CEB Minutes 01/26/2006 R
January 26, 2006
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE
COLLIER COUNTY CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
Naples, Florida, January 26, 2006
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Collier County Code
Enforcement Board, in and for the County of Collier, having
conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:30 a.m., in
REGULAR SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex,
East Naples, Florida, with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN:
Raymond Bowie
Richard Kraenbring
Jerry Morgan
Sheri Barnett
George Ponte
Larry Dean
Justin DeWitte
Gerald Lefebvre (absent)
Also Present
Jean Rawson, Attorney for the Board
Steven Griffin, Assistant County Attorney
Michelle Arnold, Code Enforcement Director
Patti Petrulli, Code Enforcement Supervisor
Page 1
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD OF COLLIER COUNTY. FLORIDA
AGENDA
Date: January 26, 2006, at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Collier County Government Center, Third Floor, 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida
NOTE: ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION OF THIS BOARD WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE
PROCEEDINGS PERTAINING THERETO, AND THEREFORE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE
PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS
TO BE BASED. NEITHER COLLIER COUNTY NOR THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
PROVIDING THIS RECORD.
1. ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. ELECTION OF OFFIClERS
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 18, 2005
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. MOTIONS
1. Motion to Continue - (no requests submitted at the time of preparation)
B. STIPULATIONS - (no requests submitted at the time of preparation)
C. HEARINGS
1. CASE NO:
CASE ADDR:
OWNER:
INSPECTOR:
VIOLATIONS:
2005-32
5400 TREETOPS DRIVE, NAPLES FL. (FOLIO # 00440000000)
MARGARITA MUNOZ
TRAVIS SNODERL Y
ORD NO. 04-41, AS AMENDED, OF THE COLLIER COUNTY LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE, SECTIONS 5.06.06(B)
DESCRIPTION: ABANDONED POLE SIGN
2. CASE NO: 2005-36
CASE ADDR: PROPERTY LOCATED NEAR INTERSECTION OF SANTA BARBARA AND DAVIS
BLVD. (FOLIO'S #00407360000, #00408400008, #00407320008)
OWNER: HIGHLAND PROPERTIES OF LEE & COLLIER LIMITED (REGISTERED AGENT
(JAMES SIESKY, 1000 TAMIAMI TRAIL N., NAPLES, FL.)
INSPECTOR: JOHN OLNEY
VIOLATIONS: ORD NO 04-41, AS AMENDED, OF THE COLLIER COUNTY LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE, SECTION(S) 2.02.03 & SECT10N(S) SIX (6) & SEVEN (7)
OF ORDINANCE 99-51.
DESCRIPTION: PROHIBITED LAND USE, IE; STORAGE OF HEAVY MACHINERY, TIRES,
TRACTORS, SCRAP METAL, BATTERIES, TRUCK FRAMES, ETC. ON
UNIMPROVED PROPERTY. ALSO THE PROHIBITED DEPOSITING AND
ACCUMULATION OF LITTER, TO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO VEGETATIVE
DEBRIS.
3. CASE NO:
CASE ADDR:
OWNER:
INSPECTOR:
2005-047
758 PAN AM AVE., NAPLES, FL. (FOLIO # 48075360009)
RUSSELL & KAJA RISTEEN
RON MARTINDALE
VIOLATIONS: ORD NO 04-41, AS AMENDED, OF THE COLLIER COUNTY LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE, SECTION(S) 2.01.00-3
DESCRIPTION: PARKING OF A COMMERCIAL TRAILER IN A RESIDENTIALLY ZONED AREA.
4. CASE NO: 2004-048
CASE ADDR: 5088 AIRPORT ROAD N., NAPLES, FL. (FOLIO # 25500000909)
OWNER: DDR MDT CARILLION PLACE LLC
REGISTERED AGENT- CT CORPORATION SYSTEM
INSPECTOR: TRAVIS SNODERL Y
VIOLATIONS: ORD NO 04-41, AS AMENDED, OF THE COLLIER COUNTY LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE, SECTION(S)10.02.06(B)
DESCRIPTION: POLE SIGN WITHOUT REQUIRED PERMITS.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Request for Imposition of Fines/Liens
1. BCC ys. Emestina Sacca
2. BCC ys. Rolando & maria I. Salazar
3. BCC ys. Ronald & Patricia Freeman
4. BCC ys. Patrice E. Savignano
5. BCC ys. Amerada Hess, Corp.
6. BCC Ys. Guadalupe Campbell
7. BCC ys. Robert G. F ranee
8. BCC ys. Larry & Corena Me V ey
OLD BUSINESS
CEB No. 2005-13
CEB No. 2005-25
CEB No. 2005-26
CEB No. 2005-28
CEB No. 2005-38
CEB No. 2005-42
CEB No. 2004-001
CEB No. 2004-039
7.
8. REPORTS
9. COMMENTS
Notice of Elections in March
10. NEXT MEETING DATE
February 23, 2006
11. ADJOURN
January 26,2006
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: I'd like to call to order this meeting of
the Collier County Code Enforcement Board of January 26, 2006. Let
all please take note of the following: Any person who decides to
appeal a decision of this Board will need a record of the proceedings
pertaining thereto. And, therefore, may need to ensure that a verbatim
record of the proceedings is made -- which record includes the
testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Neither
Collier County nor the Code Enforcement Board shall be responsible
for providing this record. Further, to make sure we can get as clear a
verbatim record as possible, that the Board, the county, the
respondents and any speakers will need to be recognized by the Chair
before they can speak. And that will hopefully insure that two or three
people are not speaking at once, and we can get a clear and verbatim
record. Thank you.
Before our roll call of the membership, let the record also reflect
that Mr. Clifford Flegal has resigned as a member of the Board due to
his relocation from Collier County. As Mr. Flegal had served as
Chairman of the Board, as vice Chairman, I will now be serving as
acting chairman.
Certainly on behalf of the Board we wish to, for the record, also
commend Mr. Flegal for his many years of service to Collier County,
to this Board and as our Chairman, and we wish him well for the
future.
May we have our roll call, please?
MS. PETRULLI: Good morning. For the record, Patti Petrulli,
supervisor, Collier County Code In Enforcement. Sheri Barnett?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Here.
MS. PETRULLI: Richard Kraenbring?
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Here.
MS. PETRULLI: Gerald Lefebvre. I don't show an excused
absence for Mr. Lefebvre.
Raymond Bowie?
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January 26, 2006
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Present.
MS. PETRULLI: Justin Dewitte.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Present.
MS. PETRULLI: Larry Dean.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Here.
MS. PETRULLI: George Ponte.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Here.
MS. PETRULLI: Jerry Morgan.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Here.
MS. PETRULLI: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: So in the absence ofMr. Flegal and the
absence of one of our regulars, both of our alternates will be
empowered to vote at this meeting. Welcome. Thank you for being
here.
We have a quorum. Approval of our agenda for this meeting.
Any changes or corrections, please?
MS. ARNOLD: Yes. For the record, Michelle Arnold, Code
Enforcement Director. We have a motion that has been submitted to
the department, a motion to set aside for the Savignano case. And that
needs to be added to item number SA. And we have a stipulation,
which is the case number 2 on your public hearings. Case number
2005-36, so that would be heard after that motion. And there has been
a request to move item 6B -- excuse me, 6A6, which is Board of
County Commissioners versus Guadalupe Campbell after your
stipulations. So, whatever the pleasure of the Board is on that
particular item.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Okay. To do that would require us to, as
a Board, vote to amend the agenda as well as waive the rules, which
sets forth the order of agenda items. Is there a motion to do as has
been requested?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I'll make a motion to approve the
changes.
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January 26, 2006
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I'll second it.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: All in favor of the motion?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed? Motion passes. So, my
understanding then is that the request for imposition fines and liens in
the case of Guadalupe Campbell is going to be heard by us
immediately after the first stipulated case.
MS. ARNOLD: Correct
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Very good. Thank you.
Another item on our agenda, just for informational purposes at
this point -- you'll see it on your agenda -- Election of officers. This is
just for information at this point. As you know, members of the Board
elect from among our members the Chairman and Vice chairman.
This is done at our March meeting. And this is just a heads up for
that. We're not going to proceed further with it of course today.
Next agenda item, approval of our Minutes from the last meeting,
which was back on November 18,2005. They have been
electronically distributed to us. Any changes to the minutes of that
meeting? Hearing none, is there a motion to adopt the minutes of the
November 18,2005 meeting?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: So moved
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Is there a second?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE:: I'll second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any discussion?
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January 26, 2006
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: All in favor of adopting the minutes?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Minutes of the November 18th meeting
are adopted. We'll now open our public hearing. The first of these is
contested cases on the agenda to which there's been a stipulated
agreement. Michelle, would you call the first of those?
MS. ARNOLD: Mr. Chairman, the first item actually is a motion
to set aside, which you should all have a copy of. It's on case number
2005-28, Board of County Commissioners versus Patricia E.
Savignano.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Motion to set aside fines and imposition?
I thought we moved Guadalupe Campbell up.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: No, this one was first.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We haven't made any motion.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: We did this motion and then
you go to your stipulation. Guadalupe is after the first stipulation.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: No, The first motion is motion to
continue. This is not a motion to continue.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: They had it moved up.
MS. ARNOLD: Yes. I asked to amend -- there weren't any
motions to continue. There was a motion, however, to set aside and
ask that we hear that particular item first. The board would consider
whatever the counsel representing the Savignanos would have to
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January 26, 2006
request.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Let's put that -- I don't believe that was
encompassed in the previous motion.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: It was.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: I have Campbell.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: No.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Was it the understanding that we're
going to hear this now?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Uh-huh.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: I thought it was Campbell too, so --
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Well, there was some misunderstanding.
MS. ARNOLD: Okay. Well, I did indicate that Savignano was
the motion that was going to be added, as well as there was a
stipulation for the 2005-36, and then Savignano would be heard after
that.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Does the board have any objection to
hearing what is a motion to vacate a previous order of the board in the
case of Patrice Savignano at this point? Any objection on that?
Hearing none, we'll hear it.
Is there a representative of the respondent here present, would
you come forward, identify yourself, your capacity in which you
represent them, and your address, please.
MR. BRANDENBURG: Good morning. My name is Gary
Brandenburg. Thank you very much for amending your agenda today
to hear our matter. I'm an attorney and I represent the Savignanos.
Actually Pat Savignano, who owns the property. I am from North
Palm Beach, Florida. My address is 660 US Highway One, North
Palm Beach. And it's a pleasure to be here in Collier County this
morning. And I have filed a motion to respectfully request your
consideration to set aside a previous order of this Board. And the
grounds for that motion are set forth in it. And let me go over it
briefly with you. The Savignanos were charged with violations of
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January 26, 2006
your codes with respect to the alleged improper clearing of some slash
pines on their single family residence. The evidence will show if you
grant our case, our request, that the Savignanos did everything they
knew of to try to comply with your codes, in that they obtained the
appropriate building permits to construct their home, obtained the
appropriate building permits to construct the large shed on their site,
obtained a letter of exemption with respect to the lake that was
excavated on their site, and also obtained an exotic vegetation removal
of permit for the site. And this particular area when they, in fact,
removed the exotic, there wasn't a heck of a lot left. And
consequently, your staff questioned the building permit, questioned
the excavation permit, and questioned whether or not they had the
appropriate permits to take down what were mostly dead slash pines.
