Published

Witnessing First Hand the Story that Never Gets Covered – Bravo Orange County!

Feb 23rd, 2012

Below is an email that my office received yesterday from a gentleman who happened to be watching our meeting this past Tuesday.

After receiving several new building permits in record time at the Orange County Building Department on Rosalind Avenue I decided to spend some of my new found extra time listening to the Orange County Commissioner's meeting across the hall. As I walked towards the auditorium I joked with the security guards scanning packages at the front door that I was "going there to see how much hot air would fill the room". Instead I got quite the opposite of what I expected. My experience could be summed up by the one hearing I witnessed of fellow Orange County resident Jose Barbosa. Mr. Barbosa's request to add an additional one bedroom to his modest home in a solidly working class neighborhood was turned down by BZA (Board of Zoning Approvals) because it encroached 8.5 feet into the zoned property setback. Mr. Barboza needed the extra bedroom to accommodate his aging mother as well the addition of his new wife and nine year old daughter that would be soon added to his family. Although he had a letter of approval from his home owner's association and their was no objection to his request by any of his neighbors, the BZA felt they had to stand on the existing regulations and deny his request for a variance. The rules were followed but clearly justice was not being served.

Upon hearing of this case Commissioner Jennifer Thompson urged Mr. Barbosa to appeal this decision and then proceeded to champion his cause at this hearing. She cited that Mr. Barbosa was adding two new additions to his family while shouldering the burdens of caring for his aging mother. At a time when many homeowners could not afford to pay their mortgages Mr. Barbosa only wanted to further invest in his property and obviously in this economy would have a hard time selling his home and locating another property as his only alternative. Commissioner Thompson passionately stated that "I feel this is one of the reasons why I ran for this office, this is why I am here" to help people like Mr. Barbosa who are good citizens, providing for their families and following the rules, who seek only fairness and clarity in government decisions. The vote was called and the Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of granting a zoning variance to Mr. Barbosa, overturning the BZA's decision. After the vote was completed Mayor Theresa Jacobs proudly stated "Welcome to Orange County!"

Thanks to a Mayor and Commissioners who cared, Mr. Barbosa will now be able to live in a home that will accommodate the needs of his new wife and daughter in addition to his mother. The Commissioners clearly did not approve his request because Mr. Barboza was a big developer who would later fill their pockets for their re-election, they did this solely because they cared about their fellow citizens and it was the right thing to do. As I walked out of the building I apologized for my earlier comments to the security guards. "Today I witnessed a victory for the common man!". "Score one for the little guy" they replied after I told them what I heard.

Bravo Orange County! I only wish our government officials in Washington would follow your lead.

Best, Regards,

Brent Kingstone

District 4 Smoke Testing

Feb 11th, 2012

by jennthompson.

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For the next few weeks, Orange County Utilities inspection crews will conduct a physical survey of the wastewater collection system in East Orange County. Information gained from this survey will be used to repair and improve the wastewater collection system

Testing of PS3904, located within District 4, Southwest of S. Avalon Park Blvd at Golfway Blvd will begin on Monday Feb. 13th and is estimated to be complete on Friday Feb. 17th.

One important task of the survey will be "smoke" testing of sewer lines to locate breaks and defects in the system. During the "smoke" test, white artificial "smoke" or vapor will exit through vent pipes on the roofs of homes and buildings and through sewer line breaks. The "smoke" should not enter your home or building unless your plumbing is defective or drain traps are dry. Field crews will perform inspections which involve opening and entering manholes in the streets and in backyard easements. At no time will field crews have to enter your residence or business. Your cooperation is appreciated.

What is "smoke" testing and why is it conducted?

"Smoke" testing is one of the most efficient and cost-effective methods of locating sources of inflow and infiltration (I&I). I&I occurs when groundwater or rainwater enters the sewer lines through cracks, breaks, and/or areas not intended to drain to the sewer system, which fills the sewer pipes, causes overflows and flooding, and raises the cost of treatment. The non-toxic "smoke" will help locate these areas of concern which will then be flagged for identification purposes.

Is the "smoke" harmful?

