. They
purchased the house with an exi;>ting pool and he assumed it was
previously permitted and legal at that time. He said the enclosure needs to
be replaced and in order to do sa they need to follow the requirements to
have this vacated.. He stated neighbors and utilities have all signed off on
the request to vacate and abandon.
No one spoke in opposition to the Ordinance.
Commissioner Anderson moved to close the public hearing.
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Holt and carried by a unanimous voice
vote.
Commissioner Anderson moved to adopt Ordinance 07-1850.
Seconded by Deputy Ma.~or Holt and carried by a unanimous roll
call vote.
B. The Community Development Division of the Community Services
Department recommends the City Commission approve or deny the
requested variance (VAP:12-07) to the Historic District Code Book
for the property located within the Historic District at 152 West
Warren Avenue.
Mayor Maingot announced this item was quasi judicial. He then reviewed
the :procedures for aquasi-judicial hearing,
Ms. Roper swore-in the witnesses.
Mr. Sizemore said this vas a variance request for the property at 152 West
Warren Avenue. He stated this was a contributing structure in the Historic
District and as such, any variancf; requests to requirements of the Historic
District Code Book come before the City Commission. He stated the first
variance request. was to reduce the number of required parking spaces. He
reviewed the site development plan for the property. The second variance
request was to reduce the rninimi.un drive aisle width. The final request
was to be able to .replace the existing asphalt shingle roof with a new
~ asphalt shingle roof that would match the current roof. They are not able
to provide direct evidence of the original roofing of the building. He said
the visioning pages in the l:~istoric District Code Book identify metal roofs
as being characteristic of the Florida Vernacular Style home. He stated
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they began to look at other similar structures within the District and
identified several homes within the same era as the Lewis House and six ~
of these properties have retained a metal roof. He reviewed pictures of
these properties. This information was relayed to the applicant during pre-
application meetings, and at that time they indicated' some of the leakage'
problems were going to be repaired by the previous property owner. They
did not think they would be affecting more than 5`0% of the roof. He
explained in the non-conforming section of the Development Code, if
there is an element of a structure that is non-conforming you can replace
or repair this up to 50% and. once that threshold is tripped then one must
comply with the current code. On May 25~', a permit application was
submitted to re-roof asphalt shingles to match the original shingles. This
permit was erroneously issued by the Building Department without
verifying that less than 50% of the roof material would be replaced. Once
the work commenced, staff recognized this permit may have been issued
in error and verified it was a complete roof permit. He advised the permit
was immediately voided with staff contacting the contractor asking them
to secure and dry in the area that had been removed. In June, the City
drafted and provided an agreement to the applicant that would allow the
applicant to replace 47% of the roof that had already been removed with
asphalt shingles and indicating there was 3% left prior to reaching the 50%
threshold. Once the threshold was reached they would be required to come
into compliance with the requirements of the Code and install a metal
roof. He advised the applicant did not execute'this agreement and along ~~
with their variance request they have asked to come before the
Commission to request the asphalt shingle roof be allowed to be replaced
in its entirety on the tnicture. The applicant has submitted some evidence
they were able fo gather following the removal of the rear portion of the
roof. He had a sample of some of the roofing material that was removed
from under the shingles. The roofing contractor submitted' a letter stating
this did come off of the house while he was performing the work. He said
they also attempted to contact the previous property owner and spoke to
their daughter.who submitted a letter where she gives her eye witness
account of living in the house from 1945 and the roof was asphalt rolled
roofing material. Research has revealed in 1903 asphalt shingles cut from
rolled roofing first became available. By the time the building was
constructed in 1910 these products did exist. He advised they have
consulted with the. City's architectural consultants and reviewed the
information gathered. It is of their opinion the metal roof material was the
most appropriate in compliance with the Department. of the Interior
Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Strictures, even in light of the fact
that there were some periods of time there appeared to be asphalt rolled
roofing on the building.
