Clearwater code enforcement workers need business instruction

Code enforcers need instruction

According to the St. Petersburg Times, Clearwater city employees want sign codes enforced "consistently" and worry that if such "signs" as the fish pictures on the side of the Complete Angler shop are allowed, other businesses might paint pictures of products on their buildings.

Section 3-1805 of Clearwater's Community Development Code specifically exempts "art work and/or architectural detail" from needing permits. The shop cited sells nothing that resembles the illustrations in question.

A common-sense answer to whether the pictures constitute a sign would be to conduct a simple, inexpensive poll: Photograph the illustrations and ask some citizens what type of business they represent. If the majority replies "a bait and tackle shop," there is legitimate reason for action. Conversely, if the majority responds with "a fish market" or "a seafood restaurant" or "an aquarium" or any combination of other answers, the city has no valid rationale for punitive measures.

The city recently lost a similar legal case concerning sign-code violations. An appellate court ruled that Egyptian hieroglyphics on an Egyptian-themed restaurant did not constitute a "sign," as argued by city employees. The last paragraph of the ruling reads:

"However, there is nothing in the record to show what the alleged 'sign' was designed to convey to the public. Further, the alleged 'sign' does not identify any product or business. The record is void of any evidence that the hieroglyphics … identify any product or business … the City's interpretation of its Code in finding that the hieroglyphics are a sign is not supported by competent substantial evidence."

If, in the above, one substitutes "hieroglyphics" with "fish pictures," one can see for oneself whether the same ruling should apply to the current case.

When business owners are unfairly cited, taxpayer money is wasted in court and/or negative public relations for the city is created — and new jobs and tax revenues are thus lost.

In cases where a business has discriminated against an individual, the management personnel involved are commonly required to attend sensitivity training. Might it be fitting for Clearwater city employees to undergo some business-sensitivity instruction?

Dru Jeanis, Clearwater

Re: Still learning what we truly need | letter, Feb. 15

We all need to live within our means

Reading the letter written by Fran Glaros-Sharp was like a breath of fresh air. I couldn't agree with her more. Even though our country is in the midst of a recession, not only is our government still borrowing money like crazy and spending it like water, but so are the people.

Granted, some folks are better off than others and can well afford their purchases. But what about the rest, who continue to buy items that they really don't need or cater to their children's every whim? My hunch is that lots of folks are going to be up to their eyeballs in credit card debt — if they're not already. And it's not because they bought what they really needed and couldn't live without; it's because they bought exactly what they or their kids wanted.

My suggestion: Forget about those $100 video games. Maybe it's time for the family to sit around the table for a nice game of Monopoly, Life or Scrabble. Not only are these games less expensive, they allow you to think and can draw a family together.

Glaros-Sharp has the right idea about "needs" vs. "wants." Perhaps what we all need to do, kids included, is to sit down with pen and paper, and write our needs in one column and our wants in the other column. Sometimes it takes a reality check to get our heads clear and onto the right road.

JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater