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City Council debates front-yard fences At recent meetings, Gulf Breeze City Councilmen debated the issue of residential frontyard fences. City code disallows front yard fences, but there are grandfathered fences within the community and residents periodically request variances on a case-by-case basis. Council voted 4-1 to maintain the code banning front yard fences and directed staff to present an ordinance requiring a permit for all new fences and tightening guidelines for fences on vacant lots. "This has come up again and again, and I think the intent of ordinances is clear," Mayor Lane Gilchrist asserted. "I'd hate to see yet another exception to the rule." Councilmen Dick Fulford and Joe Henderson also expressed concern over allowing street-side fencing, but suggested that codes continue to allow the trend of decorative columns and hedging in front of homes. Council woman Bev Zimmern urged the council to consider front yard fencing, and was the only one to vote in favor of their consideration. Tightened fencing guidelines remain on the agenda for upcoming council meetings. Police Emergency Service (PESR) fees After discussions regarding tighter collection efforts, the council voted not to send unpaid Police Emergency Service Response (PESR) fees to a collections service -- for the time being. "I am concerned about reporting someone to a credit bureau," Fulford admitted. "I know there is an appeal's process for the fees, but I'd prefer to keep it in house for now on Government Cost Solutions letter head." "I have a hard time supporting this action when I hear complaints about the fee itself," said Councilman Henderson. "And I agree with Mr. Fulford that a mistake on a credit bureau report is often very hard to repair." Council voted to strengthen in-house collections and revisit the issue later in the year. Noncity residents are charged the fee when they cause traffic accidents within city limits to offset cityfunded police efforts to clear and process the accident scene. To date, $12,000 has been collected in PESR funds. Shoreline Drive no-passing zone established New striping will soon be added to Shoreline Drive to establish a no-passing zone from the Gulf Breeze Library to the intersection of S. Sunset. In a split-decision vote, the council appropriated $4,880 to complete the project. Fulford and Henderson voted against the project, expressing concern that the project could wait a few years for when the Park Improvement Plan is implemented and the road is repaved and widened. "I see this as a due diligence action," Councilman J.B. Schluter stated. "I originally brought this up. I was driving from the Rec and a kid decided to pass right when I was pulling out. I have seen several instances of near-wrecks there and a lot of teens and children come and go from that area. I'd like to prevent something from happening." |
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