CEB Minutes 04/24/2025April 24, 2025
Page 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE
COLLIER COUNTY CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
Naples, Florida, April 24, 2025
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
Vice Chair: John Fuentes (Excused)
Kathleen Elrod
Lee Rubenstein
Tarik N. Ayasun
Manmohan "Bart" N. Bhatla
Sue Curley (Excused)
ALSO PRESENT:
Tom Iandimarino, Code Enforcement Director
Helen Buchillon, Code Enforcement
Jeff Letourneau, Manager of Investigations
Kevin Noell, Attorney to the Board
April 24, 2025
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CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning. I'd like to call the
Code Enforcement Board to order.
Notice: That respondents may be limited to 20 minutes for 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 that the
court reporter can record all statements being made.
Any person who decides to appeal a decision of this board will
need the 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.
You better remember all that because I'm going to ask questions
later.
All stand for the Pledge.
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Start with the roll call.
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes, sir. Good morning. For the record,
Helen Buchillon, Code Enforcement.
Mr. Robert Kaufman?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: Ms. Kathleen Elrod?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: Mr. Lee Rubenstein?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: Mr. Tarik Ayasun?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: And, Mr. Bart Bhatla?
April 24, 2025
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BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: And Ms. Sue Curley is excused. Also,
Mr. John Fuentes is excused.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. I'm looking for a motion to
approve the minutes.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to approve.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion and a
second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Which brings us to my favorite part, the agenda.
MS. BUCHILLON: The agenda.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do we have any changes?
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes, we do. We have three stipulations.
First stipulation would be No. 1, CESD20240001289, Salvador
Gaspar Rodas and Felicia Rodas.
Number 3, CESD20240002785, Jose L. Spinatto and Helena B.
Spinatto.
Number 4, CESD20250000451, Maikel Gonzalez and Alberto
Gonzalez.
Now we have some withdrawns.
Under public hearings, D, hearings, No. 5, CESD20240003513,
Jose Da Silva and Wendy Da Silva, has been withdrawn.
And those are all the changes for now.
April 24, 2025
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BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to accept the
changes.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay. You want to start with the stips?
MS. BUCHILLON: We can do the extension of time, and then
we have an attorney here.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. BUCHILLON: And then we'll do the stips.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you want to do the extension of
time first?
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. As Chuck comes up.
MS. BUCHILLON: Under public hearings, motions, motion for
extension of compliance deadline, No. 1, CESD20240002270, Yenny
Rodriguez Pino and Rockny Garcia Rodriguez.
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: I do.
MR. GARCIA: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Chuck, do you want to start
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with this, or should we go to the respondent?
MR. MARINOS: It's his request, so if you want to start with
him.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. You're requesting --
MR. GARCIA: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- more time?
MR. GARCIA: An extension for -- get a permit approval for
demolition.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. GARCIA: Because I was thinking I have a door without
permit, so I make up a permit for -- keep the door, but they required
too much stuff, so I decide to get a demolition. I just -- it's under
review right now, the permit. I just waiting the approval to get the
inspection. I'll get it done.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And do you think it will be
done in a week? A two weeks? A month?
MR. GARCIA: The permit has been under review about 15
days already. I was thinking by the end of next month we'll get it
done.
THE COURT REPORTER: And your name?
MR. GARCIA: Rockny Garcia.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Chuck, do you have anything?
MR. MARINOS: No, sir. Just as he stated, he had a litany of
things to take care of. The last thing on that list would be a door that
was added to the previously unpermitted garage conversion. That
door, he originally was trying to get a permit for it. The permit was
rejected a couple times. It turned out to be too much work for him.
He now has a demolition permit. It's under review. It was applied
for on April 16th.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Anybody want to make a
motion on this? I suggest two months because I know things get
April 24, 2025
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stuck.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Ninety days would be better, I
think.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I think two months is fine.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Is it?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yeah.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Sixty days, okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Is that your motion?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to grant a
60-day extension.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And a second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
You have two months.
MR. GARCIA: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So they should be done this month,
and we'll give you an extra month just to make sure.
MR. GARCIA: All right.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Good.
MR. GARCIA: All right. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next up, we're going to go to old business
under motion for imposition of fines and liens. Number 1,
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CESD20210004109, Viage Marinas, LLC.
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. GUTTUM: I do.
MR. FRUTH: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning.
MS. GUTTUM: Good morning. How are you today?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I'm fine. I think you're new.
MS. GUTTUM: I am very new, yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: You are? Okay. Well, welcome to
Code Enforcement.
MS. GUTTUM: Thank you. I appreciate that. Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Is there anybody on this side of the
house this morning?
MR. YOVANOVICH: We're going to use this speaker because
we have a PowerPoint.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Because you have what?
MR. YOVANOVICH: We have a PowerPoint, so we're going
to be over here.
MS. GUTTUM: They loaded some stuff on the computer, so
they want to use this monitor.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. GUTTUM: For the record, my name is Stephanie Guttum.
I'm with Collier County Code Enforcement, investigator.
Past orders: On February 24th, 2022, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a finding of fact conclusions of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board,
OR6102, Page 1043, for more information.
The violation has been abated as of November 1st, 2024. Fines
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and costs to date are as follows: Fines have accrued at a rate of $200
per day for the period from June 25th, 2022, to November 1st, 2024,
861 days, for a total fine of $172,200.
Previous assessment -- previously assessed operational costs of
$59.21 have been paid. Operational costs for today's hearing, $59.35.
Total amount: $172,259.35.
This is not a health-and-safety violation. Any actions taken by
the violator to correct: They completed required permits.
Any previous violations committed by the respondent: There
was one land-use case, CELU20220004146. That case was closed
November 29th of 2022.
There are no other relevant factors.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Call the respondent.
MR. FRUTH: Thank you. For the record, Josh Fruth with
Civilgear. We're the site civil engineering firm that's been working
with --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Have you been sworn?
MR. FRUTH: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. FRUTH: -- working with Viage Marina for the past few
years since the code case was filed.
With us today is Attorney Rich Yovanovich and the client with
Viage Marina.
As Ms. Guttum noted, the complaint was filed in 2021, which
upon time, the client hired a permitting consulting firm and then my
firm with the site civil engineering. And we're going to walk you
through, and I think staff will support that my client has been
proactive on everything.
The timeline is a factor to this case because of what's transpired
since the request for the original complaint, which was a building
permit for the boat racks that were being installed.
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At the time, John Johnson, who's since retired, was assigned to
the case. Their boat racks -- there were five boat racks that were
being installed. The client thought -- stacked racks, which were four
stories high, were being replaced because of structural integrity with
two-story racks, which were brought into more of Florida Building
Code compliance structurally, which started the case, as I mentioned,
in 2021.
At the time they went in for building permit, the Building
Department noted that instead of one permit, they would need five
permits. So the client went back, brought that into compliance, and
applied for five permits, at which time the case came back to you
guys, which we'll go through that timeline here in a second. Right
now I'm showing you what's transpired since then.
Not only were the five building permits applied for and
approved, we had to go through a zoning action which was a site plan
with deviations for redevelopment, which goes to the Hearing
Examiner with Collier County Growth Management. And after that
was completed, we also had to do a Site Development Plan to
identify those deviation to assist. There's a zoning overlay on the
property which triggered those elements, and also a fence permit.
As I mentioned, the timeline is key to this. On February 24th,
2022, you guys held a hearing which established -- which got them
just presented to you. The owners were present as well as
AUC Consulting, which was the permitting firm that Viage Marinas
originally hired before we came on board to do the site civil
permitting.
And as we walk through these minutes of that 2022 Code
Enforcement Board hearing, Mr. Johnson notes that, you know,
without hearing the entire case he can tell you that Viage Marinas has
done everything, and that's why I said I think staff will support us on
what I'm presenting today.
April 24, 2025
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The initial permits were applied for. And as we went through
the boat racks, as I said, staff then recommended -- county staff
recommended that you had to go through this process, so that's where
we came on board.
Mr. Fuentes at the time, in 2022, noted that he thinks John
Johnson saying they've done everything they can, there seems to be
an effort in compliance, so he means that is great. Your board voted
to unanimously move forward with the extension and the stipulations
of the penalties that Ms. Guttum noted.
As I mentioned, the timeline of this is key. You guys just
mentioned that on the other extension. Instead of giving a month,
you gave two months for a reason. In this case, being that we had to
go back for a Hearing Examiner case because of zoning -- we started
in April of 2021 with the complaint, and on this screen it takes you
through your February 2022 code enforcement hearing.
In that time frame, the county reviewer made a decision to,
again, apply for five permits. That was completed by my client.
Growth Management also made the recommendation that we had to
go through the development of the DR application for the Hearing
Examiner because of the zoning overlay, and that is when we came
onboard to assist with all the permitting related to that.
In March of 2022 through June of '22, we had several meetings
with the CRA. My client has been working with -- going back to
Ms. Forester's time -- the CRA to lay out the site, assist with the
re-beautification project that's coming on Bayshore with the MSTU.
And that was key because of the boat racks and the fencing
placement, landscaping, all part of the Hearing Examiner's
deviations -- deviation approvals.
And those presentations went through '23. The Hearing
Examiner was completed in April of '23 and approved in May of
2023. The -- after the Hearing Examiner case was completed,
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Growth Management staff requested that we complete a Site
Development Plan insubstantial change to solidify the deviations that
were stipulated by the Hearing Examiner on a plan for construction.
That work was completed and started in -- and approved by Growth
Management in July of 2023. The building permits were then
released. The five permits that were started in 2022 -- in 2021, sorry,
were then officially released and approved in September of 2023. So
it took over two years to get to that point because of all the
background information that had to be completed and approved first.
From October of 2023 through March of 2024, the site
construction and the boat racks were completed. In April of 2024,
the client applied for the fence permits that were necessary as
stipulations from the Hearing Examiner, and those fences were
changed from chain-link fence to white vinyl opaque fencing with
enhanced landscaping to help visually with the overall appearance
from the exterior of the property.
In October of 2024, three of the boat racks were finaled with
Growth Management. They got their CO. And then, finally, as
Ms. Guttum noted, in November of 2024, the final two boat racks
were finaled, which ultimately closed the case which started because
of the boat rack permits.
December of '24, the fence permit was also finaled and,
officially, the code case, CESD20210004109, was closed on
March 5th of 2025.
Presently, my client is working on finishing up the landscaping.
They're working with the CRA because, as I mentioned, the MSTU
and the re-beautification project is finally kicking off, and part of that
is the -- where we placed the fence to assist with widening of the
pathways on Bayshore. So that is where we are today.
This slide just shows that, through the process, the Code
Enforcement Board's completion of the project -- completion of the
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case, sorry.
We have backup as it relates to everything that I mentioned. As
I mentioned, I think that staff will support that we've done everything
we can. The timeline is key to where we started to where we are
today because of the process, which is set forth by Growth
Management division, but we'll open it up to any questions.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Anybody have any
questions?
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: What is the --
MS. BUCHILLON: You can go to that microphone.
MR. YOVANOVICH: I'm used to being on that podium, but I'll
go over here.
I guess what I wanted to clarify for our record is, as you-all are
aware, I do land-use work. Everything's complicated in Collier
County with getting through the land-use process. As you can see,
what was supposed to be a simple building-permit case turned into a
very extensive land-use case.
And I think this is an appropriate case where we've kept staff
fully informed. They knew exactly what we did. We got it done as
soon as we possibly could do.
And so our request is that there be no fine. We'll pay the
administrative fees, but because we behaved well, we diligently
pursued getting into compliance, we are in compliance -- and this was
not a health, safety, and welfare case. That's our request is to pay
administrative fines.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. I'd like to know what the
county's opinion is.
MR. LETOURNEAU: The county's opinion is that they -- over
the length of this case, they worked diligently to get this thing taken
care of.
Mr. Johnson had this case for the bulk of its lifetime, and he
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apprised me of it continuously. I believe that at the end, the fence
was the sticking point, right? Yeah. So they had to get that fence in
order to get everything completed.
