04/27/2005
MUNICIPAL CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 27, 2005
Present: Sheila Cole Chair
Douglas J. Williams Vice-Chair
Joyce Martin Board Member
George Krause Board Member
Jay Keyes Board Member
Richard Avichouser Board Member
Kelly Sutton Board Member
Also Present: Bryan Ruff Assistant City Attorney
Jenay Iurato Attorney for the Board
Mary K. Diana Secretary for the Board
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall.
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 286.0105 requires any
party appealing a decision of this Board to have a record of the proceedings.
1. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Case 03-05 – cont’d from 1/26/05
Lawrence E. & Sandra J. Fuentes
779 Eldorado Ave.
Development - Hall
Board Secretary Diana reported service on the notice of hearing had been obtained by
certified mail.
Development Services Manager Bob Hall read into the record code sections related to
short-term rentals, which are prohibited at the subject property, 779 Eldorado Avenue. He said
his initial inspection was on December 8, 2003, when he noticed a web site advertising short-
term rentals at the subject property. Notice of Violation was sent on April 15, 2004. The subject
property remained advertised on the web for short-term rentals on April 19, 2004. When
contacted, Mr. Fuentes reported difficulty in removing web site advertisements. On November
29, 2004, Mr. Hall notified Mr. Fuentes that he would not bring this matter to the MCEB
(Municipal Code Enforcement Board) as long as no further infractions to the Code occurred.
Since then, Ajensea Realty responded to Mr. Hall’s inquiry regarding a web advertisement with
an e-mail quoting weekly rental rates of $2,200 for the subject property.
Mr. Ruff submitted City Exhibits 1-8.
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 1
Mr. Lawrence Fuentes, owner, reviewed his difficulty in removing his advertising from
web sites. He expressed surprise at learning of Ajensea Realty’s actions and reported he will
advise the firm immediately that his property is not available for short-term rental. He said no
short-term rentals had occurred at this property since he received the City’s courtesy letter in
December 2003. He said while he did not join a related group lawsuit, he now has a lawsuit
pending that challenges City enforcement of its ban on short-term rentals. He felt the City had
selectively enforced this case.
Property owner Albert C. Kreischer, Jr. said Ajensea Realty’s actions were contrary to
his direction and he was unaware of the firm’s solicitation.
In response to questions, Mr. Hall said the advertisement of the property for short-term
rental is evidence the property owner is violating the Code. He said problems related to short-
term rentals cannot be contained until related advertising is controlled. He recommended the
property be brought into compliance by April 30, 2005 or a fine of $250 per day be imposed.
Discussion ensued regarding prima facie evidence and it was indicated it includes the
advertising of rentals or use of an agent or other third person to make reservations, which is
indicative of a short-term rental. Mr. Kreischer said they never violated the Code intentionally.
Member Avichouser moved that action on this case be held in abeyance until the
motion
associated lawsuit is settled. The was duly seconded.
Concerns were expressed whether the property had been used for short-term rentals
after the City sent a Notice of Violation and the owners were not informed the real estate agent
continued to advertise for short term rentals on the web site.
motion
Member Keyes moved to reopen the hearing for additional testimony. The was
duly seconded. Members Williams, Kraus, Keyes, and Sutton and Chair Cole voted “Aye”;
carried
Members Martin and Avichouser voted “Nay.” Motion .
In response to a question, Mr. Hall said he located the Ajensea Realty web site around
the same time as he last spoke with Mr. Fuentes and may not have discussed the site with him.
He said the property owner is responsible for the actions of whom he contracts with. In
response to a question, Mr. Fuentes said he always had declined offers for short-term rentals
whenever the agent from Ajensea Realty contacted him.
Member Avichouser restated his motion that action on this case be held in abeyance
motion carried
until the associated lawsuit is settled. The was duly seconded and
unanimously.
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 2
B. Case 07-05
Richard D. and Vilisity Stow
1874 Ridgeway Dr.
Development – Parra
Ms. Diana reported service on the notice of hearing had been obtained by posting the
notice of hearing on the property.
No one was present to represent the property owners.