And, in fact, the evidence will show the very first entry by your staff
in their log establishes that of the pines that were taken down, at least
50 percent of them were already dead and the others were in the
process of dying. So, based on all that and coupled with the fact that
Mr. Savignano at the time had just gone through a quadruple bypass
surgery for his heart and was very ill. They had, not knowing your
process, come before the Code Enforcement Board, and you have to
acknowledge that it's not always an easy process for people that are
not learned in it. They came before you and they were told that the
quickest and easiest -- actually, Mr. Savignanos was told that the
quickest and easiest way for him to get rid of all this problem was to
sign a stipulation. And the stipulation called for him coming up with a
plan and doing some mitigation. He was under the mistaken, all be it
we agree mistaken on his part, understanding that that would require
him to come up with this plan and maybe replant 50 or 60 small pine
trees. So he signed the stipulation. The owner of the property, Mrs.
Savignanos, was not present. She did not sign the stipulation, nor did
she consent to it, but the stipulation was entered that day and all, low
and behold afterwards when they went out and hired a professional to
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January 26, 2006
come in with a mitigation plan, they went through with what they
thought they were required to do. And it now appears that the
mitigation plan required by staff may require as much as $100,000 or
more of plantings of very large extensive areas.
We believe the facts will show that the mitigation, if any, that
would actually have been required if this matter went to hearing, and
we were to survey the actual areas and the actual trees that were taken
down in light of the exotic vegetation removal permits that were in
fact granted, that the real mitigation that would be required, it would
be much, much, much less than that. So, in light of all those facts, and
understanding that Mr. Savignano was one, ill, perhaps a person
representing him at that time may not have understood or explained to
him whether he was, in fact, guilty of these charges or not, is
misunderstanding of the stipulation. And in my view, anyways, what
I would think would be really an equitable situation here, that to
promote equity and really justice in your Code Enforcement matter,
that you should allow him the opportunity to have a hearing and to
present this evidence to you. We would respectfully request that you
allow that.
Now, Mr. and Mrs. Savignanos, as well as their hired
professional, Mr. Clentz, are here today, and would be pleased to
testify now with respect to what their understanding was at the time
this stipulation was enter into on their part, if you desire to have that
testimony. If you would -- the way I see it, nothing is lost here by
giving them the opportunity to present their case to you as to the true
facts in the matter. And, if anything, you know, the purposes of Code
Enforcement, of getting to the true facts, making sure the codes are
enforced properly, and imposing appropriate fines would be better
served under this situation, if you were, in fact, to allow them to have
a hearing on the matter. Nothing is lost by doing so. The trees that are
allegedly the subject of this, of course, are already gone. If after the
hearing you determined that they're in violation, you certainly still
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January 26, 2006
have all the rights to impose whatever penalties, and that you might
find to be appropriate. So, my request really does not put Collier
County in jeopardy at all and only would further promote the real
finding of the truth, and an appropriate penalty or mitigation plan. So,
we would respectfully request you do that. If you want actual
testimony to back up what I've told you today, we certainly can put
the Savignanos under oath and ask them to say that. Thank you, sir.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Are there any questions of the
respondents counsel?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I don't have a question, I just
have one comment. And it's, generally just as you are representing
them, they had an attorney, and Mr. Savignanos was here. So he was
representing them so when they signed the stipulations, he was
representing his wife. And we always ask the person when they sign
the stipulation, if they have permission to represent. So with the
attorney and Mr. Savignano here, she was being represented. That's
my only comment.
MR. BRANDENBURG: And I'm not questioning any of your
motives or the fact that you go to great lengths to insure that
everything is done fairly for all the residents of Collier County. I'm
just suggesting that under this particular circumstance and the
attorney, in fact, as you see in the Affidavit may have had some other
things on their mind at the time. That you might find it in your best
discretion to allow this case to be presented to you. As I said before,
you really have nothing to lose by doing that. The only thing that you
can gain is furtherance of the truth of what actually happened.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any other questions of respondent's
counsel?
MS. ARNOLD: Mr. Chairman, this case was heard in July--
July 28,2005, and you all entered into an order at that particular time,
and according to rules and regulations, the respondent would have 30
days on the issuance of that Order to request a rehearing. We do have
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Steven Griffin here from the County Attorney's Office. I don't know
if Steven wants to add any other items regarding what's legal.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Yes, sir. Would you please identify
yourself and your office?
MR. GRIFFIN: Mr Chairman, my name is Steve Griffin. I'm
with the Collier County Attorney's Office. I have reviewed the matter
that we're discussing, and I would concur with Michelle Arnold on
that point. It is in fact a matter of state law that the party has 30 days
in which to appeal. And there's pretty clearly, what they have to do to
appeal is not come back before you all. It's to go to the Circuit Court
and ask that that Order be reviewed. It's pretty clearly been way
longer than 30 days. It's been more like seven or eight months now.
And there is case law from Florida that basically says late is late. So
you have 30 days to do something.
I also see in the materials here that there's no suggestion that the
attorney was somehow precluded from being able to adequately
represent his client. Although he may have had some problems.
Doesn't necessarily tie it to this particular matter so, I would suggest
that unfortunately, we may be talking about a situation where the
appeal, or the request to revisit this case, is a little too late.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any questions of the county
representative? Any discussion on the request to vacate the previous
order and stipulation and to rehear this case de novo, I would assume.
Any discussion from the board?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: We've never done it in the past
when it's past the time. I hate to set a new precedent. I understand
their concerns, but they have a channel to go through.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I guess I need some clarification as
to what that channel is. Is it circuit court?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Yes.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We have in our own rules, as well you
should be aware, Article Nine -- I believe it's paragraph P, and it does,
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in addition to the 30 day period for appeal to the Circuit Court, also
allows a party to request a rehearing of an order. It says a party may
request a rehearing of the Board's order based on the grounds the
decision was contrary to evidence, or the hearing involved an
erroneous ruling of law, within 20 days from the date of mailing of the
order to the respondent. No request was made within that time frame
either. So we need to be, I think, mindful of that.
Is there any motion?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: My feeling is that the estimate and
the cost of it to come into compliance is not -- was not what I intended
or envisioned in this case. Ifthere's a way to continue -- after all, the
stipulation has been made. There was no request for review. If there's
a way to maintain that and then to address the remedy, I'd like to do
that. If not, I think there's no other option, but the respondent would
have to take it to Circuit Court.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Yes, sir. Do you wish to respond?
Please just identify yourself again for the record.
MR. BRANDENBURG: Yes, this is Gary Brandenburg again.
And as your Assistant County Attorney has indicated, that 30 day
period, I believe would prohibit us now to go to Circuit Court. And
the County Attorney's Office would probably argue that that was too
late as well. I don't want you to think that there is a remedy to go to
Circuit Court here when there isn't a remedy for these folks.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: May I ask a question as to why
they didn't come back sooner?
MR. BRANDENBURG: Health issues, and just not realizing
that the problem was as significant as it was. It took them some time
to bring on their expert, and it took their expert time to come up with
the plan and submit it to the county before they recognized that the
amount that they had inadvertently agreed to was so out of line with
their anticipations. By that time, you know, both your rehearing
period was long since past, and 30 day period was past. And then,
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January 26, 2006
frankly, it took him some time to find a replacement attorney. They
came all the way over to North Palm Beach to find someone that had
some additional experience in Code Enforcement matters to assist
them. And, you know, these are good residents of Collier County. It's
not as though they had flagrantly tried to violate your rules, which is
evident by their efforts to maintain the building permit, the excavation
exemption, and the exotic removal. You know, they had dead trees.
Dead pine trees, which is not something that is unique to their
property, throughout all Florida now because of the, you know,
variety of hurricanes that have damaged them, as well as the beetles
and other things. They're dying all over the place. They just didn't
realize it. And $100,000 plus all attorney fees and expert witness fees
as a result. You know, this property could have been divided into four
single family lots. All four of them could have gotten the building
permits to basically allow them to clear cut the whole property. And,
you know, it's just as a result of them wanting to have a larger piece.
And in their attempts to follow the rules, they sort of got snagged up
here on this. And, you know, they came into Code Enforcement
trying to resolve the matter and unbeknownst to them, they signed off
on something that was just way, way out of line with anything that
they had imagined.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: This is probably off, but when
did they hire their expert?
MR. BRANDENBURG: I don't know. Let me ask them.
(Unknown speaker) About a week after the stipulation was
signed.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any other questions --
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Yes.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: -- directed to the county or to the
respondent?
MS. ARNOLD: I don't know, I mean, really this counsel was
providing some testimony on what happened. You didn't have an
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January 26, 2006
opportunity to hear from the investigator to show what efforts she took
at the time to try to get them to come into compliance. This issue
started a year prior to it actually coming to this Board. So, there's a lot
of argument, he's absolutely correct that you did not hear. And you're
hearing his side right now. Whether or not we're going to go through a
whole evidentiary hearing, is a decision that you all have to make.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We need to make that decision now. In
order to hear any more facts, evidence, testimony in this, we would
need to grant this motion to set aside our order back on July 28th,
vacate it and hear this De Nova from scratch. Is there any motion to
that effect?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I'm concerned about the precedent
we're setting. With all the -- late is late. That's a state law. And we're
-- just to override that, I just think we're on thin ice.
MS. RAWSON: Thirty days is the deadline to appeal any order.
He does have other remedies, you know, like a motion for
reduction in fines or abatement of fines. But this is not a remedy that I
think legally you can give him to set aside the order because it's
untimely.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: There's a comment that if
there isn't a remedy in Circuit Court because of the time has elapsed to
file that appeal, would that be correct, or is that just an assumption?
MS. RAWSON: That is correct.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: That is correct. There is no
remedy in Circuit Court?
MS. RAWSON: There is not.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Okay. Thank you.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Well, at this time, only because
I don't want to set a precedent and because it is state law, I'm going to
make a motion that we decline this request.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: There is a motion on our part to deny
respondent's motion to set aside the order in the Savignano case. Is
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January 26,2006
there a second to that motion?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Before we take that vote, what is --
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Well, I need to know if there's going to
be a second, and then we can have discussion.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: I'll second it.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Now we can have discussion.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I think we have to explore the
remedy here. What can be done? If we take this vote and we, and it
passes, then what happens?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Jean says they have the right to
come back and ask for abatement of fines.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Of fines. But it's not really.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: The fine is not of concern.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: It's not the fines.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: It's the cost of what they agreed to do.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: It's not the $100,000 plus to come
into compliance.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I think our hands are tied
because of the state law. They are late. That's not our fault.
MS. ARNOLD: Well, their landscape architect, I believe, has an
opportunity to meet with our environmental staff and discuss what
mitigation is being proposed. I don't think that that meeting has ever
happened. I don't know what is being proposed for revegetation on
that property, you know, so--
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We don't want to get into that. We're not
going to hear anything about the facts of that matter or mitigation that
might be available.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Mr. Chairman, if that being the
case, could we then continue this to another date, giving the parties
time to talk with an expert and see what another mitigation cost might
be?
MS. RAWSON: If! might, if you look at the motion that's
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January 26, 2006
before you, it is entitled motion to set aside order and to set matter for
hearing or in the alternative, an order granting the postponement of the
January 26th hearing for imposition of fines. So he's got really two
motions here. And you can vote on them separately because you've
only got a motion on the floor -- you've only got a motion on the floor
to vote on his motion to set aside or vacate the order. But he does
have two motions, and the second one is for a continuance of the
hearing on the imposition of fines. So you should also vote on that
one after you vote on this one.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Let's proceed to vote on the motion to set
aside the order. All in favor, please say aye. This is to deny the -- to
setting aside the order and rehear it. All in favor of denying that,
please say aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Those in favor of granting the
respondent's motion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: The motion is denied. There is in
conjunction with this a second motion conjoined with this that we
issue an order to postpone the hearing which is scheduled today to
impose fines and/or liens in this particular matter. Did you want to
address that, sir?
