Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/356321
Siesta Seen pointed out. "They have an architect work- ing on the plan and hope to submit [it] next week." As for the carpet and canopy: Lally wrote that the red carpet had been removed, "and I told them to move the canopy and band area back to where it was originally (on the west side of the deck) until their parking plan is approved. That area is going to be restriped and made into 4 motorcycle spaces." On July 20, Shay sent another email to Code Enforcement and Zoning staff, pointing out, "OK, so it's Sunday night at [6:30] and I get a call from a business owner in the Village that it is 'business as usual' at the Blasé Café ..." He rode his bicycle into the Village, where he saw "the red carpet that was moved is now back [and] the canopy that was taken down is now back. … I am going to 'assume' and justify this by saying that the parking plan has been approved and that all this is legal. Am I right?" At least the A-frame sign had been removed at Bonjour French Café, he added. After receiving no response from staff, he finally sent an email to Patterson on July 24, apologizing for not continuing to try to work through county employees to resolve the issues. Shay provided Patterson with a copy of his email chain, and he pointed out that Code Enforcement staff had not been enforcing the current outdoor display regu- lations while the group of business owners was working on the revised SKOD ordinance. He continued that the "total lack of enforce- ment has created havoc and a serious morale issue among core business owners in [Siesta] Village that has lasted for 16 months with NO end in sight. But for some reason that lack of enforcement has migrated from outdoor dis- play issues to other more critical issues here in the Village." He added, "The current issue with Blasé Café revolves around zoning, alcohol and beverage laws, parking, just to name a few and … the perception is that nothing is being done. ALL of the Village businesses see what is going on and unfortunately, for the few who don't have respect for the ordinances, it instills in them a sense of 'power.' The County needs to set the proper example and enforce what is on the books. And if you are NOT going to enforce [the rules], then take them OFF the books so ALL the businesses get the advantage!" He also reiterated the SKA's opposition to the proposed SKOD revision, noting that Patterson had mentioned during an SKA meet- ing this spring that she was in favor of the changes and felt the businesses would police themselves. "They have proven time and time again over the last year that they can't/won't," Shay wrote. As a result of Shay's communication with Patterson, County Administrator Harmer asked Tom Polk, director of Planning and Development Services, to meet with his staff — including those from Code Enforcement — and then talk with Shay about his concerns. That meeting took place on July 25. Sarasota News Leader August 1, 2014 Page 75