No. The "smoke" is specially manufactured for testing, is not dangerous, and is non-toxic. It leaves no residue or stains and creates no fire hazard. Visible "smoke" and/or "smoke odor" will last only a few minutes in cases of proper ventilation. However, if there are people in your home or building that have special needs, please notify Orange County Utilities in order to address your needs prior to the testing.

How is it done?

It is conducted by placing a blower over a manhole and forcing non-toxic "smoke" through a sewer line. The "smoke," under pressure, will fill the main line plus any connections, revealing any unwanted water sources. A green flag will be placed at the location of the smoke to mark the area.

How will I know when and if "smoke" testing is being conducted in my area?

Look for a notice on your door a few days prior to the testing. Contact numbers will be provided should you have any questions or concerns.

What should I do to prepare for "smoke" testing?

To avoid "smoke" from unnecessarily entering your home or building, we suggest you run water into all of your drains prior to when "smoke" testing will be conducted in your area, especially those drains that are used infrequently, such as in the garage and spare bathrooms. This will also help prevent sewer odor and gases from entering your home or building and should be done regularly so that the drains function properly. Make sure to crack windows for ventilation if pets are in the home.

What if "smoke" enters the house or building?

During testing, do not be concerned if you see "smoke" coming from your rooftop sewer vents. This is normal. If traces of "smoke" are detected inside your home or building, it is an indication that gases from the sewer system could also be entering. Sewer gases can be dangerous, and some of these gases have no odor or color and can enter a home or building undetected. If you observe "smoke" inside your home or building during testing, the County urges you to have your plumber locate the source of the leak and take the appropriate corrective measures. Location, identification, and correction of the source of "smoke" that enters your home or building should be quickly addressed.

What if there is a green flag in my yard?

After testing, you may find a green flag in your yard indicating a location needing correction, and a notice on your door explaining the procedure for resolving the issue. Please do not remove the flag until the correction has been made.

Need Volunteers for Advisory Committees

Feb 9th, 2012

by jennthompson.

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Orange County needs your help to fill positions on its many advisory boards.

The boards should be representative of the entire county meaning if you live in Orange County then you are encouraged to participate and make your voice heard. Many of the boards are looking for community members with specific interests and backgrounds so certain criteria and experience may apply.

The best way to apply for a position is to let my office know by emailing district4@ocfl.net or calling 407.836.7350 and a staff member will walk you through the process step-by-step. Listed below are several of the boards with vacancies available, but not all. For a complete list, be sure to contact my office.

Advisory Board Vacancies

Agricultural Advisory Board

Provides recommendations and comments to the County on various proposed County rules, regulations and ordinances affecting the agricultural community. Meets first Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m.

Animal Services Classification Committee

Reviews investigations of incidents involving animals to determine whether an animal should be classified as “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous.” Meets third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Children and Family Services Board

Advises the County regarding the provision of direct services to children, youth and families by the Youth and Family Services Division. Meets last Monday of each month at 12:00 p.m.

Commission on Aging

Collects information and assists agencies on the needs and services for elders and caregivers and analyzes the elder-readiness of the County. Meets every other month at 12:00 p.m.

Disabilities Advisory Board

Addresses problems such as limited access of public accommodations and recommends priority funding needs of the disabled to the County. Meets second Monday of each month at 11:00 a.m.

Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council

Surveys, studies evaluates and provides recommendations for improving all aspects of emergency medical management services. Meets fourth Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m.

Environmental Protection Commission

Recommends revisions to regulations affecting the continuing protection of the environmental quality of air, water and land in the County. Meets last Wednesday of each month at 8:30 a.m.

Industrial Development Authority

Authorized to issue revenue bonds or other debt obligations repayable solely from revenues derived from the sale, operation or leasing of capital projects. Meets third Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m.

Nuisance Abatement Board

Hears and decides complaints alleging that a place or premises constitutes a public nuisance. Meets fourth Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m.

Orange County Enterprise Zone Development Agency

Identifies and recommends to the County the financial needs of and local resources available to eligible businesses in the enterprise zone. Meets quarterly.

Feel free to apply online here, but please also let my office know so we can walk downstairs to verify your application was received.