Code Enforcement Inspector Gabriel Parra said the property owners have been charged
with a violation due to the presence of a hauling trailer parked between the principal structure
and right-of-way on this residentially-zoned property at 1874 Ridgeway Drive. He had spoken
with a man who identified himself as the property owner on July 8, 2004, and explained the
nature of the violation. The trailer was gone the following week. After a telephone complaint,
Mr. Parra reinspected the subject property on January 7, 2005, and observed a hauling trailer
parked between the principal structure and right-of-way. The first official Notice of Violation was
mailed on January 12, 2005. During reinspection on January 27, 2005, Mr. Parra observed the
hauling trailer was parked behind the structure, in compliance with Code. Following another
telephone complaint, Mr. Parra reinspected the property on February 9, 2005, and observed the
hauling trailer was parked next to the driveway, between the principal structure and right-of-way.
He reviewed photographs of the improperly stored hauling trailer taken on February 9 and 15,
2005.
Mr. Parra issued a second official Notice of Violation on March 1, 2005, which he mailed
via certified and regular mail and posted the property. He presented a photograph of the
posting. The certified letter was returned to the City unclaimed. Photographs, taken on March
8, 2005, indicate the hauling trailer was not moved. He recommended the property be brought
into compliance by May 1, 2005, or a fine of $100 per day be imposed.
Mr. Ruff submitted City Exhibits 1-7.
In response to a question, Mr. Parra said neighbors are upset the hauling trailer remains
parked illegally on the property.
Member Keyes moved that the Municipal Code Enforcement Board has heard testimony
at its regular meetings held on April 27, 2005, and based on the evidence issued its Findings of
Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order as follows:
FINDINGS OF FACT
After hearing testimony of Inspector Gabe Parra for City, Respondent had no
representation, and viewing the evidence, City Exhibits 1-7 [Ex. 1 – notice of violation; Ex. 2 –
certified mail receipt; Ex. 3 – applicable code sections; Ex. 4 – property appraiser printout; Ex. 5
– affidavit of hearing & request for hearing; Ex. 6 – notice of hearing; and Ex. 7 – copy power
point presentation], it is evident the property is in violation of the City code in that a hauling
trailer is parked between the principal structure and the right-of-way on a residentially owned
property.
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 3
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Respondent by reason of the foregoing is in violation of Section 3-1407.A.2.b of the
Community Development Code of the City of Clearwater, Florida, in that the Respondent has
failed to remedy the cited violation(s).
ORDER
It is the Order of the Board that the Respondent is to correct the aforesaid violation by
May 16, 2005. The burden shall rest upon the Respondent to request a reinspection by the
Code Inspector to verify compliance with this Order.
In the event the aforesaid violation is found, in subsequent proceedings by this Board,
not to have been corrected on or before May 16, 2005, the Respondent may be ordered to pay
a fine in the amount of one hundred and no/100 dollars ($100.00) per day for each day the
violation continues beyond May 16, 2005.
If Respondent does not 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 or personal property owned by the Respondent
pursuant to Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes.
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.
motion
The was duly seconded.
Ms. Martin recommended the daily fine be increased to $200 per day due to the
extended time of the violation. It was felt $100 per day was sufficient.
Upon the vote being taken, Members Williams, Kraus, Keyes, Avichouser, and Sutton
carried
and Chair Cole voted “Aye”; Member Martin voted “Nay.” Motion .
C. Case 08-05
William J. and Mary A. Moran
1390 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
Development – Fox
Property owner William J. Moran admitted to the violation but said extenuating
circumstances exist.
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 4
Sign Inspector Mary Jo Fox reported ongoing violations of the City’s sign ordinance have
occurred on the subject property at 1390 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. She reviewed Code provisions
that prohibit portable trailer and vehicle signs.
Ms. Fox said she first inspected the subject property on December 29, 2004, and issued
a written notice. Temporary compliance was reached on December 30, 2004; however, the
violations reappeared. She presented photographs of violations related to vehicle and portable
signs, taken on January 16, February 26, March 5, and March 6, 2005. She recommended the
property be brought into compliance by April 30, 2005, or a fine of $250 per day be imposed.
Mr. Moran said he had been in business at this location since 1984, and the signs now
were necessary to attract business since the City began to encourage beach traffic to bypass
Cleveland Street. He said many nearby businesses exhibit similar signage. He agreed to come
into compliance.
Member Martin moved that the Municipal Code Enforcement Board has heard testimony
at its regular meetings held on April 27, 2005, and based on the evidence issued its Findings of
Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order as follows:
FINDINGS OF FACT
After hearing testimony of Inspector Mary Jo Fox for City, and admission to the violation
by William J. Moran for Respondent, it is evident the property is in violation of the City code.
