CEB Minutes 04/25/2022 April 25, 2022
Page 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE
COLLIER COUNTY CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
Naples, Florida, April 28, 2022
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 9:00 a.m., in
REGULAR SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex,
East Naples, Florida, with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN: Robert Kaufman
John Fuentes
Danny Blanco
Chloe Bowman
Sue Curley
Lee Rubenstein
Kathleen Elrod (Excused)
Tarik N. Ayasun (Excused)
ALSO PRESENT:
Helen Buchillon, Administrative Secretary, Code Enforcement
Elena Gonzalez, Code Enforcement Specialist
Jeff Letourneau, Manager of Investigations
Patrick White, Attorney to the Board
April 25, 2022
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CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning, everybody. I'd
like to call the Code Enforcement Board to order.
Notice: Respondents may be limited to 20 minutes in case
presentation unless additional time is granted by the Board. Persons
wishing to speak on any agenda item will receive up to five minutes
unless the time is adjusted by the Chairman.
All parties participating in the public hearing are asked to
observe Robert's Rules of Order and speak one at a time so the court
reporter can record all statements being made.
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.
If we'd all stand for the Pledge.
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Which brings us to the roll call.
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes. Good morning. For the record,
Helen Buchillon, Code Enforcement.
Mr. Robert Kaufman?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: Mr. Danny Blanco?
MR. BLANCO: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: Ms. Chloe Bowman?
MS. BOWMAN: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: Ms. Sue Curley?
MS. CURLEY: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: Mr. Lee Rubenstein?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: And John Fuentes is running a little late.
April 25, 2022
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And Tarik and Kathleen are excused.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay, great.
Next on the agenda is the approval of the minutes. Anybody
have any changes to the minutes from last meeting?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Hearing none, the minutes will be
accepted.
Which brings us to the agenda.
MR. WHITE: Point of order, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes.
MR. WHITE: Code Enforcement Attorney Patrick White, for
the record.
At last month's meeting, I'm not sure if this would go under
Item 10 and we'd move it forward before the next item, our Roman
Numeral V. But as you may recall, we had a Form 8B recusal for
voting based on an appearance of a conflict for Board Member
Mr. Blanco. And I now have in my possession the original of the
Form 8B. I believe you've all been provided a copy as per the
record. And so I just simply at this point in time want to
acknowledge that that's taken place in compliance with the statute,
and the original will be provided to our minute keeper.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Great.
Which brings us to the agenda where Helen is quickly going
through the cases that have been resolved already. Take your time.
We're not going anywhere.
MS. BUCHILLON: Okay. Changes to the agenda, we have
some stipulations.
First stipulation, No. 6, CESD20210010942, Thomas S. Green
and Signe L. Green.
Next stipulation, No. 2, CESD20200011642, Branislava
Cirakovic.
April 25, 2022
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Number 3, CESD20200011643, Branislava Cirakovic.
Next stipulation, No. 5, CESD20220001497, Bonatiel Dorillas
and Labanette Dorillas.
Next stipulation, No. 7, CESD20210005211, Charles S. Miller
and Kathleen A. Miller.
And those are all the stipulations for now.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Next would be the ones
that are no longer on the agenda.
MS. BUCHILLON: And under public hearings, D, hearings,
No. 9, CESD20210012181, has been withdrawn due to compliance
efforts.
And those are all the changes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Get a motion from the
Board to accept the agenda as modified.
MR. BLANCO: Motion to accept.
MS. BOWMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: (Absent.)
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay. We're going to start out with the stips?
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Number 6.
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes. First stipulation, No. 6,
April 25, 2022
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CESD20210010942, Thomas S. Green and Signe L. Green.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. JOHNSON: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning, John. Do you
want to read the stipulation into the record for us?
MR. JOHNSON: Yes. Good morning. For the record, John
Johnson, Code Enforcement.
Therefore, it is agreed between the parties that the respondent
shall:
One, pay operational costs in the amount of $59.21 incurred in
the prosecution of this case within 30 days of this hearing;
Number 2, abate all violations by obtaining all required Collier
County building permits or demolition permit, inspections, and
certificate of completion/occupancy for the dock/deck structure
within 120 days of this hearing, or a fine of $250 per day will be
imposed until the violation is abated;
Number 3, respondent must notify Code Enforcement within 24
hours of abatement of the violation and request the investigator
perform a site inspection to confirm compliance; and,
Number 4, that if the respondent fails to abate the violation, the
county may abate the violation using any method to bring the
violation into compliance and may use the assistance of the Collier
County Sheriff's Office to enforce the provisions of this agreement,
and all costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Any comments, questions
from the Board?
MS. CURLEY: No.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Motions?
MS. CURLEY: I'll make a motion to accept the stipulation as
April 25, 2022
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written.
MR. BLANCO: Second.
MS. BOWMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Thank you, John.
MR. JOHNSON: Thank you.
MR. WHITE: I'd just note for the record the respondent's not
present.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next stipulation, No. 2,
CESD20200011642, Branislava Cirakovic.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. JOHNSON: I do. Hello again.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning again, John. You
look very familiar. Do you want to read the stipulation into the
record for us?
MR. JOHNSON: Yes, sir. For the record, John Johnson, Code
Enforcement.
Therefore, it is agreed between the parties that the respondent
shall:
April 25, 2022
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Number 1, pay operational costs in the amount of $59.21
incurred in the prosecution of this case within 30 days of this hearing;
Number 2, abate all violations by: Obtaining all required
Collier County building permits or demolition permit, inspections,
and certificate of completion/occupancy for the unpermitted
alterations within 120 days of this hearing, or a fine of $250 per day
will be imposed until the violation is abated;
Number 3, respondent must notify Code Enforcement within 24
hours of abatement of the violation and request the investigator
perform a site inspection to confirm compliance; and,
Number 4, that if the respondent fails for abate the violation, the
county may abate the violation using any method to bring the
violation into compliance and may use the assistance of the Collier
County Sheriff's Office to enforce the provisions of this agreement,
and all costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Any comments or
questions or motions from the Board?
MS. CURLEY: Is the owner here?
MR. JOHNSON: The owner is not here.
MR. WHITE: And I would just note as well, Mr. Chairman, for
the record that we have an electronic signature on the document, and
I believe staff has some information to add regarding how that was
authenticated and verified.
MR. JOHNSON: Yes. We can show that if we need. It's in
the record. It's a certificate of authenticity of the digital signature.
MS. BUCHILLON: They have a copy of it, you guys.
MR. JOHNSON: Oh, you guys see it. Okay.
MR. WHITE: That was simply my point. Thank you.
MS. CURLEY: I just notice that the first complaint was over,
like, a year and a half ago. So I was just wondering, did it take
pulling the case to the Board to get action?
April 25, 2022
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MR. JOHNSON: Actually, no, but that's a good point. The
initial finding of a violation by Mr. Walsh gave them two methods to
possibly come into compliance. One was return the structure to its
permitted state. The other was to go ahead and get approvals for
what they had done, which included to rezone this lot from
single-family to multifamily and that, obviously, failed after a lot of
work. It basically came down to the square footage of the lot.
So now they went to Plan B, and they've got engineer drawings.
They've already started the demo on part of the stuff that has to be
taken out. So they have been working along but, yes, it took too
long, too long.
(John Fuentes is now present.)
MS. CURLEY: Okay. Thanks. That's all I needed to know.
MR. JOHNSON: Okay.
MS. CURLEY: I'll make a motion to accept the stipulation as
written.
MS. BOWMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion, and we
have a second. All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
We have another one. Can you tell us the difference between
the first one and the second one?
MR. JOHNSON: The Case No. 3 at the end of the number
April 25, 2022
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instead of 2 and the address. These are actually side-by-side
addresses, nearly identical properties. Same owner, same issues.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. BOWMAN: That's why they were trying to rezone it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you want to read this one into
the record for us, John?
MR. JOHNSON: Sure.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. JOHNSON: I do.
For the record, John Johnson, Collier County Code
Enforcement.
Therefore, it is agreed between the parties that the respondent
shall:
Number one, pay operational costs in the amount of $59.21
incurred in the prosecution of this case within 30 days of this hearing;
Number 2, abate all violations by: Obtaining all required
Collier County building permits or demolition permit, inspections,
and certificate of completion/occupancy for the unpermitted
alterations within 120 days of this hearing, or a fine of $250 per day
will be imposed until the violation is abated;
Number 3, respondent must notify Code Enforcement within 24
hours of abatement of the violation and request the investigator
perform a site inspection to confirm compliance; and,
Number 4, that if the respondent fails to abate the violation, the
county may abate the violation using any method to bring the
violation into compliance and may use the assistance of the Collier
County Sheriff's Office to enforce the provisions of this agreement,
and all costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. As in the last case, let the
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record reflect that the respondent is not present.
Any comments or motions from the Board?
MS. BOWMAN: Make a motion to accept the stipulation as
written.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
MR. JOHNSON: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Number 5.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next stipulation, No. 5,
CESD20220001497, Bonatiel Dorillas and Labanette Dorillas.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm that you
will translate everything from English to Creole and Creole to
English to the best of your ability?
MS. CASSANDRA DORILLAS: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can you state your name.
MS. CASSANDRA DORILLAS: Cassandra Dorillas.
(The speakers were duly sworn and indicated in the affirmative.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning.
MR. PITURA: Good morning.
For the record, Thomas Pitura, Collier County Code
Enforcement.
April 25, 2022
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Therefore, it is agreed between the parties that respondents shall:
One, pay all operational costs in the amount of 59.28 incurred in
the prosecution of this case within 30 days of this hearing;
Two, abate all violations by obtaining all required Collier
County building permits or demolition permit, inspections, and
certificates of completion/occupancy for the interior remodeling
within 60 days of this hearing, or a fine of $100 per day will be
imposed until the violation is abated;
Respondent must notify Code Enforcement within 24 hours of
abatement of the violation and request the investigator perform a site
inspection to confirm compliance;
Four, that if the respondent fails to abate the violation, the
county may abate the violation using any method to bring the
violation into compliance and may use the assistance of the Collier
County Sheriff's Office to enforce the provisions of this agreement,
and all costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Can you state your name
on the microphone for us, please, whoever's going to speak.
MS. CASSANDRA DORILLAS: Okay, yes, Cassandra
Dorillas.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Everybody's been sworn.
Okay. You've heard the stipulation you agreed to?
MS. CASSANDRA DORILLAS: Yes, we talked about it prior,
and we agreed to it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And you have 60 days to
come into compliance, and if you don't come into compliance after
60 -- after 60 days you're going to be fined $100 a day. So you feel
confident that you'll be able to get this done in 60 days?
MS. CASSANDRA DORILLAS: Yes, they understand.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: They understand. Okay.
MS. CURLEY: I just have a question for the county. So this
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is kind of a short time. So I just wanted to make sure we don't set
them up to fail and not give them enough time to undo what's
happening. Are they undoing it, or are they -- if they're going for
permitting and stuff, that's not enough time.
MR. PITURA: The work has already been done.
MS. CURLEY: And removed?
MR. PITURA: Yeah. It's already been done. So they're
going to go down and talk to Renald today about what it is in order to
get. Maybe possibly a final inspection or whatever. I don't know
what he's going to require.
MS. CURLEY: Ah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So you're going to go and
talk to Renald Paul and get everything squared away. If you have
any problems, you can always come back and work with Code
Enforcement to resolve the situation.
MS. CASSANDRA DORILLAS: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So we're going to vote now to
accept what you've accepted now, okay.
Any motion from the Board?
MR. FUENTES: Motion to accept the stipulation.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion to accept the
stipulation. Do we have a second?
MR. BLANCO: Second.
MS. BOWMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And a second. All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
April 25, 2022
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CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Thanks, Tom.
MR. PITURA: Thank you.
MS. CASSANDRA DORILLAS: Thank you.
MR. DORILLAS: Thank you.
MS. DORILLAS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Next stipulation is No. 7. Did you
lose a case?
MS. BUCHILLON: Did I -- yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Misplaced it?
MS. BUCHILLON: We actually have a change to the agenda.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Before we hear Case 7?
MS. BUCHILLON: It's up to you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Well, okay. Why don't
you give us change.
MS. BUCHILLON: Under imposition of fines, No. 3,
CELU20200010724, has been withdrawn.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Can we get a motion from
the Board to accept the agenda change.
MR. BLANCO: A motion to accept the change.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And a second?
MR. FUENTES: Second.
MS. BOWMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Second. All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
April 25, 2022
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MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
MS. BUCHILLON: Thank you.
Next stipulation, No. 7, CESD20210005211, Charles S. Miller
and Kathleen Miller.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. MUSSE: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Let the record show the respondent
is not present.
MR. MUSSE: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning.
MR. MUSSE: For the record, Investigator Jonathan Musse,
Collier County Code Enforcement.
It is agreed between the parties that the respondent shall:
Pay operational costs in the amount of $59.28 incurred in the
prosecution of this case within 30 days of this hearing;
Abate all violations by: Obtaining all required Collier County
building permits or demolition permits, inspections, and certificate of
completion for the boat canopy within 90 days of this hearing, or a
fine of $100 per day will be imposed until the violation has been
abated;
Respondent must notify the Code Enforcement within 24 hours
of abatement of the violation and request the investigator to perform
a site inspection to confirm compliance;
That if the respondent fails to abate the violation, the county
may abate the violation using any method to bring the violation into
compliance and may use the assistance of the Collier County Sheriff's
April 25, 2022
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Office to enforce the provisions of this agreement, and all costs of
abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. When did they sign the
stipulation?
