Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/114013
Sarasota News Leader March 8, 2013 Page 92 Siesta Seen Burns bring the SKVA board detailed information about what is and is not allowed in the Village overlay district, he said, they focused more on the noise issues, including the special exceptions for Village businesses and permissible sound levels and time restrictions. "I assured them we have done this in the past," he said. "We can work with the condo association, the SKA and the Chamber to resolve some of these issues as a group." Thompson and Burns told the SKVA board members they first would talk with the SKA "In fact, it was a little confusing," Matthes not- and the Condominium Council boards — and possibly the Chamber board — before holding ed of the discussion, "because [Thompson and the group meeting, Matthes added. Burns] weren't on the same page with some of the issues at hand, from A-frame signs to retail The biggest concern remains enforcement, he out on the front of your business to making continued. Although Commissioner Nora Patterson had suggested the SKVA and the other ice cream [at a sidewalk stand]." organizations needed to exercise "a louder However, Matthes continued, "They're getting voice" in venting frustrations to county offion the same page; they're working on it." cials, Matthes said, he told her the problem is "We don't have any enforcement." During the Feb. 5 SKVA meeting, members requested that Matthes try to schedule a pro- John Lally, the long-time Code Enforcement gram for Village business owners and manag- officer for Siesta Key, has been out on sick ers to learn about the zoning code stipulations leave for a number of weeks, Matthes exin the overlay district. Village Café co-owner plained during the Feb. 5 SKVA meeting. Kay Kouvatsos noted that many new people During the 2012 fiscal year, the County Comhave started businesses in the Village since mission approved paying Burns for 15 hours the overlay district was created about 14 years of overtime work to handle code violations, but Burns works all over the county, Matthes ago, and they do not know all the rules. pointed out. "So we don't have any enforceDuring the Feb. 19 SKVA board meeting, Mat- ment." thes said, Thompson and Burns expressed resMatthes added, "When I come into the Village ervations about gathering together members in the morning, it's nice and neat and orgaof the Village Association, the Siesta Key As- nized and, I think, attractive to a tourist. … sociation, the Siesta Key Condominium Coun- When I leave the Village [in the evening], it cil and the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce looks pretty rough, because there's a lot of all at one time to go over the zoning code. different signs and activity" prohibited in the "They were concerned that might be a bit of overlay district, "and I think it creates an una free-for-all," Matthes pointed out. even playing field."