CEB Minutes 02/26/2026 (Draft)February 26, 2026
Page 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE
COLLIER COUNTY CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
Naples, Florida, February 26, 2026
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:
Acting Chair: John Fuentes
Tarik N. Ayasun
Kathleen Elrod
Lee Rubenstein
Robert Kaufman (Absent)
Ronald J. Doino, Jr. (Absent)
Oscar Perez (Asent)
ALSO PRESENT:
Tom Iandimarino, Code Enforcement Director
Helen Buchillon, Code Enforcement
Jeff Letourneau, Manager of Investigations
Kevin Noell, Attorney to the Board
February 26, 2026
Page 2
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning. I'd like to call the
Code Enforcement Board to order.
Respondents may be limited to 20 minutes per case presentation
unless additional time is granted by the Board. Persons to wishing to
speak on any agenda item will receive up to five minutes unless the
same time is adjusted by the Chairman.
All parties participating in the public hearing are asked to
observe the Robert's Rules and Orders and speak one time -- 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
to record -- will need a record of the proceedings pertaining thereto,
and therefore may need to ensure that the 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.
Do we have any changes -- oh, let's stand and do the Pledge of
Allegiance.
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Oh, man. Wow. We're off to a good
start.
All right. Any changes to the minutes?
MS. BUCHILLON: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. Can I get a --
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to accept the
minutes.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Perfect. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
February 26, 2026
Page 3
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
It carries unanimously.
MS. BUCHILLON: Roll call?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yes, please.
MS. BUCHILLON: Good morning. For the record, Helen
Buchillon, Code Enforcement.
Mr. Robert Kaufman is excused.
Ms. Kathleen Elrod?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: Oscar Perez is excused.
Mr. John Fuentes?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: Mr. Lee Rubenstein?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: Mr. Tarik Ayasun?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Here.
MS. BUCHILLON: And Ronald Doino is excused.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Perfect. Can I get a motion to accept
the roll call.
(No verbal response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: (No verbal response.)
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
It carries unanimously.
MS. BUCHILLON: And we do have some changes to the
agenda. First we've got some stipulations. Under public hearings,
No. 2, CEROW20230007492, Don Johnson and Bianca R. Johnson.
Number 5, CESD20250006837, Chrishelle, LLC.
Number 6, CESD20240009635, Denis Delgado and Elizabeth
February 26, 2026
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Delgado.
Number 15, CEPM -- wait, I'm sorry. Number 10, sorry.
CESD20240010429, Vanessa Fernandez and Irenaldo Garcia.
Number 15, CEPM20250003755, La Minnesota Riviera, LLC.
And No. 19, CELU20240012173, Siteworx, Properties, LLC.
Now we have some withdrawns. Under public hearings, motion
for extension of compliance deadline, No. 8, CEVR20230003385,
Marco Ignacio Santos Moline, has been withdrawn.
Under hearings, No. 1, CESD20250001474, Graciela A. Zalazar
and Alejandro C. Diamantis, has been withdrawn.
Number 7, CESD20250010249, 4394 14th Avenue Southeast,
LLC, has been withdrawn.
Number 8, CEAU20250010253, 4394 14th Avenue Southeast,
LLC, has been withdrawn.
Number 14, CESD20250012910, Justin T. Bailey and Crystal R.
Bailey, has been withdrawn.
Number 16, CESD20250008682, Juan Carlos Gonzalez Zaldivar
and Dixsi Marisel Cordovi Hevia, has been withdrawn.
Number 17, CEAU20250001816, Jeffrey B. Sampsell, has been
withdrawn.
Number 20, CESD20250006580, Francis Halley, has been
withdrawn.
And those are all the changes for now.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Can I get a motion to --
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to accept the
agenda as modified.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
February 26, 2026
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CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
MS. BUCHILLON: First case up, we're going to go with the
first stipulation under public hearings, No. 2, CEROW20230007492,
Don Johnson and Bianca R. Johnson.
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. KITTS: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
MR. KITTS: Good morning. Ryan Kitts, Collier County Code
Enforcement.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Go ahead, sir.
MR. KITTS: All right. Therefore, it is agreed between the
parties that the respondent shall:
Number 1, pay all operational costs in the amount of $59.28
incurred in the prosecution of this case within 30 days of this hearing;
Number 2, must obtain any and all required Collier County
permits approvals through certificate of completion/occupancy for
the culvert repair within 120 days, or a fine of $100 per day will be
imposed until the violations are 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;
Number 4, that if the respondent fails to abate the violation, the
County may abate the violation using any method to bring the
violation into compliance and may use the assistance of the Collier
County Sheriff's Office to ensure the provisions of this agreement,
and all costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
February 26, 2026
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CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Perfect. I will make a motion to
accept is the stipulation as written.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
It carries unanimously.
MR. KITTS: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next stipulation, No. 5,
CESD20250006837, Chrishelle, 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?
MR. COOPER: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning, Craig.
MR. COOPER: Good morning.
For the record, Craig Cooper, Collier County Code
Enforcement.
Therefore, it is agreed between the parties that the respondent
shall:
One, pay operational costs in the amount $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 permits and request an
inspection through certificate of completion/occupancy for described
outdoor seating area roof within 120 days of this hearing, or a fine of
$100 a day will be imposed for each day the violation remains;
Three, the respondent must notify Code Enforcement within 24
hours of abatement of the violation and request the investigator
February 26, 2026
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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 FUENTES: Perfect. I'll make a motion to accept
the stipulation as written.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
It carries unanimously.
MR. COOPER: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next stipulation, No. 6,
CESD20240009635, Denis Delgado and Elizabeth Delgado.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
MS. LYNCH: Good morning.
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. LYNCH: I do.
For the record, Courtney Lynch, 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
February 26, 2026
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County building permits or demolition permits and request all
inspections through certificate of completion/occupancy for
unpermitted manufactured homes within 120 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;
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.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Motion to accept.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you.
MS. LYNCH: You're welcome.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We'll make a motion to accept the
stipulation as written.
MS. LYNCH: Thank you.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
It carries unanimously.
Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next stipulation, No. 10,
CESD20240010429, Vanessa Fernandez and Irenaldo Garcia.
MR. GARCIA: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
Good morning, Brian.
February 26, 2026
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MR. OWEN: Good morning, sir.
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. GARCIA: I do.
MR. OWEN: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can you state your name, please.
MR. GARCIA: Irenaldo Garcia.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right, perfect.
Go ahead, Brian.
MR. OWEN: 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 violations by, one, obtaining all required county
permits, inspections, and certificate of completion for excavation pits
or return to natural state within 90 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 inspector 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 FUENTES: Perfect.
Mr. Garcia, you're agreement with this, obviously?
MR. GARCIA: Yes.
February 26, 2026
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CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay, perfect. I will make a motion
to accept the stipulation as written.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
It carries unanimously.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next stipulation, No. 15,
CEPM20250003755, La Minnesota Riviera, 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?
MR. COOPER: I do.
MS. THOMAS: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can I get your name?
MS. THOMAS: Kimberly Thomas.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
MR. COOPER: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Go ahead, Mr. Cooper.
MR. COOPER: For the record, Craig Cooper, 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, inspections, and certificate of
completion/occupancy to restore, repair, alter, or construct the lake
bank within 120 days of this hearing, or a fine of $200 per day will be
February 26, 2026
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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;
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 FUENTES: Ms. Thomas, you're in agreement
with the stipulation?
MS. THOMAS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Perfect. I will make a motion to
accept the stipulation as written.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
It carries unanimously.
MR. COOPER: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: And our last stipulation, No. 19,
CELU20240012173, Siteworx Properties, LLC.
MR. IANDIMARINO: That's Mr. Cooper. He'll come right
back in.
MR. COOPER: I'm sorry about that.
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?
February 26, 2026
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MR. COOPER: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good to go, Craig.
MR. COOPER: For the record, Craig Cooper, 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 removing unauthorized storage of
all business-related equipment, material, and vehicles that have been
placed on the agricultural zoned property without first obtaining
County approvals to a site intended for such use within 147 days of
this hearing, or a fine of $200 per day will be imposed until the
violation has been 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;
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 FUENTES: Thank you, Craig.
I will make a motion to accept the stipulation as written.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
It carries unanimously.
February 26, 2026
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MR. COOPER: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Give me one second. We have a change to
the agenda, another stipulation. Number 11, CESD20250014088,
Luis Angel Pasache Arias.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Make a motion to accept the changes
to the agenda.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
It carries unanimously.
MS. BUCHILLON: And we can go ahead and call that case up,
No. 11, CESD20250014088, Luis Angel Pasache Arias.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We don't have it yet. They've got to
bring it to us.
MS. BUCHILLON: She's coming.
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.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning, Charles.
MR. MARINOS: Good morning, Mr. Fuentes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. Take us away.
MR. MARINOS: Yes, sir. 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 permits, inspections, and
February 26, 2026
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certificate of completion/occupancy for the renovation/remodel of the
residential structure within 120 days of this hearing, or a fine of $500
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,
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 the costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I really hope that the respondent fixes
this before they get $500 a day.
I will make a motion to accept the stipulation as written.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
It carries unanimously.
MR. MARINOS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next up, we are still under public hearings.
Now it will be motion for extension of compliance deadline.
Number 2, CESD20230007752, Sergio Ruiz and Yusleidy
Torres.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We are on No. 2, Case No.
CESD20230007752.
MS. BUCHILLON: Right, on the extension.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We need the officer.
February 26, 2026
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MS. BUCHILLON: Jeremiah.
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. TORRES: I do.
MR. MATOS: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
MR. MATOS: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
MS. TORRES: Yeah. I just need more time to call for the
inspection on the permit. I have --
MS. BUCHILLON: Ma'am, can you move up to the
microphone, please?
MS. TORRES: Yeah. Yeah, I'm just asking for more time to
call for the inspection. I have the permit already approved. But I'm
working on the engineer letters with Robert Moore to close the
permit.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So you're currently waiting for a
permit to be closed?
MS. TORRES: Yes. I had to call some inspections, and I need
some engineering letters that I'm working on it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Jeremiah, do you know the status of
that permit, where it's currently at?
MR. MATOS: Yeah. So that permit is in reactivate status, and
it expires this Sunday.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It expires this Sunday?
MR. MATOS: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Is the County against providing an
extension at this time?
MR. MATOS: I don't believe so because she's never had an
extension, and the fines haven't been accruing, so...
February 26, 2026
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CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: How much time are you looking
for?
MS. TORRES: I would say at least a couple months because I
have to call for the inspections, and hopefully, you know, everything
is okay. But if I have to -- you know, if I have to do some changes, I
need time to for that. It depends on the inspector.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I make a motion to give her 90
days.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Second.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Pay the operating costs --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah. Sorry about that.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: -- of -- I don't know.
MS. BUCHILLON: Operational costs is 59.49.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: in 30 days.
MS. TORRES: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You've got to pay those operational
costs within 30 days, okay?
MS. TORRES: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We did have a motion. We had a
second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
It carries unanimously.
February 26, 2026
Page 17
Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next extension of time, No. 1. I didn't
know they were here. They had just gotten here. Number 1,
CESD20240006062, Yoandy Herrera Suarez and Yesnicey Bouquet
Pena.
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. TOSCANO: Yes, I will.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MS. PULSE: I do.
MR. HERRERA: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
MR. TOSCANO: Good morning.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can I get your name?
MR. TOSCANO: Freddy Toscano, T-o-s-c-a-n-o.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: He's a translator.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Well, this is a request that you guys
are asking for, so please go ahead.
MR. TOSCANO: The request he was asking was when we were
here the first time, we were -- had to get the tags for the trailers. But
we did get them, and then we started calling the County. On.
October the --
MS. PULSE: Excuse me, sir. We're not on that case.
MR. TOSCANO: Oh, I thought we were.
MS. PULSE: We're on the permit case.
MR. TOSCANO: Oh, on the permit case.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you, Dee.
MR. TOSCANO: On the permit.
February 26, 2026
Page 18
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: This is a permit case. You're
requesting an extension of -- to extend the compliance deadline.
MR. TOSCANO: Oh. On this, it's because on the vegetation
we haven't got -- we can't get a -- what's it called? -- a paper for this
yet until -- we don't get the vegetation permit done on this, we will
get this. So we were asking extension on this.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: What are they at with the -- I'm
guessing this is department of -- DEP?
MS. PULSE: No, the environmental.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Environmental.
MS. PULSE: They have to get a permit for their shed and an
electric pole, and they're running into other requirements before that
permit can get issued. They had to deal with a fence permit. They
had to deal with vegetation approval. So they're moving forward
doing what they have to do.
I am in good communication with the wife, Jenny, and she is
having trouble with also our online portal uploading documents. So
I'm working with her trying to find out why she can't do that.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: But you have an open line of
communication?
MS. PULSE: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That's good.
MS. PULSE: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. How much time do you
guys think you need?
MR. TOSCANO: About 180 days.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Six months.
MR. TOSCANO: Because, you know, we got the fence. We've
got a couple issues before we get to that, so I don't want to -- make
sure we take care of everything before we get here again, you know
what I'm saying? You know, everything takes time.
February 26, 2026
Page 19
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MR. IANDIMARINO: The County would have no objection to
that.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. I'll go ahead and make a
motion to grant the extension of 180 days.
MR. TOSCANO: Thank you.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: And today's operational costs do
need to get paid.
Helen, can I get the operational costs for today?
MS. BUCHILLON: Give me one second. Operational costs, it
is 59.42.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So those operational costs do need to
get paid within 30 days, okay?
MR. TOSCANO: All right. No problem.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We have a motion. We have a
second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
It carries unanimously.
MS. BUCHILLON: Actually, they are also scheduled for
imposition of fines on another case. Would you like to hear that case
now since they're up here?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Absolutely. Absolutely.
MS. BUCHILLON: Okay. Under imposition of fines -- give
me one second -- it would be No. 2, CELU20250011084, Yoandy
Herrera Suarez and Yesnicey Bouquet Pena.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
(All participants were previously sworn.)
February 26, 2026
Page 20
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Are we ready?
MS. PULSE: Ready.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Go ahead, Dee.
MS. PULSE: Okay. For the record, Dee Pulse, Collier County
Code Enforcement.
Past orders: On November 21st, 2025, 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,
OR6533, Page 3579, for more information.
The violation has been abated as of January 9th, 2026.
Fines and costs to date are as follows: Fines have accrued at a
rate of $200 per day for the period from December 7th, 2025, to
January 9th, 2026, 34 days, for a total fine amount of $6,800.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.42 have been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearing, $59.35. For a total amount of
$6,859.35.
Gravity of the violation was not health and safety.
Any actions taken by violator to correct: Obtained updated
vehicle registrations and affixed current plate to the vehicles.
Any previous violations committed by the respondent/violator:
The current case you just heard, CESD20240006062, for unpermitted
shed and electrical box.
Any other relevant factors...
MR. IANDIMARINO: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yes.
MR. IANDIMARINO: For the record, Tom Iandimarino,
director for Code Enforcement.
The respondent did notify Code Enforcement shortly after their
abatement date of December 7th. We weren't able to get out there to
verify until 34 -- until the 9th of January when we did our affidavit of
February 26, 2026
Page 21
compliance.
We went back and looked at our records, and they did email us
or call us when, Dee?
MS. PULSE: December 15th.
MR. IANDIMARINO: So December 15th. So as far as any
other relevant factors, it may be fair to share that they did notify us
that they were in compliance on December 15th, but we were unable
to get there due to holidays and missing times until the 9th. So please
take that into consideration.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Sure. I'm going to go ahead and
make a motion that today's operational costs of 59.35 do get paid
within 30 days, and I will reduce the County's fine amount from
$6,859.35 down to $200, okay?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
MR. TOSCANO: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's $200 plus the operational costs
today of 59.35.
MR. TOSCANO: Yeah, okay, okay. I mean, like, 250. It
would be, like, 250.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's going to be a bit more than 250.
It's going to be closer to 260.
MR. TOSCANO: Okay. No problem. Thank you. I appreciate
it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We want every penny.
MR. TOSCANO: No, I know. Yeah, but we did try to call, but
when we did get the answer back, he said he was sick, and then he
said he was going to get transferred, and that's when we got this nice
lady.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Not a problem. I've got a motion, so
let's just hear that out. But we're going to reduce that, okay?
MR. TOSCANO: Okay, thank you.
February 26, 2026
Page 22
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Do I have a second?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
No?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: No.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Those opposed?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: 3-1. Thank you.
MS. PULSE: Thank you.
MR. TOSCANO: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: We do have another change to the agenda.
We're adding another stipulation. Number 4 under hearings,
CEPF20250005625, Charles B. Hayes, Jr.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. I'll -- well, let me make a
motion real quick to accept the changes to the agenda.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
It carries unanimously.
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 FUENTES: Go ahead, Brian.