Phil Daimwood, 390 Wilma Street, said regarding the variance issues, he
was representing property otivners, ,Sid and Sherry Allred and Donna ,~
Maxwell, who purchased and closed on the property in May. They desire
to convert the building to a coffee hoLise/small gift shop. He said after
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meeting with staff it was ~~eterniined the direction they needed to go, in
terms of areas that would require a request for variance. He advised the re-
roofing issue was not part of the: initial discussions. He said relative to the
site configuration and the deficiency in the onsite parking, the original
layout provided for a pull in and pull through driveway. However, due to
traffic and safety concerns this was not allowed and cost them. one parking
space. He said based on the sizf> of the building and rounding up, six
parking spaces are required. There are ttivo spaces that are on the parcel
and there is ample stacking. He said he understands there is a code
concern regarding stacked: parking. They request the Commission grant a
variance for the number of parking spaces required. He pointed out there
were ample spaces within 200 feet in the City lot in front of the Hotel. The
second issue is the side yard drive lane width requirement, which is 12
feet. He advised there was 11 feet available. The third issue is the roofing
issue. He said as an architect they have been involved with a considerable
ntunber of historic structures. He advised he presently held ownership of
two contributing structures in this District .and they take exception to
staff's requirement of a metal roof. He stated this would create a hardship
on the property owners. Tlae property owners have requested the roof be
placed with like kind; the same architectural dimensional shingle. He said
the 50% requirement for placement, in his opinion, should not come into
play due to the occurrences of th.e initial issuance of the permit wherein
almost 50% of the roof was torn off. In his opinion, it would be an
incorrect point of departure for t:he Commission to sanction staff's
recommendation. Documents wF;re distributed that he said represented a
capitulation of the chronological issues in the roofing situation.
Deputy Mayor Holt inquired if the building was inspected prior to being
purchased.
Mrs. Allred responded in the affirmative.
Deputy Mayor Holt asked if the inspection revealed any damage to the
roof noted by the inspector.
Mrs. Allred responded in the affirmative.
Mr. Daimwood said the original permit was issued to re-roof the entire
facility. Before the permit was revoked, approximately 47% of the existing
roof was removed which he pointed out on a photograph.. He stated as he
understood it was the eastern field of the roof and the southern field of the
.roof behind the chimney.
Deputy .Mayor Holt inquired how much of the roof had failed according to
~, the inspection.
Mrs. Allred said the inspector indicated there was a part to the .left side, of
the chimney that was soft and needed attention. She stated there was more
CC 1~0-1.5-07/315
damage than revealed by the inspection. The previous owner said he
would hire someone to patch the area, which he did. She stated when they `-~
went on the roof it was soft and needed attention. She advised that none of
this was picked up in the inspection. She stated she had pictures of damage
that has occurred since the roof had been removed.
Deputy Mayor Holt said Exhibit A was some type of rolled roofing. He
inquired if this was what they were pleading this to be.
Mr. Daimwood said he had not seen the evidence, but he suspected it was
the old rolled roofing which was an asphalt product. He stated it was not
an underlayment and in his opinion the original roof would have been
rolled roofing, not necessarily metal roofing.
Deputy Mayor Holt said there was a limited amount of products to be put
on roofs in that time period. He said they normally would place an
underlayment and then place. metal roofing on top. When the metal roofing
was 'removed they would place the next product on which was a
substandard asphalt shingle. He stated in his opinion that was used as an
underlayment and during that time it had asbestos in it. He inquired if staff
had done any tests on the product. If the product has asbestos, then they
have a whole different scenario. He said he would Iike this researched as
soon as possible. He asked the applicant why they did not want to place a
metal roof on the building. ._.%;
Mrs. Allred said the reason she does not want to put a metal roof on was
because every pieture~ that exists of this house shows the green shingled
roof. She said they did not want to change anything and wanted the house
to be justthe way it is. They bought the house with the intent to maintain
the historic character of the house and keep it just the way it is. She
reiterated there has been a lot of damage that has occurred since the roof
has been removed. She stated when they pulled the permit the-tar paper
was placed. If the permit had not been approved, then they would have
just done repairs to the front part and not have torn off half of the roof.
She provided the Commission with a copy of the permit, and the
application for the permit as well as citing from the State Standards of
Construction to prove that it was quite possible that the roof had always
been a green shingled roof. She affirmed this would be a financial burden
at this point and they could not afford to place a metal roof since they
must repair all of the damages that have occurred since the permit. was
pulled.