The business is displaying a prohibited vehicle sign and portable sign.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Respondent by reason of the foregoing is in violation of Sections 3-1803.G and 3-
1803.W of the Community Development Code of the City of Clearwater, Florida, in that the
Respondent has failed to remedy the cited violation(s).
ORDER
It is the Order of the Board that the Respondent is to correct the aforesaid violation by
April 30, 2005. The burden shall rest upon the Respondent to request a reinspection by the
Code Inspector to verify compliance with this Order.
In the event the aforesaid violation is found, in subsequent proceedings by this Board,
not to have been corrected on or before April 30, 2005, the Respondent may be ordered to pay
a fine in the amount of two hundred fifty and no/100 dollars ($250.00) per day for each day the
violation continues beyond April 30, 2005.
If Respondent does not 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 or personal property owned by the Respondent
pursuant to Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes.
Should the violation reoccur, the Board has the authority to impose the fine at that time
without a subsequent hearing.
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 5
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
motion carried
The was duly seconded and unanimously.
D. Case 09-05 – Repeat Violation
John and/or Christina R. Richardson
843 Eldorado Ave.
Building - Coccia
Ms. Diana reported service on the notice of hearing had been obtained by certified mail.
No one was present to represent the property owners.
Building Construction Inspector Mike Coccia said his original inspection was based on a
citizen’s complaint. On February 25, 2004, he observed that four new windows and two air-
conditioning systems had been installed at the single-family residence at 843 Eldorado Avenue
without a permit. A Notice of Violation was issued on March 26, 2004, and the property owner
failed to meet the April 5, 2004, compliance date.
Mr. Coccia reported an air-conditioning contractor pulled a permit to install two air-
conditioning systems on May 7, 2004. The permit expired without any inspections on November
3, 2004. When property owner John Richardson applied for an owner/builder permit for
windows on May 21, 2004, staff informed him it was necessary for a licensed contractor to pull
the permit as the property was a rental. On July 30, 2004, a “Notice to Appear” for County
Court, with an August 20, 2004 arraignment date, was issued to Mr. Richardson for failing to
comply within a specified time. The defendant failed to appear and a warrant was issued. On
April 12, 2005, a building contractor pulled a permit to install four windows at the subject
property to correct the outstanding violations. No inspections have been done.
Mr. Coccia inspected the property yesterday and reported the new windows remain out of
compliance. His last contact with the property owner was on May 21, 2004. He recommended
a finding that a repeat violation has occurred, that the property be brought into compliance by
May 27, 2005. Mr. Coccia recommended a fine of $250 per day be imposed if corrections are
not made within 30 days.
Mr. Ruff submitted City Exhibits 1-10.
Member Williams moved that the Municipal Code Enforcement Board has heard
testimony at its regular meetings held on April 27, 2005, and based on the evidence issued its
Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order as follows:
FINDINGS OF FACT
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 6
After hearing testimony of Inspector Mike Coccia for City, Respondent had no
representation, and viewing the evidence, City Exhibits 1-10 [Ex. 1 – case summary/fact sheet;
Ex. 2 – photographs dated 2/25/04; Ex. 3 – stop work order; Ex. 4 – notice of violation; Exs. 5-6
– affidavits of posting; Ex. 7 – applicable code sections; Ex. 8 – property appraiser printout; Ex.
9 – affidavit of repeat violation & request for hearing; and Ex. 10 – notice of hearing], it is
evident the property is in violation of the City code. Air-conditioning systems and windows were
installed without permits and/or inspections.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Respondent by reason of the foregoing is in violation of Sections 47.083 and 47.111
of the Code of the City of Clearwater, Florida, that Respondent was found to have violated the
same provision by the Board on multiple dates, and that Respondent has committed repeat
violations.
ORDER
It is the Order of the Board that the Respondent shall comply with said section(s) of the
Code of the City of Clearwater by May 27, 2005. It is the Order of this Board that the
Respondent shall pay a fine in the amount of two hundred fifty and no/100 dollars [$250.00] per
day for each day the violation continues to exist. Upon complying, the Respondent shall notify
the Code Inspector who shall inspect the property and notify the board of compliance.
If Respondent does not 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 or personal property owned by the Respondent
pursuant to Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes.
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.
motion carried
The was duly seconded and unanimously.