MR. MUSSE: Yesterday.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So they're not here today.
No problem.
Okay. Any questions or motions from the Board?
MS. CURLEY: I just have a comment on the notice. So the
notice on the last item, No. 2 or -- No. 2, it's citing 2007 FBC. I
think we need to get that template updated. It's our Packet Page 37.
It says, must obtain all inspections and certificate of occupancy or
certificate of completion as required in the 2007 Florida Building
Code, and I know that's not the right year.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Jeff, do you understand?
MR. LETOURNEAU: I'm sorry. What was --
MR. WHITE: The violation took place at a point in time where
the 2007 building code --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: '7 code was valid.
MR. WHITE: It may have been. I'm looking to see that be
verified on the record if that's the case.
MS. CURLEY: That would have been 10 years.
MR. WHITE: I understand.
MS. BOWMAN: That code would carry forward for 10 years.
MR. MUSSE: It has been updated, the same language. It's
just the year. It's more than likely a clerical error on the NOV.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a stipulation.
MR. WHITE: So to correct the record, it's 2017?
MR. MUSSE: I'm sorry. The date of the violation?
MR. WHITE: No. The FBC, the Florida Building Code
edition.
April 25, 2022
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MS. CURLEY: 2020.
MR. MUSSE: Yeah. I think it's 2020, yeah.
MR. WHITE: Okay. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a stipulation.
Do we have any comments or motions from the Board?
MR. BLANCO: Make a motion to accept.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
MR. MUSSE: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That takes care of all the
stipulations for this morning, Helen?
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We're going to speed off into the
hearings. And we have more speakers.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case under hearings, No. 11,
CELU20210011568, Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Inc.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I have four speaker slips for this
item we will hear after testimony of the respondents and the county.
MS. BUCHILLON: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning. Is the respondent
present?
April 25, 2022
Page 17
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MS. PULSE: I do.
MS. PASSIDOMO: I do.
MR. SILVERSTEIN: I do.
PASTOR TERRY: I do.
MS. PASSIDOMO: Good morning, respondent on behalf of
Cornerstone Church. For the record, my name's Francesca
Passidomo with Coleman, Yovanovich & Koester.
With me today is Eric Silverstein and Pastor Terry.
Quickly, just to put into the record a few facts. My client was
first -- well, over -- big picture --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Hold on. The county goes first.
Then you respond to their -- ask questions, et cetera, okay?
MS. PASSIDOMO: Sure. I just wanted to introduce myself
and the case, but if it's procedurally better for the county to go first,
I'll respond.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Mr. Kaufman, I do believe that
Ms. Passidomo was going to ask for a continuance; am I correct
about that?
MS. PASSIDOMO: I was, and I needed to give the background
for the reasoning behind that -- supporting that request.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Is the county familiar with asking
for the continuance?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Well, the county at this point would
object to any continuance, but I wouldn't be -- I wouldn't mind her
going first and presenting her reasons why she wants a continuance
rather than getting into the meat and potatoes of the hearing if you
guys are going to grant the continuance.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Well, that's why I wanted
April 25, 2022
Page 18
to have the county go first and then the respondent, so that we don't
get into a bunch of details before.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. That's fine. Dee can present it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So give us a little insight
into what we're doing today.
MS. PULSE: Okay. For the record, Dee Pulse, Collier County
Code Enforcement.
This is in reference to Case No. CELU20210011568 dealing
with the violation of the Collier County Land Development Code
04-41 as amended, Section 1.04.01.A and Section 2.02.03, prohibited
uses located at 8200 Immokalee Road, Naples, Florida, 34119.
Folio 51147000365.
Personal service was given on February 14th, 2022.
Our office received a complaint for cars being parked at the
church property that are blocking entrance and exit from Ibis Cove.
Research and on-site inspections revealed the vehicles belonged to
school students from Gulf Coast. I discussed with the church and
was advised church has an agreement with the school and written
agreements signed by students which allow them to use church
parking area while at school due to the school does not have
sufficient parking for them. I was advised there was approximately
130 student agreements with the church.
Students enter and exit via Ibis Cove community and cause
traffic issues and blocks Ibis Cove residents exiting the community.
I also observed while on site inspection, vehicles are coming to the
property to pick up their students as well. I observed a minimum of
27 vehicles that day.
It was determined by the zoning division there have been no
county approvals for this activity, and an insubstantial change of the
Site Development Plan would be needed for this activity to continue.
As of April 27th, 2022, the activity remains.
April 25, 2022
Page 19
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We kind of get the gist of
what's going on now, so if you would.
MS. PASSIDOMO: Sure.
MR. WHITE: If I may, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes.
MR. WHITE: Just a point of procedural order. A motion for
continuance before this board is typically required to be filed under
your rules 10 days beforehand and typically in writing. I just want
to make sure that you're aware of that --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes.
MR. WHITE: -- and all the board members understand that.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We didn't get to that point though
yet, Counselor. It's not on the agenda for that, so...
MR. WHITE: I understand. You have an oral motion, as I
understand it, that's going to be proffered today by counsel for the
respondent of a motion to continue, and my point simply is that from
my perspective it's untimely relative to your rules.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Okay. So with all that
said...
MS. PASSIDOMO: Sure.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Ms. Passidomo, the floor is yours.
MS. PASSIDOMO: I'll quickly present our case and then
explain the evolution of why we would be requesting a continuance
today and why it would be done today and not 10 days ago.
So, overall, this arrangement has been ongoing for 16 years.
The parcel where the church is located under the zoning document is
approved for cultural facilities including schools, public, private,
parochial, in addition to a church, daycares. So the nature of what's
going on here was contemplated as far as exiting through Ibis Cove.
The actual plan for the zoning where the church is located has an
access point, and its only access point is Ibis Cove, and a church
April 25, 2022
Page 20
could be there today. I mean, a school could be there. A church is
there today.
The arrangement with the school, as I mentioned, has been 16
years ongoing. Students come in and walk to the school, so there's
no interconnection required vehicularly.
The reason I'm here today and asking for a motion for
continuance is because, in my opinion, the notice that was provided
to the church, my client, was defective. It didn't cite with
particularity what I'm violating. Everything that I'm seeing right
now, I'm not understanding exactly what it is I have violated based on
the Planned Unit Development document, the master plan for that
document, and the fact that this arrangement has been in place for
over 16 years. The church is obviously helping the school's parking
deficiencies.
I was also -- so not only was I not properly cited, I don't -- I
wasn't given a reasonable opportunity to cure. I was given notice
first in February and then brought to hearing here today. So I was
given a 30-day cure period under something where I'm being told on
one hand that I might need a whole PUD amendment.
Obviously, the school, the students, and the parents of those
students are relying on a 16-year relationship. If I need to do
something to come into compliance, we need to talk to the school
district about how its exemptions come into play here. We need to
understand how churches' exemptions come into play here. None of
that's been vetted, and none of that's been communicated to me or the
church.
I'm asking for a continuance merely to have a meeting of the
minds with the county to understand exactly what we need to do, if
anything.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. One question: The
complaint seems to be that the people from Ibis can't get in and out;
April 25, 2022
Page 21
is that correct?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Out.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: They can't get out.
MS. PASSIDOMO: That's my understanding.
As I mentioned, the exit point from the church property is shown
on the master plan from a zoning standpoint, and it could have been a
school. So the trips that are egressing were
contemplating -- contemplated, excuse me, at the zoning level. If
there are actual conflicts happening, we can talk operationally with
the county, and that could be part of that meeting that I want to have.
But from my perspective, this was all contemplated at the zoning
level approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Thank you. My question is: Is
there a problem with the people exiting Ibis Cove?
MS. PASSIDOMO: Anecdotally, there are people in Ibis Cove
who have called the county and said that they have problems between
the 30 minutes of exit from the church property.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And has the -- both parties been
together to discuss this prior to today?
MS. PASSIDOMO: Not to my knowledge. No.
MS. PULSE: The complainant has discussed -- I don't want to
butt in.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Go ahead.
MS. PULSE: The complainant has discussed it with the school
and the church before she even brought it to Code Enforcement.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We also have slips from
four people who want to speak on this item.
MR. FUENTES: I have a question.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Sure.
MR. FUENTES: Have you guys done anything in the
meantime to kind of remedy the situation? I know you said you had
April 25, 2022
Page 22
30 days' notice; it wasn't sufficient amount of time. But perhaps
maybe parking assistants, some type of parking guard, someone that
maybe the church is willing to bring on board to help facilitate the
parking situation to, you know, alleviate some of the members -- or
the residents of this community.
MS. PASSIDOMO: Sure. Well, first, all of the parking is
marked. So as far as circulation on site, that's all kind of been
accommodated for.
The exiting itself, I believe, was documented through zoning,
but if we -- if meeting with the residents would be productive as far
as discussing what that time period would be and how we can have,
you know, a yielding process, something that would be operationally
effective for both parties, obviously, the church wants that and wants
the safety of everybody involved. So that is absolutely not off the
table. One thing --
MR. RUBENSTEIN: I have a question.
MS. PASSIDOMO: -- that the church has put into place is
there was queuing to drop students off through the school site.
That's not something that the church really wants happening on their
property. I think that was just something that the parents were
starting to do habitually. So that -- that the church is committed to,
as a matter of today or even prior to today, implementing policies to
try to stop that process, because that -- that was never the intent for it
to be a drop-off site.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: From the 3,000-foot level, I'm
looking down.
MS. PASSIDOMO: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: You have people who have
complained that they can't exit Ibis Cove.
MS. PASSIDOMO: Sure.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And I'm assuming that the
April 25, 2022
Page 23
speaker slips here are some of those people. So I think it's proper for
them to speak first, and then we can go from there, unless the county
wants to do something ahead of time.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. Two things -- Terri.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. LETOURNEAU: I do.
As far as the people speaking, the county would be more
comfortable with them maybe speaking after you guys determine
whether or not there's a violation that could have sway on what the
penalty might be if you find them in violation.
Number 2, I would like to say that I think Ms. Passidomo said
the notice of violation might have been a little bit confusing. I have
it right here. To me, it seems pretty clear what the -- what we asked
them to do.
And, No. 3, we did offer a stipulation yesterday, reasonable in
my mind, and they did not want to sign it. So that's why we're pretty
much here at this moment.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Lee, you had a question?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Yeah. A couple questions. Do we
have an aerial of this?
MS. PULSE: Yes, I was going to say --
MR. LETOURNEAU: We do.
MR. WHITE: Just a point of order, if I may, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Sure.
MR. WHITE: Procedurally, the Board has before it a motion
for continuance. If you're going to continue to delve into the meat
and potatoes of the case, it sounds as if you may have already decided
to deny the motion for continuance. I don't know. But as a matter
of procedure, I believe that someone ought consider the respondent's
April 25, 2022
Page 24
request to continue this.
MR. FUENTES: I make a motion to deny the continuance due
to the fact that a stipulation was offered.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion. Do
we have a second?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a second. Okay. Any
comments on the motion?
MS. CURLEY: I do. Not a comment. I actually have a
question that was following John's question about just a logistical
thing.
So you've been doing this 16 years, so the kids must get, like, a
tag for their car because they're allowed to park in the church. I
mean, some sort of management of the traffic like that.
So I was going to ask, until you provided us with that
information, that's -- why are the parents not using the school as a
pickup and dropoff, or anyone for that matter? Because we all live
here, and we all go through those school zones, and we see these
gigantic cars that these parents with five kids have and, you know,
you just sort of move out of the way and you make peace with it.
But I can understand both sides of the story of these people are
working in their cars and not realizing they're blocking traffic when
I --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Excuse me. The motion is to
deny the --
MS. CURLEY: Right.
MR. WHITE: Continuance.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's correct.
MS. CURLEY: I know.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So all of that would come on if you
are going to hear the case, not on this motion.
April 25, 2022
Page 25
MR. WHITE: Correct.
MS. CURLEY: But he's basing his motion on the fact that they
denied the stipulation.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: He's basing his motion on what he
believes is the proper thing to do, and he has a second on the motion.
MS. BOWMAN: Okay. Let's vote.
MR. WHITE: I would simply indicate as --
MS. CURLEY: So no comments on the motion, then?
MR. WHITE: I would simply indicate, as I had previously, that
the motion is also untimely relative to your rules, regardless or in
addition to Mr. Fuentes' comment about a stipulation having been
offered. It, at this point, is a continuance that's, you know, after the
window is closed.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: The argument would be whether
the notification to the respondent was proper.
MR. WHITE: That's up to them if they choose to appeal --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Right.
MR. WHITE: -- or request a rehearing as your rules otherwise
and the law otherwise provides for. But at this point the request for
a continuance, in my opinion, in addition to what the vice chair said,
is that it was, as I'd advised you earlier, it's untimely.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So we have a motion and a
second. Any other comments on the motion? Go ahead.
MS. BOWMAN: I mean, it's going to be appealed. If this gets
denied, they're going to end up appealing this whole thing. We're
going to end up back in the same situation. It's a premature motion.
MR. FUENTES: It may not be premature considering the fact a
stipulation was offered, and it seems like it was brought to their
attention --
MS. CURLEY: Yeah, but we don't know what the stipulation
was.
April 25, 2022
Page 26
MR. FUENTES: We don't, we don't, but we do know,
according to some of the residents here, they did talk to the church
prior to --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It could be that the case does
not -- we don't find a violation, and then it's all done.
