10/22/2008MUNICIPAL CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 22, 2008
Present: Douglas J. Williams
Jay Keyes
Richard Avichouser
David W. Campbell
Ronald V. Daniels
Phillip J. Locke
James B. Goins
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present: Camilo Soto
Andy Salzman
Rosemarie Call
Patricia O. Sullivan
Assistant City Attorney
Attorney for the Board
Acting Secretary for the Board
Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
The Chair outlined the procedures and stated any aggrieved party may appeal a final
administrative order of the Municipal Code Enforcement Board to the Circuit Court of Pinellas
County within thirty days of the execution of the order. Florida Statute 286.0108 requires any
party appealing a decision of this Board to have a record of the proceedings.
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS
2.1 Case 44-07 - Status Report
Nickel Plate Properties, Inc.
2165 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
Public Nuisance/ Buildings/Lot Clearing/Unmaintained r-o-w - Franco
The item was continued to November 19, 2008.
2.2 Case 46-07 - Status Report
Paula L. Ross
431 Palm Isle SE
Required inspections, fees - Wilson
The item was continued to November 19, 2008.
2.3 Case 29-08
John & Danielle McNeely
1698 Eden Court
Parking Restrictions - Franco
Code Enforcement 2008-10-22
The Respondent had no representation.
Inspector Peggy Franco provided a PowerPoint presentation. The violation at 1698
Eden Court relates to a Recreational Vehicle parked in the driveway between the house and
right-of-way. The initial inspection was done on December 30, 2005, followed by a courtesy
letter on January 5, 2006, and a meeting with John McNeely on January 19, 2006. Due to
issues related to a sinkhole on the side of the property, a notice of violation was not issued at
that time. The property was in compliance on May 30, 2006. Another inspection was done on
June 11, 2008, and the notice of violation was issued on July 16, 2008. Staff met with John and
Danielle McNeely on July 17, 2008 and with John McNeely on July 22, 2008. Photographs
taken on July 7, and August 4, 2008, indicate that a Recreational Vehicle was parked in the
driveway between the house and the right-of-way. Inspector Franco requested compliance by
October 30, 2008, or a $100 per day fine be imposed.
Assistant City Attorney Camilo Soto submitted City composite exhibits.
Member Daniels moved that this case came before the City of Clearwater Code
Enforcement Board on October 22, 2008, after due notice to the Respondent(s), and having
heard testimony under oath and received evidence, the Board issues the following Findings of
Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order:
FINDINGS OF FACT
Based upon the testimony and evidence received, it is evident that a Recreational Vehicle
is parked on the property's driveway, between the house and the right-of-way. The Respondent
was not present.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Respondent(s) is still in violation of the City of Clearwater Code Section 3-
1407.A.2.c, as referred in the Affidavit in this case.
ORDER
It is the Order of the Board that the Respondent(s) shall comply with said Section(s) of
the City of Clearwater Code by October 30, 2008. If Respondent(s) does/do not comply within
the time specified, the Board may order a fine of $100 per day for each day the violation
continues to exist. Upon complying with said Section(s) of the Code, the Respondent(s) shall
notify Inspector Franco, who shall inspect the property and notify the Board of compliance. If
the Respondent(s) fail/fails to comply within the time specified, a certified copy of the Order
imposing the fine may be recorded in the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida, and once
recorded shall constitute a lien against any real property owned by the Respondent(s), pursuant
to Chapter 162, Florida Statutes.
Any aggrieved party may petition the Board to reconsider or rehear any Board Order
resulting from a public hearing. A petition for rehearing must be made in writing and filed with
the Board Secretary no later than thirty days after the execution of the Order and prior to the
filing of any appeal. Upon receipt of the petition, the Board will consider whether or not to
Code Enforcement 2008-10-22 2
reconsider or rehear the case. The Board will not hear oral argument or evidence in
determining whether to grant the petition to reconsider or rehear.
Any aggrieved party may appeal a final administrative Order of the Municipal Code
Enforcement Board to the Circuit Court of Pinellas County within thirty (30) days of the
execution of the Order. Florida Statute 286.0105 requires any party appealing a decision of this
Board to have a record of the proceedings.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2.4 Case 30-08
Circle K Stores, Inc.
