05-23-1989 Police and Code Enforcement Workshop MeetingMIAMI SHORES VILLAGE
POLICE AND CODE ENFORCEMENT
WORKSHOP
MAY 23, 1989
The Police and Code Enforcement workshop of the Miami
Shores Village Council was held on Tuesday, May 23, 1989, at
Village Hall commencing at 7:35 p.m. with the following
members present:
Also Present:
Mayor Courtney
Herb Spahn
Spero Canton
Stephen Loffredo
Marty Stofik
Elly F. Johnson
Chief Zoovas
Frank LuBlen
Mr. Spahn asked to be brought up-to-date on the Stop
Crime Forum. Chief Zoovas reviewed the report from the 1987
meeting and spoke about what the Police Department is
currently doing In the various areas discussed.
Mayor Courtney asked Chief Zoovas how many officers are
on each shift. Chief Zoovas reviewed the personnel staffing
of each shift.
Ms. Stofik stated that the visibility of the police has
Increased In the past 2 years.
Mr. Loffredo stated that he has gotten complaints In the
past that the officers are working too much off duty at the
Dog Track. Chief Zoovas stated that it Is not a problem now.
Mr. Loffredo stated that off duty police working at Publix
could prevent crime before It happens.
Mayor Courtney asked Chief Zoovas about the use of
auxiliary police. Chief Zoovas replied that to be in the
auxiliary police a candidate must attend the Academy for 36
weeks on Saturdays and few people want to give that
commitment. Detailed discussion among the Council ensued as
to the use of auxiliary police officers.
Chief Zoovas related what the Department Is doing with
Crime Watch and Mobile Crime Patrol.
Mr. Loffredo asked Chief Zoovas where the problem areas
are In Miami Shores. Chief Zoovas replied Miami Shores has a
big problem with Crack Cocaine which Is the cause of many of
the small burglaries. Mr. Loffredo asked about prostitution.
Chief Zoovas replied that it also Is a problem.
Mr. Spahn stated that the Council wants to know If they
can do anything for the police to help fight crime. Mr.
Canton asked for a police wish list to make their Job easier
or that would make an Impact on crime.
Ms. Stofik asked what Is Miami Shores current policy on
traffic control. Chief Zoovas stated since the Motorcycles
have been placed In service, tickets have Increased 104%. He
stated he would like to get more radar units. Ms. Stofik
stated that drivers are not getting the message. Chief
Zoovas stated it takes time for the public to be educated
that Miami Shores has a strict traffic policy. Mr. Loffredo
stated that the Council supports increased traffic
enforcement 100%.
Mr. Frank LuBien introduced the members of the Code
Enforcement Board.
Mr. Spahn stated that he wasn't aware of many cases that
go to court to get compliance. Mr. Fann stated in the past
going to County Court has not been very effective. He said
the most effective tool Is the threat of Code Enforcement.
Detailed discussion ensued among the Council as to the legal
avenues that the Village take to enforce our Codes. Mr.
Canton suggested printing the names of chronic violators.
Mr. Fann stated the Village would get sued and said printing
the names Is 111 advised.
Mr. Johnson stated that the Code Enforcement department
writes over 50 citations a month. He said that he would have
a problem printing the names of violators since Mr. Fann has
advised him not to do it.
Mr. Canton stated it Is up to the Council to come up
with what they are going to do In the coming years to
reinforce code enforcement. Mr. LuBien stated that he would
like the Council to let the current system exist as It Is to
see If it will work before the Council starts changing things
again. Mr. Spahn stated that It Is not the Intent of the
Council to make major changes.
Mr. Richard Colangelo, a Miami Shores resident and Code
Enforcement Boardmember, stated that the people he sees
before the board are not educated as to Miami Shores codes.
Mayor Courtney asked Mr. LuBien why he Is seeing more
violators. Mr. LuBien replied because he has additional
officers.
Mr. Canton suggested a Code Enforcement training class
once a month to teach residents about our codes In general
terms not legal terms. He said that there Is a lack of
consistency enforcing real estate signs on the weekends. Mr.
Johnson stated the Code Enforcement department has been
working the last 4 weekends. Mr. Fann stated that Miami
Shores should pursue real estate sign violations in County
Court. He said the board members should be impartial and not
advocates to stronger Code Enforcement.
Ms. Stofik asked Mr. Johnson If the Village Is still
sending a letter to new residents. Mr. Johnson stated he
will get the answer for Ms. Stofik. Ms. Stofik stated the
letter spelled out many of Miami Shores codes. She then
asked what was the current policy on hedges over 7 feet. Mr.
Johnson stated the 7 foot limit is strictly enforced. Mr.
LuBien stated that his department Is not enforcing the 7 foot
limit
Ms. Stofik asked Mr. LuBien If his men Inspect houses
from the alley. Mr. LuBien replied sometimes but not
routinely. He said that if they get a complaint they always
respond. Ms. Stofik asked If there was a priority as to the
type of complaint. Mr. LuBien stated no. He said all Items
that are enforceable are enforced with equal zeal. Ms.
Stofik asked Mr. LuBien to describe the procedures to
investigate multifamily use of a single family house. Mr.
LuBien explained what his department does to investigate such
situations.
Ms. Stofik asked how many cities does Mr. LuBien work
for other than Miami Shores. Mr. Johnson replied 2.
Mr. Canton asked Mr. LuBien to put together a brief
synopsis of Codes with regards to real estate and mall it to
real estate offices In the surrounding areas.
Mr. John Stokesberry, a Miami Shores resident and Code
Enforcement Boardmember, spoke about how the Code Enforcement
Task Force has reduced the time from the Notice of Violation
to enforcement.
Mr. Charlie Custin, a Miami Shores resident and Code
Enforcement Boardmember, spoke about real estate signs and
the image of the Shores.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m..
Adak
e/X:f‘, AWAV
`ry •urtney /
Mayor
Attest: Elly F. Johnson
By:
Scott W. Davis
Deputy Village Clerk