MR. YOVANOVICH: And ironically, if I may, the CRA
doesn't want us to finish the landscaping work because -- they've told
us to stop because they want to do the landscaping work now. So
throw in another -- another complication to his whole process.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah. I don't think they dragged their
feet at any point. They were at the, you know, whim of building stuff
and county approvals.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So the county is
recommending what?
MR. LETOURNEAU: It's ultimately -- we're here to impose the
fines. It's ultimately up to the Board to listen to everybody's
testimony and make -- and make that decision. I'm not going to --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Including the county?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yes. Including the county, yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Any questions? Lee?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: It just seems like it took
forever, like you said, for a simple case. But the violation did exist
for four years. Not quite; 38 months.
MR. YOVANOVICH: But you can only do what you can do.
The county's the one who kept saying, do -- the next step was -- "The
building permit's not good enough. You now have to do this. You
now have to do this." We went as quickly as we could do -- we could
go.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'd like to make a motion.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'd like to deny the county the
imposition of fines except for the cost of today's hearing.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: 59.35.
April 24, 2025
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BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion. Do we
have a second?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I'll second it.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Thank you, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion and a
second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
Opposed?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Nay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. It passes.
MR. YOVANOVICH: Thank you.
MR. FRUTH: Thanks.
MS. BUCHILLON: I do have a change to the agenda. I do
need to add a stipulation. It will be No. 2, CESD20230001084, Erick
Padilla.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. I need a motion from the
Board to modify the agenda.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to modify the
agenda.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: I second it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
April 24, 2025
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CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay. So we have four stips to hear.
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes, sir, which we're going to start now.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We're going to start with No. 1.
MS. BUCHILLON: All right. First stipulation, No. 1,
CESD20240001289, Salvador Gaspar Rodas and Felecia Rodas.
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. OWEN: I do.
MR. GASPAR: I do.
MS. RODAS: The truth.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Before we begin, could you state
your name on the microphone for us, please.
MR. GASPAR: My name is Salvador Gaspar, and with me is
my mother.
MS. RODAS: Felicia Rodas.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. You look like his sister, not
his mother.
Okay. Brian, do you want to read the stipulation into the record
for us, please.
MR. OWEN: Yes, sir. For the record, Brian Owen, Collier
County Code Enforcement.
Therefore, it is agreed between the parties that the respondent
shall:
Number 1, pay 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
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County building permits or demolition permits, inspections, and
certificate of completion or occupancy for the door replacement
within 60 days of this hearing, or a fine of $200 per day will be
imposed until the violation is abated;
Three, 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 methods 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. Salvador.
MR. GASPAR: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: You agreed to this stipulation?
MR. GASPAR: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Does that give you enough time to
get everything done?
MR. GASPAR: Yes, I believe so. I may have some questions.
This is my first time here, so I just wanted to understand, that $59.28,
is that something I pay, like, through the website?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: No. I was going to say,
you -- Horseshoe Drive.
MR. OWEN: We'll talk about it after.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: He'll give you directions out in the
hall.
MR. GASPAR: Yeah, I agree to everything.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And no problem with the
timing on it?
MR. GASPAR: Sixty days should be enough for me, yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. If it's not, come back.
April 24, 2025
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MR. GASPAR: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. OWEN: It's a simple door. It's one inspection; one and
done.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Gotcha. Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to accept the
stipulation as written.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Good luck.
MR. GASPAR: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next stipulation, No. 2
CESD20230001084, Erick Padilla.
MR. HOLMES: Let me see if they're out in the hall. They were
here.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: What is the number again?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: No. 2.
MS. BUCHILLON: It's the new one she just gave you.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Okay.
MR. HOLMES: So I did meet with them this morning. They
appeared to have gone for coffee maybe. I'm not sure. They didn't
April 24, 2025
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let me know that they were leaving, but -- and I had asked them to
stay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Why don't you read the stipulation
into the record for us, and then we'll go from there, Bradley.
MR. HOLMES: Sounds good.
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.
For the record, Bradley Holmes, Collier County Code
Enforcement.
Therefore, it is agreed between the parties that the respondent
shall:
One, pay 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
certificate of completion/occupancy for the storage building within
120 days of this hearing, or a fine of $200 per day will be imposed
until the violation is abated;
Three, the 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. Let the record reflect that
the respondent is not present; was here this morning; had to leave for
whatever reason. They agreed to this?
April 24, 2025
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MR. HOLMES: Yes, yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: No problem with the dates on it as
far as you're -- no?
MR. HOLMES: No. We had discussion over -- the case is old.
At this juncture, 120 days seemed appropriate to provide some
motivation to get things moving. He's struggled with -- DEP is his
biggest hurdle right now. I believe the building may have been
constructed within wetlands, and so they're giving him a lot of
pushback.
He had -- he claimed this morning to me that he had to apply for
a loan to pay for, I guess, credits from DEP for the wetlands that were
damaged, and he's trying to just move through that so then he could
get back into his permit. The permit's right -- is abandoned at the
moment just because he couldn't do anything with it until DEP gave
him approval.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So he's aware that if he can't do it in
60 days, he can come back?
MR. HOLMES: Yes. Yeah, I told him, at the 90-day mark if
we're not meeting the goal line, drop a line to the investigator and let
us know. We'll get him scheduled.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Make a motion to accept the
stipulation as written.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And a second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
April 24, 2025
Page 20
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Thank you, Bradley.
MR. HOLMES: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next stipulation, No. 3,
CESD20240002785, Jose L. Spinatto and Helena B. Spinatto.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning.
MR. COOPER: Good morning. How are you?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Do you expect the
respondent?
MR. COOPER: No, sir. They're out of the country.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Let the record reflect that
the respondent is not present.
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. COOPER: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Before you go on, do we need to
specify that Helen tell you the notification since the respondent is not
present, or this should be enough?
MR. NOELL: Just for belt and suspenders, it's probably best for
her just to do that. That's a good point.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Helen, notification.
MS. BUCHILLON: Sure. For the record, respondents were
notified regular and certified mail April 7, 2025, and it was also
posted at the property and courthouse April 8th, 2025.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. If you would read the
stipulation into the record for us.
MR. COOPER: For the record, Craig Cooper, Collier County
Code Enforcement.
April 24, 2025
Page 21
Therefore, it is agreed between the parties that the respondents
shall:
One, pay operational costs in the amount of $59.35 incurred in
the prosecution of the case within 30 days of this hearing;
Two, obtain all required Collier County building permits or
demolition permit, inspections, certificate of completion/occupancy
for all unpermitted storage containers, structures, outdoor kitchen,
sheds, electrical, and plumbing utilities within 120 days of this
hearing, or a fine of $200 per day will be imposed until the violation
is abated;
Three, cease and desist the use of the unpermitted structures as
dwelling units and disconnect all unpermitted utilities until a valid
permit, inspections, and certificate of completion/occupancy has been
issued within three days of this hearing, or a fine of $250 per day will
be imposed until the violation is abated;
Four, respondent must notify Code Enforcement within 24 hours
of abatement of the violation and request the investigator perform a
site inspection to confirm compliance;
Five, 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 the agreement,
and all costs of abatement shall assess to the property owner.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Where was this property
located?
MR. COOPER: This is in Golden Gate Estates out by the
Sanctuary, Sanctuary Road.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And they just had
these -- they own the property?
MR. COOPER: They do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. This is a poor man's way of
April 24, 2025
Page 22
building residential lots, I guess.
MR. COOPER: Yes. It's a 5-acre parcel.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Have they vacated the -- the
people who are living there, have they left?
MR. COOPER: He said that they were going to, but I'm going
to check back within three days to make sure that they have.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. That's in -- that's No. 3 on
the --
MR. COOPER: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to accept the
stipulation as written.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion. Do we
have a second?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a second.
I have one question on "the structures need to be removed from
the property completely."
MR. COOPER: Well, if they can't have them permitted to be
living structures, then yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And the likelihood of that is
between zero and zero?
MR. COOPER: I mean, they could probably apply for just
container permits for storage, but they've already been converted.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. All right. Three days is one
of the keys. You have access to the property in three days?
MR. COOPER: I have access to the complainant's property,
which is directly connected where I took my first picture. So I'll be
able to see if there's electricity or any utilities on, and I could -- the
property owner has been very cooperative, so I could also reach out
to him if I have any questions.
April 24, 2025
Page 23
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay, great. Okay. We have a
motion and a second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Thank you very much, Craig.
MR. COOPER: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Then our last stip.
MS. BUCHILLON: Our last stip, No. 4, CESD20250000451,
Maikel Gonzalez and Alberto Gonzalez.
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. COHEN: I do.
MR. GONZALEZ: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Could you state your name
on the microphone for us, please. Your name?
MR. GONZALEZ: Oh, Maikel Gonzalez.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay, Maikel.
Okay, Wade.
MR. COHEN: Yes, sir. For the record, Wade Cohen, Collier
County Code Enforcement.
Therefore, it is agreed between the parties that the respondent
shall:
Number 1, pay operational costs in the amount of $59.28
incurred in the prosecution of this case within 30 days of this hearing;
April 24, 2025
Page 24
Two, cease and desist the use of the unpermitted garage
conversion and shut off/disconnect all unpermitted utilities until a
valid permit, inspections, and certificate of completion or occupancy
have been obtained within seven days of this hearing, or a fine of
$250 per day will be imposed until stated actions are taken;
Number 3, obtaining all required Collier County building
permits or demolition permits, inspections, and certificates of
completion/occupancy for the converted garage within 90 days of this
hearing, or a fine of $250 a 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,
Four, that if the respondent fails to abate the violation, the
county may use 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. Sir, this is what you've
agreed to. Is -- are you still using the converted garage for living
space right now?
MR. GONZALEZ: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And you understand that you have
to stop that --
MR. GONZALEZ: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- within seven days, which
includes turning off the electrical, et cetera, on that portion of your
property?
MR. GONZALEZ: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: No problem?
MR. GONZALEZ: No problem.
April 24, 2025
Page 25
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And the code enforcement
officer has access to check on that within seven days?
MR. GONZALEZ: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. GONZALEZ: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes, Lee.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Do you have a rental in
that?
MR. GONZALEZ: Now?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Yeah, is there a renter in
there?
MR. GONZALEZ: No.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Was there a renter in
there?
MR. GONZALEZ: No. It's my house.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Ninety days?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Seven --
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Seven days.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Seven days to turn everything off.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: For part of it, yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And then I assume --
MR. COHEN: The permit has been applied for.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. COHEN: And it's been under review since the 2nd of this
month.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: That's better. All right I'll --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: You'll make a motion.
April 24, 2025
Page 26
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: To accept the stipulation as
written.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Second.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I'll second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And we have a second. All those in
favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
If you can't get it done, that includes the CO on that area, come
back to the Board, and we'll talk about that at that time.
MR. GONZALEZ: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Thank you, Wade.
MR. COHEN: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Welcome. We have new faces
every day. I still use my same one, till they get tired of it.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: We are stuck with these.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yeah. Well...
Okay. Well, stipulations are done, which brings us to...
MS. BUCHILLON: Actually, to imposition of fines, because all
the stipulations were just regular hearings.
Under motion for imposition of fines and liens, No. 4,
CESD20230001825, Marta Alonzo, Salvador Huex Alonzo, and
Edna E. Castano.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
April 24, 2025
Page 27
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MS. GUTTUM: I do.
MR. ALONZO: I do.
MS. ALONZO: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Can you give us your name
on the microphone, please.
MR. ALONZO: Yes, sir. My name is Salvador H-u-e-x
Alonzo, and she's my mom, Marta Alonzo.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And now you're a seasoned
veteran.
MS. GUTTUM: Okay. We'll go with that. For the record, my
name is Stephanie Guttum, Collier County Code Enforcement.
Past orders: On June 22nd, 2023, 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,
OR6271, Page 3866, for more information.
On July 25th, 2024, the Code Enforcement Board granted an
extension of time. The violation has not been abated as of April 24th,
2025.
Fines and costs to date are as follows: Fines have accrued at a
rate of $25 per day for the period from October 24th, 2024, to
April 24th, 2025, 183 days, for a total fine amount of $4,575.