Deputy Mayor Holt reviewed the requested parking by the variance to
reduce the number of parking spaces required by Code and asked if the
thought process was to design and utilize public parking for the business.
Mr. Daimwood said they did not see any other alternative. He stated if the
parking was not granted then it would become a residential property.
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Commissioner Bundy asked Mrs. Allred if they discussed with anyone
prior to getting involved v~ith this properly, what would be required by the
City concerning the roof.
Mrs. Allred said when they purchased the house the roof was not an issue
because they were told the; roof ,vas completely replaced six to seven years
ago.
Commissioner Bundy said. the daughter of the previous owner said the
roofers took advantage of :her father and it had leaked ever since it was
replaced. He stated the DeRosa's knew the roof was leaking and
apparently they transferred, as required by law, this knowledge of an
existing condition to the person 1:hat purchased the property from them. He
inquired if the owner they purchased the property from had passed on any
information regarding the ;roof leaking or that i't had been repaired.
Mrs. Allred said they were told t:he roof had been replaced six or seven
years ago. They were not told it had been leaking.
Commissioner Bundy inquired if'it had been indicated the roof repairs had
taken place.
Mrs. Allred said just the one area..
Commissioner Bundy said he would think they would have legal action
against the seller since this was a prior known condition subject to
d1SC10Sllre. He stated the financial hardship cannot be a basis for a
variance. He said the .Society would love to keep. the shingle roof for the
Bradlee-MacIntyre House. However, when it is replaced it will have to be
a metal roof. He pointed out there had also been an error made previously
with a permit issued to the Church that was corrected with a stop order
being placed. He said the iirtent of the Code was using materials that were
available and. could have been used. He stated they were asking to use a
product that was not available for 50-60 years later, an architectural style
shingle.. This makes no attempt to capture the essence of what the original
roof was. He said he was trying to find a balance that would protect the
integrity of the Historic District. lie stated they want to be business
friendly, but they need to have something to base it on.
Mrs. Allred reiterated if the: permit had not been.issued to begin with, then
the back of the roof would :have n.ot been torn off. Even though the permit
was issued in error, the roofer spoke with the Department the morning
they were working on the roof and the inspector looked at everything they
had and said they were doing a good job. There was a question about the
~, slope of the. front. porch and back porch and whether tin would work on
those two places due to the pitch. 'She. stated this was why they said the
shingles would work reallywell, ~.he water would roll off and there would
be less of a problem. They started. ripping off the roof, then the, inspector
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came back and stopped it, held further discussions; then the remainder of
the back of the roof was removed. She said if they had taken off the front ~
of the roof, this would not be a problem because the area around the
dormer was the area that needed to be repaired.
Commissioner Bundy said staff does not-have the. authority to waive or
issue a variance. If they made a mistake,. as soon as~this was caught work
stopped which was why they were before the Commission. He stated he
was trying to get enough on this to base a variance on. He said if they
provided adequate-parking for employees on site, then he was not adverse
to waiving customer parking since the City has parking. available.
Mr. Daimwood said they wouldn't be here if the permit had not been
issued. He reiterated in his opinion the original roof was rolled roofing and
nobody wants to put that type of roofing back on a contributing stricture
in the District. This is why they have requested the owner be allowed to
replace the roof with like kind that has been there for what. they know to
be 65 years.
Commissioner Bundy inquired if there were any photographs of the house
from the 1940's or 1950's that show this to be an asphalt shingle roof.
Mrs. Allred said the daughter's father was living and she spoke to him
when she wrote the letter. She stated the oldest picture was on the website ~:
and in the `Valking Tour. The pictttres show a green shingle roof. She said
business has been off this year and they needed to open more businesses to
attract more pzople. ~,
Commissioner Bundy said he was struggling with this and would like to
be able. to help them out. He stated this was a very dangerous precedence
they were undertaking.
Commissioner Sackett said his parents' house was a rolled roof with
shingles. He expressed concerns regarding the letter from ACi whether
this was in support of or more of a statement of what they would like to
see.. He stated the statement in the last paragraph vas more of a subjective
statement rather than objective.