MR. WHITE: Or you could choose to give them 36 months to
come into compliance. You're talking about things that haven't --
I'm sorry, Mr. Fuentes. One at a time on the record, please, if I
may, sir. Thank you.
And so all I'm trying to do is keep you in order.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: No, I understand.
MR. FUENTES: At this time we've exceeded that window for
the continuance.
MS. CURLEY: Let's vote.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And the continuance has to be filed
10 days prior, et cetera. So it's a valid motion. It's a valid second.
All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Those opposed?
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So, believe it or not, we're 3 and 3.
The motion fails. Okay. Do you agree, Counselor?
MR. WHITE: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. WHITE: You've got to have a majority.
MS. PASSIDOMO: It's worth noting quickly that the
stipulation was rejected merely, again, on procedural grounds that I
April 25, 2022
Page 27
still am not clear on whether the school district has been approached,
what specifically as far as LDC sections I would be violating, and
whether the PUD has been reviewed as far as the use consistency.
It's merely on procedural grounds. Because it was presented to
me yesterday, I didn't -- the 10 days would be an impossibility. So I
needed to respond, if you're making your vote on that basis. I didn't
want to interrupt in the middle of the vote.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. WHITE: Procedurally, again, Mr. Chairman, and I
apologize for --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's okay.
MR. WHITE: -- interjecting, is there a motion to accept the
continuance? Because at this point, you have denied or, for lack of
approval, the denial. So I believe, procedurally, it would be
appropriate to consider an alternative motion --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. WHITE: -- on the continuance request only.
MS. CURLEY: So I would like to make a motion.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Go ahead.
MS. CURLEY: I feel like this is a little bit too rushed. The
violation was February 22. You said that the complainant's talked to
the school district and you and them, and they said no, and where's
the school district? And there's a lot of moving parts here, so I make
a motion to extend this 60 days.
MS. BOWMAN: An extension or a continuance?
MR. WHITE: The motion is to continue the case for 60 days?
MS. CURLEY: Sixty days.
MS. BOWMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
Any discussion on the motion?
MR. BLANCO: Just some comments on the motion. And my
April 25, 2022
Page 28
reason for objecting to the previous motion was just that, you know,
we're talking about 130 kids that are parking on that property, and I
believe there needs to be further discussion between the county, the
school district, and the respondent to kind of, you know, come up
with a plan or at least, you know, some sort of agreement. You
know, what are you going to do with 130 kids after that happens?
So I agree with your motion, Sue, to continue this for 60 days.
This is not a health-and-safety issue. As the attorney for the
respondent mentioned, it's only 30 minutes in the morning, 30
minutes in the afternoon.
MR. LETOURNEAU: I would argue with that point, that it
could be health-and-safety issue due to the fact, what if somebody
had a medical issue back in that subdivision and had to wait -- and I
think 30 minutes is being kind of unreal. I think it's longer than 30
minutes. They have to wait for these kids to come out there for 30
minutes, an hour. That could be the difference between life and
death at some point for somebody having a medical issue back in that
subdivision.
MS. CURLEY: In the meantime, Hillsborough [sic] County
School District can work with the parents to have them pick their
children up at the school, and if they've had a parking overflow issue
for 16 years, now might be the time for the county to investigate a
resolution and not put the blame on that church. No good deed goes
unpunished.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Well, the blame has to be on the church
because they're allowing the unapproved activity to occur on their
property. We offered them a 90-day stipulation, which I thought
was more than fair. It would get this thing resolved before the next
school year became --
MR. BLANCO: Mr. Chairman, if we may --
(Simultaneous crosstalk.)
April 25, 2022
Page 29
MR. BLANCO: Would we be able to see an aerial of the --
MR. WHITE: Point of order, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes.
MR. WHITE: I hate to repeat myself, but on Terri's behalf, I'd
encourage the Board members to only speak one at a time and have
them be recognized by the Chair in order that they request to speak.
MR. BLANCO: Mr. Chairman, if I might be recognized.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. BLANCO: I don't know if we would be able to or not, to
see an aerial before we -- because we're not hearing the actual case.
MS. BOWMAN: We're not going to hear the whole case.
MS. CURLEY: Just visualize it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Well, let me say this: I think
before anything else, I think we should hear to the public -- hear from
the public who have come here today to speak on the issue. So why
don't we hear that and then decide what we're going to do.
MS. PASSIDOMO: You're on a motion --
MR. WHITE: Simply because you have a motion on the table
to be considered, and if that motion passes, those people will have
their opportunity to speak when it's heard 60 days hence, and to put
that information in a continuing dialogue between respondent, the
county, and the Board members is not appropriate --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So --
MR. WHITE: -- unless the matter is going to be heard fully
today.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So we had a motion initially to
deny the --
MR. WHITE: Continuance.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- ability to move it forward, and
now we have a motion to grant that.
MR. WHITE: Correct.
April 25, 2022
Page 30
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. I'm going to call for that
question, but I'm going to wait for --
MS. BOWMAN: I've seconded.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So that was a motion and a
second to grant a 60-day continuance, okay? So --
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Question.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Is 60 days enough time with all these
people involved?
MS. CURLEY: I don't care. I want them to figure it out.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: No, but I do care because 60 days they'll
be back here, and if it's not resolved, we're going to go through the
same drill. So I'm just saying, maybe 90's more appropriate.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Sue, Sue, wait. One at a time.
MS. CURLEY: School's out in a month.
MR. WHITE: Point of order.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: One at a time. Yes.
MS. CURLEY: School's out in a month.
MR. WHITE: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Sixty days hence, if the motion passes, it will be on your agenda
for consideration. At that time if you choose to hear it based on the
fact that you're not satisfied about any aspect of the matter, you can
hear it. And as I said earlier, the question is, is there a violation, or
is there not? And is there an appropriate penalty, or is there not?
And so if they need more than 60 days to figure that out, you
certainly, as you can in every other case, give them a period of time
to come into compliance commensurate with what at that time is on
the record is demonstrated to be necessary to solve the problem.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. WHITE: If it's a use violation and they need to amend the
PUD, that should be on the record. They'll have fully determined
April 25, 2022
Page 31
that. That's what counsel for respondent is basically arguing and
challenging they don't understand what needs to be done. They have
to have some time to talk, perhaps, to the neighbors and to the county
and to come to a more firm position about what actually the violation
is and how to abate it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. I'm going to call the
question.
MS. CURLEY: So my motion --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have your motion to grant a
60-day continuance. And Chloe has seconded that motion; is that
correct?
MS. BOWMAN: That's correct.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
Aye.
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. It passes. Is that correct?
Okay.
MR. WHITE: So the matter's off the agenda for further
discussion at this point in time. It will be on or around your June
meeting. June 27th will be 60 days precisely, but I believe the good
news is I anticipate not being present and will be dialing in remote.
MS. BOWMAN: Hopefully it can be resolved before then.
MS. PASSIDOMO: All right. Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. CURLEY: Just point of record, what's the June date? I
April 25, 2022
Page 32
was hoping that I shot it by a day.
MS. BUCHILLON: June 23rd is the next hearing -- I mean, the
hearing in June.
MS. CURLEY: So they won't be back here till August, because
60 days from now --
(Simultaneous crosstalk.)
MS. CURLEY: -- is past -- 60 days from now is past our next
June -- past our meeting in June.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I understand that. Okay.
I apologize to the speakers that we have. We'll see you in 60
days.
MS. PASSIDOMO: We'll meet with you now if you want, if
you'd like.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Maybe it will be resolved by then.
MS. CURLEY: We should have never heard this case.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's your opinion. That's your
opinion.
MS. CURLEY: My next vote was --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Enough, enough, enough. As
Archie Bunker would say, "Stifle."
Yes, Helen.
MR. WHITE: Next item.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, under D, hearings, No. 1,
CEVR20210009573, Peter Grant Pohlmann, Jr., and Vania
Pohlmann.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MS. PULSE: I do.
MR. POHLMANN: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Could you state your name
April 25, 2022
Page 33
on the microphone for us, please.
MR. POHLMANN: Peter Grant Pohlmann. I go by Grant.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And you are the
respondent.
And, Dee, why don't you kick this off.
MS. PULSE: Okay. Good morning. For the record, Dee
Pulse, Collier County Code Enforcement.
This is in reference to Case No. CEVR20210009573 dealing
with violation of the Collier County Land Development Code 04-41,
as amended, Section 3.05.01(B) and Section 10.02.06(D)(2).
It's for -- an unimproved lot was completely cleared of all
vegetation, approximately 20 trees without first obtaining any
required approvals from Collier County.
It's located at 13056 Bald Cypress Lane, Naples, Florida, 34119.
Folio 68642320009.
Service was given on October 26th, 2021.
Our office received a complaint for clearing property. Upon
site inspection, I observed all vegetation was removed from the
unimproved lot. A determination with Environmental Division
confirmed a violation.
Owner is planning to improve the property and is working on
plans. As of April 27th, 2022, violation remains.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. PULSE: I would like to now present case evidence in the
following exhibits: Five photos taken by me on September 10th,
2021, an aerial view from Property Appraiser website, and the zoning
of the property. Oh, I have property [sic] of the aerials for 2021 and
2022.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Has the respondent seen the
photos?
MS. PULSE: No, sir.
April 25, 2022
Page 34
MR. LETOURNEAU: Sir?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Could you show them to him.
MR. LETOURNEAU: It just shows the property, and we've
got a couple aerials.
MR. POHLMANN: A recent one would show that there's
grass.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay, that's fine.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Do you have any objection
to those photos being shown?
MR. POHLMANN: No. The more recent ones would show
that there's grass planted and all that, but it looks bad, yes. No
objection.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. POHLMANN: No objection.
MR. BLANCO: Make a motion to accept the county's --
MR. FUENTES: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and second to
accept the county's photos and documents. All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay, Dee.
MS. PULSE: Okay. So this is the lot.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you want to give us a little
narration while you do the photos.
April 25, 2022
Page 35
MS. PULSE: It just shows that it's an unimproved lot, and
there is no vegetation. One of the photos does show a pile of cut
vegetation right there, and --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: What's the size of the lot?
MS. PULSE: Oh, boy. Not real positive.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Is that "Oh, boy" by Oh, Boy
or -- is it over an acre?
MR. POHLMANN: Yes, just over an acre, I believe.
MR. BLANCO: Dee, what community is this parcel located?
MR. POHLMANN: Quail Creek Estates.
MS. PULSE: Oh, Quail Creek.
MS. CURLEY: What kind of trees were they? They looked
like --
MS. PULSE: They were some palm trees, some canopy trees,
oak trees.
MS. CURLEY: Any bald cypress?
MR. POHLMANN: No.
MS. CURLEY: Good thing.
MR. LETOURNEAU: I think you can see oak trees in this pile
and maybe palm trees in the bottom right there.
MS. CURLEY: Yeah, I couldn't see.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. LETOURNEAU: So I just want to show you the 2021
aerial here.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. LETOURNEAU: I'll zoom in a little. As you can see,
there's trees on there. And here's the 2022.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: One quick question, just for
clarification. Had the respondent pulled a building permit, there
would be no violation; is that correct?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yes, possibly. There wouldn't have
April 25, 2022
Page 36
been any violations during the building. Obviously, they would -- if
they removed all the trees during the building, they probably would
have to replant a few just to have, you know, some native trees to get
the certificate of completion.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Anything else, Dee?
MS. PULSE: No.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Sir.
MR. POHLMANN: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Your turn.
MR. POHLMANN: Could you pull up I think it was the third
photo. It shows a house, a brick house next to it. And all of this is
accurate, and --
MR. LETOURNEAU: Is that the one?
MR. POHLMANN: Yes. And so I've lived in Quail Creek for
six years with my wife and kids. We had the opportunity to
purchase that existing house from an older gentleman, and he owned
the lot next to it. That lot had never been improved. So it is really
low. It requires 40 inches of fill to bring it up to grade.
When we purchased the old house from the older couple, there's
tons of mature oak trees, some of the largest that I've seen in town
that were hanging on the house and coming up from -- so we had a
service come in and -- significant service to come in and trim all the
trees and all that.
And my original plan, and I was just -- I was naive, but my goal
was really to just make one mess. Since I knew -- and I'm going to
be building our, kind of, forever home here. I've already started with
design and paid a lot of money to do so. But knowing that it's going
to require 40 inches of fill, none of those trees would have been able
to survive and would have had to have been removed, and I would
have -- you know, obviously, we're going to plant everything once
the house is finished.
April 25, 2022
Page 37
But I think it's important to note that my personal name and my
wife's personal name, that's how that house is titled, along with this
one. We're not developers. This is going to be my in-laws' house,
and we're going to be right next door.
But it was -- I was trying to have good intentions to try -- it's my
community. I'm trying to make one mess, and that was it. But
I -- the HOA guy came to me the second day after everything was
cleared out, like that day, and, you know, for good reason told me,
what -- you know, what the heck are you doing?
And I just apologized. And I've been in good contact with Dee
and trying -- emails and calls to her updating her with my architect.
I have all the plans, the floor plans approved. It's in for the
engineering. I asked him last night. He said we should have a set
ready to be submitted to the county in two months. I think that's him
being nice, but -- I wouldn't want to be held to that. But I've got
checks and, you know, over -- a significant amount of money already
spent with design, and I just made the error of having the guys do the
lot when they trimmed the trees as well.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So you think that you'll be -- you'll
have a permit pulled in 60 days?