Fines continue to accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 have been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearings, $59.49. Total amount is
$4,634.49.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. ALONZO: We just want to say we try. We here before,
and I explain my case. If you want, I can explain -- I can explain
April 24, 2025
Page 28
again.
We -- when we start this case, we was in the middle of the one,
you know -- one suit. You know, the owner from the property want
remove us, you know, from the lot, so -- and, you know, we bring it
to the Court. We hire a lawyer, and we win the case. And take time
to us to, you know, get through all this.
And the first time when I get here, you guys give me some time
because you guys understand me; it's nothing we can do because it's
like I'm in the middle of something. When the county see the issues,
and they bring it to here -- you know, the Court bring the case to
here.
So I explained my case. And after -- after we finish -- I think we
finish the case with the community last year, it was in -- it was in
favor for -- you know, was favor for us. You know, we win the case.
And then we come in again, and you guys -- Mr. Jones saying for the
next time, it should be -- I mean, you should have somebody, you
know, maybe a, you know, licensed contractor and engineer to fix the
issues.
We already do that. We have all the proof we already do that.
Now we only waiting for, you know, the property manager sign,
to -- you know, to submit the permit. That way we can submit the
permit to the county. We already take, you know, the permit to the
county, and -- but now we only need to her sign -- you know, her
sign, and we can go through to fix all the issues.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Let me explain. Since this
is not in compliance --
MR. ALONZO: Uh-huh.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- we as a Board have only two
options. We can impose the fine and they continue to add up because
it's not been CO'ed, okay, or if there was a request for additional
time, we would consider that.
April 24, 2025
Page 29
MR. ALONZO: Yeah. My request is additional time to give,
you know, the time to the manager to see our -- you know, our plans,
because I have the plans with me, and we already send it to her, too.
So she got to see the plans, and she got to decide if she allow to us to
do it that way. We already submit the permit to the county, too, and
the county know what we plan to do and how we're going to correct
the issues.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Unfortunately, the problem is
yours --
MR. ALONZO: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- not the people who are -- you're
trying to get approve it.
MR. ALONZO: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So that's -- our position here is, is it
still in violation? So if that person wants to grant you the ability to
do it, that's up to you and that person. The Board has nothing to do
with that.
MR. ALONZO: I understand.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. You have a question.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Jeff, based on what they
want to do to this property, will these permits be approved?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Well, I'm looking -- for the record, Jeff
Letourneau, Collier County Code Enforcement.
I'm looking at the correction letter right now, and it's two
corrections. One is they need to supply the roofing material. That
one seems pretty easy. But the second one looks like it's a FEMA
issue. And their options on the -- and they have to prove
that -- there's a 50 percent rule when they rebuild something.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Right.
MR. LETOURNEAU: They either have to have an affidavit for
that, or they have to have a survey done showing that they're at least a
April 24, 2025
Page 30
foot above the flood zone. So I'm not sure where they're at in
that -- in that whole issue, but that could be a severe roadblock.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And the -- those things have
to be worked out with the respondent. Is the -- what is this, a trailer
park?
MR. ALONZO: Yeah.
MR. LETOURNEAU: And I hate to drop a name here, but the
person that submitted the permit was Octavio, correct?
MR. ALONZO: Uh-huh.
MR. LETOURNEAU: So they're in a bad situation right now, I
think, as far as the permit goes. It's going to -- if you do grant them
more time, it's going to take them quite a bit of time.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Do we know if this
property is at flood or below?
MR. LETOURNEAU: We won't know that until a survey is
done.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Right. They have to get an
elevation certificate.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Elevation certificate, excuse me, yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. I'm amenable to grant
additional time. Are you still using Octavio as your permit person?
MR. ALONZO: Yeah.
MR. LETOURNEAU: I want to say this letter was dated
December 2nd, 2024. So there's been quite a bit of gap in when this
letter was sent out and nothing done at this point.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Right.
MR. ALONZO: We already pay for the flooding -- I mean, we
already paid to Octavia to do that, so -- to do the flooding zone and
that -- the FEMA, what he mentioned. He say to go -- to go
through -- I mean, to go -- to continue, he need to -- the property
manager sign, that way we can continue. Because without that, I
April 24, 2025
Page 31
mean, supposedly we don't allowed to do anything.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Until that elevation certificate shows
that you're a foot above floodplain, the permit won't be issued, unless
you can also prove other -- other than the certificate, you have to
prove that you're not fixing more than 50 percent of the actual
original value of the structure.
MR. ALONZO: Yeah, yeah.
MR. LETOURNEAU: If it is, then, you know, you won't be
able to get the permit.
MR. ALONZO: Yeah. They mention to me, and we trying to
correct with them about that.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay.
MR. ALONZO: So -- but like I say, supposedly they say we
can -- we can get the permit without, you know, the manager's sign.
So one of the -- that was one of the things, too, because we don't
own, the -- we don't own the land. They own the land. So we need
their sign to continue.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: You know, I wonder if the property
owner should be here instead of these folks.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Well, unfortunately, the state statute
makes us go after the mobile home owner. We really can't
bring -- compel the property owner to come here.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. But any fines will be --
MR. LETOURNEAU: The fines will probably -- this is an usual
circumstance. I think the fines will probably be assessed against the
actual vehicle of the mobile home because there's no property to lien.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Right. Well, let me ask
you -- Octavio has been in the news recently.
MR. ALONZO: Oh, no. I don't know that.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. There was some problems
with permits. I don't know if you're involved -- your property is one
April 24, 2025
Page 32
of the properties that's involved in that, and I don't know if you would
even know, Jeff.
MR. LETOURNEAU: No, I have no -- I doubt it. I doubt this
property is involved in that whole scandal, but yeah, he's involved in
something.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Are they telling you or
giving you an idea of how long all this will take until it's resolved?
MR. ALONZO: Well, they say supposedly, you know, as soon
as -- as soon as the property manager sign, supposedly it's going to
move quick because we already submit the permit, and they say -- I
mean, they don't give me any time, but they say after -- after she sign,
I mean, we can -- supposedly it's going to move fast.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Have you spoken with the property
manager and asked her when she's going to sign?
MR. ALONZO: I trying to contact her. But I call her a few
days ago, and I called -- you know, I trying to reach her, but
sometimes she don't answer the phone. And I mail to her, and she
don't respond. Well, she respond me a few times, but my last email,
she request all what we doing, and I sent it to her, so -- but she don't
respond me about it. So she don't say yes; she don't say no. So I
don't get the answer yet.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Does she have an office on the
property?
MR. ALONZO: No, she got the office in Miami, and she don't
come here usually. I mean, she get a -- money -- I don't know what
did she, but she got something on the property. But I ask her the
other day, because I spoke -- I spoke with her before, and I ask her if
I can talk with -- you know, with the manager and property, and she
say no because she only having her to just to clean the property.
That's all she do, supposedly.
MS. GUTTUM: Can I interrupt?
April 24, 2025
Page 33
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Sure.
MS. GUTTUM: I did speak with the park manager on Monday,
and she confirmed that she did get an email from him with the plans.
She just didn't review them yet.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So you have been able to contact
that person?
MS. GUTTUM: Correct, yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And they are located in Miami?
MS. GUTTUM: Correct.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Have you given that information to
the re --
MS. GUTTUM: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. ALONZO: Yes, she told me about it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So let me just back step. I'm
a little confused. What was the original violation? I see it says
modifications that were made to the mobile home not limited to
enclosing shell. Is this brain surgery on this, or is this just cleaning it
up? Because what Jeff is saying, it sounds like they're completely
redoing the whole unit.
MS. GUTTUM: There were a lot of additional walls put in, it
looks like, from the outside, like a big shell put out on the outside of
it.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: It looks like they covered the
mobile home with a structure.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah. This was definitely a major
renovation that is definitely subject to the FEMA rule.
I just got a document from Cristina, and that engineer that's
involved with Octavio, that is involved with this project also. So,
yeah. It's unfortunate.
April 24, 2025
Page 34
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. LETOURNEAU: So there's all sorts of stuff going on here.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Are you living in the unit
now?
MR. ALONZO: No, I don't live in there. My mom is there, but
I don't live in there.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Does your mom live there?
MR. ALONZO: Yeah, my mom is there now.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I have a question for Jeff.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Shoot.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Jeff? Jeff?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yes, sir.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: If they remove this
modular cover, would that bring it back into compliance?
MR. LETOURNEAU: I don't know.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Seeing that you said that
there's some --
MR. LETOURNEAU: I don't know if there's any --
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: -- obstacles going forward
with a permit even being issued -- with the flood elevation, that
there's some major obstacles in front.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Well, Stephanie, you've seen this. Is
it -- is it just a shell around the original mobile home, or is there
modifications to the original mobile home also?
MS. GUTTUM: I haven't been inside.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. So I can say that without having
been inside and seen what kind of modifications have been done to
the original mobile home.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Irrespective --
MS. GUTTUM: Right.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- it's got permits that have been
April 24, 2025
Page 35
issued, and they've not been CO'ed. So whether it is or it isn't is kind
of a moot point. My concern now is --
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: It's not in compliance.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- it's involved in our favorite
Octavio situation. Also, I would suggest that we grant the respondent
some time to get their arms around it. They should have enough time
to review the plans, the --
MS. GUTTUM: Park manager.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- the park manager, and see where
we go. I don't know what a reasonable amount of time is. Any ideas
from the Board?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: At least 90 days.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I'd say even more.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Hundred and twenty days.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Hundred and twenty.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Now --
MR. LETOURNEAU: Can I ask this gentleman, has the
original mobile home been modified at all?
MR. ALONZO: Well, let me tell you this: When we bought it,
it was like that.
MR. LETOURNEAU: It was -- the shell was on it, and
everything was like it is right now?
MR. ALONZO: It was -- it was exactly like that. We -- I mean,
we don't do anything new. That was when -- we don't know
about -- about the permits when we bought it, so we don't know
nothing about the issues. Then we bought it for -- my mom bought it
for, I think, 6,500, and then we bought it -- we bought it from the
previous owner. And unfortunately, he die. Unfortunately, he die,
and then, like, we bought it, and then the next day, the park -- the
park manager put a lock on the door, and then they made us to pay
16,000, you know, to fix all the issues the previous owner caused to
April 24, 2025
Page 36
the community.
They made us to sign an agreement, and they don't mention
anything to demo this part or demo the other part. They don't say
anything about it. They made us to pay 16,000. We paid to them
16,000.
A year later, they come to us and say now you got to demo
this -- like, this area from the trailer. And I -- and I tell to them, why
don't you tell me that the first time before we sign an agreement?
So finally, they bring the lawyers. You know, they bring their
lawyer and trying to remove us from the park. So we hire a lawyer,
and we prove it to -- you know, to the judge, they been doing
this -- this thing usually. I mean, they use the Code Enforcement to
kick out the people, and then they sell the -- they sell the trailers
again to the other people, and they don't correct any issue for what
they -- what they kick out the people. So they've been doing this.
So the judge see that, and they say, okay, I mean, you don't
allowed to kick out these people from there because you already do
from somebody else.
So they've been doing this, and the Code Enforcement go there
and, you know, go behind somebody else after the case been closed.
I mean, they sell the trailer again to somebody else without -- without
the title. They don't give the title because the person will take the
title, but they still sell the property -- sell the trailer. So they've been
doing this for -- it's not new. I mean, they've been -- they kick out a
lot of people from there, and they do the same.
So we the only one fighting against them and bring it to the
court and showing to them. I mean, we had a right, too, because it
looked like we don't have any right. I mean, the Code Enforcement
go there and do the -- I mean, do the work for them, and after they
sell the place. So that's why we hire a lawyer, and we win. I mean,
Maria Morales, maybe she don't answer to me because she not happy
April 24, 2025
Page 37
with us because we the first one win a case -- win a case against
them.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I understand. What we're
suggesting is that we grant you time to resolve the situation, however
that's done. That's up to you, the manager of the park, et cetera. As
far as the Octavio situation, I don't know whether that was one of the
stamps that was used to get these permits or not.
