February 12, 2010

I understand that one of my fellow councilmen dispute my account of the workshop of January 26, 2010. For $1.00 you can secure a copy from the City Secretary that requires internet access to a portal for a player that you will need. If you know someone who does not have the internet or a computer and would like to hear a tape recording, I have someone who has transfered the conversation to a portable tape player that you may borrow to listen. Please send me an email to tim@mccallumcpa.com.

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Sparks February

Hello Neighbors,

Spring is near, and the Rodeo is in high gear. Hollywood Park City Council has been riding a kind of horse in our version of the Rodeo. We started with Trash Cans left at the street, and are progressing to some other events.

Some residents feel that trash bins present an eye sore when left at the street for days at a time. Since being brought to my attention, I have been tracking one resident whose trash bins have been at the street for 10 days as of this writing. There was discussion of creating an ordinance designating a time when trash/recycle bins could be placed at the street, and how long the bins could sit there after pickup, in order to promote the rules of conduct that most residents adhere to regarding trash service. After the Council meeting, I was asked my thoughts, and I suggested that we send an email requesting that residents let City Hall know how they, “the citizens,” felt about the proposal.

In a very short time, City Hall received 33 emails on the proposed ordinance. 28 emails were against the proposed ordinance, 3 were in favor and 2 were undecided. When the Council met at its workshop on January 26, the issue of a Trash Can ordinance was tabled. The action of citizens telling City Hall their opinion on this topic gave citizen legislators the ability to make an informed decision. Many citizens questioned the need for a trash can ordinance, and expressed a desire for the City Council to work on something more important. There was no perception of a problem within the community.

This was the preamble for a new proposal regarding aerobic septic systems. A few years back, the State of Texas decided to allow local government entities to regulate septic systems. They provided proposed “suggested” language for an ordinance that was “pre-approved.” Hollywood Park adopted such an ordinance that used the suggested language of the TCEQ. Previously, a tri-annual inspection of aerobic septic systems was required of residents; reports had to be filed with City Hall; and a fine would be imposed on the resident if this was not done. Under the adopted ordinance, the tri-annual inspections are not “required.” There is no longer a fine to be imposed if you do not have your licensed inspector provide the City with a copy of the inspection report, and there is no requirement to file reports. At the workshop, one Councilman thought that Hollywood Park should go back to the old requirements.

I have an aerobic system. I have a contract with a licensed firm that inspects my system and keeps everything working at specified performance levels. I love my aerobic system. I used to have a traditional system, and with the new system, I have none of the problems I used to have. This purchase was my choice and I do not think anyone should be forced to purchase this type of system.

With all that being said, I question why we need this ordinance revised. We have all the enforcement tools necessary if a traditional or aerobic system fails. These inspections only apply to aerobic systems, and only properly licensed personnel can work on them. My colleagues think that this will make Hollywood Park safer, but I am not convinced. Having the City Attorney draft this ordinance with the changes expressed in the workshop costs citizens money. At the workshop, the Mayor asked the Council to give him an indication of Council’s direction. The vote to proceed with an ordinance was 3 to 2 in favor of the City Attorney moving forward to revise the ordinance.

You can have an influence on this. Whether you agree that we need this regulation, or if you think this is a waste of resources, tell City Hall. I think it will be a long time before we revisit a Trash Can ordinance, and this can be the same.

Either way, I am still glad I live in Hollywood Park as the sun shines here all year long!