MR. POHLMANN: He says we'll have a -- ready to submit a
plan. I don't want to say based on my architect's. It's RG Designs,
who's great. We're on TV, I think, but --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: No commercials.
MR. POHLMANN: -- he's really busy. I talked to him in
November, and I finally got on his schedule in January, and
that's -- you know, I've got pretty significant plans, and there's no
way that I want to slow down. I'm trying to move through this as
fast as possible.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Well, first thing we need to
do is to determine whether a violation exists or not.
April 25, 2022
Page 38
MR. BLANCO: I'll make a motion that a violation exists.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and second that
a violation exists. Any discussion on the motion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Hearing none, all those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay. Now, how do we resolve this? You need some time to
come into compliance.
MR. POHLMANN: Dee has done a great job explaining that to
me, that I need to get the plans; I need to get them submitted. And
I've been trying to -- we have been back and forth in correspondence
that, yes, we're waiting for this, we're waiting for this. But, you
know, I'm doing everything we can.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Dee, you have a
suggestion for us?
MS. PULSE: Yes. Recommend that the Code Enforcement
Board orders the respondent to pay all operational costs in the
amount of $59.35 incurred in the prosecution of this case within 30
days, and abate all violations by:
Number 1, obtaining all required Collier County approved
mitigation plans, building permits, inspections, and certificate of
April 25, 2022
Page 39
completion/occupancy to either keep the unpermitted improvement of
the property as-is or to restore the property to its originally permitted
condition within blank days of this hearing, or a fine of blank per day
will be imposed until the violation is abated;
Number 2, the respondent must notify the code enforcement
investigator when violation has been abated in order to conduct a
final inspection to confirm abatement. If the respondent fails to
abate the violation, the county may abate the violation using any
method to bring the violation into compliance and may use the
assistance of the Collier County Sheriff's Office to enforce the
provisions of this order, and all costs of abatement shall be assessed
to the property owner.
MS. CURLEY: Well, I'll fill the -- try to fill those blanks in.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. CURLEY: I'll do 180 days and $50 per day. I feel like
you're in the most important part of planning a house with your
architect and all that, and there's no need for you to rush that because
we're not -- you're not ever going to replant here. You're building
something. So it seems like it was a --
MR. FUENTES: Give him 210 days; seven months.
MS. CURLEY: It seems like it was an honest mistake. I get
the whole mess, one-day thing, and --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So you have a motion.
MS. CURLEY: I'm glad to revise it to 210 days.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: You changed your motion to 210
days; is that correct?
MS. CURLEY: Is that your lucky number, John?
MR. FUENTES: I feel good about it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion. Do
we have a second?
MS. BOWMAN: I'll second that.
April 25, 2022
Page 40
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a second. The
operational costs of $59.35 to be paid within 30 days. Is that part of
your motion?
MS. CURLEY: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion. Any
other discussion on the motion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Hearing none, all those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
MR. POHLMANN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good luck on your building.
MR. POHLMANN: Thank you.
MS. PULSE: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, No. 4, CESD20210010293,
Jose Garcia and Limbania Verdecia.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: What number is this one?
MR. WHITE: Four.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Four? Do you swear or affirm
that your testimony will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but
the truth?
MR. HOLMES: I do.
MS. PUPO: I do.
MR. TRUJILLO: I do.
April 25, 2022
Page 41
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Could you state your name
on the microphone for us, please.
MS. PUPO: My name is Eriani Pupo (phonetic).
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. PUPO: I am the daughter of Limbania Verdecia and
stepdaughter of Jose Garcia. Unfortunately, neither of them could
be here. My mom it currently in Cuba. She's being held in Cuba
for four years. Sorry. And my stepdad is currently in Texas. He's
living there. So I have the -- lucky me -- to represent the house and
everything that's going on with it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And the gentleman?
MR. TRUJILLO: And I'm the one that was hired to do the
plans.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And your name?
MR. TRUJILLO: My name is Joel, J-o-e-l.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Joel what?
MR. TRUJILLO: T-r-u-j-i-l-l-o.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So why don't we present
the case first and go from there.
MR. HOLMES: All right. Good morning. For the record,
Bradley Holmes, Collier County Code Enforcement.
This is in reference to Case No. CESD20210010293 dealing
with violation of Collier County Land Development Code 04-41, as
amended, Section 10.02.06(B)(1)(a), and the Collier County Land
Development Code 04-41, as amended, Section 10.02.06(B)(1)(e)(i),
in reference to unpermitted modifications to a permitted screen lanai
including, but not limited to, enclosure of a portion of the lanai to
create a living space, replacement of screened areas with solid walls,
and addition of water and electric utilities, and the unpermitted
conversion of a garage into living space including, but not limited to,
installation of an air conditioning system, plumbing for a full
April 25, 2022
Page 42
bathroom, and electrical modifications located at 1781 45th Street
Southwest, Naples, Florida, 34116. Folio No. 35762600001.
Service was given on November 17th, 2021.
This case originated as a complaint from the tenant that
had -- that was currently occupying the main parts of the residence.
A initial inspection was completed of the back area of the home to
observe modifications to the lanai where it was converted into living
space.
No interior inspection was able to be completed because the unit
was secured, and the occupant was not home.
Determination was completed and an NOV was served for that
violation. Approximately one month later the complainant contacted
me again wishing to add modifications made to the other half of the
lanai as well as a full conversion of the attached garage into living
space. A subsequent inspection was completed, and the findings
were found to be a violation by the county building official. A new
NOV was served that included all the above items.
From the beginning of the case, I've had great contact with Iris
and, as Joel stated, he's the architect that's been assisting them with
preparing the file for permits.
As of April 27th, 2022, violation remains. No permits on file.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you have any photos that you'd
like to present?
MR. HOLMES: Absolutely. I have two photos taken by
myself on October 5th, 2021, and 18 photos taken by myself on
November 3rd, 2021.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Has the respondent seen
the photos?
MR. HOLMES: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you have any objection to those
photos?
April 25, 2022
Page 43
MS. PUPO: No.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Get a motion from the
Board to accept them.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Motion to accept.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion. We need a
second.
MS. BOWMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And a second. All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay.
MR. HOLMES: All right. So the first two October photos
will be from the exterior in the rear of the home showing where the
living space was created in the lanai area. So that's on the back side.
MS. CURLEY: Wait. What? The windows used to be a
screen enclosure?
MR. HOLMES: Used to be a screen lanai.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: A wall was put up, air conditioner
was added in the wall; is that correct?
MR. HOLMES: Correct.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And a door was added?
MR. HOLMES: (Nods head.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. CURLEY: Looks like it's old.
April 25, 2022
Page 44
MR. HOLMES: That's just a better perspective shot.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Are there any issues with
setbacks?
MR. HOLMES: I don't believe so. I mean, it's within the
footprint of the original screen lanai, so it was essentially creating
that space within.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah. Brad, I'm going to go through
these fairly quick, so if you want to elaborate on any of these, just
have me stop.
MR. HOLMES: Okay. The first photos you'll see here are
going to be related to the conversion of the garage. Entryway in.
Kitchen space.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I assume there are electrical -- I
see. Electrical and plumbing issues.
MR. HOLMES: Yep. Utilities related to the conversions,
obviously.
MR. BLANCO: Is this the garage, or is this the lanai?
MR. HOLMES: This is the garage. I don't have interior of the
lanai because I wasn't able to make access.
MS. CURLEY: Is this in the city or the Estates?
MR. HOLMES: This is in Golden Gate City.
This will be entry into the bathroom.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Is that a new door right there?
MR. HOLMES: What's that?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Is this door --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Garage door?
MR. HOLMES: I believe that one was added in, yep.
MS. CURLEY: But the garage is original?
MR. HOLMES: Yep.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: But it wasn't living space?
MR. HOLMES: Correct.
April 25, 2022
Page 45
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It is living space now?
MR. HOLMES: Correct.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Is anybody living in it?
MR. HOLMES: Correct, yes.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Where are we at right here, Brad?
MR. HOLMES: Now we're back to the lanai. So this is the
other half of the lanai. So solid walls were installed to kind of
create, like, a laundry room space. Associated utilities, electric, and
plumbing, were added in for functionality.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah, you can see the plumbing on the
outside also.
MS. BOWMAN: Make a motion that a violation exists.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Let him get finished, and
let the respondent speak before we consider that.
MS. BOWMAN: I mean --
MS. CURLEY: Is that city sewer, or is that on septic there?
MR. HOLMES: I believe they would be septic. Most of
Golden Gate City is, but maybe Iris can speak differently.
MR. LETOURNEAU: That's it for the pictures. As you can
see, the unpermitted electric running out there.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you have additional case
presentation you'd like to make?
MR. HOLMES: That would be it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: You're called Iris; is that correct?
MS. PUPO: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Because I can't pronounce -- I
certainly can't pronounce your name.
MR. TRUJILLO: Well, you can say the first name, Joel.
MS. PUPO: Joel and Iris.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Joel, I got that. That fits into my
repertoire.
April 25, 2022
Page 46
Okay. So you wound up with this situation. Do you have the
permission of your mom to come before us and resolve the situation?
MS. PUPO: I do. I have a -- I don't know if it's going to be
relative right now, but -- this is in Spanish, but I do have a letter from
her, and I have a power of attorney for Jose.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's fine.
MS. PUPO: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. PUPO: All right. So, basically, I'm going to go try and
explain it as best as I know hearing from Jose. He's the one that
started building all this and, basically, just gave me the information.
He -- this isn't new. He did this. He tried to get it permitted
when he was doing it, the garage. And the situation with my mom
happened where she got stuck -- because she's a U.S. citizen but she
got stuck in Cuba. Because of that everything just kind of pushed
back because of the economy. It just kind of hit us with her being
there, having to pay attorneys over there and all that stuff.
So, basically, we do have people living there. He has been
trying to get -- he already got all the measurements, trying to get it all
up to code and get a permit on this and get it all legal.
He's being set back with -- I guess he can elaborate on that
more.
MR. TRUJILLO: Yeah, the thing, too, it's an older house so we
had to create -- we had to actually get dimensions on the house, total
dimensions on it to create an existing living and then to do a
proposed living. At the same time, we had to ask for a survey and a
spot survey, elevation certificate so we can know the elevations from
the house so we can put everything on the plan. So everything -- and
everything is behind schedule with everybody doing the work.
On top of that, too, we had to ask for an NG calculation due to
the garages and the living space in the back. So at the same time, it
April 25, 2022
Page 47
is on the city water and sewer, so it's not septic.
MS. PUPO: Septic.
MR. TRUJILLO: So at this time we do have all the plans ready
to submit to the county.
Now, that it has taken some time once we were hired, yes, it has
taken some time, but we have to understand, too, that on the building
industry, everybody's -- we're all -- and there's no -- anything that
we're trying to do right now is taking a lot of time. So I have taken
time. Everybody that gives me the information is taking time, so it's
not something that it used to be that you asked for a survey, and a
survey will be here within three days. So that's my point for the
hearing.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. For our concern right now
is you have no building permit to do all of this.
MR. TRUJILLO: We don't have a permit.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And there never was a building
permit that did all the inspections, et cetera; is that correct?
MR. TRUJILLO: Exactly, yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So from the Board, does a
violation exist?
MR. FUENTES: Make a motion that a violation exists.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion and a
second that a violation exists.
All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
April 25, 2022
Page 48
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
A violation exists. Now we go to --
Yes, Terri.
THE COURT REPORTER: Who was the second?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: The second was Danny.
Okay.
MS. CURLEY: I just have one quick question. What year was
this house originally built?
MS. PUPO: I don't have that off the top of my head, but I think
it was --
MR. TRUJILLO: Right now the Property Appraiser will have
the information. So I have it there, but it's --
MS. CURLEY: Are you a general contractor? Are you?
MR. TRUJILLO: I'm not.
MS. CURLEY: So how are you doing this?
MR. TRUJILLO: I'm doing -- we're creating the plans right
now for her.
MR. BLANCO: He's the architect.
MR. TRUJILLO: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. This is not a case where
you can do permit by affidavit, because the improvements to the
property were made from the current owner. Had they been done
and you bought it, then you could go through an architectural firm,
and they could do permit by affidavit. So this complicates things.
What complicates it even more is you have somebody living in space
that I would consider a safety-and-health concern even though
they've been there for years, maybe, but the electrical and the
plumbing has never been inspected.
MS. PUPO: If I -- sorry.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Go ahead.
April 25, 2022
Page 49
MS. PUPO: I'm sorry.
We understand there is a violation. My mom and my stepdad
understand that as well. And I've been communicating with him
throughout this whole process, and we understand all of that. We're
trying to get it to correct the situation.
We want to comply. It's not that we just want to get away with
it. We want to comply, and we want to bring everything to code.
What we're asking is for a little bit more time because the
architect and everything is just taking so long that we're just asking
for a little more time to get it done. He says he already has all the
plans ready to submit. It's just, then, a matter of getting -- I'm not
sure how the whole process works, but getting, I guess, inspections to
make sure that his plans are correct and everything is getting moved
along correctly and just finalizing and getting everything done.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So you've discussed this with
Bradley?
MS. PUPO: Correct, yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And you said you needed some --
MR. WHITE: Nothing.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yeah, I know the questions to ask.
Put the glasses back on your eyes. They can't see through your head.
MS. CURLEY: So I have a question. So have you just
considered putting the house back to its original permitted status?