MR. LETOURNEAU: It was.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It was. So then this could be tied
up for a long time. So we're granting -- what was your suggestion?
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: A hundred twenty days.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: A hundred twenty days.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: A hundred and twenty days. I
would say 180 days would be more likely. And during that time,
since it's not in compliance, the fines continue to accrue, okay? But
we can take care of that after this gets resolved.
It's a very bad situation no matter which way you slice it.
So you want me to make a motion? I'll make a motion that the
59.49 be paid within 30 days -- that's the court costs -- and that we
grant the respondent --
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: A hundred eighty.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- 180 days to get everything
completed.
MR. ALONZO: I have a question. Sorry.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Let me finish. Any other
parts should be included? A hundred and eighty, and we'll continue
the $25-a-day fine. Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion and a
second.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: A little discussion.
April 24, 2025
Page 38
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Discussion, Lee.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: If it comes back from
Jeff -- or from the building department that this is not going to be
approved and it's within this proposed 180 days, can this case be
brought back before us to be resolved as soon as -- if it's rejected
instead of dragging it out for --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It has to be, because it's an open
case.
MR. LETOURNEAU: If the permit isn't issued at the end of
180 days, we will reschedule this for imposition.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Okay.
MR. LETOURNEAU: If it's issued, we will allow them time to
get inspections and CO done.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So I have a motion. All
those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
So we're giving you six months to get this all resolved, and at
that time the fines will continue to add up, but that can be taken care
of when you come back here. We can cut them. We can eliminate
them. That would be up to the Board at that time.
MR. ALONZO: Okay. Because now the balance says 4,000,
right, 4,000 --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Right, $4,635.
MR. ALONZO: So if at the end, I mean, we don't have the
April 24, 2025
Page 39
lucky to get the permit and we take the permit to the demolition, we
got to pay this balance?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: It depends.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That depends. You come back
before the Board, and we find out what's going on: They granted the
permit, they didn't grant the permits, the stamp that they used to get
the permits was found to be valid or invalid, and then the Board will
consider all that, and then the Board has the power to eliminate that
or reduce that.
MR. ALONZO: Okay. I understand.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: But understand it's still accruing
$25 a day.
MR. ALONZO: Yeah. And I'm going to -- I'm going to try to
contact the property manager. And after you mentioned this to me
about Octavio, I'm going to talk to them about it and see what they're
going to do -- because we already pay half the money to start the
work, you know, so -- and when they -- when they complete the
permit, we got to pay the rest. So I get to talk about it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Talk to it with your lawyer.
MR. ALONZO: All right.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. He won the case for you
once.
MR. ALONZO: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: See what he can do now.
MR. ALONZO: All right.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Thank you very much.
MR. ALONZO: Thank you so much.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: That's why we only charged 25 a
day.
April 24, 2025
Page 40
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: We didn't vote --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It needs -- all those in favor of that
motion -- I thought we voted.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Yeah, we did.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: You can't resolve the case.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: No.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case -- I apologize. I did skip over
No. 2. I didn't realize that person was here.
We're still under imposition of fines, No. 2, CESD20230010938,
Mayra L. Calvillo.
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. PITURA: I do.
MR. VENEGAS: I do.
MR. CHERRELUS: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Can you state your name on the
microphone for us, please.
MR. VENEGAS: My name is Luis Venegas. I'm the husband
of Mayra Calvillo.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. CHERRELUS: My name is Henry Cherrelus. I'm the
contractor working on the permit.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good.
MR. PITURA: For the record, Thomas Pitura, Collier County
Code Enforcement.
Past orders: On September 26th, 2024, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a findings of fact, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board,
April 24, 2025
Page 41
OR6408, Page 2558, for more information.
The violation has not been abated as of April 24th, 2025.
Fines have accrued at a rate of $100 per day for the period from
January 25th, 2025, to April 24th, 2025, 90 days, for a total
amount -- fine amount of $9,000.
Fines continue to accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs of 59.28 have been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearing is 59.35. Total amount,
$9,059.35.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Your turn.
MR. CHERRELUS: Hi. My name is Henry. I'm the general
contractor working on this permit.
Initially, when we submitted the permit, we thought it was just
for electrical and plumbing, but we -- the Growth Management
rejected it based on the Code Enforcement, that we had to
have -- there were some structural work that were done, and we had
to hire a structural engineer.
Then we did that engineer work on the permit. We submitted it
for review. It was rejected. There are some additional documents
that were needed, and also we had to have elevation -- a FEMA
elevation.
The house is a -- we tried to get the elevation from records. We
did not. We could not. We hired a surveyor who went, and he took
some extra time. At that time when we got the survey back, the
engineer was -- was out on vacation. He came back.
We currently have everything we need. We had a meeting with
the engineer yesterday. He's signing off on the documents today, and
we'll have everything ready for submission tomorrow at the latest.
And we believe that we'll be able to get these permits because it
was not -- it was not a lot of conditions that they requested. We
believe we'll be able to get the permits sometime in three -- less than
April 24, 2025
Page 42
three weeks because it's not going to go through a whole review
again.
Once we have it, then I'll start working. It should not take me
long to complete the work. And I have that, and I give the word to
Luis, the husband: If he doesn't get the house done, ready to move in
six months, his wife will divorce him. That's what I get from Mayra.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. CHERRELUS: And I don't want that to happen to my
good friend.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So this case only gets closed when
you get a CO.
MR. VENEGAS: Correct.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Not when you get the permits, but
when you get the CO.
MR. VENEGAS: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Am I correct, Jeff?
MR. LETOURNEAU: You are correct, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So it's been dragging on for
whatever reason. The first reason is, I guess it should have been done
initially, but that's -- that's past.
So what the case is now, as I said in the previous case, we have
two options. We can impose the fine now, and it will continue until
you get a CO, or we can grant you additional time. The clock's
still -- the fines continue to accrue. And that gets resolved as soon as
the "has not been abated" is changed to "has been abated," okay? So
that's where we are now.
When do you think -- if you get your permits in three weeks, as
you mentioned, when do you think this will be CO'ed?
MR. CHERRELUS: I'll simply ask for 180 days.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you think it will all done in 180
days?
April 24, 2025
Page 43
MR. CHERRELUS: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: How much work to get it
done -- before you submit it needs to be done? The electric and
plumbing done?
MR. CHERRELUS: Electric, plumbing. We have some
structural as well. But I have a very good, solid staff, and I believe
that I with -- safely, I can get it done within that.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. And the reason I ask is I
don't want to see the fines continue for six months. That's a lot of
money. So the sooner you get it CO'ed, the sooner we can close this
case and the fines stop.
MR. CHERRELUS: Sure.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And then we can adjust the fines at
that time.
MR. CHERRELUS: Right.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. CHERRELUS: I will definitely try to get it. As soon as I
have the permit, I'll bring an army to see if I can get it done within
two months with all the inspections.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. CHERRELUS: But six -- 180 days just to be safe. But I
definitely will try to get it done.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Lee has a question.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Yeah. How much of this
work has been done?
MR. CHERRELUS: There is some electrical, the plumbing, but
there's still up for -- they're still open for the inspector to review it.
And I have actually brought the electrical inspector and the
engineer -- structural engineer into the house.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: So you started this job
without a permit, correct?
April 24, 2025
Page 44
MR. CHERRELUS: I did not start the job. He did. But we
actually -- actually went and verified things that were done. And
things that will need to be fixed, we'll fix them. It should not be a
problem.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to grant 180
days.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: With the addition of 59.35 to be
paid within 30 days.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Yes, sir.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Correct.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a second. All
those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Nay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. It passes.
MR. CHERRELUS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So the fines are going to continue.
As soon as you get it done, get ahold of Code Enforcement so they
can go out there, you can get your CO. You can get rid of this case,
okay?
MR. VENEGAS: Thank you.
MR. CHERRELUS: Thanks.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: All right.
MR. PITURA: All right. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Are we up to 3?
MS. BUCHILLON: Next Case, No. 3, CELU20230004261,
April 24, 2025
Page 45
Alexander G. Canto.
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. COOPER: I do.
MR. CANTO: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Could you state your name on the --
MR. CANTO: Alexander Canto.
MR. COOPER: Craig Cooper, Collier County Code
Enforcement.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Craig, do you want to read
this into the record for us?
MR. CANTO: Who me?
MR. COOPER: Past orders: November 20th, 2024, the Code
Enforcement Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and
order. The respondent was found in violation of the referenced
ordinance and ordered to correct the violation. See attached order of
the Board, OR6422, Page 3017, for more information.
The violation has been abated as of March 26th of 2025.
Fines have accrued at a rate of $100 per day for the period from
March 21st, 2025, to March 26th, 2025, six days, for a total fine
amount of $600.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 have not been
paid. Operational costs for today's hearing, $59.28. A total amount
of $718.56.
The gravity of the violation was not health and safety.
Any actions taken by the violator to correct: Permits
PRCP20230522487 and PRCP20230522489 were obtained,
inspected, and finaled.
Any previous violations committed by the respondent: None.
Any other relevant factors: No.
April 24, 2025
Page 46
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. My first question to you is,
how come the previous assessed operational costs have not been
paid?
MR. CANTO: I wasn't aware that it was a different spot that I
had to pay. I went there and paid everything I asked. I didn't know I
had to go online or something.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: When this case was originally
heard, I thought that would be pointed out to you.
MR. CANTO: No.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Craig?
MR. COOPER: I believe you knew you had to have the fees
paid.
MR. CANTO: I go to the Growth Management and ask them, is
there -- everything up to date? And obviously, I passed, you know,
and like -- the survey was incorrect. I corrected that. And that's what
was the six days' holdup.
But, you know, I'm doing everything I can. Once I'm aware, I
pay. I'm aware today. I will take care of it. It's done. Consider it
done. Where would I go for that, by the way? Because I don't -- it's
not Growth Management?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Craig -- it's at Horseshoe Drive, but
Craig will talk to you out in the hallway.
MR. COOPER: Yeah. I can let you know exactly what you
need to do to pay.
MR. CANTO: I've got my card ready for it, yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Questions and comments
from the Board?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Yeah. Why is it only six
days if it began last fall?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Because that was the time --
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: That was the time we gave
April 24, 2025
Page 47
him. The time was given to him for that. It started after that.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Extension.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yeah.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I'd like to make a motion.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I'd like to make a motion
for the fine of $718.56 plus the operational costs of 59.28 to be paid.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Let me give you a suggestion. The
operational costs for today are 59.28.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Today's 59.28 plus the
one that hasn't been paid, 59.28.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Hold on. I won't consider anything
unless that late charge has been paid today. So he leaves here today,
goes to Horseshoe, and takes care of it. That's to begin with. Then
the fines that you mentioned go in. That's how we've been handling
it, okay? So not to include this in that, but they have to be paid
today.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So I got your motion.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Hold on. Those operational costs are
already included in the 718-.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Correct. It's $118.56 included.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Right. They're already included. I just
wanted to point that out.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Both of them are?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Yes.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yes. However, I would like to suggest
that if you guys do anything, that -- you reduce it or whatnot. That if
the fine -- if the original fine -- the operational costs isn't paid today,
then we can bring it back next month.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
April 24, 2025
Page 48
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Because I believe the rule is if
it's not been paid, we don't even hear it.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Right.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's correct.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Do I need to restate is, or
is that okay?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: What you should say, "What Jeff
said."
MR. LETOURNEAU: Contingent on the original operational
costs being paid.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Yeah.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Within a -- I don't know how
many -- long you want to give him.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I'll restate my motion, that
the 59.28 that hadn't been paid will be paid. If not, then the county
has the right to bring this case back before the Board. But as of
today, the 718.56 and -- well, that includes the 59-?
MR. LETOURNEAU: It does.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Okay.
MR. NOELL: So for clarity, for the future order, it will be
59.28, the past operational costs, paid today. If not, the matter can be
brought back before the Board. 59.49 in operational costs paid
today -- or paid within 30 days, and then whatever the remainder of
that fine is, subject to the reduction of the operational costs, because
it wouldn't be the full 718.56, correct?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: It would be 600.