MR. BRANDENBURG: Yes. I think that in line with some of
the Board members' thinking, if you were to grant our motion to
postpone the imposition of fines and liens, our expert could meet with
your staff and try to sort through what is maybe more appropriate in
Page 15
January 26, 2006
the way of mitigation and hopefully reach an agreement on that. Prior
to your imposition of the fine. And if that were the case, then perhaps
I could then file another motion for reduction of fine, assuming that
we're able to reach an agreement and my client progresses
expeditiously to do the mitigation.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: My impression is that we could proceed
with the hearing and imposition of fines and liens, and the respondent
could still come back subsequently for abatement. Is that not correct,
Jean?
MS. RAWSON: That is correct.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: So they still retain that right even if we
proceed with the scheduled imposition of fines.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I would rather give them a
chance to meet with county before we actually go through that process
so I would rather continue it.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: I agree. I think we're not
here -- we're here to get the work done. And so considering there
maybe some extenuating circumstances, I think that it's the best
interest of both parties to allow them to meet with the experts and see
what they can do.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Does the county have a position on the
postponement of our hearing today for fines or liens?
MS. ARNOLD: We wouldn't have any objections to postponing
this another month.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any other comment?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I'll make a motion that a
continuation be granted for 60 days.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: I'll second it.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: There's a motion and a second that the
hearing for imposition of fines and liens in the case Board of County
commissioners versus Patrice Savignano be postponed and held 60
days hence -- let's say 60 days at our meeting two months hence of
Page 16
January 26,2006
today's date.
MS. RAWSON: What's the March date, Michelle? Do you
know?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: This would be at our March meeting.
MS. ARNOLD: Yeah, I'll tell you in a minute.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: The 23rd?
MS. ARNOLD: Yeah, the 23rd.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Which would be at our meeting
scheduled March 23rd. Any discussion on that motion? All in favor
of the motion to postpone hearing of the imposition of fines and liens
in this case until our March 23rd meeting, please say aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: That motion passes. Thank you very
much.
MR. BRANDENBURG: Mr. Chairman, thank you very much.
And I'm hoping we'll be able to resolve of all our issues.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Up next item in our agenda is the
stipulated matter. Is there someone here from the county that would
present that stipulation, please?
MS. ARNOLD: That would be John Olney.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Would you identify yourself, sir, please,
and your office.
MR. OLNEY: Good morning. John Olney, Code Investigator,
Collier County.
Page 17
January 26, 2006
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Would you please swear in, Mr. Olney.
(Sworn.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Proceed, sir.
MR. OLNEY: This matter involves a pretty large tract ofland
roughly sitting just west of the Boys & Girls Club on Davis
Boulevard. If you're coming down Santa Barbara and didn't stop,
cross Davis you'd run into this tract of land. Began in April of last
year. It involved the storage of large machinery, body parts, tires.
Just lots of items that should not be stored on undeveloped land.
Entered into a stipulation with Mr. Robert Cadan representing
Highland Properties of Lee and Collier County and the stipulation is
as follows: Shall remove non-operational equipment, specifically a
Hundai loader, by February 28, 2006 to include debris currently in
dumpsters on site, or a fine of $50 a day until compliance is reached.
Permit, Collier County Building permit number 2005-110712 covers
remaining equipment on site needed for the job and removal of
vegetative debris. Period. Folio numbers 0040800008 and
000407320008 are clear of liter and debris. This case involved three
folios. The violation remains on one of the initial three.
There was one change this morning that Mr. Cardenhedt had
made on the stipulation that I just read to you. The first line states,
shall remove all non-operational equipment. He objected to the word
all. As I read it initially to you it says, shall remove non-operational
equipment. He states that all equipment is -- or question, will be
operational February 28th. And at this point there is only one that is
not -- is in need of an engine. A back track hoe of some type.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Excuse me, Mr. Bowie. I need
to recuse myself, as I am related to the gentleman.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Okay. Let the record show that Sheri is
recusing herself due to previous relationship with the respondent.
Thank you, Sheri.
Any question of the county regarding this stipulation?
Page 18
January 26, 2006
MR. OLNEY: Sir, Pardon me. I might add that he also agreed to
pay operational costs in the amount of $436.08 he incurred in the
prosecution of this case.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: I see that here. Is there a representative
of the respondent present? Would you identify yourself, sir, and your
capacity representing the respondent, which is Highland Properties of
Lee and Collier County as well as your address?
MR. CADENHEAD: Robert Cadenhead, agent for Highland
Property of Lee and Colllier, address is 3145 Cherokee Street Naples,
Florida.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you, sir. Now when you say
you're -- their agent, agent in what capacity?
MR. CADENHEAD: Of the land as far as permitting, taking
care of the land. We're certified to be the agent for the property.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Do you have -- have you -- have they
executed to you a power of attorney?
MR. CADENHEAD: That's correct. I settled the other matter
with the county as the agent, so --
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: I'm asking -- our rules require that unless
you're an attorney, or in fact the respondent, or in this case one of the
partners, which would be deemed representing the respondent, do you
have some documentation of your agency to enter into this agreement?
MR. CADENHEAD: We can supply that to the court.
MS. ARNOLD: Mr. Cadenhead has been before the board, in
fact, and represented the Highland Property of Lee and Collier
County.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: I don't want to get a situation where
someone comes here and on his say so he says I have authority to sign
this thing, and then an attorney shows up later and says he did not
have such authority. He misrepresented himself. He says he was an
agent, but he was not an agent. Or his scope of agency did not
encompass a power to enter into this kind of agreement.
Page 19
January 26, 2006
MS. ARNOLD: Right. And Mr. Cadenhead, indicated that
you'll provide us that --
MR. CADENHEAD: Yeah, I'll provide you that.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Please.
MR. CADENHEAD: Okay.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you, sir. Did you have any
comment to make on the stipulation agreement?
MR. CADENHEAD: No comment. We have a permit to be on
the property and I agreed with the county of what we would do.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Would we ask the secretary to
retroactively to please swear in Mr. Cadenhead who will also be asked
then to affirm the testimony he has rendered here today.
(Sworn.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: And Mr. Cadenhead, for the record __
you've been sworn in, you reaffirm everything you presented here
today; is that correct?
MR. CADENHEAD: That's correct.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Including the scope of your agency?
MR. CADENHEAD: That's correct.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you, sir. Any questions,
comments from the Board as to the stipulation agreement?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Yeah, just a clarification. Are we
talking about if this doesn't come into compliance, a fine of$50 a day,
is that correct? Is that what you --
MR. OLNEY: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I felt that was a little low for the
amount of violations that actually exist here. And I'd like to suggest
that the fine be $100 a day rather than $50 as stipulated.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any other comment regarding the
stipulations agreement?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Very well. Let me ask the respondent __
Page 20
January 26, 2006
MR. CADENHEAD: I object to the $100 a day. I have a permit
to be on the property from the county issued from the county. I
agreed with the county to settle this at $50, and the stipulation is
where we're at. In other words, this is what I agreed to. If I didn't have
a permit to be on the property, then I would be at your mercy.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: If you're going to clear it up and
that's your intention, then what's the objection?
MR. CADENHEAD: The objection is, I already entered into an
agreement with the county. In other words, we worked it out. The
$50 is --
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Sir, we've got to point something out to
you. That agreement is only a proposed stipulation. Until we accept
it, you have nothing. And maybe you should understand that, sir.
MR. CADENHEAD: Okay.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Don't come in here and tell me you have
a cut and dry agreement. You have nothing.
MR. CADENHEAD: Okay.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: All right. Does the county have any
concern, question, objection to increase of the fines?
MR. OLNEY: No objection, sir.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: No objection. Is there any discussion,
further discussion of this Board, either as to the amount of the fine or
any other issue raised by this stipulation? George, are you putting that
in the form of a motion, that the stipulation agreement be denied?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Well, the stipulation agreement be
amended so that the fine is $100.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: I don't believe we can amend it in the
absence of the agreement of the respondent. We would have to hear
the case.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Then I -- we should hear the case.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Okay. So then what you're proposing,
what you're moving is that the stipulation agreement as presented to us
Page 21
January 26, 2006
be denied, and the case be heard?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Yes.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Is there a second to that motion?
MR. CADENHEAD: Excuse me for a minute. To get this thing
moving, I will accept with the county to initial the $100 because
everything is going to be cleaned up within the period of time. So all
it is is delay. I'll go over and sign the stipulation for the hundred
dollars, and that's what you'll have.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We have heard testimony from the
respondent that he will, before he leaves today, initial a revision in the
stipulation agreement for the fine to be raised to $100 a day in lieu of
50. With that being deemed part of the stipulation, is there a further
motion to accept the stipulation as amended?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I'll move to accept the stipulation
as amended.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Is there a second to that?
COMMISSIONER DEAN: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any discussion on the motion to accept
the stipulation agreement as amended? Hearing none, we'll proceed to
vote. Those in favor of the motion to accept the stipulation agreement
as amended, please say aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Against?
(No response.)
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: No.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Abstain.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: One against, and Sheri has recused
herself. The motion passes, and the stipulation agreement as amended
Page 22
January 26, 2006
with $100 a day fine is accepted. Thank you.
MR. OLNEY: Thank you, sir.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: The next case we will call in the order of
hearings would be -- are there any other cases of which there is a
respondent present?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We'll then move to the Guadalupe
matter. The Board of County Commissioners versus Guadalupe
Campbell imposition of fines and liens. Do we have a representative
of the County? Please identify yourself, sir, and your office.
MR. MAZZONE: For the record, I am Dennis MAZZONE, Code
Enforcement Investigator for Collier County Government.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: And we have a representative here
present for the respondent. Would you identify yourself, your
capacity and your address, please, sir?
MR. FERGUSON: Yes, Mr. Chairman. My name is attorney
Tim Ferguson. I represent Guadalupe Campbell. My address is 4265
Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 34134.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you, sir. This is a hearing to
impose fines and liens in the case of Board of County Commissioners
versus Guadalupe Campbell. Case number 2005-42. Let's find that
case before us. Mr. Mazola, we'll swear you in now to testify, please,
SIr.
MS. ARNOLD: Actually, in this particular matte, it's more me
reading into the record information, and I don't know whether or not
Mr. --
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: He'll then be afforded the opportunity to
respond and sworn in at that time.
MS. ARNOLD: Right. Whether he's requesting anything on
that.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Right.
MS. ARNOLD: This item, as you indicated, is code enforcement
board case number 2005-042. And it's Board of County
Page 23
January 26, 2006
Commissioners versus Guadalupe Campbell. The matter was heard
before the Board on September 22, 2005, at which the Board found in
violation and the order imposed by the Board is attached for your
information. Weare here today to request imposition of fines in the
amount of $2831.22 for operational cost, which is in that amount of
$331.22. And then fines that had be accruing at the amount of $250
per day for the period between January 1, 2006 and January 20, 2006
for a total of $2,500. There are other fines that are continuing to
accrue because this matter is not in compliance. And Mr. Fergeson is
here to represent his client.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you. Will -- Representing the
respondent, will the secretary please swear in the attorney, legal
counsel for the respondent?