MR. OWEN: All right. For the record, Brian Owen, Collier
February 26, 2026
Page 23
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;
Abate all violations by completing all inspections, obtaining
certificate of completion/occupancy for Permit PREL20150411982
within 60 days of this hearing, or a fine of $100 per day will be
imposed for each day the violation remains;
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;
Four, that if the respondent fails to abate the violation, the
County may abate the violation using anything 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 FUENTES: Thank you, Brian.
I will go ahead and make a motion to accept the stipulation as
written.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
It carries unanimously.
Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Okay. We are back up to under motion for
extension of compliance deadline, No. 3, CESD20220001856,
Fernando Rivadeneira.
February 26, 2026
Page 24
MR. RIVADENEIRA: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
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. RIVADENEIRA: I do.
MS. PULSE: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can I get your name?
MR. RIVADENEIRA: My name is Fernando Rivadeneira.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning, Fernando. This is
your request for an extension.
MR. RIVADENEIRA: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Go ahead.
MR. RIVADENEIRA: I need at least 120 days. I'm about to
finish the project. I'm working with an engineer, Jonathan Walsh,
and pretty much we're almost done. But just in case, I need extra
time to make sure everything's done correctly.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MS. PULSE: Yes. They're moving forward. I have no
objection. I don't know how much time you think you may need.
Possibly 120 days, I think.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Helen, what's today's
operational costs?
MS. BUCHILLON: 59.56.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Perfect. All right. I'll go ahead and
I'll make a motion to -- is the Board okay with granting 120 days?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yeah.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'll go ahead and make a motion to
grant the extension of 120 days; however, the operational costs for
today of 59.56 do need to be paid within 30 days.
February 26, 2026
Page 25
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
MR. RIVADENEIRA: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
It carries unanimously.
Thank you.
MR. RIVADENEIRA: Have a good day.
MS. PULSE: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, still under extension of
compliance deadline, No. 4, CEPF20240010344, Miguel Angel
Licero Gualdron and Rosa Eugenia Garrido Vergara.
MR. LICERO: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
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. LICERO: I do.
MR. MUCHA: I do.
MS. TREVINO: I do.
MS. GARRIDO: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Okay. And can I get you to put
your names on the record, all of you.
MR. LICERO: Miguel Licero.
MS. GARRIDO: Rosa Garrido.
MS. TREVINO: Jane Trevino.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You guys are requesting the
extension, so please go ahead.
MR. LICERO: She's my contractor.
February 26, 2026
Page 26
MS. TREVINO: We've been doing the variance.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Oh.
MS. TREVINO: So we just wanted to see if we could get
anywhere between six months to a year or more.
MR. LICERO: To a year.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: For the variance?
Good morning, Joe.
MR. MUCHA: Good morning. For the record, Joe Mucha,
manager of Code Enforcement.
So, yes, their screen enclosure, I guess, is about a foot -- a little
over a foot off, so they have to do a variance. And I would say at
least start at six months would be appropriate.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MR. MUCHA: The County would have no objection to that.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You guys think six months?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Six months, if that's okay.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Yeah, that's good.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: What's today's operational costs
today, Helen?
MS. BUCHILLON: 59.49.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. I'm going to go ahead and
make a motion grant that extension of six months; however, the
operational costs of 59.49 do need to be paid within 30 days.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We have a second. All those in
favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
It carries unanimously.
February 26, 2026
Page 27
MS. TREVINO: Thank you.
MR. LICERO: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Do you see I've been practicing that
word? I was almost late this morning just practicing that word.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next extension, No. 5,
CESD20240006068, Luis Rene Vigil Menendez and Yahima Soto
Jimenez.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Ms. Pulse, you are active today.
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?
MS. AGUILA: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MS. PULSE: I do.
MS. SOTO: I do.
MR. VIGIL: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Okay. And what is your name?
MS. AGUILA: Esther.
THE COURT REPORTER: Ester what?
MS. AGUILA: Ester Aguila. E-s-t -- A-g-u-i-l-a.
THE COURT REPORTER: Okay. And you need to state your
name on the record.
MS. SOTO: Yahima Soto.
THE COURT REPORTER: And now your name.
MR. VIGIL: Luis Vigil.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. I'm sorry. Who is the
translator?
MS. AGUILA: Me.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Perfect. This is a request that
February 26, 2026
Page 28
you guys have, so if you could just let you know.
MS. AGUILA: Okay. They are trying to get at least 90 more
days for the permit that they need to do because there have some
changes, and they need to revise the permit that they have so they can
do everything.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MS. PULSE: So this was in reference to a shed -- unpermitted
shed and electrical pole. The shed is removed from the property at
this time. They did get -- their demolition permit for the electric pole
was issued and the -- as of February 19th, actually, 2026. So there is
a question of the shed permit because it was requested to be canceled;
however, there's another process that they have to do a revision on
that permit, or I suggested possibly they can add the shed to the demo
permit --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Remove it.
MS. PULSE: -- current for the electric pole.
So that is something that they just have to work with Permitting
and request that revision.
So I've -- personally, probably about 60 days would probably get
it done.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Sixty? Okay. I'm going to go ahead
and make a -- Board is okay with that?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Operational costs.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah. I've got to get that from
Helen.
MS. BUCHILLON: 59.56.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You guys are okay with 60 days?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: I'm okay with that.
Sixty days, okay?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (Nods head.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. I'll go ahead and make a
February 26, 2026
Page 29
motion to grant 60 days, the extension of 60 days, and today's
operational costs of 59.56 do need to be paid within 30 days.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: If you can relate that real quickly.
MS. AGUILA: She understand. She don't speak, but she
understand.
MS. SOTO: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. All right. We've got a
motion. We have a second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
MS. SOTO: Thank you.
MS. AGUILA: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next extension, No. 6,
CESD20240002792, Louisette Beauplan.
MS. BEAUPLAN: Good morning.
MR. BEAUPLAN: Good morning.
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. BEAUPLAN: Yes, I do.
MR. MARINOS: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
MR. BEAUPLAN: Good morning. I do, yes, yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You can put your hand down.
MR. BEAUPLAN: All right.
February 26, 2026
Page 30
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. This is your guy's request for
extension.
MR. BEAUPLAN: Basically, we are here for extension of time,
maybe 90 days. Currently we are working with the County toward
certification of completion for that project. We had the -- we had the
permit there from the last time we've been here to do the proper
correction to the property. We met with the responsible people out
there. We had some inspection done, and we just need some more
time to finish up this work.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: How much more?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: What's the date on this
violation?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's about two years old, I believe. I
believe it's about two years old.
Charles, I know this case is a bit older. I know they're asking
for an extension. I know this was regarding the alterations that were
done to, I believe, that single-family home or church? I want to say it
was a school? It was a larger property.
MR. MARINOS: Yes, sir. Yeah. Yeah, it was a -- the permit
was issued on 10/29/2025. Their inspections commence currently.
They've had a couple inspections where they need to open up some
walls and show some stuff, so they're kind of still in the -- near the
beginning of that permitting process in terms of inspections.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: And this permit has not expired; it's
been kept alive?
MR. MARINOS: Yes, sir.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll give them 90 days.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: I'm okay with that.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Ninety days?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: And operational costs.
MR. IANDIMARINO: For the record, Tom Iandimarino,
February 26, 2026
Page 31
director.
The other code cases that they have I do believe are all closed, if
that helps you in your decision.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: They've been abated?
MR. IANDIMARINO: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: And today's fine.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Operational costs.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yes.
Helen, if I could get those operational costs, please.
MS. BUCHILLON: $60.12.
MR. BEAUPLAN: They're higher.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Well, you've been here more.
MR. BEAUPLAN: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: There's a repeat charge.
All right. I'm going to go ahead and make a motion to grant the
extensions of 90 days, as well as the operational costs of $60.12 do
need to be paid within 30 days.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
MS. BEAUPLAN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We have a motion. We have a
second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
All those opposed?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Nay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: 3-1.
MR. BEAUPLAN: Thank you very much.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next extension of time, No. 7,
CESD20250001006, Alexis Cubilla and Ana T. Pizarro Pedraza.
February 26, 2026
Page 32
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MS. PULSE: I do.
MR. CUBILLA: I do.
MR. GOMEZ: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can you state your names on the
record.
MR. GOMEZ: Luis Gomez.
MR. CUBILLA: Alexis Cubilla.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: What's the date of the
violation?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: This one would be 2025. It looks to
me like Dee's trying to compete with Brian right now.
All right. This is a request that you guys have for an extension,
so...
MR. GOMEZ: Yeah. I'm the contractor. He hired me to -- do
the demolition on the lanai. He do it without a permit. And I got the
permit already on the County, and we waiting to get approval to do
the demolition. We need, I think, an extension for 180 days.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Are you okay with that, Dee?
MS. PULSE: I'm okay with that.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Open line of communication?
MS. PULSE: Oh, yes, absolutely, um-hmm.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Operational costs?
MS. BUCHILLON: 59.63.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Anybody want to make a motion?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion: Give them
the 180 days if they pay the 59.63 within 30.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
February 26, 2026
Page 33
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
Those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
Thank you.
MS. PULSE: Thank you.
MR. GOMEZ: Thank you.
MR. CUBILLA: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next extension of time, No. 9,
CEROW20230005401, Mario Ignacio Santos Molina.
MR. SANTOS: Good morning.
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. SANTOS: Yes, I do.
MR. OWEN: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Your name?
MR. SANTOS: Mario Ignacio Santos Molina.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Perfect. Good morning, Mario. This
is your request for an extension, so please go ahead.
MR. SANTOS: Yeah. Because I just started the inspections to
build a house, so the driveway will be almost the last thing I will do,
so...
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Can I get a bit more information?
You said the inspections just started two weeks ago?
MR. SANTOS: Yeah, about two weeks ago. Because it took
me a lot of time, because the first time doing the house, so I didn't
know where to go, how to continue the process. But finally I'm
February 26, 2026
Page 34
learning the way, so I hope I will end this very soon and finish the
house.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: How many -- well, how many days
are you requesting?
MR. SANTOS: If it's possible, one year to -- because the
driveway will be the last -- the last inspection I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: One year for a driveway.
MR. SANTOS: Because I have to build a house.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Brian, how --
MR. OWEN: Mr. Chairman, for the record, they had a
prev- -- they had two cases conjointly. One was for vegetation
clearing. They do have an issued home permit so that they can clear
up their vegetation removal case. So they are on their right-of-way
case now. So, yes, typically right-of-ways are typically not finished
with the concrete until the home is almost CO'ed so that way you're
not incurring extra costs for repair.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So it's a vacant lot that's being
constructed. So he's going to require the time to complete the home
before the driveway?
MR. OWEN: That's correct, sir.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. All right. I mean, that makes
sense.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yeah. One year is --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Do you want to grant them that year?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you for complying on the
other case. That's what we strive for here, compliance. I will go
ahead and grant a one-year -- or 365 days.
Today's operational costs?
MS. BUCHILLON: 59.70.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: The operational costs today of 59.70
February 26, 2026
Page 35
do need to be paid within 30 days, okay, Mario?
MR. SANTOS: Okay. No problem.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That's going to be my motion. Do I
have a second?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
It carries unanimously.
Thank you.
MR. SANTOS: Thank you very much.
MS. BUCHILLON: And our last extension of time, No. 10,
CESD20240012242, Divi Batista.
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. BATISTA: I do.
MR. KITTS: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning to the both of you.
MS. BATISTA: Good morning. Divi Batista.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Go ahead, ma'am.
MS. BATISTA: I was just requesting 180 days. I hired a
contractor -- well, yeah, he's a contractor, Juan Barrera, and he hasn't
finished any -- like, he hasn't helped me do anything that I hired him
for. So last month I took him to court, and we had an agreement that
he was going to finish his, you know, part of the deal, and he still
hasn't complied.
So I'm taking him back to court to get my money back. And
then I've hired Jackie Williams, and he's going to help me finish the
February 26, 2026
Page 36
process. So I just -- I was requesting, like, 180 days, which I think is
six months, only because, you know, I have to start the process over
with someone new.
But from what I hear, Jackie Williams is really reliable, and he's
really well known in the community. And he was referred to me. So
he's already came out and done some measurements. And I've
already paid, like, the permits for the demolition. And I don't know
what other permit I paid. I paid another one, a $35 one.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. It's all right. I understand.
MS. BATISTA: I paid -- I'm doing everything I can, but I just
have to start all over with someone new, you know what I mean?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I understand. Okay. How does the
Board feel about granting --
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Hundred and eighty days is
fine.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Six months.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Anybody want to make a motion?
Helen, if I can get the operational costs -- I'm sorry -- again.
MS. BUCHILLON: 59.56.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to grant the
180 days if she pays the operational costs within 30.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
February 26, 2026
Page 37
Thank you, Divi.
MS. BATISTA: Okay. Thank you so much, guys. Thank you.
MR. OWEN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Take care.
Terri, you doing okay?
THE COURT REPORTER: (Nods head.)
MS. BUCHILLON: Okay. Next up under hearings, public
hearings, first case, No. 3, CESD20230006453, Carlos Suarez.
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. DAVID SUAREZ: Yeah, I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: Yeah, I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: I didn't hear you.
MS. LAWRENCE: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: And can I get your names?
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: My name's Carlos Suarez.
THE COURT REPORTER: And your name?
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: David Suarez.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning, Paula.
MS. LAWRENCE: Good morning. For the record, Paula
Lawrence, Collier County Code Enforcement.
This is in reference number -- reference to Case No.
CESD203006453 [sic] dealing with the violation of ordinance
Sections 10.02.06(B)(1)(a), 10.02.06(B)(1)(e), 10.02.06(B)(1)(e)(i).
The screen porch was expanded in the rear of the property,
carport shed added to the rear of the property, another structure on
the right side of the property. The address, located at 4276
February 26, 2026
Page 38
22nd Avenue Southwest, Naples, Florida 34116. Folio
No. 35643760002.
Date of service was given on December 11th of 2023.
Okay. The violation was first observed on November 1st of
2023 by Investigator Cooper. Investigator Cooper also went back on
November 28th, 2023, and took photos of the structure/addition on
the property. Aerial photos and property card search showed
that -- more additions to the property.
On December 12th, 2023, Investigator Cooper had a
determination with the building official that permits were required for
the structures/improvements on the property.
On April 16th, 2024, the application was submitted for a Permit
PRDM20240415038. The permit was issued on July 12th, 2024, for
the demolition that covered two accessory structures.
Five extensions -- five -- five exper- -- five extensions
were -- five times the permit had been expired and extensions were
submitted and approved for the demolition permit. This has been the
only movement in 2025.
On September 2nd, 2025, I went to do an inspection on the
property and called the property owner. On October 8th, 2025, I
submitted the case for hearing due to noncompliance.
The case was scheduled for a hearing January 20, '26, and was
withdrawn at the respondent's request so that he could bring a
translator with him.
I conducted a prehearing inspection February 25th, 2026.
Violations were not abated. Photos taken.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Before you -- has the respondent had
an opportunity to review the photos?
MS. LAWRENCE: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Is there any objection to the photos?
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: No, sir.
February 26, 2026
Page 39
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Understood. We'll make a motion to
accept the photos.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
It carries unanimously.
MS. LAWRENCE: Okay. So the photos that I have are the
initial inspection from November 1st, 2023, I have two photos;
inspection follow-up, structures from November 28th, 2023, I have
two photos; a reinspection from September 3rd, I have one photo;
prehearing inspection from February 25th, 2026, I have one photo;
and then I have the approved demolition plan for the Permit
PRDM20240415038; and then I have four aerials from Property
Appraiser.
Okay. This is a photo from November 1st, 2023, from
Investigator Cooper. This is the other one from 2023. This is from
the rear yard from 2028 from Investigator Cooper.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: 2028?
MS. LAWRENCE: I mean 2023.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: What time frame are you from; what
timeline?
MS. LAWRENCE: We're going way ahead.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah.
MS. LAWRENCE: This is from the same day. And then this is
from September 3rd, 2025. This is an aerial photo from 2017, 2022,
2023, 2024, and 2025.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MS. LAWRENCE: And this was a photo for the prehearing
February 26, 2026
Page 40
from yesterday. I don't have any photos of the backyard. I couldn't
meet up with Mr. Suarez yesterday. He was not available.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Okay. We'll make -- we're
going to make a motion here whether or not a violation exists, and
then you guys will have an opportunity.
Or, Kevin, should they go first? You guys go ahead first.
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: (Through Interpreter) First place, I
shouldn't be here.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: He has an extension for
authoriz- -- permit extension authorization until August 11th, 2027,
given to him by the governor of Florida.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So I'll explain that real quick. The
permit does not mean you're not in violation. The action of
converting or adding an addition to the property without a permit to
begin with would be the violation. You obtaining an extension on a
permit after the construction has been done does not mean the
violation does not exist or that it wouldn't exist. The action's been
done; therefore, he's in violation.
We understand he's trying to correct it by coming into
compliance by obtaining a permit, but he's still in violation. He
might want to understand that.