MR. NOELL: Okay. Yeah. Whatever that will come out to.
But is that the motion?
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: You're not imposing the fine at
the moment?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. No, he is.
April 24, 2025
Page 49
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: He is.
MR. NOELL: He is.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: He's imposing the full amount.
MR. NOELL: Yes.
MR. CANTO: Could I make a comment before?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Sure.
MR. CANTO: I did turn everything in. The surveyor -- I guess
the physical copy didn't get approved, and they needed to tweak it
with the structure to structure, structure to building, and
structure -- the other structure to building. So those two -- those
information was missing, and I had it revised, and that's really what
was the holdup.
But I turned it in. It would have been approved in a timely
manner, but getting it revised is what I'm six days behind. And I'm
going to be paying for a surveyor that didn't do it correctly.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. CANTO: But, yeah, I did everything in my power to take
care of this. But, yeah, you know, the first hearing I should have
paid. I'm sorry. I didn't know where to go to pay that.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Pay it today, though.
MR. CANTO: Yes, I guarantee, 100 percent. Both, not just that
one.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Call the motion.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: All those in favor of --
THE COURT REPORTER: There was no second.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: There's no second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Did somebody second Lee's
motion.
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: No. Motion fails for lack of a
April 24, 2025
Page 50
second. Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion. That he pays
the -- pays 118.56 today and we waive the $600.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: I'll second it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion and a
second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
Opposed?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Nay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So your $600 has been
waived.
MR. CANTO: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And you're going to pay the 118.56
today.
MR. CANTO: Right away. Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Okay. I'm not going to have the ops cost
for today yet until we're done with this hearing. So if you go over
there right now, the one for today is not going to be there. So you
might want to wait till later on in the afternoon.
MR. CANTO: Okay. In the afternoon.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Same day, but in the afternoon.
MR. CANTO: All right. Sounds good.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Thank you.
MR. CANTO: Thank you, too.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Next.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Number 5?
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes, No. 5, CESD20220000870, David H.
Levine, and also No. 6, CEROW20220009345.
April 24, 2025
Page 51
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.
MR. LEVINE: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Bradley, you want to read this
into --
Sir, can you state your name on the microphone for us?
MR. LEVINE: David Levine.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay, David.
Bradley.
MR. HOLMES: Yes, sir. For the record, Bradley Holmes,
Collier County Code Enforcement.
Past orders: On April 27th, 2023, 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 violation. See the attached order of the Board,
OR6248, Page 838, for more information.
On August 24th, 2023, the Code Enforcement Board granted an
extension of time. On February 22nd, 2024, August 22nd, 2024, and
November 20th, 2024, the Code Enforcement Board granted a
continuance.
The violation has not been abated as of April 24th, 2025.
Fines and costs to date are as follows: Fines have accrued at a
rate of $200 per day for the period from November 23rd, 2023, to
April 24th, 2025, 519 days, for a total fine amount of $103,800.
Fines continue to accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs of 59.28, 59.49, 59.70, and
59.84 have been paid. Operational costs for today's hearing, $60.05.
Total amount, $103,860.05.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Sir.
April 24, 2025
Page 52
MR. LEVINE: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning. I'm getting to know
your face.
MR. LEVINE: You too. So the way it all started was I hired
somebody. They weren't the proper --
MS. BUCHILLON: Sir, can you speak into the microphone,
please?
MR. LEVINE: Sure. They weren't the proper qualifications to
do the landscape design. I hired somebody else. Michaelle Crowley
denied them and told me to have another whole plan made up for the
concrete that's on the property, because some paver blocks were there
and driveway and this and that, and she wanted to make sure the
water was not impervious. So I spent $2,000 on that.
When I went to go give it to her -- she doesn't work there
anymore. No one wants it. I just spent $2,000 for zero reasons. But
now I at least know that I'm in compliance for what she thought she
needed me to have.
Then I hired another person, Jeff Curley or Curl. He seems to
be the pro of all pros. He works for big, giant Port Royal companies
everywhere. He's the best, except for he didn't ask me one kind of
tree, one kind of plant I wanted. He didn't discuss anything. He
submitted -- when I asked him to please go to the county and find out
about -- there was some property taken away for eminent domain.
The property's 3.55 on every record, three and a half acres. It's not
three and a half acres. It's 3.18 acres.
If Mr. Curley would have found that out, not me. Me paying
him $4,100, he should have found that out. He didn't.
I went to the town -- very easy, very simple after I went and did
it myself. The property -- the part of the property that they want me
to put plants on doesn't exist. The street is that. It's not even -- it's
not sensible, this whole thing. So now I have another lady. This is
April 24, 2025
Page 53
her -- she came yesterday. And then another landscape
design -- somewhat of a friend, that said he could handle it. That was
all yesterday.
So I'm either going to pick this person who says they can do all
the plantings, or him, John, who said he could do all the plantings,
and we're going to figure out what I need to plant. Because Jeff
Curley came up with this plan: 2,000 plants on my property he wants
in the front area. It's not even possible. It doesn't make any sense.
This is the pro of all pros, and he wants to prove that he's a pro of all
pros. He came to the town and told them he's right.
Your town came up with, from your man, that little thing with a
bunch of little plants. Which is it? I don't know. I still don't know.
It's like a year and a half later; I don't know. I don't know what I'm
supposed to do except for if my property, on the part that they think
is -- what's the right word -- they wanted me to fix up three-quarters
of an acre or an acre, let's say; front house, around that front house,
into the front area. It's not a whole acre. There's a house. There's
some paver blocks. There's some things.
If that's what they want me to fix up, .37 acres doesn't exist. So
shouldn't that all be smaller, and shouldn't I have to plant a lot less
plants? That's what I thought the Jeff -- this guy would have done.
Well, now either she's going to do it, or this other gentleman
John's going to do it. But I was speaking to the investigator, and
we're going to have a meeting and sit down together with -- do you
remember the gentleman's name?
MR. HOLMES: Yes. For the record, Bradley Holmes, Collier
Code Enforcement.
His wife went and spoke to Craig Brown, who's within the
Environmental division. I reviewed what -- or he and I discussed
what he's articulating to you right now. I'd like to set a meeting with
Craig to understand what it is that they reviewed, if they found that
April 24, 2025
Page 54
there was a need for a change in the plan or alteration to it.
I don't know. This case has been open for quite a while long
time, but not turning over a stone wouldn't be prudent. I think the
county would be comfortable with 30 days to get it on track, and he
can figure out who it is that he's going to have execute this, what
exactly he needs to execute, and ensure that there wasn't something
missed by county staff just to keep everything on -- on the right path.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Let me give you my two cents.
Obviously, I don't know what you need to plant or whatnot.
MR. LEVINE: Sure.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Thirty days is we'll figure out what
needs to be planted but not is in the ground, and that means this case
is still open. What I would like to see is this change from "has not
been abated" to "been abated." Then we can handle the bottom
number on this plan, the $130,860, but only after it's been abated.
We can handle the fine and all the work that you've done prior to that,
and you probably have a rut to this building already, you've been here
so many times.
MR. LEVINE: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So, again, we're back to there's only
two things we can do. Extend the time or impose the fine.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Is it for both case or one?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Both.
MR. LEVINE: They have to do with each other. They won't let
me finish my driveway because of that.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. LEVINE: And you have been paid already for the permit.
It's already paid, but they won't let me do it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So any idea on how
long -- once the permit -- once they decide what needs to be done --
MR. LEVINE: Yeah.
April 24, 2025
Page 55
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- how long that will take to get
done?
MR. LEVINE: No. Don't really know the answer. If I -- if I
was doing it myself, a week, but I'm not doing it myself.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Make up a better answer.
MR. LEVINE: A hundred and twenty days to be finished --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. LEVINE: -- meaning -- because if I --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: CO'ed.
MR. LEVINE: -- come back in 30 days, it's not going to be
finished.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Right. That's why I said that's not
an option, because this thing is still dragging on.
MR. LEVINE: Yeah, I'm kind of getting tired of it myself.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll grant 120 days, and pay the
60.05 within 30 days. And if you get it done sooner, by all means,
notify us.
MR. LEVINE: Should I come in, and we could just solve it
beforehand?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Let's vote on the motion first.
MR. LEVINE: Oh, sure.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion and a
second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
Opposed?
April 24, 2025
Page 56
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Now, what's your question?
MR. LEVINE: So in other words, let's say they did it in 45
days. Now what's the next thing? Should I wait for that 120?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: The county will schedule you to
come back here, okay, and then this piece of paper will say it has
been abated.
MR. LEVINE: That would be great.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: The fines will probably show a
little bit more than that's on here, and then we can handle that
situation at that time.
MR. LEVINE: Understand.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Once it's abated, within 24 hours
you notify Code so they can stop it on that day.
MR. LEVINE: Gotcha.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: And then you can do the
driveway, I guess.
MR. LEVINE: It went up $2,000 since then, too, for the
concrete.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. You're going to have a
gorgeous driveway for $100,000.
MR. HOLMES: If I may.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes.
MR. HOLMES: In reference to Case No.
CEROW20220009345, it sounds like the Board was wishing to grant
a similar extension or continuance to that case.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's correct.
MR. HOLMES: The operational costs for that case, without
going through the entire executive summary, is $59.77.
April 24, 2025
Page 57
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: That should be paid, too.
MR. LEVINE: So do I have one, or I have two to pay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We'll take another motion from the
Board on that case. My motion maker at the end.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: A hundred and twenty days, and
the 59.77 in 30.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And it's seconded. All those in
favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Thank you, Bradley.
MR. HOLMES: Yes, sir.
MR. LEVINE: Thank you, guys. Have a good day.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: You, too.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: I have a question.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay, Bart.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Why did the operations costs
go up in this one, $60.05?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: That is very complicated, very
complicated.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: The operational costs typically, for
the Board, runs around $50. The operational costs for the Magistrate
runs over $100. And that's because you don't get paid -- that's --
April 24, 2025
Page 58
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: That's the difference.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Just the --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: How many Xerox -- how many
Xerox copies they made that they used three paper clips today instead
of two, whatever.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: There's a formula that they use.
I have asked that question many times.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We're going to take a short
break, 15 minutes. We'll be back.
(A brief recess was had from 10:33 a.m. to 10:51 a.m.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I'd like to call the Code
Enforcement back to order. Which brings to us...
MS. BUCHILLON: We are still under motion for imposition of
fines and liens, No. 7, CENA20220007701, Titus Enterprises, LLC,
and also No. 8, CESD20220007782.
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. OWEN: I do.
MR. MICHAEL: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Brian, you're back again.
MR. OWEN: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. You want to read this --
Sir, could you give us your name on the microphone.
MR. MICHAEL: Sasha Michael.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Michael?
MR. MICHAEL: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. If you want to read this into
the record for us.
MR. OWEN: For the record, Brian Owen, Collier County Code
April 24, 2025
Page 59
Enforcement.
Past orders: On January 25th, 2024, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a finding of facts, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board,
OR6336, PG402, for more information.
On September 26th, 2024, the Board -- the Code Enforcement
Board granted a continuance.
The violation has not been abated as of April 24th, 2025.
Fines and costs to date are as follows: Fines have accrued at a
rate of $200 per day for a period from February 25th, 2024, to
April 24th, 2025, 425 days, for a total fine amount of $85,000. Fines
continue to accrue.
Previous assessed operational costs of 59.28 have been paid.
Previous operational costs of 59.35 was paid today. Operational
costs of today's hearing is 59.49, for a total fine amount of
$85,059.49.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Sir.
MR. MICHAEL: Yes, sir. Good morning.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good morning.
MR. MICHAEL: Yeah. With this case, as you may know, I've
been working hard. I just -- I just got the final document for the
parent case. And this case, like I said before, I'm not sure that
it's -- how to solve it or abate it. I thought that I did.
So I'm just -- I tried -- this -- I ordered an endangered species
survey, which was the final requirement for the second vegetation
removal permit, which is the parent case to this. I just got it back
yesterday. Tried to upload it at the portal. I was having some
difficulties. I'm going to Horseshoe right after this meeting, and I'll
submit it in person, at which time I anticipate that that permit will be
resolved.