Mr. Sizemore said the paragraph before that statement and the previous
letter addresses the, response indicating it should be a metal roof in light of
the US Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Strictures. He stated the summarizing paragraph was trying to highlight
all of the positives of the metal roof.
Commissioner Sackett said the position he was hearing was that if they
had not removed this amount of the roof they would have been able to ,~.i
patch it with .shingles. He inquired if there was a lease agreement in the.
City to rent parking spaces.
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~~ Mr. Drago said it was a public parking lot and if there is an activity at the
Historic Center, they wou d use the public parking. He stated they were
~ requesting the employees would park on site and the customers would
park in the public parking and.le,ave, except for the handicap space in the
.back. He wanted to make it clear that the parking in the front area 'ill be
on grass.
Commissioner Sackett said he almost feels that they need to go with the
record from the 1940's.
Mr. Daimwood agreed and said. the Federal guidelines under the Standards
for Reconstruction state, "All elements should be substantiated by
documentary or physical evidence, rather than a conjecticral design or the
availability of different features ,from other historic properties. " and that
is all they have here.
Commissioner Anderson said as Commissioner Bundy indicated,. they
have a challenge with regard to this matter. He said they need to keep in
mind what people used and not everyone used metal. He affirmed he was
very sympathetic to their argtune;nt that if they had been told their options
were to make. a patch or spend the money to replace with a metal roof,
they would have elected to leave the roof substantially alone. and make a
'~ patch. He stated he understands i:hat because the City made a mistake, it
does .not mean they can do whatever they want, but it is a significant
contributing. factor. He inquired 'why the handicap parking.space was in
the back. He said he did nc~t have a problem with customers parking in the
public parking lot, but employees needed to have provided parking.
Mr. Daimwood explained the. handicap accessibility was in the back due to
the elevation of the building in the back.
Commissioner Anderson said the drive aisle was not an issue for him. He
stated he would like to find a wa;y to make this work. He said they were
going to have a very hard time if they want to allow uses to be converted
and they will need to make some, concessions. If the City's ..goal is to get
more life into the District they need to look at how to balance this with
t
respecting the vision and with reality where to budge. He said he was
inclined to let the roofing remain. shingles. As Commissioner Bundy
stated, that was a dangerous area. He declared in this case it was a
legitimate hardship. He inquired if the cost of a metal roof was double that
of a ahingle roof.
Mr. Daimwood said an architectural metal roof was at least three times the
cost of an architectural shingled xoof. He stated economic hardship was
~ ~ not the driving issue. for this particular problem. It was an incidental
peripheral issue.
Commissioner Bundy inquired ghat the issue was.
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Mr. Daimwood said it was the replacement of a like kind material.
~J
Commissioner Anderson said from everything he heard. tonight it was the
driving issue. It had been stated money needed to be allocated in other
areas to make repairs. He stated if they grant this variance, how would
there be any validity with the Code Book when another person comes in
for a variance. He said there were two competing things; trying to preserve
the integrity of the District, and the financial reality of trying. to make
things happen.
Mr. Daimwood said asphalt shingles were closer to rolled roofing than
metal roofing would be. He reiterated they would not be asking for this
variance had it not been for the extenuating circumstance of the permit.
Mayor Maingot said they need to stay with the vision and the Code. He
advised there was the availability of a grant in the amount of $5,000 for
use in the Historic District. This grant can be applied for and approved by
the Commission. He declared he wanted to see the shop succeed, but did
not want to deviate from the Code.
The Commission recessed at 9:34 p.m. and reconvened at 9:44 pem.
Mrs. Allred said when they originally made up this plan and the variance
request, finances were not a concern. Now that it has gone so long and '~
there is more damage to the house, finances are a big concern. She stated
if they cannot get the variances she did not know if they can keep the
house. She declared without the variances she cannot afford all of the
repairs that need to be done.
Commissioner Bundy said'he was conferring with the City Attorney to try
and look for a hook without setting a precedence that any of them could
live with. He stated he believed there was an emergency provision in the
Historic Code that would allow the Commission to exceed the .grant for
$5,000.
Mr. Drago said there was a grant program developed up to $5,000. He
stated this was the grant guidelines an_d the Commission was free to spend
more if they desired.