The first step to any construction -- electrical, plumbing,
remodeling like that, the first step is apply for a permit, get the
approval, conduct the work, have the inspections as the due process
requires. What he did was he just did it.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: Well, that's just the thing, sir. We
bought the house the way that you see it in those pictures.
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: Everything is there when I buy the
house.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: Everything was there when he bought
the house. Nothing was added.
February 26, 2026
Page 41
And then we still demolitioned it. It's in compliance right now
to your specifications. His main goal here today is to resolve what
started even though he believes -- that's why he went to the governor.
He believes he shouldn't have been cited for anything of this. And
then there's also a guesthouse in the back that he's afraid that, since
we already started this process with the little carport or whatever you
want to call it, they just want to demo that as well.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: When did he buy the property?
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: February 2'23.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: February 2023. And the first
initiated photo was documented on what day?
MS. LAWRENCE: November of 2023; November 1st.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: 2023. Okay. I mean, unfortunately,
whether he bought the property or not, the violation still does exist. I
understand that sometimes people buy property with a current
violation in place, but it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. It's there. It
just needs to be addressed. He still needs to get the permit regardless,
because, if not, it's considered a health and safety issue, especially if
there's power in there, which we don't know if there is yet.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: There's no power.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Anybody want to make a
motion on this matter?
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: Before we do that, just -- what is
stopping the County from going and demoing the guesthouse next to
it? Apparently, it's -- it's -- we're not sure if it has a permit or not. He
bought it as well. It is demoed at this time. The stuff that is in
question today, that is demoed. We're just waiting for somebody to
come and pick up the materials. So the property's completely cleared
of any violation.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Go ahead, Jeff.
MR. LETOURNEAU: For the record, Jeff Letourneau, Collier
February 26, 2026
Page 42
County Code Enforcement.
We got a complaint about the structure that we're talking about
now. The other structures on your property are irrelevant at this
point. So the County's not just randomly going on -- you know,
picking out your property and deciding you have violations on a
building. We got a complaint on this particular structure. You pulled
a demo permit in 2024, and since you pulled the permit for that,
nothing has been done. So you're saying you're completed here, but
how are you completed when the demo permit isn't -- has [sic] a
certificate of completion?
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: I understand. So he needs to get it
completed to be within --
MR. LETOURNEAU: Correct. You need to get inspections,
and then the permit needs to be completed.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: He says you can go on Monday and --
MR. LETOURNEAU: No, no. It's not us. We're just the bad
guys that make you do stuff as far as Code Enforcement.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: No, you're not the bad guys. It's the
law.
MR. LETOURNEAU: You need to contact the Building
department and ask for the inspector to come out. Let me get back to
your permit here real quick and see what you've got here as far as
inspections go.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah, because they previously
applied for five extensions.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Right, yeah. So that's why we're
bringing it here. There's -- nothing was being done.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah.
MR. LETOURNEAU: You only have a few inspections to do.
You have a site drainage, an erosion, and a final building. So they
just want to make sure that if -- once you demo the structure, that any
February 26, 2026
Page 43
utilities or whatnot were capped off correctly. I'm not sure what the
erosion or the site drainage part of it is, but they want to inspect that
also. So you need to call those in to the Collier County Building
Department, have that inspector come out there and take a look at it,
and if they pass it, then they'll complete the permit --
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Give them 30 days.
MR. LETOURNEAU: -- and you guys will be in compliance at
that time.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: He is in violation. He has no permit.
Five extensions in two years.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: He does have a permit.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's not a CO permit. Five extension
permit with passed -- expires.
Okay.
MR. HOLMES: Mr. Chairman, if I may.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yes.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. HOLMES: I do.
So one question I have for Mr. Suarez, the demolition permit
that we have on file includes this approved plan for demolition which
encompasses only a small portion of the structures that were in the
rear yard, not the entirety of all the unpermitted structures that we're
citing in this case.
The main indicator that items are not meeting -- or not permitted
are that they don't meet setbacks. And all of these structures which
appear to be -- and your residence in the middle and all of the
structures basically going around the perimeter here are sitting right
on the property line right up against the fence.
So you have a demolition permit that may be valid but not
February 26, 2026
Page 44
completed only for this section. We're requiring permits for
everything.
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: You can do it. Give me paper. Give
it -- I have a loan for $600,000, the price of everything.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: He said he's not going to pay for
something that he has a loan on just to destroy it all. That's not -- he's
not going to do that.
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: I can't do it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I understand. Unfortunately, do you
know -- it's one of those things where, you know, you would have
hired a home inspector when you first purchased the property, and
perhaps it would have told you --
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: It was hired.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: -- unpermitted structures, background
checks on the property, liens, foreclosures. All those things come up
during your purchasing process, especially with title.
They're unpermitted structures. I don't know what to tell you
guys. He bought unpermitted structures that don't meet the County
setback. It's a violation. And the permit that he has only addresses
the highlighted areas. Mr. Holmes has stated there's more things that
need to be rectified.
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: I have loan for 575,000. I can't do it.
Now everything get removed, I have a cheaper price on my home.
Who is paying? Give me the papers. Send to the bank.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Well, it's going to be in your interest
to do it. Unfortunately this is one of those things where it's just
unpermitted. You're going to have to bring it into compliance.
Either -- I mean, at the end of the day, you can do what you
want, but there is going to be repercussions for that.
So right now let's do a motion, because a -- I'm going to make a
motion that a violation does exist.
February 26, 2026
Page 45
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yes, second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
If you have a recommendation for us...
MS. LAWRENCE: Okay. So for the recommendation, that the
Code Board orders the respondent to pay all operational costs in the
amount of 59.28 incurred in the prosecution of this case within 30
days and abate all violations by, one, obtaining all required Collier
County building permits and/or demolition permits, inspections, and
certification of completion/occupancy for the expanded enclosed
porch, shed, storage structure in the rear of the yard, and the
structures on the north side of the property within blank days of this
hearing, or a fine of blank dollars will be imposed, per day, imposed
on the violation abated [sic];
Two, the respondent must notify Code Enforcement investigator
when the violation has been abated in order to conduct a final
inspection to confirm the abatement. If the respondent fails to abate
the violation, the County may abate the violation any -- by using any
method to bring the violation into compliance and may use the
assistance of Collier County Sheriff's Office to enforce the provisions
of this order, and all costs of abatement shall be addressed [sic] to the
property owner.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. I'll make a motion to accept
the -- well --
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Nice try.
February 26, 2026
Page 46
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Sorry. Anybody want to fill in the
blanks?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Would he be able to get a
variance and keep them on the property line?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I don't think he's going to be able to
get a variance for that.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Highly unlikely.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Very unlikely. He's going to have to
get the demo permit and possibly -- and likely have to remove
everything.
MR. LETOURNEAU: The problem is, you know, a variance is,
like, if you're, like, two inches off. These structures look like they're
right on the property line.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: He's impeding it, correct?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah. I don't know. I don't have a
survey, but they could be over the line. I have no idea. But yeah,
they're right on the property line.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Question: Since you've
been trying to deal with this for a few years and you haven't gotten
very far and -- have you considered maybe hiring a contractor -- a
licensed contractor to complete this work in compliance? I think in
the long run, it might save you some money.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: He doesn't want to demo,
right?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: He let the permit expire five times,
and he's applied for five extensions. And from what he's told me here
today, he has no intentions of fixing it.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: Well, the one situation we're here for
has been fixed. We just need to close the permit.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Well, actually, you're here for
February 26, 2026
Page 47
several. The violation states --
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: That's not what we were told.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: -- carport/shed in rear of the property
and other structures on the right north side of the property. It's pretty
descriptive even of the location.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah. I misspoke on the original permit.
That only covers part of it, like Brad suggested. So they need -- they
need a lot more than what you have issued right now.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: Can you pull it up so he could see what
exactly you're wanting him to destroy?
MS. LAWRENCE: The sketch.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah. The aerial or sketches, yes.
MS. LAWRENCE: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You're looking for the sketch. He's
looking for the highlighted sketch, the blueprint of the property.
MS. LAWRENCE: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. The highlighted blue area
with pen that says "demo" is what your permit currently is applied
for, that section only.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: That is no longer there.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That's fine. The problem is
addressing that. Your permit does not have a CO; therefore, it's not
in compliance yet until you get a CO for that demoed structure.
The other part of that is that the violation itself does not only
address that; it addresses the other parts of the property in the rear.
Now, I haven't been on site myself, but according to what Bradley
Holmes stated, it would be the right side of that diagram coming
down to the highlighted area and to the left.
Brad, I might need you up here for this one.
MR. NOELL: Yeah. And just on the legal side, just going off
of what the violation states, he was noticed today for the violation of
February 26, 2026
Page 48
the screen porch being expanded into the rear of the property, a
carport/shed also added in the rear of the property, and another
structure on the right north side of the property. So that's what the
violation is before the Board today.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So it is addressing numerous,
numerous violations.
Go ahead, Brad. If you could just show them one more time.
MR. HOLMES: Yeah. Basically we have structures and/or
improvements added in along this frontage and then along the back.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: What I'm going to do here is, because
we do have a motion and I want to keep things moving, I'm going
to -- I'm going to have somebody fill in the blanks here, and we'll talk
among the Board.
I was thinking 180 days, give him six months, $200 a day. His
statement is that he's not going to correct it, but at least maybe it
gives 180 days for him to consider it.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: To think about it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Think about it. What do you think,
Lee?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I say yes with a -- with an
asterisk: He bought a damaged property. How long ago did you buy
this house?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: He bought it in February 2023, and
the violation landed on his lap November of 2023.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: All right. I have to ask
counsel, does he have any recourse --
MR. NOELL: That would --
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: -- with the seller on
nondisclosure of a property violation?
MR. NOELL: That would be something he would need to
pursue separately.
February 26, 2026
Page 49
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: That has not -- right.
MR. NOELL: Yeah. So that's something I can't really advise
on, but that's something that he would need to --
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Is there a statute of
limitation on going after the seller on this?
MR. NOELL: Well, there's always statute of limitations for
causes of action in Florida, but that would be something beyond the
purview of my advice to the Board on the violation. I don't want to
err to the side of providing him legal advice.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Yeah. I mean, I just
think --
MR. NOELL: But I understand what you're saying.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: -- everybody wants to see
an end to this.
MR. NOELL: Sure.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: So what's the right end?
MR. NOELL: Sure.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: And I don't want to see
this gentleman wasting more time and fines accruing that -- who
knows if he could pay them. I don't know.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I could tell you now -- we'll make
this motion, and then I'll say it. So we're going to fill in the blanks.
We're going to add 180 days to that. If not, it's going to be $200 per
day as well as today's operational costs of 59.28 that need to be paid
within 30 days.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second. There's nothing you
can do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
February 26, 2026
Page 50
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
Those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
MR. NOELL: And did that include operational costs?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yes, sir. I said the operational
costs --
MR. NOELL: How much was that?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: -- of 59.28 within 30 days.
MR. NOELL: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Suarez, the operational costs of
59.28 do need to get paid within 30 days. I understand that your
father does not want to fix this because he feels that he has a loan on
a property that -- you know, obviously I understand that part.
The Code likes those who want to comply and look for
compliance. I can tell you if he's willing to comply -- and we
understand the story that you've told us here today -- we can work
with the fines that the County would impose on you guys. It's better
to work with us than against us. We want compliance.
And I understand he bought it. The problem is it doesn't meet
the setbacks. The house is in violation. He bought something that
was already in violation. I understand it's not fair to him; he feels
that. The problem is, there's a time, there's a due diligence period
with every purchase we do, and sometimes, if we miss something or
maybe we knew about it but decided to skip it, that violation is still
there.
We've just got to get it fixed. If he doesn't want to, you guys are
going to end up coming back to the Board, and at some point the
County will impose those fines.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: I understand what you're saying. I
served this country, and I know what laws and regulations are, in the
February 26, 2026
Page 51
Army and all that, and explained that to him. He understands as well.
But, at this point, 180 days, and he wants -- you want him to destroy
half the property. And I understand this gentleman, Mr. Lee, is trying
to find a solution for us, but you just said yourself it's on the property
line, so there is no solution.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Well, the solution would be to get a
demo permit for those things on the property line since they are
not -- they're not original to the original home. They're additions,
because the house would have never been built on a property line like
that. These are additions. Somebody added them.
I don't want you to think that 180 days means that that's all he
has. We like compliance. If you were to come before us within those
180 days and say, "Hey, John -- you know, Mr. Chairman, we're not
done yet, but we're close to completion and we're working on the
permits," we'd grant time. As you've seen today, this morning, we
grant extensions. We like updates. We're not looking to just
maliciously hurt anybody. We want compliance. Work with us.
And we grant those extensions 100 percent.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: I understand all this. I have personally
looked back at prior aerial pictures, and, for example, that building
there has been over -- on that property for over 15 years. And now
you're saying we bought it with that value in mind. The bank valued
the property with that in mind, and now you want us to tear it all
down.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Unless he can get it permitted, these
are your options. I mean, you could try that route, too, but I think it's
going to be difficult. But if you're able to get a permit for those
additions and they get CO'ed, hey, you're clear. They're added to the
house. And I understand it's been there for 15 years. Somebody
complained -- I promise you it wasn't me -- but somebody did, and
unfortunately, you're here today because of that.
February 26, 2026
Page 52
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: We're here for the demo. Why is
leave --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: No, no.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: We comply with that.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Suarez, that's what I keep
explaining. We're not here for that demo. First of all, the demo's not
even CO'ed. The violation itself states numerous structures on site.
We're not addressing one thing. The violation itself states that the
porch was expanded to the rear of the property. This is what you're
talking about. We moved past that.
There is a carport/shed also added in the rear of the property.
This is a second violation. Another structure on the right north side
of the property, that is a third.
What we'll do here is -- we've got to conclude, because we do
got to get it moving today. We like compliance, and if you're willing
to work with us and you come back within 180 days, we'll work with
you. It's a violation. I can't change that.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: He wants to say something now that
he's seen what's going on today.
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: (Through Interpreter) Everybody is
here, have possibly been born and enjoyed their whole life here.
They don't know what they have. I was arrested at 20 years old for
having a picture of Reagan in my house, and I know what losing
liberty is, and nobody here -- nobody's going to tell him what he's
going to do with the house that he paid for. If you want to take it,
you could do it. I already did what I was here to do. I'm not going to
do anything else. It's my home.
(In English) It's my home. It's my freedom --
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: It's his freedom, his liberty. I've
probably done more for this country than anybody here.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: No. Stop. I take exception to
February 26, 2026
Page 53
that. I have done my service for this country also. I am also an
immigrant. There are laws -- this is a country of laws. Now, you
don't have a problem with us.
MR. IANDIMARINO: Mr. Chairman, may I --
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: But I buy my home; everything's
there.
MR. IANDIMARINO: May I interject, please? Director --
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: Everything is there.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah. Let's --
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: Do jail for this country outside?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Suarez, what we're going to do.
MR. IANDIMARINO: I'm going to interject and ask the public
hearing be closed at this time. I respect everybody's opinion and
their -- and where they're at. I understand, but we do have to move
on from this hearing. They found a violation.
Thank you very much.
Call the next case, please.
(Mr. Carlos Suarez speaking in Spanish.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I understand you feel that way. I
understand. But we've got to -- Mr. Suarez, we do need to --
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: I'm not happy. I think it's no
freedom. It's not good for the country. The people buy the house and
later they need demolition. I have a 600,000, the loan.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Suarez, I don't want to have to
call security. We do need to --
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: I put lawyer, go to the courthouse.
Whatever you want. I'm not demolition my home.
MR. IANDIMARINO: Thank you, sir.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you.
MR. CARLOS SUAREZ: You and you not buy my home. It's
February 26, 2026
Page 54
my pay. My home. It's my freedom. My family. Nobody here do it.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: Any paperwork, any --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Get with the investigator afterwards.
We've got to get the hearing moving.
MR. DAVID SUAREZ: Thank you, sir. Have a nice day.
(Mr. Carlos Suarez is speaking in Spanish as he leaves the
boardroom.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Suarez, we understand. Let's
keep the hearing going.
Helen, the next one, please?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Did we vote on this?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: So how did we resolve
this?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's in violation, 180 days, $200 a
day, 59.28 paid within 30 days.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: I second it. All in favor?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We all voted already.
Terri, do you need a break?
THE COURT REPORTER: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yes, let's take a 10-minute break?
(A recess was had from 10:21 a.m. to 10:32 a.m.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'd like to call back the Board. We're
ready to resume.
MS. BUCHILLON: We have a change. We have a withdrawn.
Under public hearings, motion for imposition of fines and liens,
No. 14, CESD20240011507, Mi Casa Bonita Investments Group,
LLC, has been withdrawn.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Is that the only one?
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'll make a motion to accept the
changes to the agenda.
