10/13/1999BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND APPEAL ON BUILDING/FLOOD CONTROL MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 13, 1999
Present: Edward H. Walker, Jr. Board Member
Michael D. Corcoran Board Member
Carroll Nall, Jr. Board Member
Absent: John H. Logan, Jr. Chair
Pankaj Shah Board Member
Also Present: Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney
Kevin Garriott Building Official
Bill Wright Building Construction Inspector II
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #1 - Approval of Minutes
Member Corcoran moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting of September 22, 1999, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
ITEM #2 - 1538 Carmel Avenue, Clearwater, Florida; First Bank Nat’l Assn, TRE/Bank of Illinois/Equicredit Corp., Owner; Mark Kimball, Representative. To request an extension of time
to complete repairs. Located at Lecha Smith’s Sub., Blk B, Lot 10. Parcel: 21-29-15-83052-002-0100
The City cited the subject building at 1538 Carmel Avenue as an unsafe structure on August 5, 1999. Problems associated with the building include deteriorated walls, floors, overhangs,
roof system, counters, and walks, termite droppings and dry rot, falling ceilings, falling porch roof, trash and debris, standing water from roof leak, open electric outlets, boarded
holes, missing shingles, exterior wall damage at entry, a hole in the sewer line, improper electric connection, and the structure is unsecured.
Mark Kimball, representative, said he is acting as the property owner’s foreclosure agent. The bank is aware of the damages and wishes to sell the property “as is.” He had not received
an answer from the bank regarding an estimate to repair the roof and secure the property. Mr. Kimball said a purchase offer is pending but no contract has been signed. He said all
related information had been disclosed to the purchaser. In response to a question, he said he had prepared a photograph essay and narrative regarding the property for the bank.
Building Inspector Bill Wright distributed photograph sheets from the Unsafe Structure Reports dated August 9, 1999. He indicated once a building is on the City’s unsafe structure
list, repairs must bring the structure into compliance with current code regulations. While the subject property is zoned as a single family dwelling, it was converted to a triplex
without permits or a zoning variance. The 2 extra kitchens must be removed unless a variance is sought and approved. Pinellas County tax records indicate the building is a single-family
dwelling. The building has only one meter. He said permits can be issued either for demolition or for renovation to a condition suitable for occupancy.
Discussion ensued regarding a time line for repairs. In response to a question, Mr. Wright said the bank has been aware of the house’s unsafe status since August 23, 1999.
One letter was received. It commented on an accident, which had caused some damage.
Member Corcoran moved to approve a 30-day time extension for the bank to decide the future of the building at 1538 Carmel Avenue, and should the bank choose to repair the structure,
another 60 days to complete repairs necessary to meet Section 47.161 City Code of Ordinances regarding unsafe buildings. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #E - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.