E. Case 10-05
Peter and/or Kelly L. Nascarella
1460 S. Missouri Ave.
Building – Coccia
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 7
AND
F. Case 11-05
Peter and/or Kelly L. Nascarella
1470 S. Missouri Ave.
Building – Coccia
AND
G. Case 12-05
Peter and/or Kelly L. Nascarella
1480-82 S. Missouri Ave.
Permit/Inspection – Coccia
Ms. Diana reported service on the notice of hearing had been obtained by certified mail.
The representative had no objection to staff presenting all three cases together.
Gerald Figurski, representative for property owners, Peter and Kelly Nascarella,
admitted the violations did occur. He said while half of the 14 separate violations have been
resolved, the remaining issues cannot be corrected until the CDB (Community Development
Board) reviews and approves the project.
Mr. Coccia said due to a citizen complaint, he first inspected the properties at 1460,
1470, and 1480-82 S. Missouri Avenue on April 18, 2003. The property owner was renovating
existing structures and the parking lot, including site work. All work was being done without
permits or inspections. Mr. Coccia advised property owner, Peter Nascarella, not to proceed
until necessary permits were obtained.
On August 20, 2003, the property owner submitted an application for flexible
development approval with requests for reductions to setbacks, required parking, landscape
buffer, and interior landscaping and for signage and to allow vehicle sales/display contiguous to
residentially-zone property. When the property owner failed to correct violations by October 22,
2003, an “Order to Stop Work” was issued. On November 17, 2003, the property owner hired a
building contractor to pull permits for renovations to individual structures, which did not require
CDB approval. The work eventually was completed on the three structures.
On May 5, 2004, the DRC (Development Review Committee) concluded the application
was insufficient. Although staff notified the property owner on numerous occasions, the
property owner did not address conditions placed on the application. A Notice of Violation was
issued on September 28, 2004, and the property owner failed to meet the October 11, 2004,
compliance date. On January 25, 2005, Mr. Nascarella was advised to submit a revised
application before February 24, 2005. The property owner missed the deadline.
Mr. Coccia presented photographs of the violations taken on April 18 and October 22,
2003. He reinspected the property on April 26, 2005, and seven violations remain. During his
last contact with the property owners on January 15, 2005, they indicated they would pursue
CDB approval of their project immediately. The property owners did not submit completed
paperwork by the February 25, 2005, deadline for CDB consideration and approval.
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 8
Mr. Coccia recommended all flexible development applications for CDB consideration be
submitted within 30 days and all final inspections be completed within 90 days of the outcome of
the CDB meeting or a fine of $250 per day per parcel be imposed and that the applicants be
charged for all related administration costs. He reported a previous application submittal had
been insufficient and could not be processed by the DRC (Development Review Committee) on
May 6, 2004. In response to a question, Mr. Coccia recommended that project deadlines and
timelines be imposed.
Planner Wayne Wells said staff has been dealing with the property for some time. He
recommended that fines be held in abeyance until the CDB reviews and approves revised
plans. He recommended imposing a deadline of May 26, 2005, for the property owners to
submit completed paperwork for a June 30, 2005 review by the DRC and August 16, 2005,
hearing by the CDB.
Mr. Figurski reported a scheduling conflict and requested the CDB hearing be delayed
until September 20, 2005. He requested the MCEB not impose fines unless permit applications
are not filed within 90 days of CDB approval. He said the property owners are willing to admit
things had been done incorrectly and accept the schedule for repairs. He said some issues can
be resolved now.
Member Avichouser moved that the Municipal Code Enforcement Board has heard
testimony at its regular meetings held on April 27, 2005, and based on the evidence issued its
motion
Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order. The was duly seconded.
FINDINGS OF FACT
After hearing testimony of Inspector Michael Coccia and Planner Wayne Wells for the
City and an admission to the violations by Gerald Figurski for Respondent, it is evident the
property is in violation of the City Code.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Respondent by reason of the foregoing is in violation of Sections 47.083 and 47.111
of the Code of the City of Clearwater, Florida, in that the Respondent has failed to remedy the
cited violation(s).
ORDER
It is the Order of the Board that the Respondent shall comply with the following schedule
as outlined by staff: Submit an application to the City of Clearwater for flexible development
approval no later than May 26, 2005. The application must be presented to the Community
Development Board on or before September 20, 2005. If the application is approved by the
Community Development Board, the Respondent shall have within ninety (90) days from that
approval, to submit for building permits. The burden shall rest upon the Respondent to request
a reinspection by the Code Inspector to verify compliance with this Order.