February 26, 2026
Page 55
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
MS. BUCHILLON: Okay. Next up, we are going to take a little
change under motion, imposition -- motion for imposition of fines
and liens. Per Director's request, we are calling No. 10,
CESD20230009928, Marco Antonio Vasquez, Olga Resendez
Vasquez, and Irma Jovita Gallegos.
MS. GALLEGOS: Good morning.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can I get your name?
MS. GALLEGOS: Irma Gallegos.
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. MUCHA: I do.
MS. GALLEGOS: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
If you could lower your mic a little bit, please. Thank you.
MR. MUCHA: Okay. For the record, Joe Mucha, manager with
Collier County Code Enforcement.
Past orders: On November 20th of 2024, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered on correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board,
February 26, 2026
Page 56
OR6422, Page 3012, for more information.
On May 22nd of 2025 and October 23rd of 2025, the Code
Enforcement Board granted a continuance.
The violation has not been abated as of February 26th of 2026.
Fines and costs to date are as follows:
Part 1, fines have accrued at a rate of $200 per day for the period
from March 21st of 2025 to February 26th of 2026, 343 days, for a
total fine amount $68,600;
Part two was abated by November 26th of 2024 within the
compliance deadline. Fines continue to accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs of 59.28 have been paid.
Previously assessed operational costs of 59.56 have not been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearing, $60.05. For a total fine amount
of 68,719.61.
And I just wanted to comment. So they do have an active
permit, and I was contacted by their engineer yesterday, and he
submitted affidavits for several of the remaining inspections,
so -- and I spoke to Robert Moore this morning, and he feels, you
know, within a couple months this thing should be wrapped up.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: What's a couple of months?
MR. MUCHA: Sixty days, 90 days.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MR. MUCHA: Because there's a few other inspections that they
have to complete that aren't part of this affidavit process. But, you
know, this was a project that was already built, and then someone's
coming in afterwards having to kind of figure it out.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So they purchased into it?
MR. MUCHA: I don't know if they -- I think they did the work,
but it was -- you know, they did the work without permits, and now
someone's coming in and having to kind of -- permit by affidavit, so
to speak, what's there.
February 26, 2026
Page 57
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Well, we -- are you okay if we just
make a ruling and grant the 60 days?
MS. GALLEGOS: Yeah. That's what we're -- I mean, we're
requesting this -- I'm actually here for my father-in-law. He's the one
that lives there. He had a heart attack last night, went to the hospital.
He's really old and sick. So he needs, you know, more time. We did
get him the engineer/contractor to help him out, see if he can move it
along, because he really didn't know what he was getting himself
into.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Can I have the operational costs for
today there? Let me see. It is 66 --
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: And last time is not paid.
MS. BUCHILLON: 60.05, and then they have the past due
59.56.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Oh.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: 119.61.
MR. MUCHA: I don't know if you guys remember, this was the
case where had father [sic] showed up the one time, and he was deaf,
and --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I remember.
MR. MUCHA: -- kind of -- so there really wasn't a hearing last
time, really. It was just kind of -- we just withdrew it at that time.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: This is the only problem, okay? I'm
going to grant the 60 days.
MS. GALLEGOS: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: This is a three-year-old case.
MS. GALLEGOS: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: The operational costs,
typically -- because they were not paid in the last hearing, we
typically do not do this. I'm going to make an exception. Please, I
need the two operational costs paid within -- I'm going to say within
February 26, 2026
Page 58
15 days. Let's cut it less than 30, okay? I'm sorry?
MR. MUCHA: I was going to say, she has my contact
information. I'll help her out, because they live really close to the
office out there. If you want to come down, I can help you with that
process.
MS. GALLEGOS: Yeah, yeah. That would be great. Thank
you.
MR. MUCHA: And then I will also stay in touch with their
engineer -- he called me yesterday -- and I'll kind of push him to get
this thing finished for them.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. So I'm going to make a
motion to grant a continuance of 60 days. You've got two months.
MS. GALLEGOS: I have a question. Is that money that he
owes that -- when does he have to pay that, or how does that work?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Fifteen days.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. So we're not -- I'm not talking
about -- I'm going to clarify that for you now. Let me finish my
motion.
MS. GALLEGOS: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So I'm going to make a motion to
grant you 60 days; that's two months. The operational costs for the
last hearing needs to be paid along with this hearing.
MS. GALLEGOS: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That is 60.05 --
MS. GALLEGOS: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: -- within additional $59.56. These
need to get paid within 15 days.
MS. GALLEGOS: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Come into a third hearing and two of
these aren't paid, it's just not going to work, okay?
MS. GALLEGOS: Okay. Yeah, no. I understand.
February 26, 2026
Page 59
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That's going to be my motion. Do I
have a second?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
The amount that you're referring, the 68,000 --
MS. GALLEGOS: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: -- will be addressed when everything
has been abated.
MS. GALLEGOS: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: At that point the Board can decide to
either impose the entire amount, reduce it, or completely wash it off.
MS. GALLEGOS: Okay. Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: But that's not what we're talking
about here today. What we need are the operational costs. Every
hearing you come into there needs to be a payment for -- for coming
to this hearing.
MS. GALLEGOS: I thought it was -- that was what you needed
in two weeks. I'm like, okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: No, but in two weeks we do need the
60- and the 59-.
MS. GALLEGOS: Yes, okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Have a good day.
MS. GALLEGOS: I got it. Thank you.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Good luck with your father.
February 26, 2026
Page 60
MS. GALLEGOS: Thank you so much.
MS. BUCHILLON: Okay. Back up to the public hearings,
hearings, No. 9, CESD20240001221, George F. Archibald and Peggy
Archibald.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: What was the case number?
MS. BUCHILLON: Number 9, CESD20240001221.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Got it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Helen, give me the operational costs
real quick.
MS. BUCHILLON: 59.28.
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. ARCHIBALD: I do.
MS. ARCHIBALD: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning to the two of you.
MR. HOLMES: All right. For the record, Bradley Holmes,
Collier County Code Enforcement.
This is in reference to Case No. CESD20240001221 dealing
with violation of the Collier County Land Development Code 04-41,
as amended, Sections 10.02.06(B)(1)(a) and 10.02.06(B)(1)(e)(i)
addressing three unpermitted doors on the primary dwelling structure
and improvements/additions to the storage building including, but not
limited to, removal of a garage-style door replaced with a wall and
window, two exterior doors added to the north side of the structure,
and two windows installed on the north side of the structure and a
large addition to the south side of the structure located at 100 Nursery
Lane, Naples, Florida 34119. Folio No. 189400000.
Service was given on December 18th, 2024.
This case originated from a complaint received by Collier
February 26, 2026
Page 61
County Code Enforcement. An initial inspection was conducted by
Investigator Rick Migal on February 6th, 2024. During that
inspection, he observed four separate entry doors on the primary
dwelling structures, an indication that the detached storage structure
had been converted into living space.
A records search was conducted, and all permits associated with
the property were ordered and reviewed. During the review it was
determined that the following alterations and improvements had been
made without required permits: To the primary dwelling structure,
installation of three unpermitted exterior doors; to the
accessory/storage structure, removal of a garage-style door and
replacement with a framed wall and window; installation of two
exterior doors on the north side of the structure; installation of two
windows on the north side of the structure; and construction of a
large addition on the south side of the structure.
These findings were reviewed with the building -- deputy
building official who confirmed that permits were required for all
listed improvements and alterations.
Notice of violation was subsequently issued. Code Enforcement
staff made several attempts to resolve the matter voluntarily.
Contact was made with the property owner through several
telephone calls and a sit-down meeting which was conducted to
discuss the violations in their entirety and explain the necessary steps
to achieve compliance.
On January 23rd of 2026, after conducting a permit search and
confirming that no permits had been obtained at the -- to address the
violations, the case was prepared for a hearing.
An additional attempt was made to contact the property owner
by telephone; however, there was no response.
A prehearing inspection was conducted on February 25th, 2026.
At that time, there were still no permits on file to address the cited
February 26, 2026
Page 62
violations. As of today's hearing, the property remains in violation.
The following will be presented as case evidence: A permit
determination completed by the deputy building official, two photos
taken by Investigator Rick Migal on February 6th, 2024, and four
photos taken by myself on November 6th, 2024.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Perfect. Has the respondent seen the
photos?
MR. HOLMES: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Any objection to the photos, sir?
MR. ARCHIBALD: Good morning, Board members. My name
is George Arhcibald.
MR. IANDIMARINO: Mr. Archibald, can you please speak
into the microphone? Thank you, sir.
MR. ARCHIBALD: Will do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Archibald, I'm just asking if you
have any objections to the photos being presented.
MR. ARCHIBALD: I'm sorry. Could you repeat that?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Just do you have any objections to
the photos being presented by Bradley Holmes?
MR. ARCHIBALD: No, I do not.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay, perfect.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to accept the
photos as evidence.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
All those opposed?
(No response.)
February 26, 2026
Page 63
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
MR. HOLMES: Great. The first two photos taken on
February 6th of 2024 by Rick Migal. One of the doors in question.
This is a storage structure. I'll highlight just for viewing
purpose. This is the location of where the garage-style door was,
now replaced with a window. This is the addition on the south side,
and we have two doorways here and here, and there's an example of
the window.
This starts photos taken by me on November 6th of 2024. We
see the doorway. There's a better example of those doors and
windows. You can see the A/C unit right here and the other window.
This is the addition that's on the south side of the storage structure.
This is the permit determination.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: When was the determination done?
MR. HOLMES: This determination was done on
November 15th of 2024.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Why is it -- why is it before the
Board today after so long?
MR. HOLMES: We were working with the homeowner to try to
sort out discrepancies between what they understand to be permitted
and what the County understands to be permitted.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MR. HOLMES: One item to be noted on the determination
form, there was a storage shed on site. They have since removed that
individual storage shed. It was a small what you'd get from Home
Depot kind of shed.
I'll zoom out a little bit here. So this is a blueprint of the
primary structure. I indicated on this copy of it the location of the
doors, squaring out that they were previously just solid wall and now
there's a door there. Those two locations.
This is the storage building, marked off addition, previous
February 26, 2026
Page 64
location of a roll-up or garage-style door, two additional doors added,
and then the window locations.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you.
Mr. Archibald.
MR. ARCHIBALD: I thank Mr. Holmes. He's -- he's
cooperated with us to an nth degree because what we're dealing with
is something that's about 50 years old. And my wife and I have been
associated with property around that area for about 50 years, so we've
seen it develop and move along, good, bad.
And what Mr. Holmes has done is really given us the time to go
back 50 years and pull out and try and find the permits of what was
really built. When I first met with Mr. Holmes -- I don't spend a lot
of time at that property, but when I first met with Mr. Holmes, it was
hard for me to fathom all these violations because, in fact, we've
owned the property for 20-some years and haven't done much of
anything.
So there must be a record someplace of what's been done. And
I'm bringing that to you today. And I've got permits for the house
that explain what was done by the prior owner. I've got all the
permits of the guesthouse that explains what was really done and
what was not done. I've got all the permits for the old modular house
that originally started the development there. And I've got the
permits for the key to all this, and that is the expansion the prior
owners did. And this was, again, in the 1980s, '83 and '84.
Is there some way that I can present these to the Board?
MR. NOELL: Yes. Do you have copies?
MR. ARCHIBALD: Yes, I do; I have four copies of each.
MR. NOELL: Okay. Have you showed those to the County?
MR. ARCHIBALD: Yes. I think you have most of them. I'm
not sure whether you have all of them.
MR. NOELL: Do you have any objection to that being
February 26, 2026
Page 65
submitted for evidence?
MR. HOLMES: I do not.
MR. NOELL: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Is he stating that the guesthouse was
originally permitted as a guesthouse? That he had to go back and dig
these files up?
MR. HOLMES: County record shows that it's a storage
structure. What I believe he's indicating is a guesthouse that we don't
have evidence is occupied.
MR. ARCHIBALD: Whatever it is, we have the permits for it.
MR. NOELL: Yeah. At this point, for order of the hearing, go
ahead and -- go ahead and submit what you want the Board to look
at.
MR. ARCHIBALD: Bear with me. I apologize for the delay. It
started out with the prior owner building a modular home roughly
23 feet wide by 60 feet long, and --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Archibald, I just -- I'm going to
need those documents. We have a very big agenda today. I do want
to give you an opportunity to state --
MR. ARCHIBALD: I apologize.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: No, no. I want to give you the
opportunity, but let's go ahead and get that paperwork.
MR. ARCHIBALD: Okay. This is for the guesthouse or the
garage, whatever you want to call it.
MS. LORENZO: Do you have another copy of this one?
MR. ARCHIBALD: Yes. I've got -- there should be -- I
apologize. Here's four copies of the guesthouse.
MS. LORENZO: Thank you, sir.
MR. ARCHIBALD: And then there's four copies of the
modular home. And the key to all this was -- four copies of the
expansion of the modular home.
February 26, 2026
Page 66
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Jeff, are you able to pull up a permit
real quick?
MR. LETOURNEAU: It depends how old it is.
MR. ARCHIBALD: This goes back to '83, '84.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So we probably won't have that on
'83 right now right there?
MR. LETOURNEAU: No, I don't have access to that right now.
MR. ARCHIBALD: It took me considerable time, and I want to
complement the records department of the Building department.
MR. LETOURNEAU: I would ask, Brad, have you looked at
this and investigated these permits that Mr. Archibald's bringing up?
MR. HOLMES: These were spread out in a described meeting
that we had.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay.
MR. HOLMES: And we reviewed them at that time. Nothing
appeared to differentiate from records I had already obtained.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So my question is, would there be a
way to maybe pull this one from the agenda today just so we can get
some documentation for the following permits that have been
presented to us here today? I have permit -- I have three permits,
actually. I have permit -- I've got four.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Four.
MR. ARCHIBALD: Three, three.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I have that -- Tom, I mean -- because
I don't know -- what I have here is basically a permit number,
permitted project, concrete porch expansion for modular house,
another one that says guesthouse permitted, No. 83-3033, with a
blueprint and everything on here.
MR. IANDIMARINO: My suggestion is to check with counsel
to determine whether or not we want to -- not close the public
February 26, 2026
Page 67
hearing, but keep it open and extend it until next month because
we've already heard some testimony today.
Counsel?
MR. NOELL: That would -- the issue before the Board is do
you want to have the hearing today in light of all the documents
received? It sounds like Mr. Archibald is going to walk us through
the documents as he prepares or presents his case to you, which he
certainly has every right to do, and then if Collier County staff has a
rebuttal to any of that evidence, then that's when they could speak or
ask any questions that they want.
So that would be the -- you know, the Board's purview is if they
wish to continue it or wish for the hearing to continue at this point.
Either way, these are going to be the documents that we have to
review as part of this hearing during the hearing.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I think -- discussion for the Board
real quick. I think because these are -- these are quite extensive
documents. There's really no way to review all of this today, but he
seems to have quite a bit in order. I would like to give an opportunity
for Code Enforcement to review them, unless Bradley has
100 percent reviewed all of these.
MR. HOLMES: I don't know if they've changed. That's the
only thing I can't attest to by not looking at them is if they're -- if
they're more inclusive than they were before.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: How do you guys feel about keeping
it open, pushing it, even though we've heard some of the testimony
today?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Well, hang on a second.
We're -- we're looking at it because we believe that they put doors in
without permits?
MR. HOLMES: Correct. Well, no. That's one of the items,
yes.
February 26, 2026
Page 68
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Okay. But he's saying that they
didn't modify it at all.
MR. HOLMES: Well, that's what he's --
MR. ARCHIBALD: No, I'm not.
MR. LETOURNEAU: No, he's saying they're permitted.
MR. ARCHIBALD: Yes.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: But you didn't do the
modifications?
MR. ARCHIBALD: And I need to present my side, if I can.
But we found out through that permitting process -- and I apologize
for taking the time -- that everything was permitted that is there
except for one door. And I actually have the permit to remove that
door and block it up. And that was done, obviously -- and, again,
everything we're talking about goes back more than 40 years. That
was done by a prior owner. And I'm tickled to death that we were
able to find information we would. Because when you go through
the permit file, you'll see all the permit documents. You'll see where
all the inspections were done. You'll see the CO, and you have to
conclude that, in fact, those permits reflect what was really done but
not -- it's not as clear as night and day.
My wife Peggy.
MS. ARCHIBALD: The gentleman we purchased this
from -- the gentleman we purchased this from was an A/C and
electrical contractor. His son, who was deceased at the time we
purchased it, had a general contracting license. I had spoken to his
daughter, and she had told me that he built the guesthouse, and -- for
his father-in-law, and Walt and Mr. Foster -- who I don't know his
first name or we would have researched that to see if we could find
any contracts.
My family and I have been here since 1960, and I have had
working relationships with the Building department. And I have had
February 26, 2026
Page 69
extensive property ownership in Collier County, and I know that we
need permits. And anytime that I've had work done, many, many
years ago, because I don't do that now, but I have always asked the
contractors, "Do you have a permit? You've got to get a permit,"
And they'll say, "I have a book."