1500 S Belcher Road
Development Code, Donation Drop Box - Franco
The Respondent had no representation.
Inspector Franco provided a PowerPoint presentation. The violation at 1500 S Belcher
Road relates to a donation drop box on the property. The day after her initial inspection on July
28, 2008, Ms. Franco telephoned John Helm of Eagle Recycling, as listed on the drop box.
Following an August 14, 2008, inspection, the notice of violation was issued on August 22,
2008. On September 5, 2008, the Zoning department denied Mr. Helm's request to allow the
donation drop box to remain. Photographs taken on August 14, September 16, and 22, 2008,
indicate that a donation drop box was located on the property. The property was brought into
compliance before today's hearing. Inspector Franco requested a declaration of violation and
no fine.
Attorney Soto submitted City composite exhibits.
Member Goins moved that this case came before the City of Clearwater Code
Enforcement Board on October 22, 2008, after due notice to the Respondent(s), and having
heard testimony under oath and received evidence, the Board issues to the following Findings
of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order as follows:
FINDINGS OF FACT
Based on the testimony and evidence received, it is evident the condition existed;
however, it is further evident this condition was corrected prior to this hearing.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Respondent(s) was/were in violation of the City of Clearwater Code Section(s) 1-
104.13 as referred to in the Affidavit in this case.
ORDER
It is the Order of this Board that no fine will be imposed against the Respondent(s). The
Board further orders that if Respondent(s) repeats/repeat the violation referenced herein, the
Board may order the Respondent(s) to pay a fine of $250 for each day the violation exists after
Code Enforcement 2008-10-22 3
the Respondent(s) is/are notified of the repeat violation. Should the violation reoccur, the Board
has the authority to impose the fine at that time without a subsequent hearing.
Any aggrieved party may petition the Board to reconsider or rehear any Board Order
resulting from a public hearing. A petition for rehearing must be made in writing and filed with
the Board Secretary no later than thirty days after the execution of the Order and prior to the
filing of any appeal. Upon receipt of the petition, the Board will consider whether or not to
reconsider or rehear the case. The Board will not hear oral argument or evidence in
determining whether to grant the petition to reconsider or rehear.
Any aggrieved party may appeal a final administrative Order of the Municipal Code
Enforcement Board to the Circuit Court of Pinellas County within thirty (30) days of the
execution of the Order. Florida Statute 286.0105 requires any party appealing a decision of this
Board to have a record of the proceedings.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2.5 Case 31-08
B P of Pinellas, LLC
18698 US Highway 19 N
Development Code, Donation Drop Box - Franco
The Respondent had no representation.
Inspector Franco provided a PowerPoint presentation. The violation at 18698 US
Highway 19 N relates to a donation drop box on the property. After the initial inspection on July
14, 2008, Ms. Franco telephoned John Helm of Eagle Recycling, as listed on the drop box, on
July 29, 2008. Following an August 14, 2008, inspection, the notice of violation was issued on
August 25, 2008. On September 5, 2008, the Zoning department denied Mr. Helm's request to
allow the donation drop box to remain. Photographs taken on July 14, August 14, and
September 22, 2008, indicate that a donation drop box was located on the property. The
property was brought into compliance before today's hearing. Inspector Franco requested a
declaration of violation and no fine.
Attorney Soto submitted City composite exhibits.
Member Locke moved that this case came before the City of Clearwater Code
Enforcement Board on October 22, 2008, after due notice to the Respondent(s), and having
heard testimony under oath and received evidence, the Board issues to the following Findings
of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order as follows:
FINDINGS OF FACT
Based on the testimony and evidence received, it is evident the condition existed;
however, it is further evident this condition was corrected prior to this hearing.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
Code Enforcement 2008-10-22 4
The Respondent(s) was/were in violation of the City of Clearwater Code Section(s) 1-
104.13 as referred to in the Affidavit in this case.