In the event the aforesaid violation is found, in subsequent proceedings by this Board,
not to have been complied with according to the foregoing schedule, the Respondent may be
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 9
ordered to pay a fine in the amount of two hundred fifty and no/100 dollars ($250.00) per day for
each day the violation continues.
If Respondent does not 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 or personal property owned by the Respondent
pursuant to Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes.
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.
motion carried
The was duly seconded and unanimously.
H. Case 13-05
Frank and/or Anne Mongelluzzi
818 Snug Island
Building - Coccia
Ms. Diana reported service on the notice of hearing had been obtained by posting the
property.
Matthew Lis, representative, admitted work had been done prior to obtaining permits.
Mr. Coccia reported he inspected the property at 818 Snug Island following a citizen’s
complaint. During his first inspection on June 30, 2004, he found violations related to extensive
internal demolition done without permits or inspections. An Official Notice of Violation was
issued on July 30, 2004. He reinspected the property on April 26, 2005, and violations had not
been corrected. The site was posted. Yesterday, the property owner indicated revised plans
were awaiting engineering approval and would be submitted to the City for permitting within 30
days. Mr. Coccia recommended the property owner be required to pay all related administration
costs, that revised plans be submitted within 30 days for permitting, and that all work be
completed within seven months, or 210 days, or a fine of $200 per day be imposed. He
reported the project must adhere to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Authority)
regulations if work exceeds 50% of the home’s value. No work is underway at this time.
Mr. Lis said 210 days was acceptable for the work to be completed.
Member Martin moved that the Municipal Code Enforcement Board has heard testimony
at its regular meetings held on April 27, 2005, and based on the evidence issued its Findings of
Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order as follows:
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 10
FINDINGS OF FACT
After hearing testimony of Inspector Mike Coccia for City, and Matt Lis for Respondent,
who indicated work had been done prior to obtaining a permit, it is evident the property is in
violation of the City code.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Respondent by reason of the foregoing is in violation of Sections 47.083 and 47.111
of the Code of the City of Clearwater, Florida, in that the Respondent has failed to remedy the
cited violation(s).
ORDER
It is the Order of the Board that the Respondent is to correct the aforesaid violation with
in seven (7) months after permit is issued. The burden shall rest upon the Respondent to
request a reinspection by the Code Inspector to verify compliance with this Order.
In the event the aforesaid violation is found, in subsequent proceedings by this Board,
not to have been corrected in the timeframe specified by the Board, the Respondent may be
ordered to pay a fine in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) per day for each day
the violation continues beyond specified timeframe.
If Respondent does not 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 or personal property owned by the Respondent
pursuant to Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes.
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.
motion carried
The was duly seconded and unanimously.
I. Case 14-05
Richard Wilson
2020 Imperial Way
Development - Franco
Ms. Diana reported service on the notice of hearing had been obtained by certified mail.
No one was present to represent the property owners.
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 11
Code Enforcement Inspector Peggy Franco reported the violation relates to the exterior
storage of materials not designed to be outside at the subject property at 2020 Imperial Way.
She presented photographs of her first visit to the property on November 23, 2004, which shows
boxes and miscellaneous items piled by the front door. She presented photographs taken on
December 16, 2004, which show carpet-cleaning machines and other items stored in the
backyard. On December 30, 2004, she received a telephone call from a man who identified
himself as the owner of the property and said the property would be cleaned. On January 4,
2005, the property tenant reported he would begin working toward compliance.
A Notice of Violation was issued on January 10, 2005 and the certified mail receipt was
returned to the City on January 14, 2005. Following a February 1, 2005 complaint, Ms. Franco
inspected the property on February 9, 12, 15, 23 and March 3 and 30, 2005, and presented
photographs she had taken. She reported no corrective action had been taken and a March 30,
2005, photograph shows carpet-cleaning machines in the yard and an April 20, 2005,
photograph shows boxes by the front door, and debris is in the yard, although the carpet-
cleaning machines had been removed. Based on today’s inspection, she reported no change.
Ms. Franco recommended the property be brought into compliance by May 7, 2005, or a fine of
$100 per day be imposed.
In response to a question, Ms. Franco said the owner had reported the eviction process
was underway regarding the subject tenant.
Mr. Ruff submitted City Exhibits 1-8.