That's the easiest way, and then removing all of the violations and all
the safety hazards and all the plumbing violations and sewer
violations and restoring the house back to the original character.
That's why I asked if the person that was helping you knew the age of
the house, because you would think that that would be a really
important factor to know, because you can't improve this house to a
certain degree. You know, if it's built in 1973, you can't make it
double the size. You can't add all these things and close these patios
April 25, 2022
Page 50
and et cetera.
So I just like to help people make sure that they make the right
decision with their time so we don't see you here in a year with
$28,000 worth of fines. So there is an easy way and there's a very
difficult way, in my opinion. It seems like you're -- you have a
helper here that's going to help you try to get it done the really
difficult way.
MR. LETOURNEAU: I would also say that, judging from
these pictures -- I haven't been on the property myself -- that a lot of
the plumbing and electrical is not up to code, obviously, and that's
going to be a time-consuming process, too, if they try to -- you know,
have to put those in the walls and everything.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I understand that time is required
to come into compliance. Has that discussion taken place with
Bradley?
MS. PUPO: We have talked about it, yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And?
MS. PUPO: It's up to him. I mean, he's not -- he's --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Has he offered a particular solution
to you?
MS. PUPO: Right, correct, yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Bradley, why don't you tell
us what you have offered to the respondent.
MR. HOLMES: All right. Well, we had discussed this
stipulation out in the hall, and they chose to go the route of the
hearing, alternatively, because of the time frames we were providing,
which would have been three days to -- well, let me read my
recommendation.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Do so.
MR. HOLMES: That the Code Enforcement Board orders the
respondent to pay all operational costs in the amount of $59.28
April 25, 2022
Page 51
incurred in the prosecution of this case within 30 days and abate all
violations by:
One, cease and desist the use of the unpermitted living space
conversions within the lanai and the garage and powering off any
unpermitted electricity from the circuit breaker until legally permitted
within blank days of this hearing, or a fine of blank dollars per day
will be imposed until the violation is abated;
Two, obtaining all required Collier County building permits or
demolition permit, inspections, and certificate of
completion/occupancy to either keep the unpermitted alterations to
the lanai and garage or return them to a permitted state within blank
days of this hearing, or a fine of blank dollars per day will be
imposed until the violation is abated;
Three, the respondent must notify Code Enforcement
investigator when the violation has been abated in order to conduct a
final inspection to confirm abatement. If respondent fails to abate
the violation, the county may abate the violation using any method to
bring the violation into compliance and may use the assistance of the
Collier County Sheriff's Office to enforce the provisions of this order,
and all costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I have one question on the people
who are living in the property now. Is it one family or two separate
families?
MS. PUPO: It's a total of three people, but it's two
different -- they're separate --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Two different rentals?
MS. PUPO: Correct, yes. There's just one person in the back
and two in the front.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So the --
MS. PUPO: In the garage.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So the house itself is occupied by
April 25, 2022
Page 52
Person A. The garage is occupied by a different person?
MS. PUPO: Correct.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And then the lanai is
occupied by a third person?
MS. PUPO: By one person, that's correct.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So two of the locations, I don't
know if it has to be specified or not, need to be -- need to come into
compliance with your suggestion. The people that are living in the
house, I would assume that's okay.
Jeff, you have a comment.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah. For the record, this is a
single-family residence meaning that only one family can live there.
The house will have to be opened, if they do get that permitted, to
allow access throughout the whole property to one family. So two
entities are going to have to move no matter what.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. PUPO: If I may -- and I understand that. All I'm asking
is a little time to let them know that they have to go -- they have to
go.
MR. LETOURNEAU: That's up to them.
MS. PUPO: Right. That's all I'm asking.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: How much time do you need?
MS. PUPO: Just 30 days, just --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. That's not a problem.
MS. PUPO: Just 30 days to let them know you guys
got -- because I can't tell them in three days, get out, and where are
they going to go?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I completely agree with you.
MS. CURLEY: Well --
MS. BOWMAN: Well, we also have, like, a county discussion
going on right now to require landlords to provide 60 days, provide --
April 25, 2022
Page 53
MR. WHITE: Ms. Bowman, just -- the conversations need to
be on the record, please.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: You need to move the microphone
closer to you.
MS. BOWMAN: Sorry. It doesn't need to go on record.
MS. CURLEY: I'll take a swing at the blanks here. We'll do
15 days or $200 per day in Item No. 1, and then 90 days or $200 for
Item No. 3.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Can I give you a friendly
suggestion? Since it's been many years since those people have been
living there, maybe 15 days isn't sufficient time for them to -- know
the respondent is looking for 30, if that's possible. The people that
are living in the two --
MS. CURLEY: Tenants.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: The tenants that are living there,
the two tenants --
MS. CURLEY: The illegal tenants.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: The two illegal tenants, how much
time to have them be notified and vacate the property?
MS. CURLEY: Well, I don't really care when they vacate it. I
want the water and the sewer and the electricity cut off on those
properties.
MR. LETOURNEAU: It has to be -- it has to be both together.
We can't -- we can't tell them to turn the utilities off and still have
people living in there.
MR. FUENTES: So we need to consider, too --
MR. LETOURNEAU: The eviction process.
MR. FUENTES: -- there is nowhere to go right now. This is
going to be rough.
MS. PUPO: That's why I'm saying, it's -- three days, it's nearly
impossible for me to tell them. I mean, humanely I can't tell them
April 25, 2022
Page 54
you got three days to get out, and where are they going to go? It's
extremely hard for people to find anything right now. It's so hard.
MR. FUENTES: Well, I do believe what she's offering is quite
generous, to be honest, because there is a safety issue here to
consider. So she's offering 15. And I'm not in disagreement with
that. I think it's fair. I just think we also need to
consider -- unfortunately, today's circumstances and the way the
world is -- it is extremely difficult for anyone to purchase, relocate, or
find somewhere to go.
MS. CURLEY: We're not telling you how to manage it, but
everybody can move into the primary structure.
MS. PUPO: Unfortunately, yeah --
MS. CURLEY: Yeah. I mean, so --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's a violation.
MS. PUPO: Yeah. There's only three bedrooms in the house.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Not only that, it's single-family.
Obviously, there's three families living there, or three separate --
MS. CURLEY: Three people. They're roommates.
MR. BLANCO: Mr. Chairman, is there a motion, or was that
just a suggestion?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That was a --
MS. CURLEY: It's a motion, and he's asking me to amend it,
but I think I'm just going to leave it unless somebody else wants to
ask me to amend it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I'd like you to change it from 15
days to 30 days. That's what the respondent thinks she could do.
MS. CURLEY: I make a motion -- I'll redo it. Item No. 1, 30
days, $200. Item No. 2, 90 days, $200.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. BOWMAN: I'll second that.
MS. CURLEY: And the reason I did the 90, just for the Board,
April 25, 2022
Page 55
is because it just needs to be put back to its original state. I don't
want to give them a year to have a lot of exercise done and verbal
gymnastics with the county and other vendors that might think that
they can convince them that that can be done. I just want this house
to be put back to its original state where it was legally built a long
time ago.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's up to the respondents what
they want to do with the property.
MS. CURLEY: That's why I'm giving that short window.
Ninety days is enough. It should be -- the permit for demolition
should be in, and that would be fine.
MR. FUENTES: Definitely more than enough.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion. And
we have a second. I think Chloe seconded it originally. Any
discussion on the motion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So that we all understand it, it's 30
days for the two families, Family A and B, to vacate the property, and
then the utilities will be turned off as per your suggestion, and then
90 days it will be to --
MS. CURLEY: Get the demo permit.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- to resolve the situation with the
unpermitted pieces of the property, okay?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: I have one question.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes, Lee.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: After all that's done, will this property be
permitted in the way that they want or completely removed and put
back as one single-family home? The plans that they have --
MR. LETOURNEAU: No matter what happens, to legally have
this house -- get rid of this code violation, it would have to be
either -- it would have to be a single-family home no matter what
April 25, 2022
Page 56
they do with these things. They cannot --
MR. RUBENSTEIN: So all these walls and plumbing and all
those?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah, whatever -- yeah, it has
to -- everybody has to have access throughout the whole house, and it
has to be a single family living in there, not collecting three different
rent checks and stuff.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: So the violation that they're here for
won't exist once all this is removed?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah. The bottom line is, if they take
care of the permitting issue, that will take care of the illegal renting to
two other entities, too, hopefully. So they're renting to three
different entities.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: No, I understand.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Right.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: But how are you going to permit it if it's
illegal at the point? That all has to come out.
MR. FUENTES: They're going to obtain a demolition permit.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah. They'll get a demolition permit
and restore it back to its original condition.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Either that or they're going to be
able to bring it into compliance.
Okay. We have a motion and we have a second. All those in
favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
April 25, 2022
Page 57
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
So you have the time to notify the people, and best of luck to
you on that.
MS. PUPO: I appreciate it. Thank you.
MR. TRUJILLO: Thank you so much.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Thank you. Terri, are you ready?
We're going to take a 10-minute break so Terri can rejuvenate her
fingers. We are on break.
(A brief recess was had from 10:24 a.m. to 10:35 a.m.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I'd like to call the Code
Enforcement Board back to order.
Okay. Helen, what's up?
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case on the agenda, No. 8,
CESD20220001438, Francisco Santiago Ramirez.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm that you
will translate everything from English to Spanish and Spanish to
English to the best of your ability?
MS. BLANCO: Yes, I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. D'ELIA: I do.
MR. RAMIREZ: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Could you state your name on the
microphone for us, both of you.
MR. BLANCO: My name's Margaret Blanco. I'm the
interpreter.
MR. RAMIREZ: My name is Francisco Santiago Ramirez.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And you're the owner?
April 25, 2022
Page 58
MR. RAMIREZ: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning.
MR. D'ELIA: Good morning. How we doing today?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So far so good.
MR. D'ELIA: Awesome.
Good morning. For the record, Investigator John D'Elia,
Collier County Code Enforcement.
This is in reference to Case No. CESD20220001438 in dealing
with the violation of Collier County Land Development Code 04-41,
as amended, Sections 10.02.069(B)(1)(e), 10.02.06(B)(1)(a), and
10.02.06(B)(1)(e)(i), alterations and modifications including, but not
limited to, roof, carport, additions performed prior to receiving a
Collier County building permit. Located at 135A Halsey Court,
Florida, 34104. Folio No. 293400006.
Service was given on March 11th, 2022.
I conducted an initial inspection on February 9th, 2022. On site
I took photos of the mobile home which was for sale at the time. I
spoke to the manager of the property, Ena, and she stated to me that
there are conditions that consist of these additions to the mobile home
that need to addressed before the sale of this property could continue.
If an individual does purchase this property, they must sign a
waiver of knowing -- acknowledgment of the conditions. I set up
determination -- I set up a determination by Jonathan Walsh to look
over to see what did need to be permitted.
On February 14th, 2022, a determination was made by the
building supervisor, Jonathan Walsh. He stated all additions and
modifications, including, but not limited to, roof, carport, and
additions require a permit.
On February 16, 2022, I received a call from the mobile
owner -- mobile owner asking about the problems on the home. I
explained to him that the carport and the room on the right side of the
April 25, 2022
Page 59
home has been added on to since 2012 with no permits. I also
explained that the left side of the home only had a screened lanai in
the middle of the home and that all the rooms have been added on
since 2012 had been done so without first obtaining the required
building permits.
I also explained that he needed to apply for all required permits
within a 30-day period of time. I also gave him Renald Paul's phone
number, and I informed him that he may be able to answer all
questions that he may have.
On March 28, 2022, the mobile home owner, Francisco Santiago
Ramirez --
THE COURT REPORTER: Can you please slow down.
MR. D'ELIA: I apologize. My apologies.
Ramirez called me back and notified me that he is trying to
submit an application for a permit.
On March 31st, there has been no applications on the CityView
for a permit, and a violation remains.
At this time I would like to present the case evidence in
following exhibits: Eight photos I took on February 9th, 2022, of
the exterior of the mobile home; determinations by the building
official, Jonathan Walsh; one aerial photo taken from the Google
Earth of 2012; one photo taken from Google Earth in 2022.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Has the respondent seen the
photos?
THE INTERPRETER: Yes.
MR. D'ELIA: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you have any objection to those
photos?
THE INTERPRETER: No.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. I get a motion from the
Board to accept the photos?
April 25, 2022
Page 60
MR. FUENTES: Motion to accept the photos.
MS. BOWMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. I'm going to go start with the
aerials first. John, this is the structure?
MR. D'ELIA: That's the structure right there. The mobile
home is right there.
MR. LETOURNEAU: And this is 2012?
MR. D'ELIA: That's correct.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. I'm going to go to last year's
photos, so as you notice, this is just nothing here but asphalt, and then
this is the condition that we see it in now. So there's been extensive
work. I'll go back to the previous photo. As you can see, there's
been some additions here, some additions here. Basically, the whole
property's been worked on without a permit.
MS. CURLEY: That picture's 10 years ago?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yes. Yes, ma'am, 2012.
MS. CURLEY: So just a question for the county. So you said
that they were trying to sell it. Is he the current owner or the new
owner?
MR. D'ELIA: He is the current owner.
April 25, 2022
Page 61
MS. CURLEY: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you have any idea when these
additions were done?
MR. D'ELIA: Just between 2012 and today.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Did the respondent happen to tell
you who did the additions?
MR. D'ELIA: I have not -- no, he has not told me.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Has he told you how long he's
owned it?
