05/03/1995 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Council Minutes of 5/3/95 ~~ Mayor Boyle explained to Mr. Sepesy that the new Recreation Commissioner had prepared the booklet and because of time constraints the Senior Center was not covered in-depth. There will be more coverage in the next booklet. With regard to the charge for van transportation, there is only a donation for trips this side of W. 117 Street. This is actually part of the NOCOP by-laws, and he will make sure that the misunderstanding is cleared up. Mr. Miller suggested that the policy be posted at the Senior Center and in the vans. Mayor Boyle said he believed the policy was posted at the Senior Center, but he would look into the matter. Mrs. Beringer said she opposed any cuts that would affect senior citizens. As to the reduction in staff at the Senior Center, she sugge~ed that community organizations might wish to vohmteer their time to help at the Center. Mr. Sepesy commented that one of the former custodians was vohmteering his time. Wayne Schultz, 6574 Dorothy Drive, spoke about the need for a residential property maintenance code. His next door neighbor does not keep up his property. Last year the city was forced to take out four loads of trash from the property. Although Councilman Nashar has spoken to the homeowner several times, he still does not keep up his property. Mr. Schultz asked that the city find the money to hire inspectors so that the residential property maintenance code could be passed. He feels that passage of this code is needed in order to keep up property values. Mayor Boyle agreed that this was an important issue because good housing stock is essential for the welfare of the city. However, the legislation has not been passed yet because the funding is not yet in place. Law Director Gateau suggested that the legislation be passed with the stipulation that everyone realize it will be on a "complaint basis." Inspectors investigating a complaint will have to use common sense in determining what cases should be turned over to the Law Department for prosecution. Mrs. Saringer explained that the legislation had been held in committee as a courtesy to the Safety Director and Buildmg Commissioner who have concerns about the lack of personnel to enforce the code. Mr. Gateau agreed that the Building Department is presently overwhelmed, but he feels that the legislation needs to be in place so that the Law Department can do what is necessary to enforce the law. Mr. Miller suggested that a "citizen intervention program" be used to address these problems. Mr. Gateau felt that residents might not graciously accept citizen intervention. Mr. Schultz said he did not feel such a program would work with his neighbor. Mr. Nashar said he felt that passage of the legislation would be beneficial and help city inspectors do their job. Dennis Lambert, 25057 Carey Lane, suggested that the city could clean up properties and then assess the homeowners or have the cotes placed on their tax duplicate. It was explained that this had been done in the case of the Dorothy Drive resident. As the chairperson of the Charter Review Commission, Mr. Lambert said that the commission would welcome any input and suggestions. All commission meetings are open to the public, and the next meeting will be held at City Hall on May 15 at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Boyle said that anyone who wished to make suggestions to the Charter Review ;,~ Commission could do so by calling either his secretary or the Council clerk. 5 _ _.,.. ~ ... 4TH:,