ORDER
It is the Order of this Board that no fine will be imposed against the Respondent(s). The
Board further orders that if Respondent(s) repeats/repeat the violation referenced herein, the
Board may order the Respondent(s) to pay a fine of $250 for each day the violation exists after
the Respondent(s) is/are notified of the repeat violation. Should the violation reoccur, the Board
has the authority to impose the fine at that time without a subsequent hearing.
Any aggrieved party may petition the Board to reconsider or rehear any Board Order
resulting from a public hearing. A petition for rehearing must be made in writing and filed with
the Board Secretary no later than thirty days after the execution of the Order and prior to the
filing of any appeal. Upon receipt of the petition, the Board will consider whether or not to
reconsider or rehear the case. The Board will not hear oral argument or evidence in
determining whether to grant the petition to reconsider or rehear.
Any aggrieved party may appeal a final administrative Order of the Municipal Code
Enforcement Board to the Circuit Court of Pinellas County within thirty (30) days of the
execution of the Order. Florida Statute 286.0105 requires any party appealing a decision of this
Board to have a record of the proceedings.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2.6 Case 32-08
Mirko & Anka Rudman
221 Coronado Drive
Landscaping - Brown
The item was continued to November 19, 2008.
2.7 Case 33-08
Mary Rogero
172 Devon Drive
Overnight Accommodations - Brown
The item was continued to a date uncertain.
2.8 Case 34-08
Thomas C Jessup & Dorothy J. Jessup
1770 Drew St.
Exterior Surfaces - O'Neil
Property owner Dorothy Jessup admitted to the violation.
Inspector Corey O'Neil said after the initial inspection, he sent a courtesy letter on March
26, 2008. The building needs to be painted. Building permits for plans submitted in 2005 had
Code Enforcement 2008-10-22 5
expired. He recommended that either the structure be painted or plans to reface the building be
submitted and approved by November 22, 2008.
Representative Alex Plisko reviewed the project's history and reported that Planning
Director Michael Delk had approved revised exterior project drawings on September 17, 2008.
He said the owner did not want to paint the building before it is refaced and requested six
months to create drawings for bid and permitting, or to paint the structure. Attorney for the
Board Andy Salzman said the property is in violation; the City wanted verification that the project
is progressing toward completion.
Member Keyes moved that this case came before the City of Clearwater Code
Enforcement Board on October 22, 2008, after due notice to the Respondent(s), and having
heard testimony under oath and received evidence, the Board issues the following Findings of
Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order:
FINDINGS OF FACT
Based upon the testimony and evidence received, it is evident that exterior surfaces
require painting. Respondent was present.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Respondent(s) is still in violation of the City of Clearwater Code Section 3-1502.13,
as referred in the Affidavit in this case.
ORDER
It is the Order of the Board that the Respondent(s) shall comply with said Section(s) of
the City of Clearwater Code by December 22, 2008, by providing a status report on progress
towards completion of building rehabilitation. If Respondent(s) does/do not comply within the
time specified, the Board may order a fine for each day the violation continues to exist. If the
Respondent(s) fail/fails to comply within the time specified, the Municipal Code Enforcement
Board may order a fine. A certified copy of the Order imposing the fine may be recorded in the
Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida, and once recorded shall constitute a lien against any
real property owned by the Respondent(s), pursuant to Chapter 162, Florida Statutes.
Any aggrieved party may petition the Board to reconsider or rehear any Board Order
resulting from a public hearing. A petition for rehearing must be made in writing and filed with
the Board Secretary no later than thirty days after the execution of the Order and prior to the
filing of any appeal. Upon receipt of the petition, the Board will consider whether or not to
reconsider or rehear the case. The Board will not hear oral argument or evidence in
determining whether to grant the petition to reconsider or rehear.
Any aggrieved party may appeal a final administrative Order of the Municipal Code
Enforcement Board to the Circuit Court of Pinellas County within thirty (30) days of the
execution of the Order. Florida Statute 286.0105 requires any party appealing a decision of this
Board to have a record of the proceedings.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Code Enforcement 2008-10-22 6
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS- Accepted.
