Minutes 09/14/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 14, 2021  Section 17-2 of the City Code establishes a derelict structures program in accordance with the USBC and the Virginia state enabling legislation.  Subsection 17-2(a) currently defines derelict structures as, among other things, having been “boarded up in accordance with the building code” for a period in excess of six months. Discussion:  While subsection 17-2(a) uses the term “boarded up”, the USBC only requires structures to be “secured”; i.e. derelict structures are not necessarily required to be boarded under the USBC.  The discrepancy between “boarded up” and “secured” creates a potential loophole in the derelict structures program.  The derelict structures program is one of the City’s main tools to prevent the proliferation of blighting structures in Portsmouth neighborhoods, because the City can use the program to require owners to maintain and occupy their properties.  The proposed Code amendment changes “boarded up” to “secured” and therefore eliminates this potential loophole. Financial Impact:  N/A Recommended Action:  Adoption of the ordinance. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Building Official will continue implementing the derelict structures program. 1. Donna Sayegh, 3104 Garland Drive, asked for the income and expense report on how funds are being spent. Motion by Mr. Moody, and seconded by Mr. Barnes, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA BY AMENDING SUBSECTION 17-2(A) FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONFORMING TERMINOLOGY TO THE UNIFORM STATEWIDE BUILDING CODE.” Ayes: Barnes, Battle, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Whitaker, Woodard, Glover Nays: None 21 - 265 - Adoption of an ordinance accepting an Assistance to Firefighters grant in the amount of $167,818.18 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and appropriating said amount in the FY 2022 Grants Fund for use by the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services to improve equipment. Background:  The purpose of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards.  FEMA has determined that PFRES’s projects submitted as part of the application process are consistent with the program’s purpose and are worthy of the award of $167,818.18.  This award funding will be utilized to replace nozzle hardware with valves and working components, and to replace thermal imaging cameras (colloquially known as a TIC thermographic cameras) used in firefighting. Discussion:  All expenditures must specifically qualify under the grant guidelines.