(Sworn.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Sir, you want to make a case as to why
we should not impose these fines and liens in this matter?
MR. FERGUSON: Sure, but I'll go ahead and defer to Mr.
MAZZONE, and let you fill the Board in on our discussions, and then
I'll --
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Mr. MAZZONE -- secretary, please
swear in Mr. MAZZONE as well.
(Sworn.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Very well, sir. Would you proceed for
the record.
MR. MAZZONE: Yes. This court has heard the Campbell case,
and we arrived at the fines that were to be stated for the time frame set
in this case. Mrs. Campbell and her family of met with Collier County
to discuss their options of either going with a subdivision change for
the property in question or going for site a improvement plan to
accommodate the county's needs and requirements. The Campbell's
had a very difficult time arriving at an answer to the question and
hired someone to assist them, and the time and efforts spent in this
Page 24
January 26, 2006
matter have brought us to this date.
The Campbell's were of the impression that it would be a lot less
money to go with the subdivided arrangement for this property, and to
their benefit in the future, and it seems as though they might have
changed their minds now because of the increased prices, and want to
go the site improvement plan route. This is something they've been
discussing with their attorney, and we've been in communication with
Mr. Ferguson and we're willing to work with them keeping them
aware of the fact that indeed the fines are still accumulating in this
case.
MR. FERGUSON: If it pleases the Board, the Campbell's are
not wealthy people. They have four not so new trailers on a lot. The
value of the property is probably $150,000. When they looked at what
it was going to cost them to subdivide it, it was going to be in the
neighborhood of excess of$50,000. A third of the value of their
property. I don't know that the trailers have any value. They might
have some value, but I don't know if they have much. Mrs. Campbell
herself, 70 years old, heart condition. Her daughter that lives in
another trailer, has cancer, and is a widow. These people are
challenged with this. When they found out how much money it was
going to be, they hired me. And we've looked at a number of different
options at trying to solve the problem without it costing a whole lot of
money. Ifwe have to do a site improvement plan, it will cost them in
the neighborhood of$25,000 -- $23,000, $25,000. We could go
before the Board of Commissioners and ask for a variance. That
would cost in the neighborhood of $5,000, and that would be the
cheapest way to go. And I suppose -- I've asked the Campbell's to sit
down with me on Monday and make the decision of, you know, how
they want to proceed. If we go before the Board of Commissioners
and they turn us down, we're right back in the position we would be
anyway so they're gambling 5,000 on that. I think it's pretty
compelling circumstances. You know, it's not Port Royal down there.
Page 25
January 26,2006
And so we're just requesting the sympathy of the Board and, you
know, we'll of course come back and, you know, if you choose to
impose the fines to push them along, I can assure you that I'm moving
it along as fast as I can. I'd rather not be fined, but I can always come
back and ask you to abate the fines when the situation is handled. But
I assure you that I'll be working diligently on it with staff.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any questions either for the county or
for the respondent?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: And this then, sir, is a request, I take it,
on your part to postpone the imposition of fines and liens until such
time as you can further explore what avenues you wish to pursue?
MR. FERGUSON: That would be my position.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Michelle, does the county have
a position?
MS. ARNOLD: I didn't really think about this, but I guess one
month would not be anything to, you know, object to.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: The county is fine with the
postponement to our next month's meeting. Would you address that?
Is that satisfactory for your purposes?
MR. FERGUSON: Well, I appreciate the gesture, but I think it's
possibly going to be better to just, instead of dragging me back in here
and having her to have to pay me, you know, if I have to come back
next month, it's probably not going to be done next month. I mean, if
we have to do a site improvement plan, I don't see it getting done in 30
days, and we certainly won't be able to get before the Board of
Commissioners that quickly. Instead I probably would just ask that if
you're going to -- I'll revisit it when it gets done, and then you can
decide if you want to abate the fines or not, instead of having me __
we're trying to make it as cheap on these people as I possibly can.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Can I ask you, sir, how long ago were
you retained by them to pursue the site improvement plan?
Page 26
January 26, 2006
MR. FERGUSON: December, mid December.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: And this was a stipulation they signed
September 22nd.
MR. FERGUSON: I understand that. Then they went out and
hired a survey company, who went out and started surveys to do this
plat, and then they gave them a bill for $57,000. When they gave
them the bill for $57,000 saying this is what we need to complete the
process, they went, Oh, my God, $57,000, we don't have $57,000, and
then they hired me.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: The other alternative, of course, in the
stipulation was that they would secure a demolition permit, or remove
the trailer.
MR. FERGUSON: Then they have no place to live. They're
homeless.
MS. ARNOLD: I think Sal's recommendation, because of the
amount of time that it's probably going to take them to come into
compliance is to go ahead and impose fines and then they can come
back because, there is no -- I can't say how long it's going to take Mr.
Ferguson to submit something and then there's the review time and
those types of things.
MR. FERGUSON: All I can suggest to the Board is I'm going to
work diligently with staff, and I'm going to provide them updates so
when I come back to ask you to abate everything, you'll know that I
was diligent at what I was attempting to do.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: I appreciate that, sir. So far as the
request for the respondent to postpone the imposition of fines and
liens which was scheduled on our agenda today. Is there motion on
the Board to grant the respondent's motion to extend for as the county
had exceeded until our next monthly meeting?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: At this point, I think they both
kind of agree that that's not going to serve a purpose.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: So there's no such motion, in which case
Page 27
January 26, 2006
we will proceed with the hearing on the imposition of fines and liens
on this case.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Well, I would make a motion, but I
would extend the period of time. It's just that 30 days just isn't enough
time to get -- to accomplish what has to be accomplished. So if we do
a motion to extend it and revisit this in --
MR. FERGUSON: 90 days?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE:: -- 60 days.
MR. FERGUSON: I mean, it's probably going to take 90 days, I
would think.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I think that's reasonable.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Again, we can impose fines and liens
and revisit this with a motion for abatement subsequently. That would
be the other alternative.
MR. FERGUSON: And I have to come back before you
anyway, I just don't want to have to keep on coming back --
COMMISSIONER PONTE: -- every 30 days.
MR. FERGESON: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: So, is it the pleasure of the Board,
George has made a motion that the hearing on fines and liens be
postponed for 90 days?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Yes.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Is there a second to that motion?
COMMISSIONER DEAN: I'll second that motion.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: So this is a motion now to postpone our
hearing on fines and liens until our meeting three months hence of
today's date.
Michelle, what date is that, three months hence?
MS. ARNOLD: That would be April 27th.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: All right. At our April 27th meeting, we
will hear fines and liens in this case. Any discussion of that motion for
postponement?
Page 28
January 26, 2006
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: I think we should maintain
the fines and liens, you know, as of today because that is what
compels people to maybe comply with the orders of the Board. Come
back, revisit it, and if everything is done, you know, we have
sympathy to people in hardship cases, then we can act on, you know,
abating those fines. But, not to impose the fines at this time. It takes
away some of the power, too, of the Board
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any other discussion on the motion to
postpone?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I'm just wondering if90 days is
going to be enough to get a stipulation agreement done and everything
past.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: You mean a site improvement?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Or a site improvement plan. As
Michelle said, you can't really tell how long that's going to take, you
know, which means that technically ifhe didn't get it accomplished in
90 days, he would be back here which would cost the people more
money for him to show up to ask for another extension. So we'll get
back in the cycle of extending and extending and extending.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: But it keeps it alive. If it goes to
the next logical extension, 90 days and a half year, that's a lot of time
to go to sleep.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: That's why I'm kind of -- I like
the idea of trying to give them an extension, but I think it would be
maybe better served to go ahead and follow through with what we
have on the docket and go ahead and impose the fines and then let him
come back when it's done and ask for the abatement. Because at that
time we can really address the issue.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: In the long run that might save
them money because they won't have to hire him to come back.
MR. FERGUSON: If I could add something. I believe in the
compassion of the Board, so I don't think that, you know -- if I'm
Page 29
January 26, 2006
reading this correctly, I think that's probably the best thing to do in the
long run for them.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you, sir. In my own opinion, I
think the opportunity for remedy available to the respondents would
be the same. Whether we postpone this for 90 days and impose fines
and liens at that time, whether we do it now and allow them the
opportunity they always have to come back for an abatement. The
opportunity for remedy is the same. And hence, I would be in favor of
proceeding with the hearing on fines and liens today.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Okay. I'm convinced. I'll withdraw
my motion.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Motion is withdrawn. Is there a motion
then that we proceed with the hearing on fines and liens today?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I'll make a motion that we
proceed with the fines in hearing today.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Motion made and seconded. Any
discussion? Hearing none, we'll vote. In favor -- those in favor of
having our hearing on fines and liens in this case today, please say
aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Motion carries, so we will hear fines and
liens. Since we're on that agenda item, we'll proceed with that agenda
item at this point.
Page 30
January 26, 2006
MR. FERGUSON: I have no opposition.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you, sir. Any discussion on the
motion to impose fines and liens as recommended in the case of Board
of County Commissioners versus Guadalupe Campbell, case number
2005-042? Is there a motion?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: So moved.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Motion to impose the recommended
fines and liens as set forth here. A second to that?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Motion made and seconded. Any
discussion on the motion? All in favor of imposing the recommended
fines and liens as set forth herein, please say aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed? Motion carries. Thank you,
Sir.
MR. FERGUSON: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: And again, you can come back at any
appropriate time in the future for the motion for reduction or
abatement.
MR. FERGUSON: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We'll return now to the regular order of
our agenda. Case hearing, this would be case 2005-32, Board of
County Commissioners versus Margarita Munoz. Is the representative
for the county present? Is there a representative for the respondent
present? Thank you. Okay. Sir, on behalf of the county, would you
identify yourself and your office.
Page 31
January 26, 2006
MR. SNODERL Y: Good morning. For the record, Travis
SNODERL Y, Investigative Supervisor of Collier County Code
Enforcement.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you. And for the respondent, sir,
identify yourself.
MR. FERGUSON: Tim Ferguson, I'm the attorney for the
respondent, 4265 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 34134.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We would like to swear in the county's
representative, please.
(Sworn. )
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: And the county's respondent is
previously sworn. Proceed, sir with the county's case.
MR. SNODERL Y: Good morning.
MS. ARNOLD: First -- I'm sorry to interupt you, Travis, we just
need to enter the information into the record for the case and ask that
you will accept our exhibit.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: It's been requested that the charging
packet that's been provided to us be entered into evidence. Is there a
motion to accept the information?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I'll make a motion to accept.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any discussion? Call the question, we'll
proceed on a motion has been made to accept the county's charging
packet as evidence in this case. Those in favor?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed? It's accepted. Proceed, sir.
Page 32
January 26, 2006
MR. SNODERL Y: Thank you.
MS. PETRULLI: For -- I'm sorry. I will go ahead and read you
the violation. For the record, Patti Petrulli. This is a violation of
Sections 5.06.06B of Collier County ordinance 04-41 as amended. A
description of the violation is an abandoned pole sign. The location
where the violation exists is 5400 Treetop Drive. And that is folio
number 00440000000. The name and address of the person in charge
of the violation is Margarita Munoz. The violation was first observed
on April 19, 2004. The owner was given a Notice of Violation on
August 16th of2005. The violation was to be corrected by August 30
-- excuse me, August 30th of2005, and the date of reinspect ion was
December 13th of2005. The last reinspection. The results of that
reinspection showed that the violation remained.