And back in the old days -- fortunately I remember that -- they
had a book. It was like a receipt book, NCR paper. They wrote a
little slip of paper, they posted it on the door, the inspectors came and
either signed it with their initials or with a check. Now, those little
pieces of paper could very easily have been lost, but I think that
Candy's husband, Mr. Foster, and Walt Rose would have had permits
for this work that they did because they would have both been in
danger of losing their contracting license if they were doing
something wrong.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MR. NOELL: So what the Board, you know, can do, given the
paperwork that needs to be gone through -- it's totally at the Board's
discretion if the Board wants to grant a continuance until the next
hearing date. What I would ask, though, is, sir, I'm assuming that
you folks want these packets entered into evidence; is that correct?
MR. ARCHIBALD: Yes.
MR. NOELL: Okay. Does the County have any objection to
that?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We have no objection.
MR. NOELL: Hold on one second, sir. Do you have any
objection?
MR. HOLMES: Well, I'll ask Mr. Letourneau, who just leafed
through one of them.
MR. LETOURNEAU: I would need much more time to look at
these than I have right now.
MR. NOELL: Okay.
February 26, 2026
Page 70
MR. IANDIMARINO: We'll have no -- Counsel, we have no
objection to what they wish to enter.
MR. NOELL: Okay. So then if you -- if the Board would just
vote on admitting that into evidence, that way when it comes -- if the
Board does continue it to next month, this will be part of the agenda
packet that the Board will have to look at separately, not collectively,
but separately before the meeting. So if the Board would make a vote
on whether to accept these three packets into evidence.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I will go ahead and make a motion
that the Board accept these three packets and enter them into
evidence.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
MR. NOELL: And then, Mr. Archibald, ma'am, do you have
any objection to continuing this for 30 days? That way it can get
fully vetted out like you guys are wishing.
MS. ARCHIBALD: Under normal circumstances I wouldn't,
but since we've been going through this, George has had repeated
hospitalizations, major heart surgery. And this is a very stressful
thing for us, and we want -- we want to do what's right. We want to
settle it. And I'd like to do it as soon as possible, because this is -- he
has had -- he has done a lot of work and undergone a lot of stress in
order to work with the Building department to find all this research.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Ms. Archibald, the problem is the 30
days would be the soonest hearing that we have next. We're trying to
get this resolved for you guys.
February 26, 2026
Page 71
MS. ARCHIBALD: I appreciate that.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I can't do it tomorrow. It would be
30 days.
MS. ARCHIBALD: I understand. I understand.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Unless you need it 60 days.
MS. ARCHIBALD: No. We don't want to go 60 days. We
want to take care of it as soon as possible.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So I would like to make -- and I think
the Board, I think we're open -- maybe due to the ambiguity here,
maybe we grant a continuance of 30 days, give the County an
opportunity to look deep into all these permit numbers. Does that
work for you, Mr. Letourneau?
MR. LETOURNEAU: It does. I'm not sure -- you know, Brad
mentioned a meeting. Were these permits looked at at that meeting
that Mr. Archibald presented here?
MR. HOLMES: We reviewed a number of documents, but like
I said -- I guess I'll state this much: I'm not sure because I did not
leaf through them this morning to see if they differ from what I've
already previously looked at.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. The documents you did look at
were -- who looked at them besides you?
MR. HOLMES: Myself and Rick.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. All right. And then were they
pertinent to what he's trying to prove or --
MR. HOLMES: They did not justify -- what I looked at then did
not adjust the trajectory to today, so...
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay.
MS. ARCHIBALD: If you will notice on the permit for the
guesthouse, it has "revised" written across that in big letters, and they
wouldn't do that today --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Ms. Archibald, I think that --
February 26, 2026
Page 72
MS. ARCHIBALD: -- but they would have done that in the
'80s.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I think that's something that -- why I
want to give the 30 days is that way you guys have an opportunity to
go, with the County through this, because it is a lot of paperwork.
MR. LETOURNEAU: What I would say is that because Brad is
not sure that it's all the same, at this point if it came down to it, we
would object to the submission until we had time to look at it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You want us to object to --
MR. LETOURNEAU: To the submissions, because we're not
sure that they're the same ones that Brad looked at earlier. But I'd
rather just do it the easy way and go forward 30 days from now with
the continuance.
MR. NOELL: All right. So but at this point --
MR. IANDIMARINO: They're already entered.
MR. NOELL: -- they're already entered.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Okay. They're already entered, all right.
Okay.
MR. NOELL: Yes. And so the issue before the Board is, it's
your discretion. Do you want to grant a 30-day continuance and have
it brought back at the next hearing?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Because if these are accurate,
then there's not a violation.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Correct.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah. I'm not comfortable moving
forward on something until it's thoroughly reviewed.
MR. LETOURNEAU: And I assure you, I will take a look at it,
and if they are accurate, we won't be bringing this back to you guys.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: If these are accurate, then there's
not a violation, and you're not here.
MS. ARCHIBALD: That's why --
February 26, 2026
Page 73
MR. ARCHIBALD: Except for one door.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Except for one door, okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That doesn't -- don't say that.
MR. IANDIMARINO: Well, if it is the one door --
MS. ARCHIBALD: But we want to do what's right.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I understand.
MS. ARCHIBALD: And if we need to purchase permits or
whatever we have to do in order to make the property compliant,
we'll do that. But like I say, this has been very stressful, and we have
had hospital -- several hospitalizations since this process has started.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Let me go ahead and make a motion
here. I want to make a motion, okay? I'm going to make -- as long as
we're all in agreement, I'm going to make a motion for a 30-day
continuance. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
Oh, second. We need a second.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Well, me.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Perfect. All those opposed?
It carries unanimously.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Well, hopefully, if we review
this, there's very few violations, and you won't have to do much
work.
MR. ARCHIBALD: I appreciate the time that Mr. Holmes has
already given to me in reviewing things. He spotted things in some
of these packages that I didn't.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Well, I trained Mr. Holmes, so I'm
glad to hear that positive feedback. Thank you. I appreciate that.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Thank you.
February 26, 2026
Page 74
MS. ARCHIBALD: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's a cute couple. I hope I'll be that
charming when I'm that age.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next up, under old business, motion for
imposition of fines and liens, No. 1, CESD20250007243, VF 3955
Village, LLC.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'm sorry, Helen. You said 7243,
correct?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yeah, old business.
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes, first case for imposition of fines.
MR. MALENA: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
THE COURT REPORTER: What's your name?
MR. MALENA: Aleksandr. Aleksandr Malena.
MS. KOMAN: Yustyna Koman.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can you spell it?
MS. KOMAN: Y-u-s-t-y-n-a K-o-m-a-n.
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. MALENA: I do.
MS. KOMAN: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. When you're ready.
MR. MARINOS: Yes, sir.
Past orders: On October 23rd, 2025, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board,
OR6527, Page 1341, for more information.
The violation has not been abated as of February 26th, 2026.
February 26, 2026
Page 75
Fines have accrued at a rate of $100 per day for the period from
January 22nd, 2026, to February 22nd [sic], 2026, 36 days, for a total
fine amount of $3,600. Fines continue to accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 have been paid.
The operational costs for today's hearings are $59.56. For a total
amount of $3,659.56.
MR. MALENA: So we were waiting for the permits -- for the
demolition permit and for the garage door permit, and I was told by
our contractor this morning that the permit -- the permits was issued
this morning, so we need, like, month or less, two weeks, to get in
compliance, so...
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: The permit was just issued?
MR. MALENA: Yes, this morning.
MR. MARINOS: Yeah, it was under review as of yesterday.
As of this morning -- I don't have it reflected in my documentation
yet, but --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: What about from the last hearing,
though? There was no permit pulled after the last hearing?
MR. MARINOS: The permit was applied for a while back. It
just now got issued.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MR. MARINOS: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. So you're asking -- 30 days
isn't going to be enough.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: So the work's done; the permit is
just going to final it?
MR. MARINOS: So there's a garage conversion and then a
garage door and an extra window added to the property. The permit
they pulled was for the garage door and the extra window. The
interior garage conversion is being demoed under a separate
demolition permit.
February 26, 2026
Page 76
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. We know 30's not going to be
enough.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: No.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: What do you guys want to do?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Give them 90, and it would
behoove them to get it done and get -- call in, stop the fines.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Ninety days. Make a motion
that we issue a continuance for 90 days, right?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah. And don't forget the
operational costs.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: And the operational costs of
59.56 to be paid within 30 days.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Second.
All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: It gives you time, but the sooner
you're done, the sooner the fines stop. Then you can come back
and --
MR. MALENA: Thank you very much.
MR. MARINOS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Have a good day.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next up, we're still under motion for
imposition of fines and liens, No. 3, CESD20220004502, Erind Cuka.
THE COURT REPORTER: Are you Erind?
MR. CUKA: Yes.
February 26, 2026
Page 77
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. CUKA: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Whenever you're ready, Charles.
Thank you.
MR. MARINOS: Yes, sir. Sorry about that. Caught me off
guard.
Past orders: On October 23rd, 2025, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board,
OR6527, Page 1337, for more information.
The violation has not been abated as of February 26th, 2026.
Fines and costs to date are as follows: Fines have accrued at a
rate of $250 per day for the period from January 22nd, 2026, to
February 26th, 2026, 36 days, for total fine amount of $9,000. Fines
continue to accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 have not been
paid. The operational costs for today's hearing is 59.49. For a total
amount of $9,118.77.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Cuka?
MR. CUKA: Yes, sir. I just -- there was an oversight by me. I
didn't know I had to pay the $60, which is not a problem.
I just -- I finally got everything I needed. I got all my
inspections done on my permit, and I got an extension on my
right-of-way permit. The only thing that's holding me up to get the
CO is Comcast, which going back and forth with their emails is just a
struggle.
So all I need is another 60 days at the most, and I'll get this
February 26, 2026
Page 78
completed. By the way, it's not like I -- it's not -- like, my daughter's
going through leukemia, so we're going through a lot, so it's -- it did
just slip my mind to pay the $60. It's not a problem to for me to pay
that.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Sixty days.
MR. CUKA: I would say 30, but 60 would give me a little bit
more time.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: How soon can you pay the
operational costs?
MR. CUKA: I'll pay whatever.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We don't typically grant continuances
once they're not paid. Would you be able to pay both operational
costs by tomorrow?
MR. CUKA: I will even pay the $9,000 if I had to, just --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: No, no, no.
MR. CUKA: I understand. I understand what you're saying, but
it's just an oversight by me going through a lot. That's all. But I'll
pay -- yeah, I'll pay the 160, 120, or 180, whatever it takes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. I'm going to make a
motion to grant you a continuance of 90 days; however, you do need
to pay the operational costs for last hearing of 59.28 and today's
hearing of 59.49 by tomorrow.
MR. CUKA: I'll pay it today.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You'll have to get with, I think,
Helen there and see.
MS. BUCHILLON: You have to give us till tomorrow. We
won't have -- for today's ops cost, we won't have them today.
MR. CUKA: Tomorrow morning.
MS. BUCHILLON: Midday.
February 26, 2026
Page 79
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That was my motion. Do we have a
second?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We have a second. All those in
favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
Thank you.
MR. CUKA: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, No. 4, CESD20230000282,
Gilbert Lordeus and Facilite Liberal.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning, Mr. Paul.
MR. PAUL: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Bernie Mac.
MR. PAUL: I'll take that as a compliment.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm you will
translate everything from English into Creole and Creole into English
to the best of your ability?
MR. ROMEUS: I will.
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. PAUL: I do.
MR. LORDEUS: I do.
MS. LIBERAL: Yes, I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning to you guys.
February 26, 2026
Page 80
THE COURT REPORTER: I need to get your names, actually.
MR. LORDEUS: My name?
THE COURT REPORTER: Yes.
MR. LORDEUS: Gilbert.
MS. LIBERAL: Facilite.
THE COURT REPORTER: Okay. Your name is?
MR. ROMEUS: Duke Romeus, R-o-m-e-u-s.
MR. PAUL: Cherlson Paul, Collier County Code Enforcement
investigator, for the record.
Past orders: On July 24th, 2025, the Code Enforcement Board
issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and order. The respondent
was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and ordered to
correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board, OR6498,
PG3063, for more information.
The violation has not been abated as of February 26th, 2026.
Fines and costs to date are as follows:
Part 1, the fines have accrued at the rate of $250 per day from
the period of January 21st, 2026, to February 26, 2026, 37 days, for a
total fine amount of $9,250.
Part 2: Fines have accrued at the rate of $250 per day for the
period -- from the period August 1st, 2025, to February 24th, 2026,
208 days, for a total fine amount of $52,000. Fines continue to
accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 have been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearing are $59.56. Total amount,
$61,309.56.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you, Paul.
Mr. Gilbert, the case is a bit old. It's about three years now.
Hopefully you understand it's a converted garage living space.
What's taking it so long?
MR. ROMEUS: He said he bought the house with the garage
February 26, 2026
Page 81
already included with it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. At this point we have an
option. We can either impose the fines or we don't. What's going on
currently with this case with the permit?
MR. ROMEUS: He says he understands that it's taken a long
time for everything to get handled, about a year. He said he's been
sick for that year. He's had some hemorrhoid issues and the gut and
whatnot, so that's why he has taken so long to get the job done. So he
hasn't been available to work with the contractors or anybody, but he
is working on it to get things done.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'm sorry. Mr. Paul, what is the
condition of the permit at this time?
MR. PAUL: It is in abandoned state. After talking to them -- if
I can, I spoke to them, and they said they were trying -- they were in
the act of getting a new permit reissued. The permitter who they
went with, who was Octavio, is -- yeah, is currently in the process of
obtaining that new permit.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Who is? Octavio?
MR. PAUL: Octavio. Yes.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: And they're working with him?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: They're currently working with him?
MR. PAUL: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. I'll leave it up to the Board. I
just -- it's in abandonment state. It doesn't -- it just feels like at this
point it's a three-year-old case, to impose the fines -- but what does
the Board think?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Is anybody living there?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: We have somebody coming up to
speak with us.
MR. ROMEUS: He also wanted to know if it's possible to get
an extension for about 120 days, because they also applied for a new
February 26, 2026
Page 82
permit on the 19th of January, and that hasn't gotten approved yet.
But they also already applied for a new permit. They just need some
more time to get more permits and get into compliance also. Maybe
120 days.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Right here, sir. For the record, Jeff
Letourneau, Collier County Code Enforcement.
I'm not seeing a new permit applied for in our records.
MR. ROMEUS: They did apply for one, though.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Did they? Because I'm seeing the old
permit that was applied for in 2023.
MR. ROMEUS: There was one applied for on January 19th,
2026.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Not -- not in our records.
MR. PAUL: It's for the septic.
MR. ROMEUS: Oh, that's for a different --
MR. PAUL: It's just for the septic. And that's only part
of -- that's only part of it.
MR. LORDEUS: We paid off $9,000.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: But that wouldn't be regarding the
converted garage at that point. That still remains in abandonment
state.
MR. ROMEUS: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: If it's in abandonment state, we --
MR. LETOURNEAU: I'm just questioning why -- was Octavio
involved with the original permit?
MR. ROMEUS: Yes, he's the one working on the -- he says he
bought the house with the additional attachment guesthouse to it.
MR. LETOURNEAU: No, I get it, but the original permit was
applied for on -- in --
MR. ROMEUS: Permit for what?
MR. LETOURNEAU: -- May of 2023.
February 26, 2026
Page 83
MR. ROMEUS: The permit for what?
MR. LETOURNEAU: For the garage conversion.
MR. ROMEUS: Yeah, that -- he said the house came with that.
MR. LETOURNEAU: No, I understand the house -- I
understand the house came with that when you guys bought it, but
there was a permit issued to rectify it in May of '23. And then all of a
sudden it got issued, it looks like -- or I don't even know. Let me
look here -- and then nothing has happened with that permit for two
years, three years.
MR. ROMEUS: So he says they tried to get a permit originally
to try to do some things to the garage, but it was denied, so they
never did anything.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Well, I mean, you know, there was an
order to do something, though. There was an order --
MR. ROMEUS: There was an ordered to do what?
MR. LETOURNEAU: To rectify the garage conversion.
MR. ROMEUS: What do you want them to do to the garage?
I'm sorry.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: It's not going to change --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: They can fix it or go somewhere else,
but it's been three years on the docket.
THE COURT REPORTER: You guys need to speak on the
mics.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'm so sorry.
MR. LETOURNEAU: I'm just -- I'm just saying that there was
a --
(Untranslated Creole conversation was had.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. I'm going to -- we've got to
keep it moving. I'm going to go ahead and I'm going to make a
motion based on what I have here currently today.
MR. NOELL: Hold on one second.