April 24, 2025
Page 60
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Let me ask a couple of questions.
Brian, it says litter -- the description of the violation: litter,
illegal storage --
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Recreational --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- recreational vehicles, furniture,
unlicensed trailers, et cetera.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I've got another one.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yeah. I'm looking at the one we're
doing now.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: The second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Is that still there?
MR. OWEN: There's a lot of stuff on this property.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Sir?
MR. MICHAEL: Yeah, I removed everything I could that was
absolutely -- that wasn't related to the actual property. Anything
there is related to the operation of the property.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Litter.
MR. MICHAEL: It's not litter, sir. There's no litter. It's a
wheelbarrow and a tarp, and the tarp will be replaced in season. I
showed the pictures to Brian, who saw it and kind of was in
agreeance to everything there.
But litter, specify, and I'll remove it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Let me ask.
MR. MICHAEL: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Litter is still there?
MR. OWEN: Yep. So I went there yesterday. The whole tarp
for the greenhouse is on the ground. There's piles of vegetative
waste. So once you take vegetative waste, put it in a pile, it's now
vegetative debris, which is considered litter. Wheelbarrows just in
random places. Nothing has got rhyme or reason of why it's stored
where it's stored. Yeah, it's just --
April 24, 2025
Page 61
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Let me continue.
Recreational vehicles, are they gone?
MR. MICHAEL: Gone, yes, sir.
MR. OWEN: There's still a travel trailer on the property.
MR. MICHAEL: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Furniture?
MR. MICHAEL: Gone.
MR. OWEN: I do not recall seeing furniture, no, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Unlicensed trailers?
MR. OWEN: That has been removed --
MR. MICHAEL: Gone.
MR. OWEN: -- but I'm not sure if the travel trailer that is on
site is currently registered.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Is the --
MR. MICHAEL: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It is registered?
MR. MICHAEL: The trailer, yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. MICHAEL: And it's also been approved from the director
there at the waste land improvement that it's for -- as long as it's for
the farm use, it's permitted. That's the only thing that's on site.
There's nothing that's not. There's one wheelbarrow and one tarp
that's in good condition.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's being like a little bit
pregnant. You're either pregnant or you're not.
MR. MICHAEL: Yeah. There's a tarp and there's a
wheelbarrow. It's not lither.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I guess the county considers it litter.
MR. LETOURNEAU: I just want to point out -- for the record,
Jeff Letourneau, Collier County Code Enforcement.
We not only cited the litter ordinance, we cited the
April 24, 2025
Page 62
prohibited-use ordinance, which covers illegal outside storage. So
you can't have -- you can't be storing stuff that's not in -- as an
accessory use for that zoning district. So you can't be storing
construction debris. You can't be storing wheelbarrows. You can't
be storing anything out there.
MR. MICHAEL: Okay. I --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It's considered an eyesore, I guess.
MR. MICHAEL: I agree, but you can't see it. It's 250 feet
inside, and there's a massive barrier of privacy, natural barrier of just
vegetation. And on top of -- and it's not garbage. I mean, I use the
wheelbarrow. But, honestly, if you just give me a list of what you
want specifically done, I am more than happy --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I would have thought you would
have asked the code enforcement officer for that list --
MR. MICHAEL: I did several times.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- about a year ago.
MR. MICHAEL: I did. Believe me, I did.
MR. OWEN: Mr. Chairman, this was opened on August 16th of
2022.
MR. MICHAEL: At which point it was opened because my
neighbor complained about one vehicle which was removed
that -- within 24 -- a week, and then after that, it's just been -- they
keep adding violations and violations. I'm paying all these fees, and
I'm trying to do my best here. I paid 2,000 for this, 10,000 for the
previous survey. I don't -- I don't have money to play that game.
And I just want a simple clean piece of land.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Lee, you have a question?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Do we have a current
picture of the property?
MR. OWEN: We do.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Will you allow us to look
April 24, 2025
Page 63
at the picture?
MR. MICHAEL: Yeah, please do, please do, but also just keep
in mind, like, the point of view from the public versus inside, what I
was trying to build or what I built.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: The violation is --
MR. LETOURNEAU: That's irrelevant. We had a
complaint -- complainant on this property. So whether it's viewable
from the public or not, you still need to comply with the ordinance.
MR. MICHAEL: Okay. But to which I'm sure you can
admit -- you can say that a lot of progress has been made from the --
(Simultaneous crosstalk.)
MR. LETOURNEAU: I'm not denying there's been progress,
but I do have a picture here that Brian took April 23rd.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Why don't you put it up.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Do you want to take a look at it?
MR. MICHAEL: Yeah, sure.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Do we need a motion?
MR. MICHAEL: Go ahead. I mean, it just doesn't have the tarp
on it. So yeah, there's work to be done.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Are you okay?
MR. MICHAEL: I'm okay with it.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: All right. I want to make
a motion to -- that the respondent accepts that we're allowed to see
the picture.
MR. MICHAEL: Absolutely, yes.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
MR. NOELL: Okay. It's a motion to enter it into evidence; is
that what --
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Correct.
MR. NOELL: Okay. And you second it, sir?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
April 24, 2025
Page 64
MR. NOELL: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay.
MR. OWEN: I honestly don't know how we're going to get this
picture on the monitor because it's in my personal drive.
MR. MICHAEL: But, like, the picture, you can't see that --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Bradley will figure it out. He went
to personal picture school.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Why isn't it working? I've got it. Yeah.
I'm trying to get it on here. It should be coming up right now on
"laptop."
MR. OWEN: Mr. Holmes to the rescue.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: There it is.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: There it is.
MR. OWEN: Right over here where the hand is is a big pile of
debris. I mean, just a bunch of random stuff, wiring. Shipping
container will be covered in the next one. Way back here you see the
RV travel trailer. It's got a wood deck around it. I mean --
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: How old is this picture?
MR. OWEN: That was taken on Wednesday; yesterday.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So as I've said in the three
previous cases, we have a choice of implement -- imposing the fine
April 24, 2025
Page 65
and the fines continue to accrue or granting additional time to come
into compliance. Those are our two choice.
Any comments or questions or motions from the Board?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I'll make a motion. I would like to
impose the total fine of $85,059.40 [sic] with $59.40 [sic] included in
that for the operational costs for today -- actually, the 59.49 can be
paid within 30 days.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: On items -- on No. 7,
correct?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: This is on No. 7.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: So it's 85,118.84 minus 59.49?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Minus the 59.35.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Yes.
MS. BUCHILLON: But the total is 85,059.49. That's because
he paid the past due ops cost earlier today.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Do you want to rule on
these separately or together?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes. This is the case we're hearing
now.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Okay. I'll second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion and a
second. Any discussion on the motion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Hearing none, all those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
Opposed?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
April 24, 2025
Page 66
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: 4-1?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes.
MS. BUCHILLON: And fines continue to accrue.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's correct.
Which brings us to...
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Number 8.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Number 8.
(All participants were previously sworn.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you want to read this one into
the record for us, Brian?
MR. OWEN: All right. Again, Brian Owen, Collier County
Code Enforcement.
Past orders: On November 17th of 2023, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a finding of facts, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board,
OR6323, PG2272, for more information.
On February 22nd, 2024, and September 26th, 2024, the Code
Enforcement Board granted a continuance.
The violation has not been abated as of April 24th, 2025.
Fines and costs to date are as follows: Fines have accrued at a
rate of $250 per day from the period of January 17th, 2024, to
April 24th, 2025, 464 days, for a total fine amount of $116,000.
Fines continue to accrue.
Previous assessed operational costs of 59.28 and 59.28 have
been paid. Previous assessed operational costs of 59.35 has been
paid today. Operational costs for today's hearing is 59.63, for a total
fine amount of $116,059.63.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Could you just read the
description, for the record, of the violation, an agricultural zoned
April 24, 2025
Page 67
property, et cetera?
MR. OWEN: Yep. Description: An agriculturally zoned
property with multiple structures requiring permitting, including but
not limited to the following: multiple greenhouse structures over
100 feet in footprint, a mobile home, a permanent set of stairs built
around the mobile home door.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Question.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Go ahead.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Does the picture that you
showed us before pretty much mirror the violation on this one?
MR. OWEN: That is correct, sir.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: It's all part of the same.
MR. OWEN: Correct.
MR. NOELL: Are you requesting -- are you requesting that to
be entered into evidence in this case?
(No response.)
MR. NOELL: No. Are you requesting the Board to enter that
picture into evidence?
MR. OWEN: They're just referencing a picture they saw
previously.
MR. NOELL: I understand that. That's a separate case.
MR. OWEN: Correct.
MR. NOELL: So for this case, are you requesting the Board to
enter that same picture into evidence?
MR. OWEN: Yep.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: So we have to take a vote.
MR. NOELL: And then, sir, do you have any comments or any
objections to that picture being entered.
MR. MICHAEL: I just would like it entered with this as well to
get the scope, like, the big picture of the property. That way you
April 24, 2025
Page 68
could see. This is a survey done.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And we'll get to you. What we
want to do is take a motion from the Board to accept the photo that
has been viewed by the respondent.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And we have a second. All those in
favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: (No verbal response.)
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay. Now it's your turn. You want to enter some pictures or
something into evidence?
MR. MICHAEL: Yes, please.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. NOELL: And if we can, just for the sake of the procedure
of it -- because the county's still putting their case on, and then we'll
give the -- if the Board, you know, would so deem it necessary, we'll
give the respondent a time to enter his piece of evidence and ask any
questions he may have.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. This is the picture we saw
on the previous case.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yes.
MR. OWEN: That is correct. He has a structure built under the
greenhouse. Again, in the back is the travel trailer. It does have a set
April 24, 2025
Page 69
of stairs built around it. And then he would need to get a zoning
determination to find out if this shipping container is even
permittable to be put on that property and then if it would need a
permit.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Question.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Do you have any questions
on it?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Yeah. Would you say that
the photo that you displayed identifies to case ending in 782 is
correct?
MR. OWEN: That's correct.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Okay.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: You need a motion -- do I
need a motion to accept the photo for this case as well as --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We did that. We just --
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: We did that.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: It's all under one?
MR. NOELL: It's already been done in this case specifically.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Just now we did it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We're one step ahead of you, Lee.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I'm sorry. Long night.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Do you have anything further?
MR. OWEN: The county wishes for full imposition.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Sir, your turn.
MR. MICHAEL: Yeah. I just -- please consider that that was
under construction, and then they came with the fines, so we stopped,
and I started to do the permit procedures, to which I've been as
prudent as possible.
And yeah, I mean, I stopped, and now I'm trying to fix it the
right way. That's it. And if you would just look at that picture that I
April 24, 2025
Page 70
submitted to get the scope of the property, you would see that, really,
it's not a nuisance to anybody. And that would have been much more
beautiful and nicer if I wasn't -- you know, if I didn't have to kind of
take a step back and get these permitting.
MR. NOELL: And then, sir, are you asking -- are you asking
for that document to be entered into evidence --
MR. MICHAEL: Yes, please.
MR. NOELL: -- in this case?
MR. MICHAEL: Allow the scope of --
MR. NOELL: Okay. And just understanding, if you do that,
you won't receive that back. You understand that?
MR. MICHAEL: That's okay.
MR. NOELL: Okay.
MR. NOELL: Does the county have any objection to that being
entered?
MR. OWEN: I need to see what it is first.
MR. NOELL: Okay. There it is.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: It's just an aerial.
MR. OWEN: No objection.
MR. NOELL: Okay, great.
And then, Ms. Buchillon, if you just want to hand it down, and
you guys can just look at it one at a time quickly. And then if there's
any questions that you have as a result of that...
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Does this stuff --
MR. NOELL: Oh, yeah, if you want to put it -- I'm sorry. It
could be a lot simpler. I made it difficult, I'm sorry. If you just want
to put it on the overhead, that would be great. I'm just not used to
technology.