Commissioner Bundy said he understands Mrs. Allred wants to keep the
aesthetics as they are now, but this probably cannot happen.. He would still
be willing to entertain the possibility of a larger amount of money with the
grant.
Mayor Maingot said they could not consider the fiords this evening
without an application. ~J
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Commissioner Sackett said he does not agree that this has to be a metal
roof. He said it could be a roller! roof He also does not want to bankrupt
anyone over this situation, but finances should not be a part of it. He said
this was quasi judicial and they should move on in the procedure.
Deputy Mayor Holt inquired if the variances could be acted upon
separately.
Ms. Roper responded in the. affirmative.
Frank Ramsour, 172 West: Warren Avenue, said he would keep this in the
spirit of general comments. He said he sees a body ready, willing, and able
to look to the vision and' make this. City what i't's supposed to become. He
said it was a sense of community where they work as a team to accomplish
:the things they have before them such as the brick streets, sidewalks,
lights, ways to handle parking, and open ne~y businesses. He said if this
City wants to move forward as a. sense of community, they need to come
up with the methodology t:o accomplish what they want to do. He said
maybe there was a chance to modify the. Code. He stated they need. to have
the vehicles; the financing and a way to accomplish helping people get
started. He declared when biiyitig their property they were told the front
would be bricked and there would be parking in front of the property. As
time went on there were no parking signs placed in front. He discussed the
possibility of sharing ADEN parking accommodations. He said he was
willing to accommodate and give her a parking space in order to get the
business up and running.
Commissioner Sackett n•,:oved to extend the meeting. Seconded by
Mayor Maingot and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Mrs. Allred said they bought the. house with the intent to add more
businesses to the community. When they first bought the house, from what
they were told, they thought they would be able to move right in. Sh.e
stated a lot of things have changed and she learned that everyone should
have a real estate lawyer. She said she loved this house and wanted it for
a business for her daughter. She did not think they would have the
problems they have encountered. She stated their original goal was to be
open in July, and then they wanted to have the shop opened in time for the
Festival. She said her lease at thf~ Enchanted Cottage was. up in February
• and if she cannot get this store open she will probably close the Enchanted
Cottage since business has been bad. She stated there have been a lot of
mistakes made and they do want. a business. She said if they are required
to have a metal roof, then maybe: they can work with the Commission to
obtain a grant for more than $5,(100. She aff rmed they were told the cost
~ would be about $40,000 and thai: was before all of the damage that has
occurred since the roof was removed. She thanked the Commission for
their time and hoped they can work together to make the Enchanted Two
and Brew a reality.
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Deputy Mayor Holt moved to close the public hearing. Seconded ~
by Commissioner Bundy and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Mayor Maingot suggested they entertain motions on each item separately.
Commissioner Anderson said what they just heard was that they have
people trying to breathe life into this District. He stated all of the rules and
codes are there to protect the integrity of buildings. However, the
buildings don't mean anything without people and life to go in them. He
declared they need to find a way to put people in the buildings. One of the
ways is with the grant money. He said they have the opportunity to put up
so many restrictions that nothing would move forward: He stated when he
voted to adopt the Historic Code there was an aesthetic preference for the
rrietal roof and many period structures do look better with this. He said in
reading the national guidelines, in the absence of direct documentation to
stay with what is already there. He declared they should put it back to the
earliest doeurnentation they have. He stated if they need to avoid setting
the wrong precedence; he would be inclined to revisit the Historic Codes
and amend them to say they will restore buildings back to what they have
documentation for. He suggested the building needs to be done the way
the pictures were presented. He said they' are in a spot where people are
stniggling to make it work here and unless they find a way to facilitate this
they would have a bigger problem.
Commissioner Bundy inquired if they were required to act upon the
variances individually.
Ms. Roper said she had not seen the applications. She suggested it may be
easier to act upon them individually.
Mr. Sizemore advised there were three distinct variances by one
application.
Commissioner Bundy moved to grant all three variance requests
per the application. Seconded by Commissioner Sackett and
carried by a four/one roll call vote with Mayor Maingot voting nay.
11. REGULAR BUSINESS.
A. ~ Police Department requests the City Commission read by title only,
and set November 5, 2007 as a public hearing date and approve the
first reading of Ordinance 07-1852, which establishes a program
designed to recover emergency responder costs relating to traffic
crash investigations.