At this time, I'd like to turn the case over to investigator
SNODERL Y.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Go ahead, sir, you've been sworn in.
MR. SNODERL Y: I'll try this again. Just for the Board's
pleasure, I would like to advise you that the violation has been abated.
The county's position at this point would be that we just ask for
operational cost. In this particular case, that is an amount of $276.39.
I have spoken to the respondent and their representative, and they are
in agreement to do so.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Would you like to affirm that, please.
MR. FERGUSON: Yes, we are in agreement.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Okay. There's been apparent agreement
and --
COMMISSIONER PONTE: That's the nature of the stipulation.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: But a motion still needs to be made.
And the motion is that operational costs --
MS. ARNOLD: We need a finding of fact.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Okay. We need to have a finding of fact
first. Is there going to be a motion as has been stipulated that it exists
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January 26, 2006
-- a finding of fact that the violation as charged in the county's
charging document does exist?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I'll make a motion that in the
case of Collier County Board of Commissioners versus Margarita
Munoz, CEB case number 2005-32 that there was a violation.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Is there a second to that motion?
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Second to that motion.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any discussion? All in favor of the
motion, the finding that a violation that does exist as charged, please
say aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: That motion carries. We now need a
motion for determination of the order of the Board.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I'll make a motion that in the
case CEB number 2005-32 saying that it has been abated. That we go
ahead with the county's request for operational cost of $250 .
MR. SNODERL Y: $276.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Or $276.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: $276 and there was some pennies.
MR. SNODERL Y 39.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Okay. Motion is made that operational
cost be imposed. Is there a second to that motion?
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: I'll second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any discussion? Those in favor of
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January 26, 2006
imposing operational costs in this matter please say aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: That motion carries. Thank you very
much.
MR. SNODERL Y: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Let me call the next case, which is
number three under C of your agenda. Case number 2005-47. Let me
ask the court reporter, is this a time you want to break, or do you want
to continue?
(Thank you, please continue.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Okay. Case number 2005-47. Board of
County Commissioners versus Russell and Kaja Risteen. Okay. We
have representatives here from the county as well as the respondent.
Is that correct?
MS. RAWSON: For the record, Mr. Chairman, this is a violation
of Section 04-41, Section 2.01.00-3. The description of the violation is
parking of a commercial trailer in a residentially zoned area. The
location and address where the violation exists is 758 Pan Am
Avenue, Naples, Florida. The name of the owner or person in charge
of the location where the violation exists is Russell and Kaja Risteen,
758 Pan Am Avenue, Naples, Florida. The date the violation was first
observed was July 27th of2005. The Notice of Violation was given on
July 27th of2005. The violation was to have been corrected by
September the 12th of2005. A reinspection was done on December
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January 26, 2006
8th of 2005, and at that time it was found that it was still in violation.
The respondents have been given a packet, and I'd like to -- of the
information -- and I'd like to enter that in as Exhibit A at this time.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: County has requested that the charging
documents as presented to the respondent in our packet be accepted
into evidence. Those in favor?
MS. ARNOLD: Can I just make a correction for the record?
Instead of -- Ms. Petrulli said in Section 0441, it's actually Ordinance
0441.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Ordinance. Okay. Right. 0441. Fine.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I'd like to make a motion that
we accept the packet.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Motion made and seconded that the
charging packet be accepted. Those in favor.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Against?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: The packet is accepted. Thank you. I'd
like to call the representative of the county. Sir, would you identify
yourself, and your office.
MR. MARTINDALE: Robert Martindale. Investigator of Collier
Code Enforcement.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you. And the representative here
for the respondent. Would you please identify yourself, sir?
MR. RISTEEN: Russell Risteen.
Page 36
January 26, 2006
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: And you are the respondent?
MR. RISTEEN: Right.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Would the secretary please swear in both
parties?
(Sworn.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Very well, sir on the behalf of the
county, would you make your presentation?
MR. MARTINDALE: I think Ms. Petrullijust about stole my
thunder there. On the date specified I went to Mr. Risteen's address
from an anonymous complaint of a commercial trailer being parked in
the side yard. I met with Mr. Risteen there that date. It was, in fact,
an approximately 30-foot by 13 inch tall standard Freihoff semitrailer,
eight wheels and a connector on the front of it. I advised Mr. Risteen
of the complaint and the county ordinance prohibiting same. I served
him with a notice of violation, which he signed in my presence and
view, and I left him a copy of the Notice of Violation along with the
attached violation of County Codes and Ordinances. I responded the
following week to see if he complied with the order. He had not and
was affixing some lattice work to the side of the trailer. He had
interpreted the ruling different than myself. Part of it, of section three
of 200 1, states that a vehicle parked in an area of a main structure.
either has to be enclosed or enclosed in a vegetative screening. Mr.
Risteen thought that he could place the lattice work on the trailer. He
already painted the entire trailer green, he affixed the lattice work
there where he advised me he intended to attach vines and other
vegetation to help secrete the trailer from the neighbors' views. I've
never come across anything like this before, so I allowed Russell some
additional time to check into it, and I also did with planning. We
subsequently had a ruling. My Senior Planner, Ross Gochenaur --
basically Michelle has it there. It's a memorandum stating that it's the
opinion of Zoning staff and the intent of the code that the required
vegetative screening, in question is freestanding planted in the ground,
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January 26, 2006
and not physically attached to the commercial equipment being
screened. Placing vegetation living or dead on the intended
transportation of goods materials in support of a business and not for
permanent storage of goods, materials. Attaching the vegetation to the
trailer does not support the owner's contention that the trailer is a
road-worthy commercial equipment able to be hitched and towed
immediately. And not being used in place of an accessory structure,
which would require a building permit. And that Mr. Risteen ifhe
wished to contest this opinion, could seek the proper procedure and he
would submit for an official interpretation from the the LDC from
Susan Murray, the Zoning Director, along with the required $1,500
fee.
I'd like to also bring to your attention, I have some photographs
here. The first one indicates coming down Pam Am Avenue
westbound. As you can see behind the six-foot privacy fence, the 13
foot trailer with the attached lattice work. Second photograph
indicates a closer view of it, still on the public street. The third one is
a head-on from the public street ofMr. Risteen's driveway. You will
note that the neighboring structure at the rear has a very disconcerting
view of the top of the trailer when they look out the side of their
second story bedroom window there. Also part of the code ordinance
states that it shall be screened, either vegetatively, completely
enclosed and not visible from the street or adjacent properties.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any questions of the county's
representative?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Very well. We'll hear on behalf of the
respondent. Sir.
MR. RISTEEN: First of all, thank you for hearing me. When I
was cited on this container business, I contacted as many people as I
could at the county not knowing anything about this. I did find a Dave
Hendrix who told me that as long as I tagged it, had wheels on it and
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January 26, 2006
vegetatively screened it, I would be okay. Also I went down with Ron
and went to planning and they said basically the same thing. That's
when I painted it. That's when I put up the lattice. And that I thought
-- we weren't sure -- I thought we could put plants on the thing since I
told him I'm not going to move it. It's basically -- I built the house
myself. That has my storage, my wood, floor and my trim, my doors,
a bunch of other stuff for the house in that and that's where I kept it.
As I get to the house, that section -- I take stuff out of it and go put it
on the house. That's what that has been doing there since we broke
ground. That's the job of that container.
The container is really 20 feet long, it's 11 feet high. Same
height as a Ted Shed, by the way, because I had to look into trying to
get it as a storage unit, and they said that I had to get some kind of
building permit for 150 mile an hour wind gusts. And then I called
my engineer who did the stuff on my house, and he said, well, this is
something new. You know, so I don't know where to go with that. So
I went to the county and said what else can we do? So then I said,
okay, they're saying no, the plants won't work. Because I got a
message on my machine that said no, it's still not going to go work.
Commercial in residential. I said, well, we've got to do something
because I'm using this thing. So I said how about if we do -- see the
back of that picture? I have those eureka palms back there. Those
eureka palms grow 25 feet high. They'll completely cover that whole
back of that house, which if you went like three feet over, you'd see
where the older ones that are a couple years older have covered that
whole area. You can't see anything. No other neighbor. I have
pictures, but I have one picture that I can show you, if you want to
look.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Please. We'd be happy to accept that as
respondent's Exhibit A. Show it to the County, please.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: So moved.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: A motion is made to accept that on
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January 26, 2006
behalf of the respondent, as respondent's Exhibit A. Is there a second?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I'll second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Motion moved and accepted that we
accept the respondent's photo being displayed to us. All in favor.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Okay.
MR. RISTEEN: Okay. That's the house. The container is that
little baby little square on the left there where you can't hardly see it.
I'm standing on the street. Okay. That's from the street. I'm on the
street. That's what it looks like when you're standing on the street.
Ron's got some good pictures, too.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: I have a question. This is your
house?
MR. RISTEEN: This is my house.
MR. DEAN: How many garages are there?
MR. RISTEEN: Pardon me?
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Garage doors there I see.
MR. RISTEEN: Yes, they are.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: How many are there?
MR. RISTEEN: There's three.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: And one over there. Okay. You
have a double driveway?
MR. RISTEEN: I have two driveways.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Thank you.
MR. RISTEEN: That's another view to show you the house, how
it relates to it. I want -- keep going. That's another one from the
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January 26, 2006
neighbor who called this one. His yard. There's the container. There's
the backyard. That's what a Eureka Palms look like. That's what I
proposed to the county to plant along the side of the fence to just
alleviate all this putting confederate Jasmine on the thing which I
thought I could do but I found out you can't do that. This thing you
can hook up and drive right now. It's legal. It's totally ready to go. It
just is not going anywhere because I don't plan on doing that. I don't
use it for business. I bought it to put the materials in to build my
house because I knew it was going to take me a long time. And then I
just found out that my orthopedic surgeon told me I've got 90-year-old
knees and I've got arthritis and I can't work as much as I could so I'm
even longer getting this thing going. But I'm getting it going and I've
got the materials, it's a matter of getting to it. So I said, okay, I'll plant
Eurekas all the way along, put some palm trees in the front across the
fence and everything, and I could not get anybody from the county to
tell my anything about anything except commercial and residential.
So I said, what am I supposed to do, come and talk to you. Because
you're the ones that make the decision. And I'm willing to do
everything to comply. I have been doing this since I first got cited,
trying to ask. And Ron's been a big help trying to help me out and
understand, but, you know, where is he going to go with it. He's never
had the same situation either. And all I really want to do is plant the
plants and have them grow up and cover the whole thing and nobody
would see it. And nobody is even -- nobody even knew I had the
thing. I asked around just for, you know, hey did you ever -- oh, you
got that back there. But that's not point. The point is it's a designated
commercial in a residential and I understand that. And I'm trying to
cover the whole thing. And given a little time, these things all get that
tall. You can't see. Those are my neighbors in the back. I can't even
see their house. And I'm willing to do that.
MS. ARNOLD: I just wanted to point out that the Board has the
ability to determine whether or not a violation exist. You don't have
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January 26, 2006
the ability to change or amend or modify what the code is. If there's a
disagreement with what the planning department or zoning department
has interpreted then, as indicated in that memo, they would have to go
that route for the interpretation of the code.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Noted.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Michelle, doesn't the code say it
can be screened from view by vegetation. So couldn't he technically
plant plants to screen it? The fact that there's a two story building
behind him, I don't think was the intention of the code. It was from
the street.
MS. ARNOLD: Well it does say vegetatively screened.