And then the Board would just need to do a motion to accept
that into evidence, yes, sir.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to accept it
April 24, 2025
Page 71
into evidence.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Was this stuff existing prior to
your purchase?
MR. MICHAEL: The stuff on site, no. I had -- there was
multiple greenhouses. I took them down. The only one -- that one
that you see is just the USDA one. They don't really allow me to take
it down without having to pay a penalty, so that's the only reason it's
there. And it did look much better. I would love to bring pictures of
when it was looking, you know, much better. But again, it's under
construction. We're waiting for permitting, which should be done by
the end of the day for the second vegetation removal permit and the
agricultural exemplification.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Now -- so what we're seeing here is
the site. The size of that property is?
MR. MICHAEL: Five acres, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. MICHAEL: And the other picture, the other one I gave the
young lady, she has it there, would give a little more context to what
I'm trying to show or demonstrate. So this is a very recent survey
April 24, 2025
Page 72
done, you know, within the last week, and the nursery, which is
registered and licensed, is that small area which is circled, and it's all
highlands and permitted.
No one can see it. Again, there's a huge 200-foot barrier of
vegetation. The pictures you see are prior, like, where it doesn't look
so organized is a little misleading because that's only if someone
were to enter deep into the property. And again, it's all related to the
operation. That's all.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Is there a driveway that goes in
there?
MR. MICHAEL: It's just -- it's a cleared path. It's not, like, a
paved driveway or anything, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And where is it? Is it at the bottom
of the screen?
MR. MICHAEL: It's highlighted in yellow, right here
(indicating), and there's a small path here as well.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. MICHAEL: That's it.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: What do the numbers --
MR. MICHAEL: And the fence is under construction.
So the numbers refer to the legend. So if you look at the top,
there's a nursery which is, yeah, .4 acres. Anyway, it refers to the
legend. I don't know if you can zoom in. It's just the vegetation, to
which we're really respectful of wetlands and everything. I'm not
even going to develop or touch any of that. Just only .4 acres at the
beginning, and we're trying to, you know, just do it the right way.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Do you have anything else?
MR. MICHAEL: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Obviously, you realize this has
taken an awful long time. I think what concerns the Board or
concerns me is that it's taken so long to clear litter and other things
April 24, 2025
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that shouldn't take more than a week to clear.
MR. MICHAEL: I mean, that being said, I go in there every
chance I get. I have a full-time job, three kids and a wife and then a
mortgage and all that other natural stuff. But I cleared as much as
I -- as I could of things that I deemed were not useful. But everything
there is very useful for the operation. If not now, in the future.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: May I address him?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Sure.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Okay. It doesn't seem like you
take the whole thing seriously. That's the way I feel. And look at the
fines, they're very high, and from, so far, what I'm hearing, these are
going to be imposed, and you're going to have to pay this.
Clearing litter, this shouldn't be a difficult thing. And viewing
from the street or from somewhere that you can -- you could have
rockets in there, you can't see it from the street, but it's illegal to have
rockets on your farm.
So I think you should try to take this seriously. Do a fantastic
cleaning job before you come back again, because this board, I don't
think, is going to be sympathetic to your position right now.
MR. MICHAEL: Yeah, I agree. Thank you, sir. You're
absolutely right.
Obviously, finances have -- you know, when you have money,
you can move quickly. When you don't and you have other
responsibilities, it's difficult.
I did -- I did make an arrangement, a joint venture for a different
organization to take over the entire project. Of course, these fines
deterred that, so I lost a huge opportunity there. I renegotiated a new
one, but, of course, they want -- before they sign the five-year,
whatever it is, they want to see that the property's clean and clear and
that the permits are all in order, which is my highest priority. Believe
me, I've been dedicating a lot of energy, time, and money to this. I
April 24, 2025
Page 74
know you may not see it in that picture, but if you saw it previously
and all the runs I've done to the -- to the Collier County Landfill, to
which I can easily provide several, several receipts, believe me, I'm
cleaning, and I'm working as hard as I can.
There was another 5,000-square-foot steel structure there, which
I removed. So believe me, we're taking it serious -- I'm taking it
serious, and I'm doing my best. And if you could just give me a very
clear to-do list in terms of, you know, what is litter, I will have it
done within the week that you -- even if it's valuable to me and you
want me to get rid of it, I'll do it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: That's your communications with
the --
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Officer.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: -- officer.
As I said in the last case, this is -- since it's not been abated, we
have two choices: Impose the fine or grant an extension. Either way,
the fines are going to continue until it is abated, the situation,
so -- and after it's abated, then we can discuss the fines, whether
they're reduced or whatever, okay?
MR. MICHAEL: To abate it is --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: In other words, when this piece of
paper on this case comes back and it says "the violation has been
abated," then we can make our final determination on fines, no fines,
or whatever it is, okay? So that's the situation that we're in now.
But it's in your best interest to get this thing done as soon as
possible so that the fines stop.
MR. MICHAEL: And can you, on record, just tell me exactly
what I have to do to get them abated?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I cannot.
MR. MICHAEL: You cannot? It's up to Brian?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Brian is your point of contact.
April 24, 2025
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MR. MICHAEL: Brian's the guy to give me a to-do list?
Perfect.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Whatever. You can talk about that
out in the hall. Right now I'm looking for a motion from the Board as
to taking care of this situation today.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: You have permits in place, and
you're just waiting for them to be final?
MR. MICHAEL: Yeah. I have -- I got all the permits. The
only one that I had to get, which Jeff knows about, is -- I just got this
yesterday, the protected species survey for the land, and that's for the
second vegetation removal permit, which is the parent to all this, yes.
MR. LETOURNEAU: So you're clear on the -- on the
protective species; is that what --
MR. MICHAEL: This is it, yes, sir.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. That needs to be -- that needs to
be submitted.
MR. MICHAEL: Today I'm going down.
MR. LETOURNEAU: And there was two things. It was an
exemption letter from South Florida Water Management.
MR. MICHAEL: I have that.
MR. LETOURNEAU: You got that. That was the two things
that he needed. So you got that in hand. Okay. I would say that he's
very close to getting at least the -- this case situated.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Do you have a problem in
offering a list of items that you want cleared or --
MR. OWEN: Yeah, providing the list. And then the statement
that he made that he has permits is inaccurate. He doesn't have any
permits. Literally, everything is at a standstill, rejected, abandoned.
Zoning was never completed, and just -- nothing has happened.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Okay. That's what I tried to
April 24, 2025
Page 76
convey.
MR. MICHAEL: Well, is that true, Jeff? Can you verify
what -- is what he said true?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Well, I can -- all right. I'm looking
at -- let me get back to the property. You had a vegetation removal
permit. That was completed.
MR. MICHAEL: Completed.
MR. LETOURNEAU: The one I was looking at was the
agricultural clearing permit, which is this right here. And the letter
that was sent out, I believe, in September of last year, had the two
things, the exemption from South Florida Water Management, which
you say you've got.
MR. MICHAEL: Yes.
MR. LETOURNEAU: And then the protected species letter.
MR. MICHAEL: Right there.
MR. LETOURNEAU: So once he submits this, I think at that
point he will get that issued.
MR. OWEN: It's just a clearing permit. That doesn't permit --
MR. LETOURNEAU: Well, no. Okay. That is correct. Now,
that's for the clearing. Obviously, you need permission for any kind
of structures you have out there, any kind of use you have out there.
Is it a bona fide ag use from the -- all right.
MR. MICHAEL: Yes. Bona fide agricultural use.
MR. LETOURNEAU: You've got your -- from the Property
Appraiser's, he's got that?
MR. OWEN: He's got a 69 for ornamental.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. So I think that most of those
things out there probably could be classified as farm related.
MR. MICHAEL: Thank you.
MR. LETOURNEAU: But -- you can say thank you to the
county at this point, but really the thing that was holding everything
April 24, 2025
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up was that letter you've got right there.
MR. MICHAEL: I know. I just needed that to be clarified to
the Board.
MR. LETOURNEAU: So -- go ahead, Tom.
MR. IANDIMARINO: Mr. Chairman, if I may, Tom
Iandimarino, director for Code Enforcement.
For consistency, the county would recommend that we impose,
as we did in the previous case, allow this to be off of your board at
this point in time and allow it to go to the BCC for any resolution at
that time.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I don't think it has to go to the BCC
until we get finished with it.
MR. IANDIMARINO: Correct, sir, it would not, once he
completes everything and he abates it. If you impose -- you've
already imposed on the other case. If you impose on this case, it's off
of your table, and it goes on to him to continue his processes. If he
continues to get everything done and abates the violations, at that
point in time, he can file for code lien relief, as anybody else would.
If he does not, then the fines would continue to accrue.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I have a question for our attorney.
Typically, that -- if the fines are imposed, it doesn't mean that this is
in compliance. It just means that the fines are imposed. This still has
to be -- come back to the Board to get the okay.
MR. LETOURNEAU: No.
MR. NOELL: Once you -- if you decide to impose the fines,
then that is -- that's done, and the Board's function is then done. Then
it can get forwarded to the County Attorney's Office to foreclose, or
if the respondent goes forward with pursuing abatement, he can then
seek relief through the Board of County Commissioners and show
them through an affidavit or whatever evidentiary process the Board
of County Commissioners has to show that I'm now in compliance,
April 24, 2025
Page 78
and I'm requesting a reduction or an elimination of the fine -- the lien
amount, because at that point it's no longer just a fine. It's a lien on
the property, and that would be a whole separate process outside of
this board.
So long answer, the quick bullet point would be once you
impose, the Board's function is then done, this board's function.
MR. LETOURNEAU: But the fines do continue to accrue until
the affidavit of compliance is completed.
MR. NOELL: That's correct.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. IANDIMARINO: Yeah. I believe, Mr. Chairman, that,
you know, we've spent a lot of time bringing these cases back to this
board. We've given this individual an opportunity to comply. He has
cursorily done some items to comply, but it is taking a lot longer, and
it just might be easier to impose on this one, as you did on the other
one, and move on.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Well, I'll make a motion that
we impose the fine.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: The total fine.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yep.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Including today's hearing
costs.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes.
MS. BUCHILLON: Total fine will be 116,059.63.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Will that include the 59.63?
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. That's my motion. Do we
have a second?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Second. All those in favor?
April 24, 2025
Page 79
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. That's the end.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I have a question.
Counsel? Kevin, is the reason that this would move on and not come
back to us is because of the total dollar amount on the two cases?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: No. We imposed. That's it.
We're done.
MR. NOELL: That's correct. Once you've imposed the fine, the
liens -- or imposed the fine to a lien, the fines continue to accrue, but
it's out of your hands at that point. Dollar amount's irrelevant.
MR. LETOURNEAU: But he does have the
opportunity -- there's a county resolution. Based on a percentage of
the property value and the Property Appraiser's Office, he can come
back and get a big reduction, because the property's really not
appraised at a lot. So even at 20 percent, it would only be about
$7,500. So he could get relief, you know, so -- but the fines do
continue to accrue on both cases.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: It still needs to be abated,
the property.
MR. LETOURNEAU: It does. The fines continue to accrue.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Will those come back to
us then?
MR. LETOURNEAU: No, okay.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Clear.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Helen, moving on.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, Case No. 10,
April 24, 2025
Page 80
CESD20240004693, Marisol Morales Ponce.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Number 10?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Number 10.
MR. MORALES: I'm translating. I'm her son.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm you will
translate everything from English into Spanish and Spanish into
English to the best of your ability?
MR. MORALES: I swear.
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. OWEN: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: State your name on the
microphone.
THE COURT REPORTER: You need to answer out loud.
MR. MORALES: Me?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Both.
MS. MORALES: I swear.
THE COURT REPORTER: Okay. Your name?
MS. MORALES: Marisol Morales.
MR. MORALES: And my name is Luis Leanos (phonetic)
Morales, son. I'm translating.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Brian, you're here again.
MR. OWEN: Yep. Brian Owen, Collier County Code
Enforcement, for the record.
Past orders: On October 24th of 2024, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a findings of fact, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board,
OR6417, PG368, for more information.
April 24, 2025
Page 81
The violation has not been abated as of April 24th, 2025.
