Florence City Council gives initial approval to property ordinance changes

Florence City Council during a special meeting Monday authorized Community Services Director Scotty Davis to make changes to an ordinance concerning abandoned properties, dilapidated buildings, overgrown lots and appointments to the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals.

Davis will make the changes along with City Attorney James Peterson. The matter will be on council’s agenda at its Nov. 9 meeting, where it will require two readings before approval.

Among changes proposed by council Monday was removing professional requirements for members appointed to the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals (HBAA). Original requirements for the five-member board were that one member each be a real estate broker, physician, architect engineer or general contractor, building materials dealer and a homeowner at-large.

Council voted to remove professional requisites and that the chairman be elected by the HBAA. The vote was 5-2 in favor with Councilmen Billy D. Williams and Ed Robinson voting nay.

A previous motion by Williams and seconded by Robinson to eliminate the board failed on a 2-5 vote with Robinson and Williams voting yea.

Davis gave a detailed outline of codes concerning abandoned properties, dilapidated buildings and overgrown lots. He said dwellings are unfit for human habitation because of dilapidation; lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities; defects that increase fire hazards; and other conditions that render the dwelling unsafe, unhealthy and dangerous.

His proposal detailed how the code would be enforced, penalties, current laws and processes, potential changes and the appeals process.

“These proposed changes are going to run all the poor people out of town, including me,” Robinson said. “We (city council) aregiving up our rights to Scotty and his board. We are letting somebody else determine their (the poor) fate.”

“Where are people going to get the money from to fix up their property? This is the wrong time to put pressure on poor people. We need to look at ways to help people keep their property and fix it up, not tear it down. You aren’t taking in consideration the people who don’t make enough money to survive.”

“We need to stop running around like rabbits,” Williams said. “We need to be sensible. We need to explore every option to help those in need. This is easy to do.”

Robinson proposed that council find funding for people who are displaced by the ordinance.

“This is a hardship on people who can least afford it,” he said. “This is like an unfunded mandate. You’re putting poor people out on the street. Let’s find the money to help them.”

Robinson’s proposal came as an amendment to the motion to direct Davis and Peterson to prepare an ordinance for council’s perusal. It was defeated 5-2 with Robinson and Williams voting for it.

Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday at 1 p.m.