According to the zoning department that we conferred with, they've
indicated it has to be completely screened or enclosed. And because
we're in the situation where more and more people are building second
story, you have that situation now. I don't know.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Because I know, I kind of
helped draft that original ordinance with Mr. Will when we were
going through all those problems out in Golden Gate and trying to
force that issue. And I was trying to remember the purpose was so that
we couldn't -- the neighbors didn't have the ability to see it. So I guess
if you could screen it with like a car port covering or something like
that too, couldn't he, to enclose it.
MR. RUSSELL: It says enclosed building or vegetatively
screened. But it also states in verbatim here, cannot be seen from
adjacent property and must be enclosed in -- enclosed in vegetative
screening. We already have the ruling of planting, but any time you
think of the word enclosed, I would think that would be completely,
not just walls.
MS. ARNOLD: There may be a possibility for him to get roof
structure. There is the possibility to get a shed. He indicated a Ted
Shed. That's an option. That's permissible in that zoning district to
hold what he's using it for as storage, it sounds like. These are some
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January 26, 2006
options that he has. But both those things are things that need, require
a permit.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Okay.
MR. RISTEEN: If! may, putting a box in a box is not -- isn't a
financial --
MS. ARNOLD: I didn't ask you -- I said a shed to hold the
things that you're holding in the box. I didn't indicate putting a box in
that box.
MR. RISTEEN: But it's the same difference basically, except
this one exists and it's already been there and it has no -- it's a strong
thing and it's not a -- I am going to plant stuff around it. It won't be
there very long.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Let me just ask, is it the county's position
that ifhe installed some kind of a roofing structure over this trailer as
well as screening for vegetation, that that would be acceptable?
MS. ARNOLD: My indication is he would have to explore that.
I don't think that question was ever asked. It would then -- a car port
would then be considered a structure, set backs and permits would be
required. That's something he needs to ask the zoning department
about.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: I'd like to ask a question of
the respondent. Is this trailer going to be remaining on the property
after you complete your construction?
MR. RISTEEN: Chances are not.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Chances are, or it's not?
MR. RISTEEN: Well, I don't know. It's taking me forever to get
this stuff done. But, yeah, I had envisioned doing other things than
that particular thing there, so --
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: So in affect it's going to
remain there and be a permanent fixture on your property? Maybe not
affixed to the ground, but --
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: That being the problem.
Page 43
January 26, 2006
MR. RISTEEN: Well, the options are, no, I could in the future
get rid of it, and rather put my boat there. You know what I mean?
Something like that. That would be more advantageous to residential.
It is quite handy. If! had a Ted Shed there, all that's going to do
is cost me a lot more money. I've already bought and paid for this
container. The container is the same size as a Ted Shed. The
difference is, if I put a car port over this, it would be just as ugly and
bigger than the foot print of the top of that container. And I have
another thing I could -- I don't know if this aerial, but, you know, the
thought occurred to me, if somebody came over in a helicopter, you
know, yeah they'll see the top of it. And yeah, that guy in the
backyard can see it too. The Eurekas will definitely cover them
because you can see the picture there, it's 25 feet tall. And if this helps
you. It's the top -- it's an overview. It's my survey with it drawn in
where it exists on my property to show you how it is from the air. I
mean, would that help you? And where it's located. I'm almost in the
setback. It's in there. It's right where seven-and-a-half and ten up and
all that, so. And it's in my backyard and it's all-- it was mapped out
and designed in the floor plan. I was going to put a boat there and this
ended up being there because it's taken me a while to finish the house.
So, putting a box on top of it, would be -- or a car port, I'm sorry,
would be a larger footprint. And I'm going to put plants around it.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Could you build an arbor over
the top of it and camouflage it?
MR. RISTEEN: That's exactly what I wanted to do. You're
exactly right. That's exactly what I wanted to do. That's what the
lattice was about. That's what planting the confederate Jasmine was
because it grows over everything. It's aluminum.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: I mean, you build something
attractive.
MR. RISTEEN: Oh, yeah. Well, the picture of it it doesn't look
too bad. You can't even notice it from the street anymore. It used to
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January 26, 2006
be silver and now you don't even see it.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Would that be objectionable to
your neighbors?
MR. RISTEEN: Nobody even cares. And the guy who
complained on it is moving. And he did it because he thought I ratted
on him for making a mess in the street or something .
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: That's here nor there.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: The problem is, an arbor is a
fixed structure to the ground. It's not attached to the trailer.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I think we're off the mark here.
We're talking remedies, and it's the responsibility of this Board to
make decisions based on facts and violations.
MR. MARTINDALE: If! may, that's exactly what I was going
to say, sir. Russell has a very unusual circumstance. He's a real nice
guy too. And he's easy to deal with. I wish all my clients were. But
the reason that I was there was because a citizen's complaint was
made. I went by the letter of the law which says, and Russell even
said, it can be pulled out of there right now. It's a commercial vehicle.
The area is zoned residential. That's the facts. That's why I submitted
this. It wasn't because of unusual circumstances, asthetic reasons. It's
just because that's what the statutes say. And I guess in the distant
past we did allow things like this 15 or 20 years ago when they took
the wheels, and so forth off of them. But now we do have standards.
We have wind load ratings. That's why we have to have permits for
Ted Sheds.
MR. RISTEEN: If! may. This has been through three
hurricanes sitting right where it is. And if I can direct you to this
zoning district and uses, it's 2.01.00. Under generally it says, the
vehicle and/or equipment is engaged in a construction or service
operation on the site where it is parked. That's where I'm using it for
right now. That would be the one I'm saying I'm doing. And then
must be removed as soon as the construction activities have been
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January 26,2006
completed. Okay. That's the one. The other one is, that I saw on my
regular siding that I got at first. Number three is the vehicle is parked
in the rear of the main structure, and is enclosed within a vegetative
screening. And that's what Ron is saying is enclosed, which conceals
vegetation from the view of neighbors. And this will, you know, I
can't buy a tree that tall, but --
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: When you say you're still engaged in
construction at this property. Do you have open permits now that
have not been closed out?
MR. RISTEEN: Well, no. This would be under my finishing of
doing -- I already got my CO. So I got in, but I didn't do the floors,
didn't do the doors, didn't do the trim. I didn't finish all the painting.
Anything I could get away with to get the thing slid in. So all that
stuff I'm now doing by myself with occasional help __
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: How long has this trailer been there
now?
MR. RISTEEN: A few years.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: A few years? When do you think you're
going to be finished with this construction?
MR. RISTEEN: Well, I would hope by the end ofthe year. I
still have a lot of stuff to do. I have to hand finish all my stuff and put
it up myself. Also I have to try to make some money, you know,
somewhere along the line.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I'd like to make a motion.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Sheri is going to make a motion.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I'd like to make a motion in the
case of Collier county Board of Commissioners versus Russell and
Kaja Risteen, case number 2005-47, that in actuality there is a
violation. The violation consisting of a commercial truck in view of
the neighbors.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I'll second the motion.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: A motion has been made and seconded
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January 26, 2006
that a violation be found as set forth in the county's charging
documents, finding that a commercial vehicle has been parked in a
residentially zoned area in view of neighboring properties. Any
discussion of the motion? Hearing none we'll proceed to vote. All in
favor of the motion.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed? The motion passes
unanimously. We will next entertain a motion on determination of the
order of the board.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I don't know if I had -- I don't
know how many vehicles he had but if I had four garage spaces, or
three garage spaces and had an issue with the commercial vehicle, I
think I would empty out one of the garage spaces and store the stuff in
there until I could get it finished. The C.O. is there so, therefore, it's
technically a completed project.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Ifwe can be assured that
once this project is completed that that vehicle was going to be
removed. But by the testimony of the respondent, he doesn't really
feel that that might happen. So I don't think there's really a choice.
MR. RISTEEN: If! may, if that's the option I have -- because it's
going to cost me a lot to move this thing and put it in -- pay somebody
storage when I can for free on my own driveway and, you know, part
of my tax money maybe, but I would move it or whatever if that's
what it takes. Let me get my project finished at least so at least I don't
have the burden and expense of having to move the thing and then
reload it, or have to load two times go with my truck, pick up stuff, to
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January 26, 2006
go my house. When it's there I can go and do it.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: That's why I asked that
question. If it's going to be moved, that might be --
MR. RISTEEN: Eventually I would do that. That would clear it
up.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We need to know some kind of time
specific.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Not eventually. It's already
been there two years and it's not finished.
MR. RISTEEN: You know, if! -- ifit ends up having to be, you
know, if I am working at a job, I can't work on the house so I've been
both. I never knew when I built the house there would ever be a
stipulation as to when I had to finish it, but now there is, so --
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Do you have any place in one of
the garages where you could move out a vehicle and store this in the
garage so you wouldn't have to be removing it back and forth?
MR. RISTEEN: No, no. There is one bay I leave open and that's
where -- and I have -- I have trucks in there that are project trucks. So
these are 1967 stuff. Okay. They're in various states of disrepair
hiding in there. The other one is my wife's car. That's in the other
garage. That's the clean garage. The shop garage are those three.
That's where I do the work. And I only have one bay to do it, but I'm
not -- you know, I'm doing it myself. So, it's not a big deal. That was
the one bay I need to work to put the stuff in to prep it -- to build it up
and put it on the house.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: If you can give us a time
frame as to when you can complete this work and get rid of the
vehicle, then the Board could take that under consideration. What
would you --
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: You have to let us know.
How long do you think it would take?
MR. RISTEEN: How about this time next year.
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January 26, 2006
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Well--
MR. RISTEEN: That's too long.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: We're probably looking at
a 30 to 90 day time frame, just to be honest.
MR. RISTEEN: Well, there's no way. It would take me 30 days
just to sell it and now it's got lattice all over it. Who wants to buy it
now? And I was informed by this Dave Hendrix that that was okay.
That's where I got that from. So now I've got these crossed wires
and I'm stuck in this catch 22 where I'm losing money in both
directions.
That's the only reason I came and bothered you with my problem.
If I have some time so I can -- if I had -- I mean, if I had six
months, I could at least get me something. I got to move everything.
There's a lot of stuff around there.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I built a house in 120 days. It
doesn't take six months to put in a floor.
MR. RISTEEN: I have crown molding, base molding, door
molding, doors, a floor.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I built a whole house.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Let's proceed with this on the merits of
it. Is there a motion from the Board as to fines for a period related
thereto?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Does the county have any
recommendation?
MR. MARTINDALE: Initial recommendation of the county is to
remove the commercial vehicle from the residentially zoned area
within 10 days of the initial hearing or pay $150 per day until the
violation is abated. And also requesting the respondent notify the
Code Enforcement Investigation when the violation has been abated in
or other to conduct the final inspection. And there's also a total of
$307.89 in operational costs.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: You've heard the recommendation of the
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January 26, 2006
county. Is there a motion?
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Just a comment. You
know, considering that material that is in there and then the
gentleman's willingness to continue with the work, I would think that
allowing him, you know, you said 30 to 90 days would be adequate.
He's obviously trying to take care of it. Can't let it go a year, but ten
days is pretty quick to get his material out and get it cleaned up. And I
think --
MR. MARTINDALE: Well, I think the reason it's more or less a
standard request, but also this has been going on since September of
last year. In any case, there's always a chance you can lose and you
should plan ahead. Just my opinions.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: I'd like to make a motion for 90 days
to remove the trailer and pay the cost of administrative cost to the
county.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Or $150 a day fine?
