Agenda 03/12/2013 Item #10I 3/12/2013 10.1.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to establish a policy limiting the acceptance of anonymous complaints
for Code Enforcement and Domestic Animal Services code violations
OBJECTIVE: For the Board of County Commissioners to establish a policy limiting the
acceptance of anonymous complaints and specifying when anonymous complaints may be
accepted.
CONSIDERATIONS: At the Board of County Commissioners meeting held on January 22,
2013,the Board directed that a policy be brought back for consideration that implements
limitations on when an anonymous complaint may be accepted in the Code Enforcement
Department and the Domestic Animal Services Department.
The practice of accepting anonymous complaints increases the likelihood of frivolous
complaints and complaints filed with ill-will or malice. Anonymous complaints can make it
difficult to assess the credibility of the facts and evidence on which the complaint is based. In
addition,the credibility of the complaint is often difficult to ascertain and/or challenge by the
individual against whom the complaint is filed.
Based on the Board's direction at the January 22nd meeting,the following policy is proposed
for the handling of anonymous Code Enforcement and Domestic Animal Services complaints:
1. There shall be no investigation of anonymous complaints relating to code
enforcement or domestic animal services ordinance violations, except as provided
below.
2. Staff investigation of anonymous complaints is limited to emergency situations
that immediately threaten public health and safety, situations that could cause
catastrophic consequences to citizens, animals, or the environment, and allegations
of animal neglect and abuse wherein the complainant can provide credible details
to substantiate the claim. Staff shall review the anonymous complaint to
determine if such an emergency situation exists and seek approval of the
Supervisor prior to proceeding.
3. A Resident may file an anonymous complaint with a County Commissioner. The
alleged violation will be routed to the Commissioner of the district were alleged
Packet Page-604-
3/12/2013 10.1.
violation takes place. The District Commissioner may file the anonymous
complaint on behalf of a constituent.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this executive summary.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no Growth Management impact
associated with this Executive Summary.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is legally sufficient, and requires a majority vote
for Board action. -JW
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners approves the policy
described above for limiting the acceptance of anonymous complaints and specifying when
anonymous complaints may be accepted.
PREPARED BY: Commissioner Tom Henning
Packet Page -605-
3/12/2013 10.1.
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 10.10.1.
Item Summary: Recommendation to establish a policy limiting the acceptance of
anonymous complaints for Code Enforcement and Domestic Animal Services code violations.
(Commissioner Henning)
Meeting Date: 3/12/2013
Prepared By
Name: BrockMaryJo
Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager, CMO
3/6/2013 9:06:05 AM
Submitted by
Title:Executive Secretary to County Manager, CMO
Name: BrockMaryJo
3/6/2013 9:06:06 AM
Approved By
Name: SheffieldMichael
Title: Manager-Business Operations, CMO
Date: 3/6/2013 10:25:58 AM
Packet Page -606-