In response to a question, Ms. Franco said she worked with the property owner since
November 2004 and this issue has been a neighborhood concern.
Member Keyes moved that the Municipal Code Enforcement Board has heard testimony
at its regular meetings held on April 27, 2005, and based on the evidence issued its Findings of
Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order as follows:
FINDINGS OF FACT
After hearing testimony of Inspector Peggy Franco for City, Respondent had no
representation, and viewing the evidence, City Exhibits 1-8 [Ex. 1 – notice of violation; Ex. 2 –
certified mail receipt; Ex. 3 – applicable code section; Ex. 4 – property appraiser printout; Ex. 5
– affidavit of repeat violation & request for hearing; Ex. 6 – notice of hearing; Ex. 7 – photograph
dated 12/16/04; and Ex. 8 – copy of power point presentation], it is evident the property is in
violation of the City code.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Respondent by reason of the foregoing is in violation of Section 3-1502.5 of the
Community Development Code of the City of Clearwater, Florida, in that the Respondent has
failed to remedy the cited violation(s).
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 12
ORDER
It is the Order of the Board that the Respondent is to correct the aforesaid violation by
May 16, 2005. The burden shall rest upon the Respondent to request a reinspection by the
Code Inspector to verify compliance with this Order.
In the event the aforesaid violation is found, in subsequent proceedings by this Board,
not to have been corrected on or before May 16, 2005, the Respondent may be ordered to pay
a fine in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per day for each day the violation
continues beyond May 16, 2005.
If Respondent does not 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 or personal property owned by the Respondent
pursuant to Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes.
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.
motion carried
The was duly seconded and unanimously.
J. Case 15-05 – Repeat Violation
John and/or Christina R. Richardson
739 Eldorado Ave.
Development – Hall
This item was withdrawn.
2. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Case 02-04 – Affidavit of Compliance
Patricia DePriest
1631 Tuscola Road
Development – Franco
B. Case 04-05 – Affidavit of Non-Compliance
Claudio Scipione
822 Eldorado Avenue
Short Term Rental – Hall
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 13
C. Case 05-05 – Affidavit of Compliance
Jeffrey Shaun Devries
1818 Beverly Circle
Development – Brown
Member Keyes moved to accept the Affidavits of Compliance for Cases 02-04 and 05-
motion carried
05. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
Member Williams moved to accept the Affidavit of Non-Compliance for Case 04-05. The
motion carried
was duly seconded and unanimously.
3. OTHER BOARD ACTION/DISCUSSION
Consensus was for future meetings to begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Concern was expressed violations continue too long before being brought before the
Board.
Staff reported the short-term rental issue remains in litigation.
Development Services Manager Bob Hall introduced Inspectors Peggy Franco and
Cornelius Cobb.
4. NEW BUSINESS – None.
5. NUISANCE ABATEMENT LIEN FILINGS:
Thomas Little PNU2004-02717
1870 Springtime Ave.
st
Sunset Point 1 Add, Blk E, Lot 35 $307.90
Metria R. Jones PNU2004-02667
1133 Carlton St.
Greenwood Park, Blk C, Lot 1 $287.08
George A. Smith Tre PNU2004-01699
C/O Alison A. Carpenter GDN
1733 Algonquin Dr.
Clearview Lake Est, Lots 81 and 81A $370.56
Teretha Pugh PNU2004-02547
Philip R. Joseph
1630 N Washington Ave.
Fairmont Sub, Blk A, Lot 14 $327.40
Toriano Parker PNU2004-02034
1128 Carlton St.
Greenwood Park, Blk B, Lots 29 and 30 $275.20
Code Enforcement – 2005-04-27 14
.
.
.
30 Days Real Estate Corp Tre
404 Pumpkin Trust
1404 Taft Ave
Lincoln Place, Blk 2, Lot 6'
PNU2004-02140
$282.01
Florida Middle Prop Inc. PNU2004-01724
1445 S Missouri Ave.
Sail's 2nd Add, Blk A, Lots 1 & 2 Less Rd $319.40
Musbah Sader PNU2004-02280
1561 Huntington Ln.
Walden Woods, Lot 25 $344.59
Member Keyes moved to accept the Nuisance Abatement Lien Filings as submitted.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 23,2005
Member Keyes moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 23,
2005, as corrected by the Board Secretary. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
7. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.
~A
Ctfc3ir ~
Municipal Code Enforcement Board
Code Enforcement - 2005-04-27
15