COMMISSIONER DEAN: No, just administrative cost to the
county and 90 days to get the trailer removed.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE:: There has to be a fine attached.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Or he won't do it.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Suffer the consequences.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I would suggest we entertain a
lesser fine than the county recommended, say perhaps $50 a day rather
than $100 plus.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Is that the George of friendly amendment
otherwise.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I would go along with what has
been suggested by my colleague, just reduce the amount to $50, or in
his case add a fine of $50 rather than eliminating one altogether.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: I'm sorry. You
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January 26,2006
recommended 90 days?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Yes, sir.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Okay.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: So let's rephrase the motion. My
understanding is the motion has been made, seconded by George, that
the vehicle be removed within 90 days of this date or a fine of $50 a
day will be imposed until there is compliance. That operational cost
be imposed, and when the respondent has removed the vehicle, that
the code enforcement department be so informed. Is that the motion?
COMMISSIONER DEAN: That's the motion.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Motion made and seconded. Any
discussion of that motion? All those in favor of the motion please say
aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed? Motion passes. Thank you,
SIr. You've got 90 days before fines kick in. Thank you.
I'd like to call the next case in our agenda. Okay. Time for a
break. We'll do a ten minute break and then reconvene.
(Whereupon, a brief recess was taken.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We'll call to order the meeting of the
Code Enforcement Board. We're going to continue with our case
hearing. I'd like to call case number 2004 -- excuse me. 2005-48,
Board of County Commissioners versus DDR MDT Carillion Place,
LLC. Would you like to present the county's charging?
MS. PETRULLI: Thank you. For the record, Patty Petrulli. The
respondent has been presented with and received a packet with the
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January 26, 2006
information that is included for the case. I'd like to ask if there is
anyone present to represent the DDR MDT Carillion Place, LLC.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: I believe we do have a respondent's
representative. We're not going to swear you in right now, but thank
you for being here.
MS. PETRULLI: Thank you. Let the record show they are
present. This is a violation of section 1O.02.06B of Collier County
ordinance 04-41 as amended. A description of the violation is a pole
sign without required permits. The location of the violation exists at
5088 Airport Road north, folio number 25500000909. The name and
address of the owner or person in charge of the violation location is
DDR MDT Carillion Place, LLC. The registered agent for the
company is CT Corporation System. The date the violation was first
observed was November 10th of2004. The notice of violation was
given on February 14th of2005. The violation was to have been
corrected by March the 7th, 2005. A reinspection was done on
December 13,2005, and at that time, the property was still in
violation. At this time I would like to turn the case over to supervisor
investigator Travis Snoderly to handle the case.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: First let's make a motion to enter into the
record the county's charging documents as have been delivered to the
respondent and delivered to this board. Is there such a motion?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: So moved.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: And seconded. All in favor.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
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January 26,2006
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: County's packet is accepted into the
record.
Sir, would you identify yourself, please.
MR. SNODERL Y: Good morning, Travis Snoderly,
investigative supervisor, Collier County Code Enforcement.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you. We do have a representative
here on behalf of the respondent. Would you identify yourself and
your capacity for representing the respondent and your address, sir.
MR. GRAFF A: I am Paul Graffa. I'm the regional property
manager with Developers Diversified Realty, which is the managing
agent of the Carillion Place. My address is 41268 US Highway 19
North, Tarpon Springs, Florida.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you. I'd like to ask our secretary
to swear both parties.
(Sworn.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: On behalf of the county, would you
proceed, please?
MR. SNODERL Y: Thank you. Good morning. For the pleasure
of the board, before you on your screens you should be able to view a
stipulation agreement that I have been able to enter into this morning
with Mr. Paul Graffa as representative for DDR MDT. Part of that
stipulation is that Mr. Graffa, on behalf of his corporation, as a
representative for, does agree that the notice of violation and those
violations referenced within that he does stipulate to their existence.
That they are section 1O.02.06B of the Collier County Land
Development Code, and described as a pole sign without the required
permit.
The stipulation agrees that Mr. Graffa will pay all operational
cost incurred with the prosecution of the case in amount of$305.13,
and he will abade all violations by meeting the following conditions:
He will obtain all required building permits if obtainable and required
inspections including Certificate of Occupancy for the sign within 60
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January 26, 2006
days of today's hearing or a fine $150 per day would be imposed each
day the violation continues.
Secondly, ifhe does not wish to permit the sign, the respondent
will remove the abandoned sign including supporting structure withing
60 days of today's hearing, or a fine of $150 per day would be
imposed for each day the violation continues.
Lastly, Mr. Graffa or a representative ofDDR MDT will notify
the department once the violation has been abated to confirm that the
abatement has occurred. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: On behalf of the respondent, sir, do you
confirm that this stipulation agreement has been voluntarily entered
into?
MR. MIDNEY: Yes, it is.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you, sir. Now you identified
yourself again as a property manager on behalf of the entity that owns
the property. You can verify that authority, property management?
MR. GRAFF A: Yes.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: I assume you don't have a power of
attorney here with you today.
MR. MIDNEY: No.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Could you please provide that for the
record as well, so we know you have the authority to enter into this
agreement on their behalf.
MR. GRAFF A: I will.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you. Any questions regarding the
agreement?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I just have one comment
because generally we don't -- we put in the amount of the operational
cost, but specify it to continue to be incurred because other costs do
come up, and he's just required for all operational cost.
MR. SNODERL Y: I would amend that stipulation to include
that amount and ask Mr. Graffa to accept that change.
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January 26, 2006
MR. GRAFF A: That would be fine.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: So it is deemed that the parties will
initial a correction here that operational cost may continue to accrue
will be added to this agreement?
MR. SNODERL Y: Yes.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any other questions from members of
the Board? Just one clerical item, since you're initialing corrections. I
think there was a reference in there that the parties -- one of the
options would be for the respondent to obtain a certificate of
occupancy for a sign. It's tough to move into one. Maybe it should
say certificate of completion. Just to initial that.
MR. SNODERL Y: We would love to dictate language by which
the building department and permitting uses, but unfortunately, the
way that our computer system is, it's still a CO. But I do agree that it
is just --
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We're not going to require him to move
into a sign.
MR. GRAFF A: Well, we might have the furniture picked out.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any other questions for members of the
Board? Is there a motion then to accept the stipulation agreement as
the parties have amended it?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I will make a motion that we
accept the stipulated agreement as has been amended.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Second to that?
COMMISSIONER DEAN: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any discussion of the motion? All in
favor of -- accepting the stipulation agreement as amended, please say
aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
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January 26, 2006
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed? None. It's unanimously
adopted. Thank you.
MR. GRAFF A: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Next on our agenda, we have concluded
our case hearings. And on our agenda we move into the next subject
area. New business. Request for imposition of fines and liens in a
series of cases. First of these is Board of County Commissioners
versus Ernestina Sacca, case number 2005-13. Is there anyone here on
behalf of the respondent?
MS. ARNOLD: No, I don't believe so.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Is there a motion to impose fines and
liens in this case?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: So moved.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any second to that?
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Discussion? Motion moved and
seconded that the fines and liens be imposed in the case BCC versus
Ernestina Sacca. Those in favor?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
MS. RAWSON: I think for the record, you should probably have
Michelle tell you what they are.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: But haven't we already determined those,
though?
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January 26, 2006
MS. ARNOLD: No, no. This is a different case. This is -- the
fines that are being requested at this hearing today are for in the
amount of$10,909.58, which includes operational cost of$559.58.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Those have been moved, seconded, and
adopted.
Next case is Board of County Commissioners versus Rolando
and Maria Salazar, case number 2005-25. Would you read us what is
being proposed?
MS. ARNOLD: Yes. The fine total that's being proposed today,
which will -- in this particular case it's been completed in full, is
$18,694.34 with operational cost of$694.36. And I believe that this
particular case is now in compliance, therefore, those fines will not
continue to incur.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Okay. Is there a representative here in
this case for the respondents Mr. and Mrs. Salazar? Seeing none, is
there a motion from the Board?
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: So moved.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Second.
MS. ARNOLD: I misspoke. The fines will continue to accrue.
There's be no compliance on this case.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: There's been no compliance. So with the
understanding that these fines will continue to accrue at the daily
amount set forth in the original order. Is there a motion that these
fines be adopted with that understanding?
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: So moved.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: So moved and seconded. any discussion
of the motion? Those in favor?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
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January 26, 2006
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed? Passes.
Next case, Board of County Commissioners versus Ronald and
Patricia Freeman. Case number 2005-26.
MS. ARNOLD: Okay. The fine amount in this particular case
being requested is for $12,284.06, which includes operational cost of
$396.26. Fines will continue to accrue, as compliance has not been
met.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Is anyone present on behalf of the
respondents, Mr. and Mrs. Freeman? Seeing no one, is there a motion
from the Board?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: So moved.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: A motion has been made to accept the
fines as set forth here with the daily rate to continue to accrue. Is
there a second?
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Moved and seconded. Any discussion?
All in favor of the motion.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed? Passes.
Next case is Board of County Commissioners versus Amerada
Hess Corporation, case number 2005-38. There is a representative
here for the respondent and for the county. Would you please tell us
the recommended fine in this matter, please?
MS. ARNOLD: Yes, $5,226.80 which includes operational cost
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January 26, 2006
of$576.80.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Has there been compliance with the
order of the Board?
MR. SNODERL Y: I was actually just advised this morning that,
I believe it was yesterday, that the sign was removed. So I will be
making a site inspection to confirm the abatement, if that in fact has
occurred, I will plead and file an Affidavit of Compliance; however
we would still ask for the existing fines that have occurred to be
imposed.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Sir, you're here on behalf of the
respondent. Would you identify yourself and your capacity in which
you represent them, please.
MR. DODGE: Yes, sir. My name is Perry Dodge. I work for
Amerada Hess as a construction manager in the west coast of Florida.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We're going to swear you in now, if you
don't mind.
MR. DODGE: That's fine.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Please swear in the respondent
representative.
(Sworn.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Go ahead.
MR. DODGE: My only comment here today is I don't typically
attend these type of meetings, so I really wasn't exactly sure what
today would bring. What I can tell you is that I know I was made
aware of a violation that existed on September 13th for an ID sign
which, to the best of my knowledge, had never -- well, not to the best
of my knowledge. Since I had lived in the State of Florida, I hadn't
had any work done to it. So, I did a little bit of investigation through
the sign company that we use here in Florida and they submitted for a
permit to change the sign on the 20th of October. They received a
permit on the 30th of November to go ahead and change that sign.
However, they ran into some difficulties with what happened during
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January 26, 2006
Wilma at the beginning of November and were delayed in getting that
new sign erected. So, they started this week to do that work,
unfortunately, we couldn't get a structural inspection yesterday on the
new footings for the new sign, and I made the decision to just go
ahead and take the sign down. The inspection did happen yesterday
afternoon late, and we hope to pour concrete today and be able to erect
the new sign to comply with the current code.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: And do you have a permit for the new
sign?
MR. DODGE: Yes, sir, we do.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any further discussion from the board?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I just had a question maybe for
the inspector. If that's the case and Wilma did affect it -- or no. I'm
CurIOUS.