MR. D'ELIA: He's owned -- no, he has not.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. I'll ask him when it's time.
Okay. Continue with the photos, John and Jeff.
MR. D'ELIA: That's the registration to the home.
MR. LETOURNEAU: And the reason we have the registration
here is we had to cite the actual mobile home owner on this due to the
fact of the state statute.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Can I ask, on that photo where that
door is in the front, is that whole section the original, or is that the
addition?
MR. D'ELIA: That is all the additions, the whole left side of
the house.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. D'ELIA: The only thing that was originally there was the
lanai.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Gotcha. Okay.
MS. BOWMAN: So the roof was there on that part, right, if it
was a lanai?
MR. D'ELIA: The funny thing is, the original roof that is on
that mobile home right now is not the original roof. It's a wood
structure that was added on top of the mobile home.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
April 25, 2022
Page 62
MR. D'ELIA: Okay?
MR. LETOURNEAU: We're talking about this area right here,
right?
MR. D'ELIA: Correct.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. So we're back to the original
2012, and that's where we're at today.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. BLANCO: Jeff, can you go back again. I'm sorry. Oh,
okay. I see it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's what we call day and night
difference.
MR. FUENTES: I'd like to make a motion that the violation
exists.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Wait. Let the respondent speak
first, and then we'll take --
MS. CURLEY: Just for the record, it's day and night on every
unit there from that.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's not before us. This one is.
MR. LETOURNEAU: We had the complaint about this
particular unit right here, so...
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So it's his turn to tell us
about this.
THE INTERPRETER: That it was that way when he bought it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: When did he buy it?
THE INTERPRETER: Two years ago.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Does he understand that
these are additions that were made without permits?
THE INTERPRETER: Yeah. He said he knows about it now,
but he didn't know this was going to be a problem.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Unfortunately, when you
own the property, you own the violation.
April 25, 2022
Page 63
John, you wanted to make a motion?
MR. FUENTES: I'd like to make a motion that a violation
exists.
MR. BLANCO: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second
that a violation exists. All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Yes, ma'am.
THE INTERPRETER: What he wanted to ask is that
he -- because he didn't know this, if there was a way he can -- not
demo it but just convert it to a storage, you know, instead of putting
in so much money.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: He's going to have to get whatever
he does permitted.
THE INTERPRETER: Okay. So if he gets a permit to make a
storage, that's what he would do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
THE INTERPRETER: So yeah, he said, because he'd like to
take it out, but...
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Jeff, you wanted to --
MR. LETOURNEAU: Well, I'll just say that storage would be
a lot easier to permit than living area depending on, you know, the
setbacks from the other property. You know, I can't say whether or
April 25, 2022
Page 64
not he'd even be able to keep the structures. That's something that he
needs to talk to the Building Permit with.
THE INTERPRETER: So he can take care of that that way.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Right. There might be issues that he
can't -- are unforeseen at this point. He has to -- the first step is to
talk to the Building Department.
THE INTERPRETER: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Since he didn't do it, it's
possible he could go to an architecture who could draw up the plans
and do this by affidavit, but that's his -- that's his -- next on his
agenda what he needs to do.
THE INTERPRETER: Right now financially --
MS. CURLEY: That's terrible advice.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Well, thank you very much for
that.
THE INTERPRETER: It's final -- yeah, he has a lot of
problems financially right now, because the house is empty.
Because he plans on fixing it up so his family could live in it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
THE INTERPRETER: And can he have time to go through this
process? Because he doesn't know what it's going to run, and at this
moment he's living check by check.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We're going to take a look at the
suggestion from the county. We'll fill in the time frames in there and
go forward with that.
MR. D'ELIA: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. John, do you want to read
through this, please.
MR. D'ELIA: Very good.
Recommendations: That the Code Enforcement Board orders
the respondent to pay all operational costs in the amount of 59.28
April 25, 2022
Page 65
incurred in the prosecution of this case within 30 days and abate all
violations by: Obtaining all required Collier County building
permits or demolition permit, inspections or certificate of
completion/occupancy for the alterations and modifications
including, but not limited to, roof, carport, and additions performed
on the home within blank days of this hearing, or a fine of blank per
day will be imposed until the violation is abated.
The respondent must notify the code enforcement investigator
when the violation has been abated in order to conduct a final
inspection to confirm abatement. If the respondent fails to abate the
violation, the county may abate the violation using any method to
bring the violation into compliance and may use the assistance of the
Collier County Sheriff's Office to enforce the provisions of this order,
and all costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
MS. CURLEY: I have a question. Can you tell me who made
the original complaint? Because that was a -- confused when you
had said that the Southwind, or whoever the mobile home
management company --
MR. D'ELIA: Correct. The original complaint came from the
neighbor. That's written on the complaint. However, I have a good
communication with the management company for that Southwind.
So I spoke with her and she informed me -- she knows pretty much
all the homes and all the people that are in there. She informed me
that this was up for sale and there was conditions that already knew
about -- that the tenant knew about that needed to be fixed before
they can sell the home.
MS. CURLEY: Right. Well, she knew about that two years
ago before this gentleman paid for it.
MR. D'ELIA: No. She just became the new manager in there
within a year.
MS. CURLEY: So Legal Aid might be able to help him also.
April 25, 2022
Page 66
MR. D'ELIA: Possibly, possibly. There are -- we're not going
to deny it, there are many places in there that have many alterations.
I do have a few cases in that area already, but they are trying to clean
the place up, should I say.
MS. CURLEY: Right. Well, since it doesn't look like there's
any awful stuff happening, like cases we've seen earlier today --
MR. D'ELIA: The biggest problem in the mobile home
community is -- actually what they're doing is doing alterations and
modifications to the mobile homes but then renting it out to six,
seven different people inside the mobile homes.
MS. CURLEY: Yeah, that's unfortunate.
MR. D'ELIA: Yeah, that's what we're looking at.
MS. CURLEY: We've had cases years ago where just a
gentleman who lived in Michigan couldn't even find anybody to help
him redo a roof after Irma. And so I mean sort of jokingly, he
couldn't get anyone to help him. So, like, having -- suggesting that
an architecture's going to rush out to help this gentleman in the
situation, they're not even going to call him back. So a realistic
thing is that he's going to have to take some time and learn what he
can do to untie the knot and hopefully have something of value left to
transfer at another time.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. You want to go through
the -- you read through this. Anybody want to fill in the blanks?
MS. CURLEY: I will.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Go ahead.
MS. CURLEY: Three hundred sixty-five days and $50.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Do we have a second?
MS. BOWMAN: I will second that, because it's not a
health-and-safety issue.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a second. All those in
favor?
April 25, 2022
Page 67
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Nay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: One nay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: One nay, two nay, three nay.
Motion fails.
Okay. Danny, how did you vote?
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So it's 3-3. Yes.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: I have a question. If they remove all
these violations, what's left there?
MS. CURLEY: The mobile home.
MR. D'ELIA: The original mobile home.
MS. CURLEY: That's all he needs to do, and he needs money
and time to learn how to do it and to get a permit for it and --
MR. RUBENSTEIN: And that's zoned residential, correct?
MR. D'ELIA: It's a mobile home residential.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Yeah. You can't put storage -- I heard
he said he wanted to put storage there. I don't think that's allowed.
MS. CURLEY: So it's a mobile home. He can do with it
whatever he wants.
MR. BLANCO: Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a motion.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Hold on a second. One
person at a time, or Terri's going to attack me.
Yes, Danny.
MR. BLANCO: I'll make a motion, six months or $70 a day,
and just so -- if you want to explain that to him, that within those six
April 25, 2022
Page 68
months, whatever work he's going to start doing. Don't wait till the
last minute, if this motion gets approved. Come in front of the
Board before that and then ask for more time, and then we can revisit
your situation at that time.
MR. FUENTES: I'd like to second the motion.
MS. CURLEY: I'll change it to $25 a day. Would you amend
that, just in case he gets caught up in the system, and then by that
time it's December and November? I don't want to have him have a
big debt when he tries to, you know, move on to another place in his
life.
MR. BLANCO: I mean, he's going to come back in whatever
amount of time, and this board has -- in those situations when, you
know, the respondents have done everything and they've really taken
care of the problems, we've waived in the past. I'm not necessarily
saying that that's what we're going to do. In the past we've waived
$200,000 worth of fines, and I don't think this is going to get there.
MS. CURLEY: Right. But this gentleman took today off, and
then he's going to have to take another day off in six months because
he's going to have to come plead for us to abate fines that weren't
necessary. I'd just like to, like, make it disappear easier than make it
more problematic. And he needs to pay $58 next time he comes
back, so now we've got him for 120 bucks.
MR. BLANCO: Let's just vote and save ourselves some time
and just call it a day, I say.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have your motion. It's
$70, six months, 59.28 paid within 30 days.
MR. BLANCO: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. FUENTES: I seconded.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Any comments on that?
(No response.)
April 25, 2022
Page 69
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And we have it seconded. All
those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: (Raises hand.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries.
Okay. So now, Danny, what you said to her. You have
explained this?
THE INTERPRETER: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So he has six months.
THE INTERPRETER: Six months.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. That hopefully is enough
time to get this stuff done.
Let me give another suggestion. If you could put him in touch
with Renald Paul, he may be able to help.
Yes?
MR. SHORT: I got it.
MS. CURLEY: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. You're going to do okay,
great.
MS. CURLEY: Next.
THE INTERPRETER: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: ***Next case, No. 10,
CESD20210002284, Margot Ricardo and Magdiel Gonzalez.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
April 25, 2022
Page 70
but the truth?
MR. D'ELIA: I do.
MR. GONZALEZ: Yes.
MS. RICARDO: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Can you state your name
on the microphone for us, both of you, please.
MR. GONZALEZ: My name is Magdiel Gonzalez, and she's
my mom, Margot Ricardo.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. John, do you want to kick
this off?
MR. D'ELIA: Certainly. Please, thank you.
For the record, Investigator John D'Elia, Collier County Code
Enforcement.
This is in reference to Case No. CESD20210002284 in dealing
with the violations of Collier County code, Land Development Code
2004-41, as amended, Sections 10.02.06(B)(1)(a) and
10.02.06(B)(1)(e)(i). It's a utility room, carport, and screen
porch/lanai added to the structure located at 3412 Croton Road,
Naples, 34 -- I mean, Florida, 34104. Folio 63504640000.
Service was given -- service given on April 9th of 2021.
I conducted an initial inspection on March 9th, 2021, on site and
spoke with the property owner, Magdiel, and he told me that he has
not made any modifications to this property since he has purchased
it -- the home seven months prior. He did inform me that he does
have renters in the adjacent room, the utility room.
At the time the renters were an elder couple that were not home
at the time, so he could not allow me entrance without giving them at
least 24-hour notice at the time. He asked if he could set up another
meeting the following week.
On March 17th, 2021, I met with Magdiel's mother on the
property. I observed no one living in the utility room, and she
April 25, 2022
Page 71
informed me that they have moved out already. There was no stove
or bed set up. I informed her that I needed to see if the utility room
was permitted, since that was the main complaint of the case.
On March 17th, 2021, I retrieved the property card, which had
four separate permits tied to the card from 1982, '83, 1984, and 1987.
On April 9th, 2021, I met with Jonathan Walsh for a
determination. He told me that the voided permits needed to be
addressed for the patio connected to the structure and roof overhang.
Carport and utility rooms need to also be addressed. I issued a
notice of violation on April 9th, 2021.
On April 30th, 2021, I received a letter from an attorney
representing Magdiel. He was -- who was asking for time to build a
case against the previous homeowners.
On June 3rd, 2021, I received a phone call from the construction
company called New ERA. They wanted to find out and needed
information for the complainant -- referred them -- I referred them to
Renald Paul for more information.
On July 9th, 2021, Magdiel notified me that the New ERA is in
contact with the lawyer, Ariel Eugene, to start the demolition permit.
On July 19th, 2021, Attorney Ariel Eugene called and spoke
with manager Jeff Letourneau and is going to talk to the New ERA
construction to set up a start date and get back in touch with
Mr. Letourneau.
On August 16th, 2021, Magdiel called to notify me that his
attorney, Ariel Eugene, has walked away from his case, and he's
trying to hire a new lawyer, and he cannot afford a demolition to the
structure at this time.
I then received a call from the new lawyer, Peter Flood. Peter
notified me that he will be going down to the GMD to pull a
homeowner permit to start to hiring subcontractors and engineer
plans drawn up and submitted to the county.
April 25, 2022
Page 72
On September 24th, 2021, there were two permits reactivated
the both -- the porch. On December 14th, 2021, Todd notified me
that there can be no inspections on the activity -- active permits until
the utility room is permitted or demoed, and he is setting up a
meeting with the homeowner to come up with a solution.
On January 6th, 2022, Todd informed me that the plan was to
demo the utility room, leaving two main bearing walls to support the
carport so they can also be permitted, then reactivate the porch
permits to be inspected.
On March 16th, 2022, Magdiel set up an appointment to meet
with director Michael Ossorio to go over the case. The reinspection
on April 7th, 2022, on CityView, there has been no permit
applications applied for, and the two previous permits are still
inactive. Violation remains.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Do you have any photos
that you'd like to add?
MR. D'ELIA: Please. I have -- I'm sorry. At this time I
would like to present the case evidence in the following exhibits:
Five photos I took on March 16th, 2021, of the interior of the utility
room; four photos I took on September 20th, 2021, of the exterior
home; and determination by Building Official Jonathan Walsh; one
appraiser sketch; and the deed to the property owner.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Has the respondent seen the
photos?