February 26, 2026
Page 84
(Untranslated Creole conversation was had.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Gilbert, would it be okay if we
had an actual hearing where we had a chance for the interpreter to
interpret? We need to share the mic here. Let Mr. Bradley Holmes
here have his share for a moment.
MR. NOELL: Can we just -- just for a point of order for the
Board, sir, can you translate what he had just said to the Board?
MR. ROMEUS: I wasn't paying attention. What did he say?
MR. NOELL: No, no, no. Is that your father?
MR. ROMEUS: He's my uncle.
MR. NOELL: Your uncle. Can you translate what your uncle
just said to you?
MR. ROMEUS: Yeah. My uncle said that he originally got a
permit to get the garage conversion done, but they needed some
additional things, like a window made and a drainfield made, and
since that wasn't done in time, I guess the permit was abandoned, and
they haven't gotten around to that yet.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Holmes.
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.
And for the record, Bradley Holmes, Collier County Code
Enforcement.
So for the past couple weeks, I've been meeting with Gilbert at
his property, including the inspection that took care of Part 2 of the
order, essentially the ceasing of occupancy of the garage conversion
and shut off of electric. That inspection was done on Tuesday, the
24th.
Now, understanding that the permit that was originally filed,
which was prepared by Octavio, has gone into abandon status, I do
February 26, 2026
Page 85
believe that Gilbert has been demonstrating, I guess, efforts towards
abatement. I'm not privy to his financial capabilities and anything
else that they may be dealing with, but since I have started to
conversate with him, he's jumped rapidly on it.
So I do call into question whether communications were proper
during the period following the hearing in July of '25. I think that it
would be prudent to keep the leash short but maybe give a little bit
more out to allow him to work with Octavio, which we understand
how that can be, and then see what precipitates out. He's safe to the
area, which takes away a large portion of our concern.
So I'll leave it to the Board from there. But he did meet within
the last week, I understand, with Octavio, and that was when -- that
was after him going to Growth Management to see if that permit
under the original filing was salvageable. They were told that they
needed to reapply. So now they're having to work again with
Octavio.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to continue for
60 days.
MR. ROMEUS: We want just a little bit more time; it would be
120.
(Simultaneous crosstalk.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We have a motion, sir, please.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We have a second. All those in
favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those opposed?
Aye.
Lee, I didn't hear -- did you say -- you're --
February 26, 2026
Page 86
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. The motion carries.
MS. BUCHILLON: Operational costs?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Are -- glasses.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's 59.56.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Within 30 days.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: 59.56 to be paid within 30 days.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: So you have 60 days to get
something accomplished.
MR. PAUL: Thank you.
MR. LORDEUS: Thank you, guys.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, we are still under motion for
imposition of fines and liens, No. 6, CEPF20240009951, Alain
Iglesias and Aisa Silva.
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. IGLESIAS: I do.
MS. SILVA: Yes, I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can I get your name?
MR. IGLESIAS: Alain. Alain Iglesias.
MS. SILVA: Aisa Silva.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Take us away, Brian, for Case 9951.
MR. OWEN: All right. For the record, Brian Owen, Collier
County Code Enforcement.
Past orders: On October 23rd, 2025, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a findings of facts, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See attached order of the Board,
OR6525, PG120, for more information.
February 26, 2026
Page 87
The violation has been abated as of February 17th, 2026.
Fines and costs to date are as followed [sic]: fines have accrued
at a rate of $100 per day from a period of January 22nd, 2026, to
February 17th, 2026, for 27 days, for a total fine amount of $2,700.
Previously assessed operational costs of 59.28 have been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearing is 59.42. For a total fine
amount of $2,759.42.
The gravity of the violation was not health and safety. The
actions taken by the violator to correct is received certificate of
completions for all expired permits, and there are no previous
violations by this respondent, and there are no other relative [sic]
factors.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you, Brian. Well, thank you
for coming into compliance. You guys abated the violation.
I'd like to suggest a motion. They came into compliance. It
doesn't look like the amount was very high. They did it pretty quick.
I say that today's operational costs do get paid, and maybe we reduce
the amount down to 300.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Is that a motion?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Not yet. It's more of a discussion.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: I make a motion --
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Just the hard costs.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'm sorry?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Just the hard cost. Waive
everything else.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You don't want --
MR. OWEN: Yeah. For the record, Chairman, they were
working on four permits.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You're right. They got it done quick.
MR. OWEN: Yes, they did.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you for snapping some sense
February 26, 2026
Page 88
into me. I'll tell you what, we're going to go ahead and deny the
County's imposition of fines; however, I do need you guys to pay
today's operational costs, okay, of 59.42 to be paid within 30 days.
That's going to be my motion. Do I have a second?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
MR. IGLESIAS: Thank you.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you, Brian.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, No. 7, CESD20240005086,
Sylvia A. Del Sordo and Nicholas J. Etienne.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I don't know whose been up here
more, Charles or Dee or Brian.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Got a long way to go.
MR. MARINOS: It's a competition.
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.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Let the record show that the
respondent isn't present.
MS. BUCHILLON: It's okay. He was here.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: He was here?
February 26, 2026
Page 89
MS. BUCHILLON: Yeah, I didn't know he had left. Sorry for
that.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Well, they abated the violation.
MR. OWEN: They abated the violation. I did have an
additional piece of information in addition to this as well, but I'll read
this into the record first.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Sure.
MR. OWEN: Past orders: On August 28th, 2025, the Code
Enforcement Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and
order. The respondent was found in violation of the referenced
ordinances and ordered to correct the violation. See the attached
order of the Board, OR6509, Page 1094, for more information.
The violation has been abated as of January 26th, 2026.
Fines have accrued at a rate of $150 per day for the period from
November 27th, 2025, to January 26th, 2026, 61 days, for a total fine
amount of $9,150.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 have been paid.
The operational costs for today's hearing is $59.49. For a total
amount of $9,209.49.
The gravity of the violation is not health and safety. Any action
taken by the violator to correct: They acquired Permit
PRCP20250835649. Any previous violations committed by the
respondent, N/A, and any other relevant factors, N/A.
And before you go on, if you do not object, they did send an
extension request email prior to the expiration of their order to
correct. We made a clerical error and did not get that scheduled.
Theoretically, if that had been granted, they would have probably not
accrued fines, so I'd ask you to take that into -- into account.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Oh, okay. Yeah, sure. No problem.
Waive the fines? I'll make a motion to deny the County its
imposition of fines, however, that today's operational costs of --
February 26, 2026
Page 90
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: 59.49.
MS. BUCHILLON: 59.49.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: -- get paid within 30 days.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Can you -- can you relay that
information to them, Charles, before --
MR. MARINOS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: -- because they're not here, so...
MR. MARINOS: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We're denying the fines. We just
need those operational costs covered within 30 days. That's my
motion. We have a second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
All those opposed?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Nay.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: One nay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: 3-1. Thank you.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: They actually wanted to request
an extension --
MS. BUCHILLON: Next Case, No. 8, CESD20240001038,
Lazaro Y. Ebanks Estevez.
THE COURT REPORTER: Are you translating?
MS. GOMEZ: I'm his wife, but yeah, he doesn't speak English.
THE COURT REPORTER: Then I'm going to swear you in as
an interpreter.
Do you swear or affirm you will translate everything from
English into Spanish and Spanish into English to the best of your
ability?
MS. GOMEZ: Yeah.
February 26, 2026
Page 91
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. MATOS: Yeah.
MR. EBANKS: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Okay. And your name?
MS. GOMEZ: Zahily.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can you spell?
MS. GOMEZ: Z-a-h-i-l-y.
THE COURT REPORTER: Okay last name?
MS. GOMEZ: G-o-m-e-z.
THE COURT REPORTER: And he is?
MS. GOMEZ: Lazaro Ebanks.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Jeremiah, when you're ready.
MR. MATOS: Past orders: On August 22nd, 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, OR6419, Page 3217, for more information.
On May 22nd, 2025, the Code Enforcement Board granted a
continuance.
The violation has not been abated as of February 26th, of 2026.
Fines and costs to date are as follows: Part 1, fines have accrued
at a rate of $200 per day for the period from February 19th, 2025, to
February 26th, 2026, 373 days, for a total fine amount of $74,600.
Part 2 abated by August 26th, 2024, within the compliance deadline.
Fines continue to accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs of 59 -- $59.28 and $59.42
have been paid. Operational costs for today's hearing, $59.77. Total
amount, $74,659.17.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you, Jeremiah.
February 26, 2026
Page 92
Mr. Lazaro, it's been a long case. It's over two years. You've
had several hearings, and we've given you several continuances.
MS. GOMEZ: Yeah, we know. It's -- we have a lot of permits.
We have to work in that. We close a few. Almost we are in the end.
We continue work. We don't forget our responsibility. We work. So
we are here to see if we can get more time to finish the permit we
have.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Can I have specifics real quick on
which permits have been completed? Do we have that?
MR. MATOS: Yeah. So as of right now, they do have a pool
permit that is expired, but they cannot complete that permit without
finishing their electrical pool pump permit.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MR. MATOS: That one, they have that; it is active. They also
have removed a total of four structures on the property since the last
hearing.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So they've complied with those?
MR. MATOS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: They cannot move forward with the
aboveground pool permit until they complete the electrical one?
MR. MATOS: Correct.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So they're doing the electrical first?
MR. MATOS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MR. MATOS: And I believe the electrical permit is actually
covering a few things on the property. It's all the one permit.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That's an extensive list.
MR. MATOS: Yeah.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: More time.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'm okay with granting a continuance,
but this would be the third time. So I would like to grant enough time
February 26, 2026
Page 93
for them to complete it. Would you think they'd be able to get
everything done within 120 days? The fines would continue to
accrue, but that way the next time would be the final time before we
impose it.
MR. MATOS: Yeah. I don't see an issue with the 120 days. I
think she's actually done quite a lot --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah.
MR. MATOS: -- since the last hearing.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Tom, would that be okay with the
County?
MR. IANDIMARINO: I'm just curious as to the status of the
current permit that they have to --
MR. MATOS: The pool permit?
MR. IANDIMARINO: Yeah. I missed something. I'm sorry.
I'll have to catch myself back up.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: No problem. So what he stated was
the pool permit is currently expired or been in -- expired.
MR. MATOS: Expired.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Due to the fact that he has to get the
electrical first, then he can do the pool. The electrical's currently up
and running. It's valid.
MR. MATOS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: They're working through the
inspections.
MR. MATOS: It's in issued status.
MR. IANDIMARINO: And we're looking at 120 days, is that
what you said?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That's my thought. That way they
don't come back a third time, because they've already been here
twice. Either I -- I mean, come back three and four, we're going to
end up imposing it.
February 26, 2026
Page 94
MR. IANDIMARINO: I would just ask the respondent, do you
think you can get this done within the next -- within four months?
MS. GOMEZ: In four month? I can try. I don't have more
options, you know. I working in the last six months with the electric
permit. I working with that guy, but sometimes he don't show up.
And he already schedule a final inspection, and the last we know he
cancel.
I call him, please, "I work. I have to respond from the Court."
"Okay, we do."
But the permit needs through his license. So yeah, I will try.
MR. IANDIMARINO: I think that's reasonable at this point, sir.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Is the Board okay with that?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yeah, I'm okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'll make a motion to grant a
continuance of four months, 120 days. Today's operational costs of
59.77 do need to be paid within 30 days.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We have a motion. We have a
second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
Thank you.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: But as soon as it's finished, call
so they can stop the fines.
MS. GOMEZ: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Or you could let them keep going.
February 26, 2026
Page 95
It's up to you. That was a joke. I was kidding.
MS. GOMEZ: Thank you.
MR. MATOS: Thank you.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: No kidding from bench.
MR. IANDIMARINO: Mr. Chairman, if we could, we had
some respondents appear, show up after the -- we called the initial
agenda, so can you give us a five-minute break to get our agenda
back on track, sir?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah, absolutely. Terri, I'm not
asking for the five minutes. They want the five minutes, so we're
going to take a five-minute break.
MR. IANDIMARINO: If we can come back at -- in five
minutes, please. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Sure.
(A recess was had from 11:36 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Let's resume the Code Enforcement
hearing.
Next case, Helen.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, we are back up to public
hearings, hearings, No. 12, CESD20250007088, Alta Grace
Deligence.
MS. MICHEL: Good morning, everyone. Yes, it's still
morning.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good morning.
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. LAWRENCE: I do.
MS. MICHEL: Yes.
MS. DELIGENCE: I do.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Helen, could you give the
February 26, 2026
Page 96
number again.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's number 10 -- 12.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can I get your name?
MS. MICHEL: Lynn, L-y-n-n, Michel, M-i-c-h-e-l. And my
mom is Alta Grace Deligence.
MS. LAWRENCE: All right. Paula Lawrence, Collier County
Code Enforcement.
This is in reference to Case No. CESD20250007088 dealing
with a violation, Collier County Code, land development, 04-41, as
amended, Sections 10.02.06(B)(1)(a), 10.02.06(B)(1)(e),
1. -- 10.02.06(B)(1)(e)(i) dealing with a standalone building
construction on the property without a permit. The address is 2005
45th Terrace Southwest, Naples, Florida 34116. Folio No.
3574900006.
Service was given on July 2nd, 2025.
And the case details: June 11th, 2025, the initial inspection, met
with the homeowner and the daughter. I let them know that I had a
complaint about an unpermitted structure on the property.
June 12th, 2025, Alta Grace and her family went down to GMD
to discuss the permit corrections letter and the permit that they have
on PRPC20250417407. It was rejected.
July 2nd, service -- July 2nd of 2025, the notice of violation was
taken to the residence, and personal service was given.
August 11th, 2025, the notice of violation expired. No action
had been taken.
August 30th, 2025, met on site with Alta Grace and her daughter
to let them know this would be prepped for hearing.
November 19th, 2025, this was rescheduled from the hearing
due to a request from a medical procedure.
February 4th, 2026, onsite met with Alta Grace and her daughter
for personal service of notice of hearing.
February 26, 2026
Page 97
February 20th, 2026, called to confirm if they were coming to
the hearing.
February 25th, 2026, prehearing inspection was done by myself.
And I would like to present photos. June 11th, from the initial
inspection, I have two photos; July 2nd, notice of hearing, I have one
photo; February 4th, 2026, hearing notice, I have one photo;
February 25th, 2026, I have two photos from a prehearing inspection;
and I also have some aerial photos, one of which before they had the
shed on the property.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Have the respondents had an
opportunity to review the photos?
MS. LAWRENCE: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Do you guys have any objections to
those photos?
MS. MICHEL: No.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Can I get a motion to accept
the photos?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to accept the
photos.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
MS. LAWRENCE: This is a note from the initial inspection.
This is the home of the -- where the shed is in question. This is the
shed in the back of the property.
February 26, 2026
Page 98
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MS. LAWRENCE: This is from February 4th. The shed is still
on the back of the property.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: No permits have been applied for at
this time, correct?
MS. MICHEL: Yes.
MS. LAWRENCE: They had a permit applied for when I
started the case. It just was in rejection. So they've never had it
corrected, and now the permit is in abandoned status.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Since the commencement of the
case?
MS. LAWRENCE: Correct.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Understood, okay.
MS. LAWRENCE: And this is an aerial from Google photos
where the shed wasn't there in 2024.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MS. LAWRENCE: That's it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Ms. Grace, it's your
opportunity. My first question, I guess, would be why nothing has
been done. We've been over a year.
MS. MICHEL: Good afternoon. Can I speak for my mom; is
that okay?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah.
MS. MICHEL: Okay. So can I go back a little bit, just a little
bit? I know time is of the essence.
We went to Horseshoe Drive and applied for permits. The
young lady that gave us the permit papers -- we paid for the
permit -- gave us the papers. She says that they have 30 days to
review and let us know. Well, it took more than 30 days, because
after the 30 days we didn't have any answers. We went -- we started
doing the shed. And it's -- it's perfectly done, because we got all the
February 26, 2026
Page 99
paperwork of what -- the measurements, how far it is from all of
the -- the lines of the house.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Setbacks.
MS. MICHEL: Yes, thank you. And everything is done,
according to what was said to us.
So now, not knowing that it was denied, because they told
us -- it was denied after the 30 days -- oh, I'm sorry -- it was denied
after the 30 days. So we didn't know that. So we went along -- we
started doing the work, and we did what we set out to do not knowing
that our neighbors were not nice and made a call against us.
We started going back to -- I cannot tell you how many trips I
made to Horseshoe Drive to see what else needs to be done. What do
I do? How do I fix this? All of them said everything, according to
them, is fine. So we left it alone knowing that everything is fine.
Well, later at one of the visits that I did to Horseshoe
Drive -- because Paula kept coming back. And I even remember one
of the times that she came back, I asked her, "Paula, what do you
want from me so that you can stop coming here?"
She says, "Well, you have to get into compliance."
