BOARD APPROVED APRIL 5, 2010

TE PARK & RECREATION DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING

MARCH 26, 2010

10 a.m.

SMALL HALL

1903 69TH AVENUE WEST

BRADENTON, FL  34207

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m.

 

ROLL CALL:  Martha Brauer, Fred Hoch, Ken Ilg, Jim McIlveen, Gail Opper and Joe Salerno were present.  Absent:  Pam Cole, Margo Cushman, Harry Fitzpatrick.

 

PRESENT FROM MANATEE COUNTY:  Tom Cook, Building; Cindi Blake, Permitting Manager; Sandy Tudor, Planning Investigator; Mark Fransen, Right-of-Way Use Permitting.

 

PRESENT FROM THE ARC COMMITTEE:  Hank Gatti, Marian Barthof, Mike Neal, Andy Fiordimondo and Ken Ilg, Trustee Liaison.

 

Hank Gatti asked, “What Manatee County restrictions are not represented by the four of you?”  Answer:  “Temporary use permits.”

 

Hank stated there are eight areas of discussion set up by ARC:

 

1.  Right-of-way

 

            Hank:  What is the purpose of the right-of-way?

 

            Mark:  You cannot concrete the whole frontage of the right-of-way.  The right-of-way is maintained by Manatee County for numerous purposes.  Residents can plant in the right-of-way with some height restrictions.  To find codes go to:  www.municode.com, then to “Florida,” then to “Manatee County.”  Click on “Code.”  This gives you the whole land development code.  Nothing is allowed in the right-of-way that would cause an impedance.  Residents can park in the right-of-way.

 

            Mike:  Who do we have to contact for right-of-way problems?

 

            Mark:  Call Kaycee Ellis at the Citizens Action Center.

 

            Ken:    Pavers are up to 16” above the swale.  Is that a problem?

 

            Mark:  Yes.  The county won’t come in and deal with easements.

 

2.  Building Violations

 

            Marian:  Whom do we contact for these?

 

            Cindi:     Kaycee Ellis.

 

            Tom:      Any addition needs a permit.  Any reconfiguration needs to have a permit.  Sheds less than 120 square feet or less than 8’ high do not need permits.

 

            Cindi:     If something requires a permit, hire a licensed contractor.

 

            Tom:      If you put a new home on the property, a permit is required and work must be done by a licensed contractor.

 

            Martha:  PP30’s must be filled out when ARC finds a violation.

 

            Cindi:     All permits issued by Manatee County must meet TE Deed Restrictions first.

 

            Tom:      Electrical work needs a permit and a licensed contractor.

 

            Cindi:     Manatee County is reviewing its permit costs.

 

            Gail:       Who do we complain to about the regulations? 

 

            Cindi:     www.myflorida.com

 

            Gail:       I feel there is overregulation.  I am concerned about our elderly residents.  Hiring a licensed contractor can be very costly.  God gave talents to people.  My husband is very talented and does a great job.  Hiring someone else to do the repair jobs in our house is overregulation.

 

            Tom:       Homeowners can do the work but not hire anyone.  Investors cannot do the work on their own.  Windows must be replaced kind for kind.  Windows changed on an addition must have a permit.

 

            Cindi:     We must see the work being done and have something in writing for there to be a violation.

 

            Andy:      Is there a rule on propane tanks?

 

            Tom:       If the tank is 50 gallons or larger, it must be 10’ from property lines and 10’ from any opening.

 

            Hank:      Are people grandfathered?

 

            Tom:        Yes, as long as you don’t move it.

 

            Hank:       Many sheds are not screwed down.

 

            Tom:        If the resident didn’t get a permit to build it, it probably isn’t tied down.

 

            Andy:       Where do I find out occupancy size for our buildings?

 

            Tom:         In the building code and the fire code.  You can go to the Web site and find information about renovating a home there.

 

RESIDENTS COMMENTS

 

Harry Splett, 2104 OH--Manatee County should put “Subject to Deed Restrictions in TE” on their permits.  Neighbors should be informed of new building.  Higher homes or additions have taken away his sunlight.

 

            Martha:      You are notified only if there is a variance required.

 

            Mike:          New homes have to be higher than yours.

 

Bill Secraw, 1803 NY—The Manatee County attorney doesn’t make it easy to get to the regulations.  Why does it take five months to get permits?

 

            Cindi:         There is a five-to-seven day turnaround for permits.  It might have taken a long time because it is in the flood zone or there could be a delay from the contractor.

 

Bev Lew, 2008 IL—If we lose our homes in a hurricane, we have to meet codes in rebuilding, correct?

 

            Sandy:        You would have to meet the new codes.

 

Bev:  Can we park in the right-of-way?

           

            Mark:          We don’t regulate private property.  The only time you couldn’t park in the right-of-way is if there is a no parking rule.  A driveway is 12’ minimum with a 3 x 8 flare.

 

Bev:  The swales have not been maintained.  What can we do to get that corrected?

 

            Mark:          What you do on your property, we have no control over.

 

Everyone thanked the visitors from the Manatee County Permit Department for coming to discuss codes, etc., with us.

 

The special meeting was closed at 11:55 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Gail Opper, Secretary