MR. SNODERL Y: What I would like to say in response to that
is, this case was generated as a result of Hurricane Charley the year
prior. And they have been on notice since that time that there were
several violations. This was one of several on the property. One of
which was that the canape at the fuel station came completely off, or
became structurally unsound in such a fashion that it was placed into
the parking lot and then replaced, mounted back up on the post
without the appropriate permits. So, we went through the process with
variance pre-application meetings with Amerada Hess and their
representatives and probably approximately three months after
hurricane season last year. Or, excuse me, the year prior. Subsequent
to Hurricane Charley, and nothing came of that pre-application
meeting. So there was a period of approximately six months where
there was no communication from a corporation, which brought us to
a point where we brought it before you folks last year, the Board, and
that's when we asked that the violation be found and fines be
associated with the request for either variance or removal.
MR. DODGE: Again, I don't mean to mislead anybody here. I
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January 26, 2006
can only comment to what I know. And my inference of Hurricane
Wilma was really what happened to us. After that storm with our sign
company, you know, the work they have to do for us. Not anything
that actually impacted this particular site.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: And I would think that the delay
would be to erect a new sign not in removing the old one. Which I'm
sure you wanted to do before you removed the old one.
MR. DODGE: That's correct.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any other questions, discussion from the
Board? Is there a motion?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I make a motion that the fines
be imposed.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: As recommended by the County. Is there
a second for that motion?
COMMISSIONER DEAN: I'll second the motion.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Motion made and seconded. Any
discussion of the motion? All those in favor of the motion to accept
the recommendation of the county as defined say aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed? Motion passes. Thank you.
Next case, Board of County Commissioners versus Robert G.
France, case number 200400 1. We appear to have a representative
here for the respondent.
MR. ZAMPOGNA: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Would you identify yourself for the
record.
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January 26, 2006
MR. ZAMPOGNA: My name is Carlo Zampogna. I'm an
attorney with Woodward, Pires and Lombardo.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you, sir. And the
recommendation of the county, please.
MS. ARNOLD: Actually, in your packet we have noted that the
fines that have accrued to date are $9,337.31 with operational cost
included totaling 700 -- excuse me -- $577.31. There is compliance
with this particular property. Many of you may recall the situation. I
believe counsel here is asking for reduction in -- or an abatement of
the fines, and the county has no objection to that.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you. Proceed, sir. Oh, would you
swear in the respondent's representative, please?
(Sworn.)
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Proceed with your case. This is for an
abatement or reduction in these fines as set forth here?
MR. ZAMPOGNA: May it please the board, my name is Carlo
Zampogna. I do represent the respondent, Mr. Robert France. This is
a very unique situation where this Code Enforcement case was
initially done by a neighbor that called -- he called in a violation for
Mr. Robert France. And it actually stems from a garage that was
encroaching onto the county's property. Now the County didn't even
know that this property was their property. And I'm sorry if I am
repeating myself. I have come before you before. And in order to
achieve compliance, we need to -- we went before the Board of
County Commissioners and explained to them the situation, and let
them know that in order to bring our property into compliance, we
would have to be a little creative and exchange a piece of property that
we owned for a piece of property that they owned. In fact, that was
the Board of County Commissioners allowed us to work with county
staff to achieve something that would bring our property into
compliance. We did establish an agreement between the respondent
and the county and have -- and if you recall the beginning of last year,
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January 26, 2006
we were working with the county and all county staff to achieve
compliance. You did impose a final date of July 28th in order for us
to comply with the code. And it can been argued that when the Board
of County Commissioners did sign the ordinance agreeing to --
signing the agreement that allowed us to exchange the two pieces of
property, but technically our property was deemed in compliance at
that time. The only things that had to happen was in order to convey
clear title to the county for the northwest portion to be conveyed to the
county and for the county to convey it to us. We did just go through a
real estate transaction basically, and have a title search done on both
properties. The respondent went through the refinancing process as
well in order to clear title. There have been numerous surveys done
due to legal description. They weren't simple legal descriptions, they
were metes and bounds, because we had to alter the property in which
it was originally conveyed to Mr. France. After the refinance process,
the county drafted the documents that needed -- that were necessary
for the conveyance. County Attorney's office drafted those. And
we've been working diligently with them. One of the documents
actually that has held us up was a subordination that we needed -- a
subordination of easement for the county to access their property. This
was the document that actually took so long to get because after the
refinance was done, as what happens many times, is a mortgage is
sold. So, we had to track down who the mortgage was sold to and the
proper party to sign the subordination. And we did receive the
subordination. The documents have been signed, and our property has
been brought into compliance. Mr. France and our office has done
nothing to delay the process to get his property into compliance. We
work with county staff. At this time I do want to thank county staff,
especially code enforcement for granting so many extensions and
allowing us to work with county staff. Real estate services for having
done a phenomenal job in working with us and establishing an
agreement, and also the county attorney's office. At this time I do
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January 26, 2006
respectfully request that the fines that have been incurred from July
28th until January 23rd of this year be abated. We have no objection
to paying the operational cost of $577.31, and I will make sure those
are paid by weekend. But I do respectfully request a reduction of
those other fines.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: The county's position on the request?
MS. ARNOLD: We have no objection.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any discussion or questions from
members of the board?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I'd just like to say that we kind
of followed this case because they had to come in front of us each
month with either a letter or something stating what they were doing
or how they progressed and they had progressed as quickly as they
can. I think this is not your a typcial case.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: I'd be surprised ifthe title company
insured over this property, not knowing all along it was sold and build
a garage. Yes he had a permit, but still there's a survey where the
property is supposed to be. The title company -- that's why you get
title insurance. So, obviously they're insuring over that. So if they
recognize a problem of an easement, they insure over it with
additional cost.
MR. ZAMPOGNA: Actually, we did receive title insurance for
this, and the survey that was provided was actually a faulty survey.
So after this has all been said and done, we will be going after the
surveyor.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you. Is there a motion from the
Board?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I'll make a motion that we let
the fines be abated.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: And all the operational costs?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: The operational cost we can not
do.
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January 26, 2006
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: We can't waive those?
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: We can't.
MR. ZAMPOGNA: And I have no objection to that.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: SO the motion is in the case of Board of
County Commissioners versus Robert France 2004-001, that
operational cost only be charged and that all fines be abated. Is there a
second for that?
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Motion and a second. Any discussion?
All in favor.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Opposed.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: One opposed.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Passed. Thank you.
MR. ZAMPOGNA: Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: That concludes our hearing on
imposition of fines. Oh, excuse me. There's one more. There is a
case Board of County Commissioners versus Larry and Corena
McVey, number 2004-039. Is anybody present representing the
respondent? Not present. Could the county make its
recommendations as to fines, please.
MS ARNOLD: Yes. The fines to date have accrued to
$71,476.75, which includes our operational cost of$826.75. And
fines do continue to accrue because the fines have not -- fines have not
met.
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January 26, 2006
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any discussion of the county's
recommendation from members of the board? Hearing none, is there
a motion?
COMMISSIONER PONTE: I'd like to explore a couple of
things with Jean and the county. There's a $71,000 fine here that's
growing. We had a stipulation agreement that was involved here.
Someone has agreed and just ignored us. What they're doing is
thumbing their nose at us. And what's our recourse here, and/or in
other cases that we might find?
MS. RAWSON: Well, to turn it over to the county attorney for
foreclosure, because after a while the fines will be worth more than
the property.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE:: It might be in this case at $71,000.
MS. RAWSON: It could be.
MS. ARNOLD: Not in Collier County.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Close just not yet.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Is there a motion on behalf of the board?
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: I make a motion that in the
case of Larry and Corena Me V ey that we impose the fines.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE:: And at the same time can we then
include in your motion that we turn this over to the county because we
are being ignored. They don't care that it cost them $71,000. They're
just walking away from us.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Is that something that gets
triggered by recommendation from the county, or is that something
that we --
MS. RAWSON: Well, I don't think you need to put it in your
order, but I think that you basically tell the county attorney who's here
to mention it to the county attorney who does this that we want you to
proceed with foreclosure.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Unless the property is homesteaded, of
course, which is always a problem. We should realize that.
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January 26, 2006
But anyhow, what we need to deal with is the imposition of the
fines. There was a motion --
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE -- that the county presented fines be
adopted and a second. All those in favor?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Opposed? Passes. Thank you. That
concludes the hearings on imposition of fines and liens. We move
onto our next agenda item, Old Business. It does not appear to be any
on the agenda. Reports. Any reports to be made to us by the county?
Don't appear to be any. Comments? Notice of election in March,
already made earlier. March is our election meeting. I believe we
have been presented with a copy of the County Ordinance regulating
the Code Enforcement Board. The purpose of delivering this to us is
to show this ordinance has been revised, correct?
MS. ARNOLD: Yes.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: I saw one of the ways it's been revised is
we've been given the enhanced binding powers permitted by Florida
Statutes.
MS. ARNOLD: Correct.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Were there any other revisions,
Michelle, that you'd like to call to our attention?
MS. ARNOLD: What was modified in this particular ordinance
was just kind of cleaning up and making it up to date as far as the
statutes is concerned. And we repealed all the other ordinances that
were on the books, so this particular one is the only one that's in effect
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January 26, 2006
right now. So we incorporated all the modifications that have
occurred over the years since the inception of the Code Enforcement
Board.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Any questions of Michelle.
MS. ARNOLD: If! may, Mr. Chairman, I do want to note that I
did send you all an email regarding the Sunshine Law workshop that's
commg up.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Yes, I've distributed copies of that as
well to all members. And certainly the newer members who might not
have had the opportunity to attend a session like this, this is really
something you should attend.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Is this similar to the one we
attended at Sanibel Harbor? Is it the same topics?
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: No.
MS. RAWSON: This is probably presented by the county
attorneys.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: It is.
MS. RAWSON: It's about the Sunshine law exclusively. And
the one that we went to in Sanibel was much more all encompassing.
MS. ARNOLD: Okay. This is the County Attorney's Office
putting that on. It has information on Sunshine law, ex parte
communication and all the information that you all need to know as
quasi judicial board. I did get a response from Mr. Ponte as well as
Mr. Dean, so, I've added you all to the list if anybody else is
interested. I think Sheri, you have actually --
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: I've been to it.
MS. ARNOLD: Yeah. And I don't know ifMr. Morgan, you've
attended it before in other boards, so if you've served on other boards,
it's very possible that you've already attended it, so --
MS. RAWSON: But I would make a suggestion since I've
obviously been to several of these. But I don't have the up dated
materials. Those of you who go, why don't you bring in your updated
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January 26, 2006
materials and we'll share them with your co-board members. So that
everybody at least has an opportunity to read it if you can't go.
Because it's a good thing to remind ourselves every now and then
about what the Sunshine Law says and about conflicts of interest and
so forth. And generally speaking, it's just been a really great seminar
about everything that has to do with your ethical obligations on this
beard.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you, Jean.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Speaking of that, Jean, do you
happen to have a form I need fill out.
MS. RAWSON: I do.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Next meeting date is February 23rd. Put
that on your calendars. Finally, hearing no other matter of business,
appropriate for a motion to adjourn?
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Motion to adjourn.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Second for that, please.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Second.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Oh, I'm sure there's going to be a lot of
opposition for this. Those in favor.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER KRAENBRING: Aye.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER BARNETT: Aye.
COMMISSIONER PONTE: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEAN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER DEWITTE: Aye.
CHAIRMAN BOWIE: Thank you.
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January 26, 2006
*****
There being no further business for the good of the County, the
meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 12:00 noon.
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
RAYMOND BOWIE, Chairman
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF GREGORY COURT
REPORTING SERVICES, INC., BY DANIELLE AHREN.
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