So we went back again to -- well, I -- my mother and I went
back again to Horseshoe Drive, and they said everything
is -- everything is in compliance, and there's no safety or health issues
as a problem. So now we're like, okay, what do we do next? What is
the next step?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We've got to keep -- so let's do this.
The purpose of this hearing here is to determine whether or not a
violation exists. At this time, there is a violation, so --
MS. MICHEL: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: -- first we're going to have a
hearing -- or a motion on that matter, and then there's going to be a
recommendation that's presented to us to make a ruling on, and
February 26, 2026
Page 100
then --
MS. MICHEL: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: -- we'll talk about that now. So let's
just -- real quick, I make a motion that a violation does exist.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously. I've got to
practice a little bit more.
Let's go through the County's recommendations, and we'll fill in
the blank.
MS. LAWRENCE: Okay. That the Code Enforcement
Board -- respondent to pay all operational costs in the amount of
$59.28 incurred in the prosecution of this case within 30 days and
abate all violations by:
One, obtaining all required Collier County building permits or
demolition permit, inspections, and a certification of
completion/occupancy for the accessory structure within blank days
of this hearing, or the fine of blank dollars per day will be imposed
until the violation is abated;
Two, the respondent must notify the Code Enforcement
investigator when the violation has been abated in order to conduct a
final inspection to confirm abatement. If the respondent fails to abate
the violation, the County may abate the violation using any method to
bring the violation into compliance, may use the assistance of Collier
County Sheriff's Office to enforce the provisions of this order, and
February 26, 2026
Page 101
that all costs of the abatement shall be assessed to the property
owner.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you.
So there are some recommendations in there that we will discuss
now.
Kathleen, since you're so nice, do you want to fill in those
blanks?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I'd like to make a motion.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: All right. I'll fill in the
blanks. Thirty days and a fine of $50 per day and pay the costs of
today's hearing of 59 -- whatever the number is.
MS. LAWRENCE: 28.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: 28. Thirty days? She can't do it in
30 days. She has to apply -- it's in abandonment state. Why don't
you give them some days that are going to give them a little bit of
a -- more wiggle room?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: And $50 is fine.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Hundred and twenty days.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: We can't do 30, Lee, because it won't
give her enough opportunity to even apply and get it reviewed. So
we've got to give her few more days. It's your motion.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: All right.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Why don't you do 180 days and $200
a per day?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: I thought 50 was fine.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You thought 50 was fine?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Hundred and eighty and 50.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I like yours. We'll go with his.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Right. So we give a
continuance for --
February 26, 2026
Page 102
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: No, this will not be a continuance.
This is going to be -- she's in violation.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Okay, that's right.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So she's going to have a window here
to correct it. We'll give her -- make the motion.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Hundred and eighty days and
pay the today's fee, plus it will be $50 a day if you do not fix it in 180
days.
MS. MICHEL: Oh, after the 180 days?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Yes.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So the motion is -- we're going to
grant you 180 days from this hearing.
MS. MICHEL: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay?
MS. MICHEL: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You're then going -- if not, there's
going to be a $50-per-day fine that's imposed on the property.
MS. MICHEL: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: And that today's operational costs of
59.28 do get paid within 30 days.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Thirty days.
MS. MICHEL: Can we pay it today now?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Tomorrow. Helen has to go back and
get the paperwork ready.
MS. BUCHILLON: Yeah. We need a couple days at least to
enter our information in the system.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MS. MICHEL: I did hear you say that. Okay.
MS. BUCHILLON: So it won't be today.
MS. MICHEL: Yeah, I did hear you say that to someone else.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Now, that recommendation on that
February 26, 2026
Page 103
right there, it will tell you you have two options. Either you get a
permit that's acceptable to the County which will allow you to keep
that shed, or you get a demo permit and remove it. Something does
have to be done. Your permit's currently in abandonment state. If
you come back and it's still like that, we're just going to impose the
fines because there's -- we've got to see some type or -- or some form
of compliance, okay?
MS. MICHEL: Okay, okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So once again 59.28, 30 days to pay
it. You can pay it in a few days, you go to the office; $50 per day if
you do not correct the violation within 180 days, okay?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: And if you do, you can call and
say, "It's all done."
MS. MICHEL: So can I ask a question, please? So do I go back
to Horseshoe Drive and --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Those questions would be more
towards Paula. She can assist you.
MR. LETOURNEAU: Just for the record, there is a corrections
letter, and I'm going to discuss that with you after this is done right
here.
MS. MICHEL: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Perfect. Jeff's going up and beyond.
I love it.
MS. MICHEL: Thank you.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: We did not vote on it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I made the motion. Somebody
seconded it. We didn't vote yet.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: (Raises hand.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah, we did, right?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: We did?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Oh, no. All those in favor?
February 26, 2026
Page 104
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
Thank you.
MS. MICHEL: Thank you very much for your help.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You're welcome.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next up, under old business, motion for
imposition of fines and liens, next case, No. 9, CELU20250008012,
Carolina Diaz.
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.
MS. DIAZ: I do.
MR. VALDIVIA: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: And your names?
MS. DIAZ: Carolina Diaz.
MR. VALDIVIA: My name is Giomarco Valdivia.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good afternoon to everybody.
Charles, ready when you are.
MR. OWEN: Yes, sir.
Past orders: On September 25th, 2025, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board,
OR6516, Page 598, for more information.
The violation has not been abated as of February 26th, 2026.
February 26, 2026
Page 105
Part 1, fines have accrued at a rate of $100 per day for the period
from November 25th, 2025, to February 26th, 2026, 94 days, for a
total fine amount of $9,400.
Part 2, fines have accrued at a rate of $100 per day for the period
from October 26th, 2025, to February 23rd, 2026, 121 days, for a
total fine amount of $12,100. Fines continue to accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 have been paid.
The operational costs for today's hearing is $59.49. For a total
amount of $21,559.49.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you.
Ms. Diaz? Mr. Diaz?
MR. VALDIVIA: Yes. We would like to ask -- good morning
to all of you, first.
We would like to get an extension of time to complete all the
rules that you guys required.
Since the first hearing that we have here, we start working on
my property to make my house beautiful also and follow all the rules
with the best intention. And I was thinking, when the first
hearing -- the first investigator show me some pictures, it was a few
things like remove a ladder that was hanging out and the fence
between my neighbor and my house. We did that. It was a big
extension ladder, 40 feet. We remove that.
After that, he said you have two vehicles unregistered. We did
that. I sell both of them. There's nothing on my property anymore.
And it was a few things that he mentioned and show me the picture
when I came here, the first hearing.
So after that, we tried to communicate with him. I call, and I
send a message. Then I figured it out that they don't accept
message -- text messages, so my wife -- because my English is not
100 percent good, she helped me to send the email to the investigator.
He respond to us, and he said, "Now your case is in the hands of
February 26, 2026
Page 106
another investigator."
And then we start contact them because we want to make
solution as soon as possible. And then I was called the -- I was -- let
the first investigator to be aware of -- one of my car that I have there
and, of course, I don't want to throw it away or be at the junk car,
because the van was, like, $5,000. But I end up to be, you know, rid
of that and also the required that you guys made.
I talked to Charles, which is my -- the Chuck investigator, and
he said -- he went to my property. We work through my land, and I
show -- and say, "Show me specifically what you want me to do to
finish with this."
Because my wife working in pediatric clinic, and she cannot
help me with this. She can vary, like at 6 and 7, and I'm doing this by
myself, and it's a big property.
So I have surgery. I have two surgery. I have compression
fracture in my back, and I have five screws in my leg. So -- but even
though -- I'm working on it because we're going to be -- also make
my house beautiful and follow the rules.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Sure. Let me ask Charles here real
quick. They've been working towards where they're supposed to?
MR. MARINOS: Yes, sir. There is a fairly significant amount
of litter, prohibited outdoor storage, and unlicensed inoperable
vehicles on site. They've removed both the vehicles and worked on
the litter. The litter still remains somewhat to this point. But I did
walk through with them on the 23rd and individually point out
everything I could see and explained the rules and regulations
regarding what is allowed to be stored outside, what can't be, how it
can be stored and the whole nine yards there.
MR. VALDIVIA: Yes, you did.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: These type of cases, typically, I don't
feel take too long to resolve. This shouldn't go longer than a year.
February 26, 2026
Page 107
MR. VALDIVIA: We ask just for 90 days, because why I ask
that, before I enter here, I talk to this gentleman, and he said 60 days
will be enough for you, for all the litter, to complete it, but what
happened is I'm -- I just try to get a little more time. Why? For my
condition, physically. You know, before I was young, and I don't
feel the consequence that I feel right now.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I understand.
MR. VALDIVIA: So just as -- and we want to complete this as
soon as possible --
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Before the 90 days.
MR. VALDIVIA: -- before the 90 days.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I don't feel comfortable with 90 days.
I think for a litter/vehicle case, I don't think it should take that long,
even if you had to hire somebody to help you guys. I'm just -- this is
a discussion more among the Board. I'm not comfortable with 90.
MR. VALDIVIA: Unfortunately, I cannot afford because my
job, I don't work every day, and I do as much as I can by myself. We
cannot afford to pay somebody to help us. That's one of -- the main
thing.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I know, but I mean, it's litter. We're
not supposed to let it get to that point, or a nuisance abatement case.
MR. VALDIVIA: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's a land-use case. That's what it is.
Those are just my thoughts. I don't know how you guys feel, but I'm
okay with maybe doing 30 or 60 days. I'm not liking 90. Now we
just --
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: How much litter is left?
MR. MARINOS: So at this point in time, there's -- I'd say
there's five to six significant piles. When I say "significant," I'm not
talking a ton. We're talking maybe half a truck bed. So, like, six
truck beds' worth of material, if you want to give it that kind of
February 26, 2026
Page 108
measurement. Mostly vegetative debris, a couple piles that
are -- need to be hauled off to the dump.
MR. VALDIVIA: It was wood structure right there that I demo
myself, and I tried to -- some of the materials are good to use again.
But I have no time, so I threw it away. But I called the Collier
County, and they told me that it's just 10 items that I have to put in
my front of my house. So I'm doing little by little by little, you
know, because we cannot afford to pay. But we make the intention to
work with the rules, you know.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Make a motion to give her 60
days.
MS. DIAZ: Part of the stuff that's in the back of the property
was there when we bought the house. It was -- I mean, the vegetation
was pretty tall, so you couldn't really see it. Once we cleaned out is
when we found a lot of stuff. And we keep digging stuff out. So a
lot of the stuff that's still in the house is stuff that was there hidden by
the vegetation that we obviously are trying to clean out.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I'll second the motion.
MR. VALDIVIA: The bottom point is just -- we just want more
time to complete, you know. We don't refuse to do it.
MS. DIAZ: We don't want to extend for --
MR. VALDIVIA: Yeah, we don't want to extend, extend.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Did you hear the motion?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: They didn't finish the motion. Go
ahead with your motion.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Sixty days --
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: She made a motion. I
seconded it.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: -- and the 59.49 in 30 days.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So she's granting you a continuance
for 60 days and that today's operational costs of 59.49 get paid within
February 26, 2026
Page 109
30 days. I'll second that motion. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
MR. VALDIVIA: That sounds good. Thank you very much.
All right. Have a great day.
MS. DIAZ: Thank you so much.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: You, too.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, Case No. 12,
CESD20230000261, Cosme D. Alvarez and Maria I. Alvarez.
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. MATOS: I do.
MR. ALVAREZ: I do.
MS. ALVAREZ: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can you state your names?
MR. ALVAREZ: Edwin Alvarez. I'm the son, translator.
MS. ALVAREZ: Maria Alvarez.
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. ALVAREZ: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Jeremiah, I'm ready when you are.
MR. MATOS: For the record, Jeremiah Matos, Collier County
Code Enforcement.
Past orders: On April 25th, 2024, the Code Enforcement Board
February 26, 2026
Page 110
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,
OR6363, Page 862, for more information.
On September 26th, 2024, the Code Enforcement Board granted
an extension of time. On September 25th, 2025, and January 22nd,
2026, the Code Enforcement Board granted a continuance.
The violation has not been abated as of February 26th, 2026.
Fines and costs to date are as follows: Fines have accrued at a
rate of $200 per day for a period from June 27th, 2025, to
February 26th, 2026, for 245 days, for a total fine amount of $49,000.
Fines continue to accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28 and $59.63 have
been paid. Previously assessed operational costs of $59.84 have not
been paid. Operational costs for today's hearing, $59.91. Total
amount, $49,119.75.
MR. ALVAREZ: Mr. Fuentes, we spoke a month ago, and I
was under the impression that we were in the homestretch. We were
getting the final assessment done. You had granted a continuance of
30 days.
Shortly after I left here, I went to Horseshoe Drive, spoke to a
series of different members there, and they told me that there was
actually some rejected sections in my permits, and it wasn't going to
be feasible to do this in 30 days. I did reach out to Jeremiah and send
an email requesting for an extension.
Since then I have hired a consulting firm to assist with this. I do
feel like there's been a drastic change in the motions in my portal
account as far as what's been uploaded, what's been fixed, what's
been sent for inspections.
As of right now, we did get a rejection letter in regards to one of
the categories, so we know we're currently waiting for the County to
February 26, 2026
Page 111
give us further insight as to where we need to go.
The direction that I was asked for from that firm was for 120
days with the intent that they would fully finish everything that's
currently pending.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You're working on it?
MR. ALVAREZ: We're 100 percent working on it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Jeremiah, he's working on it.
MR. MATOS: Yeah, he is.
MR. ALVAREZ: I've been hearing you all day speak about
compliance, and I feel -- it's -- I told my story to you, so I'm not
going to waste any more of your time, but I'm doing my due
diligence to try to get this completed. I am not in the position to be
paying those type of fees. We want to get this behind us. We want to
complete it. So she says 120 days, we can make it happen and go
from there.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. It's a long case.
MR. ALVAREZ: Just keep in mind that we were affected by
Octavio. We were one of his victims. So the time frames you see
there aren't necessarily accurate because we were under the
impression that everything was resolved and everything was taken
care of for a year and a half, so...
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I got you. I understand.
MR. ALVAREZ: Granted, no excuses. I understand --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: So I'd like to make a motion.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Go ahead.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'd like to grant 180 days --
MR. ALVAREZ: Perfect.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: -- continuance; however, today's
operational costs of 59.91 get paid within 30 days.
MR. ALVAREZ: And just to clarify, I apologize. Did we not
pay this last visit when we were here last 30 days?
February 26, 2026
Page 112
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You did not. So I was going to talk
about that. The -- you've paid them before, so I don't know what
happened last time. And like I said to everybody else, typically we
don't allow that to happen. So, please, if you guys can pay the
additional 59.84.
MR. ALVAREZ: One hundred percent. That's --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's going to be those two within 30
days. That way when you come next time it shows that everything's
up to date, okay?
MR. ALVAREZ: I will be fighting my brother when I get out of
here.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That's my motion.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I have a second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
MR. ALVAREZ: Thank you, guys. Appreciate it.
MS. ALVAREZ: Thank you.
MR. MATOS: Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, Case No. 13,
CESD20210012586, William N. Kogok, Jr.
MR. KOGOK: Good afternoon.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good afternoon.
Do you know what we could do at future hearings? We could
put some chairs right there so that they sit there, just stand up -- like,
Brian, Dee, and Charles, they just stand up, and they're ready to go.
February 26, 2026
Page 113
MR. MARINOS: Got to get my steps 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. KOGOK: I do.
MR. MARINOS: I do.
Past orders: On September 22nd, 2022, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board,
OR6181, Page 452, for more information.
On June 22nd, 2023; November 17th, 2023; October 24th, 2024;
and August 28th, 2025, the Code Enforcement Board granted a
continuance.
The violation has been abated as of December 18th, 2025.
Fines have accrued at a rate of $250 per day for the period from
April 23rd, 2023, to October 23rd, 2024, 550 days, for a total fine
amount of $137,500. Daily fines did not accrue from October 24th,
2024, to April 24th, 2025.
Fines have accrued at a rate of $250 per day for the period from
April 25th, 2025, to December 18th, 2025, 238 days, for a total fine
amount of $59,500.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.28, $59.28, $59.56,
$59.63, and $59.91 have been paid. The operational costs for today's
hearing is $60.12. For a total amount of $197,060.12.
The gravity of the violation is not health and safety. Any
actions taken by the violator to correct: Acquired Permit
PRCP20250937308, along with associated variance. Any previous
violations committed by the respondent, N/A, and any other relevant
factors, N/A.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Do you need a cup of water after
February 26, 2026
Page 114
that? Man.
Well, that's it. You did it.
MR. KOGOK: No one's happier than me.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Oh, yeah, I bet. So that was great.
Thank you for coming into compliance. We now need to make a
motion, see what we do with those fines and today's operational
costs.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Did the neighbor finally move?
MR. KOGOK: No, he's -- it's worse than ever next door to me.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Worse than ever.
