07/25/2018 Workshop Municipal Code Enforcement Board Meeting Minutes July 25, 2018
City of Clearwater
City Hall
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
e I
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
12:15 PM
Workshop
Council Chambers
Municipal Code Enforcement Board
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City of Clearwater
Municipal Code Enforcement Board Meeting Minutes July 25, 2018
Roll Call
Present 6 - Chair Wayne Carothers, Vice Chair Robert Prast, Board Member
James Strickland, Board Member C. Daniel Engel, Board Member
Sue A. Johnson, Board Member Michael Mannino
Also Present: Andy Salzman —Attorney for the Board, Michael Fuino —Assistant City
Attorney, Nicole Sprague — Secretary to the Board
1. Call To Order
The Chair called the Workshop to order at 12:15 p.m. at City Hall.
2. New Business Items
2.1 Review updated code enforcement procedures and requests for relief that may be made.
Assistant City Attorney Michael Fuino reviewed violations subject to
nuisance abatement and current procedures. New procedures will protect
the City from potential lawsuits and trespass claims.
Attorney Fuino said under new procedures, staff will send notices of hearing
to Respondents re nuisance abatement violations and Unsafe Buildings to
provide property owners due process and opportunity to contest the
allegations before the MCEB (Municipal Code Enforcement Board). If the
Board finds a property in violation of a nuisance, they will approve a
compliance deadline before the City may take all reasonable actions to abate
and maintain the nuisance. If the Board finds a building unsafe, they will
approve a compliance deadline before a daily fine may be imposed and the
City may take all reasonable action to make necessary repairs or raze the
structure. The City will charge Respondents with the reasonable costs to
abate violations which will become a lien on the property.
In response to questions, Attorney Fuino said the City will mail Respondents
invoices for abatement costs and provide a certain amount of time to pay before
a lien is recorded. If costs remain unpaid 3 months after a lien is recorded,
the City Attorney will be authorized to foreclose on the property. Failure to
attend a hearing shall be considered an admission of guilt. Unsafe swimming
pools without fencing, lot clearing, outdoor storage of junk, and missing
exterior door violations qualify for nuisance abatement.
Attorney for the Board Andy Salzman said some cases may be referred to
the Circuit Court instead of the MCEB.
2.2 Review additions to the Board Rules & Regulations regarding nuisance abatement cases.
Proposed additions to the Board Rules & Regulations were distributed.
3. Other Board Action: None.
4. Adjourn
The Workshop adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
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City of Clearwater