3.1 Case 27-07 -Affidavit of Compliance
Home Energy, LLC
415 Island Way
Public Nuisance - Brown
3.2 Case 13-08 -Affidavit of Compliance
Gulf to Bay Venture I, LLC
2990 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
Public Nuisance, Graffiti, Lot Clearing - Franco
3.3 Case 18-08 -Affidavit of Compliance
Homer Realty Co
387 Mandalay Avenue
Window Openings - Brown
3.4 Case 22-08 -Affidavit of Compliance
Thomas & Laurie Mitchell
708 Edenville Avenue
Outdoor Display, Exterior Storage - Franco
3.5 Case 24-08 -Affidavit of Compliance
Avraham Bensimon
309 S Pegasus Avenue
Hauling Trailer in area between the principal structure and street right away - Franco
Member Keyes moved to accept the Affidavits of Compliance for Cases 27-07, 13-08,
18-08, 22-08, and 24-08. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4. OTHER BOARD ACTION/DISCUSSION
4.1 Request to Address Board re Fine Reductions
Case 01-08
O' Keefes, Inc.
510 Grand Central Avenue
Grass Parking/Landscaping - Ruud
(Fine - $22,500)
AND
Case 02-08
G Anthony Du Quesnay
1206 Hamlet Avenue
Grass Parking/Landscaping - Ruud
(Fine - $22,500)
Member Avichouser moved to schedule a hearing on November 19, 2008, regarding the
request for fine reductions for Cases 01-08 and 02-08. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
Code Enforcement 2008-10-22 7
5. NUISANCE ABATEMENT LIEN FILINGS - Accepted
Trust No 813 PNU2008-01262
813 Harbor Island
05-29-15-43456-073-0380 $540.00
Meredith L Frye PNU2008-01199
704 Edenville Avenue
18-29-16-24660-001-0110 $440.00
Patricia A Massard PNU2008-01182
1424 S Betty Lane
22-29-15-76410-000-0100 $552.00
Reinaldo F De Carvalho PNU2008-00913
816 S Martin Luther King Jr Ave
15-29-15-33462-000-0040 $525.00
Thomas & August Lombardo PNU2008-01061
1200 S Belcher Road
24-29-15-31050-000-0010 $670.00
Frank V. Corso PNU2008-01296
1017 Fairwood Avenue
08-29-16-99101-009-0150 $370.00
John Sanborn PNU2008-00929
1130 Queen Street
22-29-15-25992-000-0060 $660.00
Jan L. Delgado PNU2008-01149
1491 Ridgelane Road
02-29-15-88182-000-0420 $636.00
Patricia Massard PNU2008-00679
1395 Satsuma Street
22-29-15-11988-017-0020 $500.00
Robert S Sampson PNU2008-00700
1805 Ridgeway Drive
02-29-15-98964-000-1130 $600.00
Bernice C Allen PNU2008-00611
1 S Jupiter Avenue
14-29-15-82386-002-0010 $740.00
Code Enforcement 2008-10-22 8
Nolan Wright
3272 Buckhorn Drive
20-28-16-18638-000-0070
PNU2008-00904
$445.00
Dale Pfister
2790 Heatherwood Court
29-28-16-20200-000-0340
PNU2008-00876
Francy E Pelaez
119 N Highland Avenue
14-29-15-18954-001-0080
$1350.00
PNU2007-02031
Craig Jencik
1538 Ewing Avenue
22-29-15-7938-04-200
$450.00
PNU2008-01045
$523.00
Member Keyes moved to accept the Nuisance Abatement Lien filings. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - August 23,2008
Member Keyes moved to approve the minutes of the regular Municipal Code
Enforcement Board meeting of August 23, 2008, as submitted in written summation to each
board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Attorney for the Board Andy Salzman said new procedures, to be implemented in
November, will require bifurcated motions with the Board separately determining if a violation
exists and then the penalty.
Member Keyes said it was his last meeting and thanked the Board and staff for their
efforts.
7. ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
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Attest:
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Secr to the Board
Code Enforcement 2008-10-22
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