MR. D'ELIA: He has. This morning.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you have any objection to those
photos?
MR. GONZALEZ: No, he can show the photos.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Get a motion from the
Board to accept the evidence.
MS. BOWMAN: Motion to accept.
April 25, 2022
Page 73
MR. FUENTES: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay.
MR. D'ELIA: Okay. This is the door of the utility room.
That is a shower inside that utility room. Bathroom.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: None of this has been permitted?
MR. D'ELIA: None of this has been permitted. You're going
to see the outside of the home in a moment.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. BLANCO: Where's this property located?
MR. D'ELIA: On Croton Road, which is off of Seagrape.
MS. CURLEY: By the DMV on Airport Road?
MR. D'ELIA: Correct. Now, that's the utility room on the
right side there. That's the carport.
MR. LETOURNEAU: So, Jack, this whole section and this
right here is what we're dealing with?
MR. D'ELIA: Yes. The overhang and the utility room was
never permitted. So inside that utility room are two doors to get in
there, which is supposedly where the living area was. There is no
stove or kitchen in there, but there is a full utility of a bathroom that's
never been permitted.
April 25, 2022
Page 74
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Continue on.
MR. D'ELIA: Now, that porch that you see also behind the cars
there, now if you look at it on the right-hand side, whatever, okay,
that one right there, that has active permits on it, but they never have
been finished. All they need to do is get those two permits finished
on that to finalize the house. But they can't be finished until the
utility room's been permitted or demoed.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. LETOURNEAU: So this is the permitted part of
the -- right?
MR. D'ELIA: That's the one in question with the two active
permits right now.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. Oh, all right. And they can't
get that CO'ed until they take care of the carport --
(Simultaneous crosstalk.)
MR. D'ELIA: Until that is taken care of, yes.
That 26 by 22 is that utility room and the carport area.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That has plumbing, electrical, et
cetera?
MR. D'ELIA: It does have it, yes, and none of it's been
permitted.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And it's occupied?
MR. D'ELIA: No, it's not. At this time it's not.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. LETOURNEAU: And what else did we want to look at,
Jack? I think that was it, right?
MR. D'ELIA: That's it. That's it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: You have the Walsh
determination?
MR. D'ELIA: Yeah, you have Jonathan Walsh's determination
in there also. He explains it all in the determination right there.
April 25, 2022
Page 75
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Can you just read that bottom part,
because I can't see it.
MR. LETOURNEAU: I can. I'll read the whole thing. It said
void permits need to be addressed. Lanai needs to be addressed.
What does that say? Over -- roof over bay carport and utility room
need to be addressed. If all corrected to main structure residence,
one permit may address all concerns.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. All right. Anything else,
John?
MR. D'ELIA: We've been working together for a long time
now on this. He's been trying to get everything done, but now he's
up to a point now that he's -- it's at the end. It's like, okay, we've got
to get something done.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Your turn.
MR. GONZALEZ: I'm here to find a solution for this thing. I
didn't build these illegal extensions. I buy the house as-is.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Let me -- just so you understand --
MR. GONZALEZ: Yeah, I understand.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: When you own the house --
MR. GONZALEZ: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- you own the violation, if we do
find it in violation. Okay.
MR. GONZALEZ: So I just want a solution, and I go ahead
and start working on that.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Have you read what the building
official said that needs to be done? The solution is -- the quick
solution is to remove that whole section there, it appears; is that
correct?
MR. GONZALEZ: I would like to keep it as storage.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And to do that, you have to
get a permit.
April 25, 2022
Page 76
MR. GONZALEZ: Yes, I know.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So just --
MS. CURLEY: So if you want a solution, there's an easy
solution and then there's a hard solution.
MR. GONZALEZ: Okay.
MS. CURLEY: The easy solution is to cut that whole thing off
and get rid of it and then plan your storage properly and legally
through permits and storage sheds, or whatever you might be able to
put there after this is gone. Because once this is gone, then you can
get your screen patio finished, approved, and then you're good, and
we never see you again. That's your solution.
Now, if you want to make it the long and hard way, then you
continue on with Mr. Walsh's notes and address this, which is an
architect, elevation certificate, and all the things that come about
building something that was already built and proving that it was
built right which you don't know because you didn't build it. It
becomes very expensive, and it takes a long time, and you'll be back
here a lot.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Before we continue, let's
see if a violation exists. Anybody want to make a motion to that
effect?
MR. FUENTES: Make a motion the violation exists.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And seconded. All those in
favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
April 25, 2022
Page 77
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay. I'm going to ask John what the solution that he is going
to propose to us is. John?
MR. D'ELIA: Thank you. Thank you. The
recommendation --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Right.
MR. D'ELIA: -- that the Code Enforcement Board orders the
respondent to pay all operational costs in the amount of 59.28
incurred to the prosecution of this case within 30 days, and abate all
violations by:
Number one, obtaining all required county -- obtaining all
required Collier County building permits or demolition permit,
inspection and certificate of completions/occupancy for the utility
room, carport, screen porch/lanai, and expired Permits
CDP2004092436 and CDP2004030107 within blank days of this
hearing, or a fine of blank per day will be imposed until the violation
is abated;
Number 2, the respondent must notify the code enforcement
investigator when the violation has been abated in order to conduct a
final inspection to confirm abatement. If the respondent fails to
abate the violation, the county may abate the violation using any
method to bring the violation into compliance and may use the
assistance of the Collier County Sheriff's Office to enforce the
provisions of this order, and all costs of abatement shall be assessed
to the property owner.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. D'ELIA: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Anybody like to fill in the blanks
on this one? What's the costs, to begin with, 59 --
April 25, 2022
Page 78
MR. D'ELIA: 59.28.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: 59.28 to be paid within probably
30 days.
MR. D'ELIA: Correct.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And to bring all the other permits
into compliance. That's a date and a dollar amount that needs to be
filled in. Anybody want to take a shot at it?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: I will, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: One hundred and twenty days, and $100
a day.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. BOWMAN: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And we have a second. Okay.
Any discussion on that?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Hearing none, all those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
I'm going to suggest to you and Eric, if you could, I would put
the gentleman in contact with Renald. He may be able to point him
in the right direction, okay?
MR. GONZALEZ: Thank you.
MR. D'ELIA: Thank you.
April 25, 2022
Page 79
MS. BUCHILLON: ***Next, under old business, C, motion
for imposition of fines, No. 1, CEPM20190009270, Keith G. Purdy
and Darlene Purdy.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MS. PURDY: Yes.
MR. JOHNSON: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. John?
MR. JOHNSON: Okay. Past Order of the Board, on
January 24th, 2020, the Code Enforcement Board issued a findings of
fact, conclusions of law and order. The respondent was found in
violation of the referenced ordinances and ordered to correct the
violations. See the attached Order of the Board OR5749, Page 3393,
for more information.
The violation has not been abated as of April 28, 2022.
Fines have accrued at a rate of $250 per day for the period from
March 25th, 2020, to April 28th, 2022, 765 days, for a total fine
amount of $191,250.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.21 have been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearing are $59.28. Total amount:
$191,309.28.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Can you state your name
on the microphone for us, please.
MS. PURDY: Darlene Purdy.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And what is your comment on
this?
MS. PURDY: Wow. I had no idea.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Has anything been done from the
beginning on this?
MS. PURDY: Yes. We did what the permit -- or what we
April 25, 2022
Page 80
were violated for. Unfortunately, the permit needed to be -- there
needed to be a revision to it. And we were at that point of we were
told that we needed to extend it, so we did. And I had no idea that
this was happening. So I am here today. I have a permit for a
complete demolition. So I'm asking to have my fines extended or
the length of the permit for -- I have a permit for 90 days.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. The violation has not been
abated, so we can't do anything as far as that is concerned.
MR. JOHNSON: Mr. Kaufman, if I may.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes, John.
MR. JOHNSON: What Ms. Purdy is describing is there was a
mobile home, and it had an extension, like, a carport extension that
was declared dangerous, and so they got a permit for that. And then
as the permit came close to expiration, they changed the permit to
demolish the entire structure, including the mobile home and the
overhang. And as that extended -- as that came up to -- they actually
did demolish the overhang, but then the permit was changed again.
So -- and I want to take partial responsibility for this. She was
basing all her decisions on what the county told her she had time to
do with the permit, and that's partly my responsibility because I didn't
focus her on the Order of the Board, and that's why we're here
700-some days later, because she was working on the permit side.
And she did some work, but lately, really, nothing has been done.
She's aware of that. She knows what she has to do now to get this
thing closed out.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Let me try a -- Jeff, how about the
county pulling this case? It will be a lot easier to resolve once the
violation has been abated.
MR. LETOURNEAU: John, has -- how much work has been
done in the last 780 days? You said the reason we're here today and
it hasn't been in compliance -- the original overhang has been
April 25, 2022
Page 81
removed. Unfortunately, we have no inspections or certificate of
completion on any permit to close this case out.
MR. JOHNSON: Correct. The original -- the original scope
of work for original permit has been done; however, the permit's been
modified. The permit is still open and active, but I would say that
was removed -- Darlene, you can correct me -- like, last year, I would
say?
MS. PURDY: It was removed -- to go back, first of all, the
permit was messed up from the very beginning. It was supposed to
be a partial, and it was a mistake. I'm not sure where that happened.
And we were told to -- that it needed to be a revision on it. So we
did that, but it was -- the due date was up. And because when
COVID hit, it just -- we could not accomplish any of it until, you
know, now, because we have been extending our permit for a
complete demolition now.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Mrs. Purdy, can I ask you, how much
time do you think it's going to take from today to get the permit to the
completion?
MS. PURDY: The 90 days.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. So the county at this point will
withdraw this case, and we'll bring it back in 90 days.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good solution.
MS. PURDY: Sounds good. Thank you. Appreciate it.
MR. WHITE: Motion to amend the agenda to allow the county
to withdraw, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Get a motion from the Board to
amend the agenda.
MR. BLANCO: Motion.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion. And a
second.
MR. BLANCO: Second.
April 25, 2022
Page 82
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay. Thank you, John.
Thank you, ma'am.
MS. PURDY: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: ***Next case, No. 2, CESD20210004145,
Paul Fairhurst.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. FAIRHURST: Yes.
MR. MARINOS: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Can you state your name on the
microphone for us, please. You can lift that up.
MR. FAIRHURST: Yes. Paul Fairhurst.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And you want to read this into the
record for us?
MR. MARINOS: Sure thing. For the record, Investigator
Jordann Marinos, Collier County Code Enforcement, in reference to
Case CESD20210004145.
Past orders: On September 23rd, 2021, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
April 25, 2022
Page 83
ordered to correct the violations. See the attached Order of the
Board.
As of April 28th, 2022, the violation has not been abated.
Fines have accrued at a rate of $100 per day for the period from
December 23rd, 2021, to April 28th, 2022, 127 days, for a total fine
amount of $12,700.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 have not been
paid. Operational costs for today's hearing are 59.28. Total
amount: $12,818.56.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And the description of the
violation is an unpermitted aluminum shed with open porch that's
attached, electrical connections, and two unpermitted canopies.
MR. MARINOS: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Sir.
MR. FAIRHURST: Well, the canopies I don't have a problem
with. I just -- the shed was there when I purchased the house 30
years ago. And I just thought I could -- but I've learned different
since just sitting here that -- I guess that that all needs to be redone.
Because I have all my tools and equipment inside the shed for
storage. I don't --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: This began in December, the
violation. December it was heard. You understood what needed to
be done at that point?
MR. FAIRHURST: Yeah, pretty much.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And what have you done?
MR. FAIRHURST: Not a whole lot.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Let me tell you something
else that you didn't do. According to what I'm reading here, the
operational costs have not been paid; is that correct?
MR. FAIRHURST: I don't know what that is.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: The last time you were here one of
April 25, 2022
Page 84
the things that needed to be done is to pay $59.28 because it was
heard here. That has not been done.
MR. FAIRHURST: Okay. Well, I can do that.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Well, this has not been abated, so
for the Board, we only have really one choice, and that's to impose
the fine.
MR. FAIRHURST: Is there any way that I can -- I can't get an
extension on --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Not with -- it's not been abated,
and you haven't paid the operational costs. We don't -- we don't
change the dates when there are no operational costs that are being
paid. That's our --
MR. FAIRHURST: So there's no way to get a continuance on
the permit?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Well, you haven't done anything
since December. Why would we grant you anything?
MR. FAIRHURST: Well, I don't have anywhere to put all this
stuff that I have, and --
MS. CURLEY: Okay. Well, let's ask the county if there's
anything that you can suggest that maybe you think why there's been
no work done. I mean, you didn't know or understand the
operational fees. Is there just an educational component that's
missing?
MR. MARINOS: There quite possibly could be. There's been
multiple attempts by the county to make contact with Mr. Fairhurst.
I believe his number changed recently, which has been one issue. I
did make contact with him on site when I took over the case.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Which was when approximately?
MR. MARINOS: Approximately, I want to say, November,
starting November 2021.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: November. So even before the
April 25, 2022
Page 85
order was issued.
MR. MARINOS: Yes.
MS. CURLEY: So I think -- I understand that this first was
issued in September and then the stipulation and whatever has
happened. I feel like there's just a little bit of a learning curve here
happening. And it is a little shocking when you find out you've lived
somewhere 30 years and now this little shed back in the corner that
you've just taken up as part of your house can't be there. Can you
tell me who made the complaint, or how this came about?