Ms: Roper read Ordinance No. 07-1852 by title only.
CC 10-15-07/322
~ Commissioner Bundy moved to approve the first reading of
Ordinance No. 07-• 1$52 .and set November 5~ as the public hearing
date. Seconded by Commissioner Sackett.
Mr. Drago advised the wa.y the Ordinance was written, government
vehicles, including school buse", were not exempt. He inquired if the
Commission desired to exempt ;government agencies.
Mr. Bundy said he would be in savor of exempting other governmental
agencies.
Deputy Mayor Holt disagreed acid felt. government agencies should be
billed if they were at fault.
Commissioner Anderson inquired if this. was sent when there was
determination of fault, or was it to anyone involved.
Mr. Drago advised fault was not the issue. He said if the vehicle was
registered to a person, business, corporation, or entity whose address is
within the corporate limits of Longwood, they are exempt. This is geared
toward the owner of the vehicle, not the driver, so if the vehicle is
--- registered out of the City Limits:, they will be sent an appropriate bill to
pay the fee.
Commissioner Anderson inquired if anon-resident was driving through
the City and someone hits them,, are they going to receive a bill.
Mr. Drago responded in the affirmative and said it was applied toward the
insurance carrier.
Commissioner Anderson said if They were the person at fault and caused
the personal damage he would not have a problem establishing a claim
against them. He said it feels wrong if they are the victim. He stated you
would not want to be victimized a second time by the very people you
have asked to help you. He; said lie could not accept the Ordinance as
written.
Deputy Mayor Holt said tY~.ere ~v~~s investigation and time involved by our
Police. Department. He stai:ed this would go directly through the insurance
companies and they would settle the matter. He said this was a good
Ordinance and the intent vas to ]ielp the City in paying for some of t:he
cost of services supplied to the p~~iblic.
Commissioner Sackett read an ea:cerpt from the Ordinance and said it did
~, not go to the victim,. but to the person who caused the accident. It also
states the City Administrator can amend as he sees necessary.
Mr. Drago said it goes to the insurance company, not the victim.
CC 10-15-07/323
Ms. Roper said in reality insurance companies would argue as to who was
responsible.
Mr. Drago said the program presented was'regardless of who was at fault,
vehicles irivolved in an accident who were not residents of the City would
be billed.
Motion carried by afour/one roll call vote with Commissioner
Anderson voting nay.
12. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT.
1Vls. Roper reported the easement was blocked at Assured Appliance as the City
discussed an'd instructed at the last meeting. She .also received a letter from the
applicant's Attorney, Mr. Taylor, and he had asked to be placed on a future
agenda. to address the Commission regarding the 20 foot easement on both sides
of each property. She advised that since then she .had received an unofficial notice
from his office that he maybe withdrawing from this case. She said she would
keep the Commission informed regarding this matter.
Ms. Roper said she would like direction from the Commission to contact Mr.
Pinkney's last Attorney of record regarding his being. issued excess sewer credits
and possible reimbursement to the City.
Mr. Drago gave a brief history of the matter where Mr. Pinkney was granted a
waiver of the sewer fees. He said in checking-the agreement, Mr. Pinkney had
received in excess of $12,000 of credited fees. He said there was also an excess in
stormwater fees.
Ms. Roper advised in 2006 the prior City Attorney had sent a letter to Mr.
Pinkney's Attorney requesting they negotiate some. type of agreement. She has
not seen any response and would like to follow up on the matter.
Mr. Drago said there was a code violation regarding the tree issue and has not
received the Certificate of Occupancy. There'was another building that has not
been completed and he does have some vacant lots that he can build on. He
advised the cap on the credits was $45..,000 and he received over $12,000 in
credits of which he was not entitled.
It was the consensus of the Commission for the City Attorney to look into the
matter.
13. CITY CLERK'S REPORT. No report.
~.
CC 10-15-07/324
14. ADJOURN. Mayor Maingot adjourned the meeting at 10:36 p.m.
John
ATTEST:
. ~t~
Sarah 1VI. Miru,s, CMC
City Clerk
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