Fines and costs to date are as follows: Part 1, abated by
October 30th of 2024 within the compliance deadline.
Part 2, fines have accrued at a rate of $400 per day for a period
from January 23rd, 2025, to April 24th, 2025, 92 days, for a total fine
amount of $36,800.
Fines continue to accrue.
Previous assessed operational costs of 59.28 has been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearing is 59.42, for a total fine amount
of $36,859.42.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Violation consists of, not
limited to, unpermitted electrical throughout the property,
unpermitted plumbing, unpermitted structure on the property,
unpermitted conversion of a detached garage into living space,
unpermitted changes to the lanai, partially enclosing it, and an
addition of a laundry room on the back of the detached garage.
Okay. Sir?
MR. MORALES: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Your turn to testify.
MR. MORALES: I mean, I'm just translating. So everything I
will hear, I will translate to her, and then I will just translate it back to
you guys. Is that all right?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Sure. You're just here to translate?
MR. MORALES: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. I understand.
MR. MORALES: What do you want me to specifically to ask
her?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We're here to impose the
fine or to grant additional time because of extenuating circumstances.
So what does she want to address?
MR. IANDIMARINO: Please interpret into the microphone.
April 24, 2025
Page 82
Sir, over here. Please speak into the microphone, even in Spanish,
back to her, so we can hear everything on the record. Thank you.
MR. MORALES: No problem. So you want me to translate for
her if she wants to ask for more time to -- as far as what she have
done?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Whatever she wants to say.
MR. MORALES: She's asking for more time. She's working on
everything. And yeah, she's doing the whole process.
MR. OWEN: Chairman, if I may, I do have four records for
it -- permits on file for this property to abate these violations. Two of
them are currently under review. The garage conversion is under
review. One of the sheds is under review. One of the shed permits,
unfortunately, is in a rejected status, and then they have chosen to
eliminate the violations under the lanai with a demolition permit.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So she's been working with
the contractor to resolve everything?
MR. OWEN: That is correct.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. OWEN: What I find within CityView and the permits that
have been applied for, she's working towards abatement.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. How much time does she
think she needs to come into compliance?
MR. MORALES: First she needs the permission to -- for the
demolition or the -- and the lanai? For the lanai.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. MORALES: To know the specific time -- but she first
needs the permission.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: So total time?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Two months? Four months? Six
months?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
April 24, 2025
Page 83
MR. MORALES: She says if you guys give the permission
today, she will do it in this week, but four months, two months, it just
depends. But she needs the permission to really know how to do it.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. From my perspective, she's
been working with the contractor to get everything resolved, and I am
in favor of granting her additional time to come into compliance. I
just don't understand exactly how much time. Probably three or four
months.
Anybody want to make a motion?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to continue for
120 days.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: I'll second that.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Discussion.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yeah. Let's vote on it, and then
we'll have discussion. Go ahead. What's your question?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Yes. Question: How
much has the property changed as far as getting resolved since the
time the fine -- the violation was written up in?
MR. OWEN: So there were more -- she had a bunch of stuff
going on. There were RVs, illegal electrical, ACs. She's gotten rid
of a lot of it. She's retaining the two sheds that were used as living
quarters, but she's now using them as actual storage. The garage
conversion she came into compliance with turning off that electrical.
It is not occupied any further. And then she's going to demolish the
violation underneath the lanai. So she's going in the right direction.
It's just she's not 100 percent there yet.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: So the effort's being
made?
MR. OWEN: Yes, sir. I have -- see evidence of that.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Okay.
April 24, 2025
Page 84
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So we have a motion and a
second to grant a continuance of 120 days. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Aye.
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
MS. BUCHILLON: Are you adding the ops costs for today?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Yes, 30 days for the 59.42.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. MORALES: Who should she pay that?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Brian will take care of it. Just let
her know that if she doesn't get everything done in time, she can
come back and describe what's been done, and the Board will
certainly consider giving her additional time.
MR. MORALES: Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. MORALES: And besides that, just because maybe I
couldn't hear because I was translating, what about the permission?
Do you guys talk about it now? She's just got to just wait for the
response?
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Talk to Brian out in the hall. He'll
tell you exactly what --
MR. MORALES: No problem. Have a wonderful day.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have one more case, 11;
is that correct?
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes. One present and one not present.
Number 11, CESD20210013130, Fairway Preserve at Olde
April 24, 2025
Page 85
Cypress A Condominium.
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.
MR. MOORE: I do.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Sir, could you state your name on
the microphone for us, please.
MR. MOORE: Arthur Moore. I'm the property manager for
Fairway Preserve.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Bradley, you want to read
this into the record for us, please?
MR. HOLMES: Yes, sir. For the record, Bradley Holmes,
Collier County Code Enforcement.
Past orders: On August 22nd, 2024, 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 violation. See the attached order of the Board,
OR6419, Page 3197, for more information.
The violation has not been abated as of April 24th, 2025.
Fines and costs to date are as follows: Fines have accrued at a
rate of $250 per day for the period from February 19th, 2025, to
April 24th, 2025, 65 days, for a total fine amount of $16,250.
Fines continue to accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 have been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearing, $59.42. Total amount,
$16,309.42.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Just looking at this quickly,
in summary fashion, there's a bunch of car ports that you put lighting
up on; is that --
MR. MOORE: Actually, they were completely rebuilt.
April 24, 2025
Page 86
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. MOORE: It was --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Destroyed during the hurricane?
MR. MOORE: Yes.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. MOORE: Well, first off, I just wish I had been here in
August. I would understand this process better. It's been very
educational sitting back there, and I would have come back for a
continuance had I understood that that was an option.
After Irma, the carports were destroyed. We rebuilt them
initially. We were told that the electrical was like for like.
There was a complaint filed. A code enforcement officer came
out. We discovered that -- they determined it wasn't fully like for
like, so they required us to go back and get a permit. The carports
had been pretty much completed by that point.
We went back and got the permit. We had a subcontractor come
out and confirm that everything was in compliance, and then the
contractor went out of business.
So we went back to look to secure another contractor to go back
in. It's 17 carports in total, 17 different permits, and in that process,
we discovered that there was footers on the inspection which were
partially -- the latter ones were inspected. I guess the contractor
didn't realize they needed to be inspected even though they weren't
replaced. And the long story short, that's the issue with closing the
permits has been the footer.
We were -- I was relying on the employee of the previous
contractor who actually used to work for me a long time ago to
shepherd this through the process. He got stuck. I've jumped back
into it. And from what I've learned from my own investigations, the
contractor sounds a little bit like the -- or the engineer sounds a little
bit like the earlier engineer that was being discussed. He's persona
April 24, 2025
Page 87
non grata.
I thought it was just a matter of him coming into the county to
get the -- there's a letter on file, but they weren't happy with the letter.
So again, the electrical's all been done. It just hasn't been
inspected. The permits haven't been inspected.
We reopened -- I uploaded the reopened permits with the new
contractor. We just finished uploading them last night. I
have -- finally am talking to somebody at the county that has given
me direction. He said get the electrical inspected, then he can come
back, and he said he can get the footers taken off the inspection list so
as we can go directly to final. And if that's true, then I have a finish
line.
So I'm -- as I said, I'm sorry that I'm back here because I didn't
understand there was a continuance available, but I do think we have
a finish line. But just so as you're aware, the electrical subcontractor
did check all the work. It's just the inspection hadn't been done. And
if I get the permits opened within the next five days, the first thing I
have to do is just get that electrical inspection done, and then that
portion will be closed.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: How long do you think it will take
to get everything done?
MR. MOORE: Oh, gosh, I would hope 60 days, but I'm not
100 percent certain. As I said, once the permits are open, we can get
that electrical inspection taken care of. But my understanding of the
case itself is that it's not just the electrical now. It's to finish the
whole permit process.
So if we get the electrical done, then I'm hoping the gentleman
at the county is correct and that he can get the 12 footer inspections
removed, and then that will no longer be an issue.
If not, we have to get an engineering firm to come in and write
up some kind of report in lieu of the inspections because the footers
April 24, 2025
Page 88
are covered. They were footers for the original carports that had a
post in them, and as part of the rebuilding, you don't dig up the
footer, obviously. They just cut it off, fill it, and attach a bracket, and
that's the part that was the confusion. But my understanding is they
will be okay with it, but if not -- so the first part, the electrical should
be within weeks. The second part, I'm not 100 percent certain yet.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Bradley, would that electrical
finalize this case?
MR. HOLMES: No, because we're looking for the permits for
the actual rebuild as well.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. So you think 90 days you'll
be in good shape?
MR. MOORE: I would think so. As I said, I finally have a
game plan, because I'm speaking directly with somebody at Growth
Management. Nobody else is involved at this point. I'm taking care
of it. I mean, it is under a contractor license, but I'm the one running
this through. And if what he's telling me is accurate, I would expect
it to be 90 days, and this time I know that I have to come back if it
isn't. But I would expect and hope -- this is four years, sir. It's the
bane of my existence. I'm hoping it will be done.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: I understand.
So anybody want to make a motion?
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: I'd make a motion for 90 days.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Ninety days.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: And pay the fine -- to pay the --
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: 59.42 to be paid within 30 days?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. We have a motion and a
second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
April 24, 2025
Page 89
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
MR. MOORE: Thank you, sir.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Good luck to you.
MR. MOORE: Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: And no new hurricanes this season,
because -- please.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Oh, yeah. Please.
MS. BUCHILLON: Okay. We have a change to the agenda.
Under imposition of fines, No. 9, CELU20220004113, Timothy L.
Richardson and Tracey N. Richardson, has been withdrawn.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. Get a motion from the
Board to adjust the agenda.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: So moved.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
MR. NOELL: And just for the record, my understanding,
Ms. Buchillon -- Kevin Noell, attorney for the Code Enforcement
Board. That case is being withdrawn because the respondents are not
April 24, 2025
Page 90
present; is that right?
MS. BUCHILLON: I did not get the excuse.
MR. NOELL: I just wanted to be sure that notice had went out,
because if this happens at the next meeting or the meeting after, I just
want to make sure --
MS. BUCHILLON: Bradley could let you know right now.
MR. HOLMES: Do I need to be sworn in?
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.
For the record, Bradley Holmes, Collier Code Enforcement.
To my understanding, notice was completed sufficient to the
162, and at this juncture we're choosing to pull it for internal review
and assessment, so...
MR. NOELL: Okay. But the respondents were notified, then,
as far as --
MR. HOLMES: They were fully notified, yes.
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes.
MR. NOELL: Thank you. I just wanted to have that on the
record. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. BUCHILLON: And all we have left is just a motion to
amend previously issued order, No. 1, CELU20230010096, Henal
Myrthil. We are amending the hearing date from June 27th, 2024, as
a regular hearing. This should be January 23rd, 2025, for imposition
of fines.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay. I make a motion that we
adjust that.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: (No verbal response.)
April 24, 2025
Page 91
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
We also have a bunch of stuff that --
MS. BUCHILLON: A few cases to be forwarded to the County
Attorney's Office.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Yes. We're looking for a motion on
that.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Make a motion to forward to the
county's attorney.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We have a motion and a second.
All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: (No verbal response.)
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER BHATLA: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: It carries unanimously.
I see one, two, three, four of them. We don’t have to specify them?
MS. BUCHILLON: No.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. BUCHILLON: And that's it.
Next hearing date, May 22nd, 2025.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We are adjourned.
MS. BUCHILLON: No.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: Okay.
MS. BUCHILLON: And that's it.
Next hearing date, May 22nd, 2025.
CHAIRMAN KAUFMAN: We are adjourned.
There being no further business for the good of the County,
the meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 11 :40 a.m.
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
A-
RO :ERT ►AilirAN, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST
CRYSTAL K. KINZEL, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT &
COMPTROLLER
These minutes approved by the Board on k' / , as
presented Y or as corrected
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF FORT MYERS
COURT REPORTING BY TERRI L. LEWIS, REGISTERED
PROFESSIONAL REPORTER, FPR-C, AND NOTARY
PUBLIC.