MR. MARINOS: If you give me just a moment, I certainly can.
MR. LETOURNEAU: This is for an imposition.
MS. CURLEY: Right. So I don't think that we really want to
impose the fine on this gentleman when we could -- when we could
extend it or do something.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Well, that's up to you guys.
MS. CURLEY: Right. So I'm asking --
MR. LETOURNEAU: We don't have all the information here
from the case.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We do not -- we do not extend
cases or rehear them when the violation has not been abated and
especially when the assessed operational costs were not paid. That
is our history.
MS. CURLEY: That's great. And it's case by case, and the --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. You've had your time to
talk.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: I'd like to make a motion.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Lee, yes.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: That the fines be imposed as written.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion. Do
we have a second?
MR. FUENTES: Second.
April 25, 2022
Page 86
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a second. All those in
favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. FAIRHURST: So what do I do?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We're imposing the fines.
Somehow, some way you need to resolve this situation, and if you
want, you can go to the Board, the county executive board, and ask
for some remediation that you can't afford to pay the fine or whatever
it is.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Only once it's been abated.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's correct. That's the first
thing you have to do. You have to resolve the situation that you
have.
MR. FAIRHURST: Okay. So I'm still getting fines now
even --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: No, they've been imposed. They
will continue to accrue until it gets resolved.
MR. FAIRHURST: So I've got to tear the shed down and --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: If that's all it took to do initially,
that would have resolved this whole thing back in December. But, I
mean, you're the one who said you haven't done anything.
MR. FAIRHURST: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. BOWMAN: Can you please work with him to try to help
April 25, 2022
Page 87
him understand.
MS. CURLEY: I mean, you gave a guy 30 days for an illegal
room, and you give this guy four months, and then you're, like,
throwing the hatchet down.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: There was a motion before the
Board. The Board voted on it, and that's it.
MS. CURLEY: Well, it's rude. There's another way. This
is -- we're a board of peers here. We could have -- obviously, there's
an understanding --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: You're out of line.
MS. CURLEY: Maybe.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Not maybe. You're out of line.
MR. FAIRHURST: The thing I think I really didn't understand
was that, you know, I purchased this house in 1991, and the shed
came with it. And, you know, and to hear 30 years later you guys
are telling me that I've got to tear it down, I mean, if I had the money
to put my tools someplace, and my equipment, I --
MR. FUENTES: I think what's kind of been the topic of the
day, it's whenever you purchase a property, you inherit the defects
with it as well. I mean, as you said earlier, you learned something
here today while you were sitting in the crowd.
I think this was more or less the fact that the fines were not paid
and no effort was made. And I could tell you that a lot of times if
effort is being made, the Board is usually -- they lean towards the
side of, you know, giving you some extensions or understanding that
you're trying to comply. But in this sense, you specifically said
nothing was done, no fines were ever paid, the operational costs. I
mean, it just seems like zero effort was made. So, unfortunately,
that's why the decision was made.
MR. BLANCO: And just so you understand, this board has
no -- no longer has jurisdiction over your case. The fines were
April 25, 2022
Page 88
imposed. You know, as the Chairman mentioned, you have to abate
the violation, and then you have to pursue whatever legal avenues are
available to you through the County Commissioners. But we no
longer have any jurisdiction over your case at this point.
MR. LETOURNEAU: The code director's outside right now.
He'll talk to you about your options at this point.
MR. FAIRHURST: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Thank you.
MR. FAIRHURST: Thank you.
MR. WHITE: Thanks for coming in.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay, Helen.
MS. BUCHILLON: ***Next case, No. 4, CESD20200002597,
James Kelley.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. KELLEY: I do.
MR. JOHNSON: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. John, do you want to read
this into the record for us?
MR. JOHNSON: Yes, sir.
Past orders: On January 28th, 2021, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a findings of fact, conclusions of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinance and
ordered to correct the violations. See the attached Order of the
Board, OR5896, Page 3100, for more information.
The violation has been abated as of March 15, 2022.
Fines have accrued at a rate of $150 per day for the period from
April 29, 2021, to March 15, 2022, 321 days, for a total fine amount
of $48,150.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 have been paid.
April 25, 2022
Page 89
Operational costs for today's hearing, $59.28. Total amount:
$48,209.28.
There are no other relevant factors, no other issues on this
property. Everything is compliant.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Sir?
MR. KELLEY: Yeah. I'd like to have these fines waived, if I
could. I am in compliance. And I was -- part of the problem
was -- and I was in touch with Mr. Johnson the whole time.
Due to COVID and so forth and the last two years, I haven't
been able to fly down here. I don't live here. I just winter here. So
I have been going back and forth. He recommended I pay the fine, I
paid the fine. And that's where we are right now. I'm in
compliance. It's -- I think -- I'm thinking something got mixed up
here.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: You're from Boston?
MR. KELLEY: Yes, sir. You got that?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: What a guess.
MR. KELLEY: Southy, there you go.
MR. FUENTES: He mentioned COVID. It's all waived.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Anybody want to make a motion?
MS. BOWMAN: Oh, yeah. I'll make a motion to deny the
county the fines.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Do we have a second?
MR. FUENTES: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And a second. All those in favor?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
April 25, 2022
Page 90
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Your fines have been abated, in essence.
MR. KELLEY: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Go back to Boston. It's a
little chillier there than it is here.
MR. KELLEY: Well, that's why I'm here, of course. No,
because of this, also. Hopefully we can find another place, but thank
you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. BUCHILLON: ***Next case, No. 5,
CELU201800137990, Vladimir Portal and Caridad Paz.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. I think -- believe this gentleman
needs an interpreter. He didn't bring one. So we're going to offer
up Cristina as the interpreter.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm that you
will translate everything from English to Spanish and Spanish to
English to the best of your ability?
MS. PEREZ: Yes, ma'am.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. HOLMES: I do.
MS. PEREZ: Yes.
He does.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Bradley, do you want to
read this into the record for us? Start with the description of the
violation first, though, if you would.
MR. HOLMES: Certainly, yes.
For the record, Bradley Holmes, Collier County Code
April 25, 2022
Page 91
Enforcement in reference to Case No. CELU201800137990 located
at 2035 Golden Gate Boulevard, Naples, Florida. Folio
No. 36914160000.
Description of the violation is unpermitted
improvements/structures including a converted garage, an aluminum
porch, an entry addition, a large warehouse, a swimming pool, and a
ground-level addition to a permitted pigeon coop.
Past order: On February 27th, 2020, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a findings of fact, conclusions of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinance and
ordered to correct the violations. See the attached Order of the
Board, OR5742, Page 241, for more information.
On February 25th, 2021, the Code Enforcement Board granted a
continuance. See the attached Order of the Board in Documents and
Images for more information.
The violation has not been abated as of April 28th, 2022.
Fines and costs to date are as follows: Fines have accrued at a
rate of $150.00 per day for the period from August 26th, 2020, to
April 28th, 2022, 611 days, for a fine total -- for a total fine amount
of $91,650.00. Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 have
been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearing, $59.28. Total fine
amount: $91,709.28.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: One quick side question. I know
we're not rehearing the case now. But the pool -- when I see "pool,"
it always perks my attention up. Is that pool safe? Is there a --
MR. HOLMES: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- fence around it? Okay. I just
want to know that.
MR. HOLMES: Yep.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
April 25, 2022
Page 92
MS. BOWMAN: Has anything been done since the last --
MR. HOLMES: So to this point -- and they had to start off
everything by seeking a variance that had to do with the actual pool,
not the barrier for the pool, but the pool and the warehouse due to
setback issues, which was applied for on May 14th, 2019. And due
to circumstances with COVID, many delays occurred, and they ended
up getting their variance approved October 28th, 2021.
So at that point they could start into the permitting process or to
get these issues rectified. Due to the financial cost of that variance,
that's where they decided to take off.
The pool has been CO'ed at this point as of March 16th, '22.
The large storage building, the permit was applied for on April 8th,
'22. Fees were paid on the 25th. So it's pending review -- or the
beginning of the reviews. And they're working on plans for the
alterations that were stated for the underside of the pigeon coop.
Other items have not been addressed as of today.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: A question.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: How could a CO be issued on a pool
that's unpermitted?
MR. HOLMES: It was found to be unpermitted at the time of
the notice because it could not be CO'ed due to setback issues. The
variance had to be approved before they could CO this permit.
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Do you have any photos on this?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: No, we're not hearing it now. So
that was when we heard it. We granted a --
MS. CURLEY: He got a variance, and he gets to keep the pool.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We granted a continuance in
February. Some of the stuff, it appears, has been taken care of and
other stuff has not.
April 25, 2022
Page 93
Cristine, tell the gentleman that -- it's Mr. Paz? What does he
have to say regarding this?
THE INTERPRETER: He says that we're following the
process as we were told to, that we're obtaining the permits as we
were advised for the things that needed to be permitted. So he says
his problem is that he had an accident in 2019, because he hasn't been
able to work since then, so financially it's been -- has been his
problem.
He's had to have two different surgeries on his arm and his leg.
So his wife is the breadwinner, and he's unable to, you know, bring
any money home. That's why they've been unable to complete
everything.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Does he have any idea when this
can be resolved?
THE INTERPRETER: He says about six more months to be
able to finish what needs to be done.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So to resolve the situation, if we
were to grant a continuance for six months, that may help the
situation?
THE INTERPRETER: Yeah. He says in six months he hopes
to be able to finish with everything. He is currently working with
someone, with a permit company.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Seeing as it's not in -- the
violation has not been abated but the respondent has been working
towards resolving a lot of this, I think granting a continuance for six
months is not out of line.
MR. FUENTES: I make the motion --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Sure.
MR. FUENTES: -- to grant a continuance for six months.
MR. BLANCO: I'll second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
April 25, 2022
Page 94
All those in favor?
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Nay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
THE INTERPRETER: So I just reiterated that the daily fines
continue but that he was granted a six months' continuance, and he
says he's going to try everything possible to make sure everything
gets completed.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It will be a lot easier to resolve the
situation if everything is done. Okay?
THE INTERPRETER: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: ***The last case, No. 6,
CESD20210002873, Yoelvis Ruiz Escobar.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm that you
will translate everything from English to Spanish and Spanish to
English to the best of your ability?
MR. TRUJILLO: Yes.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. MARINOS: (No verbal response.)
MR. ESCOBAR: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Can you both state your name on
the microphone for us?
MR. ESCOBAR: Yoelvis Ruiz Escobar.
April 25, 2022
Page 95
MR. TRUJILLO: And Joel Trujillo.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Joel, I think I saw you before.
MR. TRUJILLO: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Jordann, do you want to
read this into the record for us.
MR. MARINOS: Absolutely. For the record, Investigator
Jordann Marinos, Collier County Code Enforcement, in reference to
Case No. CESD20210002873 for an unpermitted garage conversion
into an office space consisting of two rooms with electrical
modifications, A/C, and door alterations.
Past orders: On August 27th, 2021, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law in order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See attached Order of the Board.
This violation has been abated as of April 26th, 2022.
Fines have accrued at a rate of $200 per day for the period from
December 26th, 2021, to April 26th, 2022, 122 days, for a total fine
amount of $24,400.
Previously assessed operational costs of 59.28 have been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearing are $59.35, for a total amount of
$24,459.35.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Would you like to address
the Board? Joel, are you going to tell him what I just said?
MR. TRUJILLO: Yeah. What do you want me to tell him?
That he has the same thing that he --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I just said, does he want to say
anything to the Board.
MR. TRUJILLO: No. Mainly what we have is that we have
complied with everything that the county expects. We have
achieved and we have got all the permits. We have actually got
everything approved, and all inspections have been done, and the
April 25, 2022
Page 96
whole property has been CO'ed.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Anybody want to make a
motion on this?
MR. BLANCO: I will make a motion to deny the county's
request for imposition of fines.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion. Do
we have a second?
MR. FUENTES: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a second. All those in
favor?
MS. BOWMAN: Aye.
MS. CURLEY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
MR. FUENTES: Aye.
MR. BLANCO: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Opposed?
MR. RUBENSTEIN: Nay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. One nay.
Okay. The fines have been removed.
MR. TRUJILLO: Thank you so much. We appreciate it.
MR. FUENTES: I take mine back. I want to be part of the
nay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Helen disappeared, so we can't end
the meeting. I don't think we have anything left, Jeff; do you agree?
MR. LETOURNEAU: The county has nothing further.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. I will --
MR. WHITE: I just would note for the record, Mr. Chairman,
the next meeting date May 26th, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in these
chambers.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. One quick question: On
May 26th, how much time are we going to have to operate? Is this
April 25, 2022
going to be a time when somebody's coming in behind us?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Elena, we have two more months, right,
though? What were the -- Helen will tell us. I think there's two
more months this year -- I think we've resolved this issue, hopefully,
after these -- what are the two months that we're going to be pressed
for time?
MS. BUCHILLON: Next one is in August, and then October.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. After that I think we've got
everything situated.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Great. All right. We are
adjourned.
MR. WHITE: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
*****
There being no further business for the good of the County, the
meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 11 :37 a.m.
ENFORCEMENT BOARD
BERT MAN, CHAIRMAN
These minutes approved by the Board on Ape, g,),(4A
as presented or as corrected
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF FORT MYERS
COURT REPORTING BY TERRI L. LEWIS, REGISTERED
PROFESSIONAL REPORTER, FPR-C, AND NOTARY PUBLIC.
Page 97