OCTOBER 2, 2002

ATTENDANCE: Richard Booth, Chairman; Martin Bernard, Jose Bermudez,

STAFF: Sonja M. Devitt, Director; Larry Patterson, Field

CALL TO ORDER

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

September 4, 2002

Page 1, under attendance, Jeannette Jean-Claire should read Jean-Pierre

Page 1, Correction item Page 3, remove the number 5

Page 2, 2^nd paragraph, add Larry and Sonja after employees

Page 3, 7^th paragraph, line 2, has should read have

Line 3, insert Monterey after current

Line 5, insert Monterey before management

Page 3, 8^th paragraph, line 4, remove who

Page 4, 6^th paragraph, lines 1 &2, removed the and annual; add an "s" to meeting

Page 4, 9^th paragraph, line 2, lead should read led

Page 5, 1^st paragraph, line 2, delete " the nominations were closed" and continue the sentence.

Page 5, 2^nd motion should read Mr. Bernard, not Martin

Page 6, 1^st motion should read Nathanson, not athanson

Page 6, 1^st line, under Motion to Adjourn, add almost after that

** MR. BERNARD MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES WITH

** MR. STUMPF SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The Chairman read a resignation letter from Mr. Bermudez after18 years of service on the Commission. Mr. Bermudez has been appointed by the Mayor to become part of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The entire group sighed at the loss his absence will create. Mr. Bernard stated that they have been on the Commission together for many years.

Ms. Devitt expressed her good wishes and that he would be sorely missed. His gentle way of reprimanding or suggesting correction for a landlord or tenant was that of a diplomat. She further commented that having a commissioner with Hispanic background helps the people attending a hearing have a feeling of comfort that they can communicate clearly with someone who can understand their language and their situation. His ability to translate will be a loss to the Commission as well.

Mr. Simms commented that Mr. Bermudez is a good listener.

Mr. Bermudez stated that his first thought was to refuse his new appointment. However, the Mayor insisted that he join the P&Z Commission. He stated the decision was very difficult, like leaving one’s family. He thanked each one for what they have helped him gain on this Commission. He stated that he would be willing to assist the Commission whenever possible. He would also look into the Hispanic Community to see if there is an individual who might wish to serve.

Ms. Genuario said to Mr. Bermudez that he is one who gives so much to the Community and the Commission. She stated that P&Z’s gain is this Commission’s loss.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Ms. Devitt was at a trial the last two days and there was no time to compose a written report. There was no statistical report. There are two new cases. Irene will be on vacation next week. Ms. Suib and Ms. Devitt held their first Weed and Seed meeting. Irene will be translating for the Spanish session. The budget packages have not been issued as yet for 2003/2004. Mr. Booth and Ms. Devitt will prepare budget information in order to bring in more revenue for the function of the department. There will be a request for a part-time individual and funding for full secretarial service for the meetings. A copy machine will be asked for as well.

Mr. Booth stated that he felt strongly that there would be no ability to go and ask for additional money once the budget is submitted.

COMMISSIONER’S POTPOURRI

There was no report.

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Booth turned the meeting over to the Nominations Subcommittee Chairman, Mr. Simms. Messrs. Booth and Bernard left the meeting until they were recalled in after the voting.

Mr. Simms inquired whether there were additional nominations from the floor to add to the existing slate. Currently the nominations are Mr. Booth for Chairman and Mr. Bernard for Vice Chairman.

** MR. ROBERTS MOVED TO CLOSE THE NOMINATIONS.

** MR. STUMPF SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MR. ROBERTS MOVED THAT THE SLATE OF NOMINEES

** MS. GENUARIO SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The nominees were recalled to the meeting. The Nomination Chairman congratulated Mr. Booth and Mr. Bernard.

Ms. Devitt gave background on the hearing that did not take place this evening. The properties are 101 Woodward Avenue and 75 South Main Street. Mr. Maleh had requested no hearing while he made repairs to the distressed properties. The repairs have dragged on beyond a year. The electrical contractor had not been brought in to certify the electrical in the buildings. Mr. Maleh had been told in writing twice to correct the items agreed to originally. There was to be a hearing held by teleconference today.

Ms. Devitt started to read the letter sent to Mr. Maleh since the hearing was not held.

Mr. Roberts stopped her as he did not agree that the agreement that was to be read was wise in light of no hearing. For the Commission to ratify the agreement without a hearing may put the Commission in a difficult position if a hearing had to be held.

Ms. Devitt said that the repairs are progressing very slowly. The Health Department and the Fire Department are now involved.

Mr. Roberts inquired whether Ms. Devitt and the departments have fleshed out an agreement directly with Mr. Maleh.

Ms. Devitt stated that this is an agreement for postponement of the hearing with provisions regarding the property repair.

Mr. Roberts stated his intent was to avoid having the Commission tainted by exposure that this agreement would create. The issue that Mr. Maleh agrees to are the same items that would be discussed at a hearing. Mr. Roberts felt that the information should not be read at this meeting so that the Commission can later make an unprejudiced decision.

Mr. Patterson suggested making a motion for the hearing to be held in November.

Mr. Roberts felt that the landlord may not do what needs to be done since he has failed in the past. Setting a date for a hearing would enable the Commission to go forward if needed or cancel a hearing if the work is performed.

** MR. ROBERTS MOVED TO HEAR 1467-01 AND 1470-02 AT

** MR. STUMPF SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

OPEN CASES AND NEW CASES

** MR. STUMPF MOVED TO TAKE NO ACTION ON THE

1454-01, 1466-01, 1467-01, 1469-01, 1470-02, 1489-02,1490-02,

** MR. BERNARD SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MS. GENUARIO MOVED TO CLOSE CASE NO. 1482-02

** MR. NATHANSON SECONDED

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MR. BERNARD MOVED TO HEAR CASE NO. 1492-02.

** MR. STUMPF SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MR. SIMMS MOVED TO HEAR CASE NO. 1493-02

** MR. BERNARD SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOTION TO ADJOURN

** MR. SIMMS MOVED TO ADJOURN.

** MR. NATHANSON SECONDED.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Alvina L. Richardson Decker

Telesco Secretarial Services

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