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compliance because the objective is not clear. Craig Benedict agreed that this language <br />should be added. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked about the impetus for this amendment and if it was brought <br />forward by the Planning staff. Craig Benedict said that they have had a difficult time in getting <br />compliance on a variety of issues. There have been difficulties with definitions. The <br />amendment is staff generated and the attorney's office also helped. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked if there was a way in this process for someone to access <br />the County Commissioners formally. Craig Benedict said yes and explained the process. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that he has watched Geoff Gledhill go after the biggest <br />offender in Efland for years. He does not know what it will take to straighten this out. He does <br />not see how this amendment is going to help the County. <br />Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the visit and said that all he was suggesting is <br />that someone call first and make an attempt and leave a written notice to document that there <br />was a visit. He said that he would feel more comfortable with 23.2.6 if it read, "The recipient of <br />the notice of violation, correction order, or stop work order, or the owner of the property on <br />which the violation occurs may submit to the Board of County Commissioners a written request <br />for extension of the notice or order, specified time limit for correction of the violation. The <br />zoning officer will recommend whether the time limit should be extended. The Board of County <br />Commissioners will determine whether the violation cannot be corrected within the specified <br />time limits for reasons beyond the control of the person requesting the extension." This would <br />allow some opportunity for someone to come before the Board for an extension of time. <br />Chair Brown said that she thinks that this is protecting people who buy property in the <br />County if their neighbors become collectors of junk. She is in favor of a good ordinance that <br />does its job. People call her regularly about horrible things in their neighborhood. <br />Commissioner Carey said that he understands that the staff is trying to wean the Board <br />of County Commissioners from getting involved in each case. <br />Renee Price is concerned from the jump in the fine from $100 to $500 per day. Craig <br />Benedict said that the fines are allowed up to $500 and it does not have to be that high. The <br />North Carolina General Statutes has allowed increases to provide some "teeth" in the <br />ordinances. <br />Chair Gooding -Ray said that it does not say "up to" $500 and this should be clarified. <br />Craig Benedict said that the phrase "may impose" was used. He would agree to adding, "may <br />impose up to $500" to further clarify it. <br />There was no public signed up to speak to this item. <br />Chair Gooding -Ray said that she is concerned about the issue of notice when there are <br />multiple owners of a property that do not actually live on the premises. This will be discussed <br />further at the Planning Board meeting. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to <br />receive the Planning Staff's recommendation and to refer to refer the proposed amendment to <br />the Planning Board for a recommendation to be returned to the Board of County Commissioners <br />no later than May 20, 2003. This includes both sections. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />With no further items to address, the public hearing was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. <br />Margaret Brown, Chair <br />Donna S. Baker <br />Clerk to the Board <br />