MR. KOGOK: Yeah. He's got open violations, he got liens,
and I'm afraid to do anything at this point because I don't want him
to --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: A few field kicks go a long way. I'm
just sayin'.
MR. KOGOK: Oh, I've --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. I'll make a motion. I'll
make a motion that I'd like to reduce the County's fines from 197,000
to 2,000.
MR. KOGOK: Can I address the whole issue?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: A thousand. Reduce it to a thousand.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Does that include the operational
costs?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That would include the operational
costs.
MR. KOGOK: Can I submit 200?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I'll second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's a big -- it's a big amount.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: It could have been much, I
mean, really.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Yeah, but most of it was not his
February 26, 2026
Page 115
fault. It was --
MR. KOGOK: Could I say my case?
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: No. Yes, he can.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: He says yes.
MR. KOGOK: All right. I'd just like to remind you-all that I
purchased the home in 2021 with the structures already in place,
having been built around 2011 by the previous owners, one of whom
failed to disclose she was a licensed Realtor as well as failing to
disclose the unpermitted buildings.
Two other realtors were involved in the transaction, and I did
my own due diligence by finding the structure listed on the County
Appraiser's tax roll, never believing that the County would allow
unpermitted structures to stand for 10 years while taxing them and
not doing as much as red flag them for the Realtors, buyers, and title
companies to find. They really need to change that.
Upon getting notice of violations, I immediately contacted
Claudine Auclaire, who recommended I get a survey because of the
pump house's proximity to the property line. After scheduling the
survey, I was desperately searching for a contractor to hire only to
find that they were all too busy or wouldn't touch after-the-fact
permits. That took forever.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. So just cut it short.
MR. KOGOK: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'm going to give you what you want.
I'll make a motion to reduce the County's fines to $200, but then you
also have to pay the additional $60.12 for the operational costs for
today within 30 days, okay?
MR. KOGOK: I can afford that.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
MR. KOGOK: I will do that.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I've got a second. All those in favor?
February 26, 2026
Page 116
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: He's already --
MR. KOGOK: Thank you very much.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: He's already paid 240 in fees he's
paid so far just showing up.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah, I know. I saw Terri over there
with her fingers cramping up.
MR. KOGOK: Thank you, all.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: His neighbor caused all of it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: They're best friends.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, No. 15, CESD20240008371,
Urbino Hernandez Suarez.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: How many cases do we have left,
Helen?
MS. BUCHILLON: We actually have two in hearings that are
not here and then two in imposition of fines that are not here, but
there is a speaker for one of those cases in imposition of fines.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That's it.
MS. BUCHILLON: Which I'll call that one after we're done
with the respondent here.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Let's get this done.
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?
MS. HERNANDEZ: I do.
February 26, 2026
Page 117
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. HERNANDEZ: I do.
THE COURT REPORTER: Can I get your name?
MS. HERNANDEZ: Gladys Hernandez.
THE COURT REPORTER: And his name?
MR. HERNANDEZ: Urbino Hernandez.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Good to go, Charles. We've got to do
this by 12:30.
MR. MARINOS: Absolutely.
Past orders: On February 27th, 2025, the Code Enforcement
Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and order. The
respondent was found in violation of the referenced ordinances and
ordered to correct the violation. See the attached order of the Board,
OR6449, Page 2771, for more information.
On June 26th, 2025, the Code Enforcement Board granted an
extension of time.
The violation has been abated as of February 12th, 2026. Fines
have accrued at a rate of $200 per day for the period from
August 26th, 2025, to February 12th, 2026, for 171 days, for a total
fine amount of $34,200.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.29 have not
been -- 28 cents, excuse me, have not been paid. Operational costs
for today's hearing is $59.56. For a total amount of $34,318.84.
The gravity of the violation is not health or safety. Any actions
taken by the violator to correct: Obtain Permits PRBD20180532241,
PRBD20180635504, PRBD20180851020, and PRBD20180955810.
Any previous violation committed by the respondent, N/A. Any
other relevant factors, N/A.
February 26, 2026
Page 118
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Suarez, you came into
compliance, so thank you for doing that. But you did not pay the
operational costs for the last hearing. So those are going to have to
be to addressed here. How come those were not paid?
If you could talk into the mic, please, when you're translating.
MS. HERNANDEZ: Yeah. He said he did not notice, but in
reality, he does not like to owe when he has to pay something.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: He can pay it now.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Oh, okay. So I'll go ahead, and I'll
make a motion. We'll get this done quickly here. He does have two
operational costs that he needs to pay, okay? That's going to be for a
total of $118.84 that need to be paid within 30 days. Can you tell that
to him real quick?
MS. HERNANDEZ: Like, he understands English.
MR. HERNANDEZ: Yeah, I will pay that as soon as possible
after tomorrow, tomorrow.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. You have 30 days. So you
understand this in English. All right, perfect. And I will reduce the
County's fines to $1,000, okay. So instead of 34,000, it's going to be
1,000.
MR. HERNANDEZ: I appreciate it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: No problem.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: That needs to be paid within 30 days.
MR. HERNANDEZ: I will do --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'm just going to recap it one more
time so you understand, okay?
MR. HERNANDEZ: I will pay that as soon as possible, too.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: No problem. I'm reducing the
County's fines to a thousand dollars.
MR. HERNANDEZ: I appreciate that.
February 26, 2026
Page 119
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Your operational costs for last
hearing and this hearing are a total of $118.84 to be paid within 30
days, okay?
We have a second to my motion. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
Thank you.
MR. HERNANDEZ: Thank, you. Every single of you guys. I
really appreciate that. Thank you. I am kind of free. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Mr. Suarez, just keep in mind, if
those operational costs don't get paid, the case stays open. So please
pay them, okay?
MR. HERNANDEZ: I will. Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Okay. Next case up, we're still under
imposition of fines, No. 5, CEAU20240008436, Juan F. Arcila.
Respond's not present, but we do have a speaker on this case.
And the respondent was notified, for the record, regular mail and
certified, January 28th, 2026, and it was also posted at the property
and courthouse January 29th, 2026.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you, Helen.
MR. SCHULZE: I'm the speaker.
MR. IANDIMARINO: That's fine, sir. You can go to that
podium. Thank you.
THE COURT REPORTER: What's your name?
MR. SCHULZE: Jim Schulze, S-c-h-u-l-z-e.
THE COURT REPORTER: Do you swear or affirm the
February 26, 2026
Page 120
testimony you will give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?
MR. MARINOS: I do.
MR. SCHULZE: I do.
MR. MARINOS: Past orders: On June 26th, 2025, the Code
Enforcement Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and
order. The respondent was found in violation of the referenced
ordinances and ordered to correct the violation. See the attached
order of the Board, OR6488, Page 2910, for more information.
The violation has not been abated as of February 26th, 2026.
Fines have accrued at a rate of $100 per day for the period from
December 24th, 2025, to February 26th, 2026, 65 days, for a total
fine amount of $6,500. Fines continue to accrue.
Previously assessed operational costs 59.35 have been paid.
Operational costs for today's hearing is $59.42. For a total amount of
$6,559.42.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you.
Any reason why the respondent's not here today particularly?
MR. MARINOS: No. We've been in contact with him.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: He just didn't show up?
MR. MARINOS: Not here.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Didn't care to plea his case, okay.
MR. MARINOS: Apparently not.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Jim, you've got three minutes, sir.
I'm trying to meet a demand.
MR. SCHULZE: Great. Thank you. I had to take the day off of
work today too for this. This has been going on for over -- like, two
years I've been trying to get him to move his fence off my
ingress/egress to my property.
I do have a Notice of Commencement to start building my house
that I can't get to because of his fence.
February 26, 2026
Page 121
I've got an email from November 22nd, '24. "Rock Road and
the area concerning the easements are private roads; therefore, Code
Enforcement's involvement with the easement on Rock Road will be
limited to making certain that the owners of 1481 and 1485 Rock
Road do not interfere with Mr. Schulze creating a 30-foot easement
on the north end of those properties, which is where his fence is
located."
He actually has his fence 15 feet off the -- inside the easement,
and then he jogs up and gives me four feet to walk to my property.
"The property owners of 1481 and 1485 will be required to
remove their fences up to the south end of the 30-foot easement
which has not been done yet."
It further goes to say that this -- and this was all from Rickey
Migal, the Code Enforcement. "I have spoken with Connie Lightcap
and Felipe Arcila to inform them that they are required to remove the
portions of their fences within the easement to allow unrestricted
access to Mr. Schulze, which has not been done yet."
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah. I'm going to -- he didn't show
up. He's preventing somebody from doing what they need to do for
their own residential property.
I'm going to make a motion that we impose the County's fines
and that we also include today's operational costs in that total
amount. Oh, it's already on there. That's my motion.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I have a second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
February 26, 2026
Page 122
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Well, it's imposed, but it doesn't
change what's going on.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah, it's imposed, but good luck.
MR. SCHULZE: I've already talked to my attorney. He's like,
"Take a bulldozer," you know.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It's your property.
MR. SCHULZE: All right.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: One question, what does it
mean, "electrified gate?"
MR. SCHULZE: He ran electric -- he's got an electrified gate.
He ran electric, unpermitted, to the gate, so he just clicks a button to
open his gate up.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Oh, open it so you don't touch
the gate and get shocked?
MR. SCHULZE: And, honestly, if he would have just gave me
15 feet, I wouldn't have even brought this up, but he gave me four
feet to walk to my property. Come on.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. Thank you.
Are you done for the day, Charles?
MR. SCHULZE: Thank you.
MR. MARINOS: Probably not.
MS. BUCHILLON: No, he's not.
Okay. We are back up under hearings. Going to No. 13,
CESD20250008635, Susana Marguerza.
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 FUENTES: Respondent is not here?
MS. BUCHILLON: Respondents were notified regular and
February 26, 2026
Page 123
certified mail January 30th, 2026, and it was also posted at the
property and courthouse February 2nd, 2026.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Craig, is there a reason why they
didn't show up?
MR. COOPER: I have no idea. I called the property owner
yesterday, and I left a voicemail, you know, requesting -- if she was
going to be here or not. And I've been in contact with her son, who's
is the one that does all the construction work. I asked him to sign a
stipulation probably about three weeks ago, and he said, "No, I want
to go to hearing." So I was like, "Great".
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Too bad he didn't show up.
Go ahead. We're ready when you are.
MR. COOPER: All right. For the record, Craig Cooper, Collier
County Code Enforcement.
This is in reference to Case No. CESD20250008635 dealing
with the violation of Collier County Land Development Code 04-41,
as amended, Sections 10.02.06(B)(1)(a), 10.02.06(B)(1)(e), and
Section 10.02.06(B)(1)(e)(i), for expired Permit No.
PRBD20180847101 for an addition and remodeling located at 4913
Devon Circle. Folio 63151400004.
Service was given on September 3rd of 2025 by posting on the
property and regular -- mailing regular and certified mail on
September 5th of 2024.
This case was opened as a field observation by Investigator
Pulse during research for Case No. CEROW20250007180.
Investigator Pulse noticed that owner/builder Permit No.
PRBD20180847101 for a new addition and remodeling was in
expired status. The permit was issued on October 18th of 2018 and
expired April 17th of 2019. The permit was reactivated on April 15th
of 2020 and expired on July 3rd of 2021. The permit was reactivated
on September 16th of 2025 and expired January 23rd of 2026. The
February 26, 2026
Page 124
permit was again reactivated on February 12th of 2026 and expires
on May 13th of 2026.
According to aerial research, the addition on the back of the
house first appeared in 2013, and it was expanded again in 2016.
The violation remains at the time of this hearing.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. I guess let's make a motion
to accept any photos.
MR. COOPER: Yeah. I've got Google Earth photographs from
2012, 2013, 2016, and 2025; correction letters sent September 18th of
2018 and October 1st of 2018; I have the permit details and permit
activity.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Can I get a motion to accept the
photos?
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yes.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Motion to accept.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Second. All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Can we make a note that the
respondent is not present.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yes. Helen made the notice as soon
as we brought up the case.
MS. BUCHILLON: I did, yes.
MR. COOPER: Here is a photo of 2012 where there is no
addition on the back of the property. In 2013, the addition appears.
In 2016, you can see where the addition is expanded, and this would
February 26, 2026
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be 2025 aerial where it stands today.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All right. I'd like to make a motion
that a violation exists.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
What is your recommendation, sir?
MR. COOPER: One second, please.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I know, we're trying to fly right now.
MR. COOPER: I know.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: You're walking. We're running.
MR. COOPER: I understand, too.
THE COURT REPORTER: I have coverage, so I'm good.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I've already accepted the challenge.
It's too late.
I don't know what anybody would do without Helen.
MR. COOPER: Recommendation: That the Code Enforcement
Board orders the respondent to pay all operational costs in the
amount of $59.28 incurred in the prosecution of this case within 30
days and abate all violations by, one, obtaining all required Collier
County building permits or demolition permanent, inspection,
certificate of completion/occupancy for the expired permit within
blank days of this hearing, or a fine of blank per day will be imposed
until the violation is abated.
February 26, 2026
Page 126
The respondent must notify Code Enforcement investigator
when the violation has been abated in order to conduct a final
inspection to confirm abatement. If the respondent fails to abate the
violation, the County may abate the violation using any method to
bring the violation into compliance and may use the assistance of the
Collier County Sheriff's Office to enforce the provision of this order,
and all costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
But the only thing now is they extended -- reactivated the permit
again on February 12th, so this month, and it's still good until
May 13th of 2026.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: But a violation still exists.
MR. COOPER: The violation definitely exists. And what
they're doing is -- it just seems to me, is they keep reactivating or
extending this permit, and they have not called in one inspection
since 2018; not one.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah. Well, we'll make sure we
address that here. We'll go ahead and fill in the blanks. I think 60
days, $300 per day. He didn't show up. That will catch his attention.
I'll make a motion to make it 60 days. If not, a fine of $300 per day.
Helen, can I get the operational costs today?
MS. BUCHILLON: 59.28.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: I'll second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: And today's operational costs of
59.28 get paid within 30 days. That's my motion.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Lee seconded it.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
All those opposed?
February 26, 2026
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(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
Thank you, Craig.
MR. COOPER: All right. Thank you.
MS. BUCHILLON: Next case, No. 18, CELU20240002837,
Thomas A. Crenna.
Brian, even though you didn't win today, it's good to see you up
here again.
MR. OWEN: Thank you, sir.
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 FUENTES: Ready when you were.
MR. OWEN: All right.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Oh, I'm sorry. Why didn't they
show up?
MR. OWEN: I have no idea. His screen door's locked. You
can't even knock on his front door.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Helen, can you --
MS. BUCHILLON: Yes. For the record, respondent was
notified regular and certified mail February 29th, 2026. It was also
posted at the property and courthouse February 9th, 2026.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you.
MR. OWEN: All right. For the record, Brian Owen, Collier
County Code Enforcement.
This is in reference to Case No. CELU20240002837 dealing
with violations of Collier County Land Development Code, as
amended, Section 1.04.01(A), Section 6.05.03(D)(1)(b)(iv), and
Sections 6.05.01(C), an Estates -- an approved Estates-zoned
property with gutters directing water flow onto the neighbor's
February 26, 2026
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property causing stormwater -- to cause flooding located at
4490 18th Street Northeast, Naples, Florida 34120. Folio
39655920001.
Service was given on July 12th -- I'm sorry -- July 2nd, 2024.
Case CELU20240002837 was open on March 25th, 2024, for a
complaint of rainwater from gutters draining onto the neighbor's
property causing flooding. Investigator Cooper conducted his initial
investigation and observed water flow from the property at
4490 18th Street Northeast flowing onto the southern neighbor's
property.
A determination with the County engineer indicated that water
flow must stay on its own property and not to flow across to the
neighbor.
On a follow-up inspection Investigator Cooper observed an
eight-inch pipe coming from property 4490 18th Street Northeast to
the property to the south.
Property owner was informed -- property owner informed the
investigator that legal counsel had been obtained and to wait for
contact from lawyers. No contact was ever received. Case was
prepared for a hearing.
On October -- I'm sorry -- February 25th, 2025 -- 2026, I did
observe gutters with downspouts directing water flow to the neighbor
and open pipes, so it's still there.
And then for my evidence, I have four photos taken by
Investigator Cooper on June 12th, 2024; four photos taken by
Investigator Cooper on October 1st, 2024; one signed deed proving
ownership; one signed determination, and a couple photos taken by
me yesterday.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Can I get a motion to accept the
photos?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: I'll make a motion to accept the
February 26, 2026
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photos.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
Opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
MR. OWEN: So you can see the rippling of the water, proving
that water is coming. This is directly underneath a fence between the
two properties. So I am standing on the south end, i.e., the
complainant's property, so that's where it is flowing from. Then these
caps pop in and out when there's water pressure.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Super glue.
MR. OWEN: Running down the line. I noticed that the pipe is
still coming out to the south because it actually comes all the way
into the neighbor's property.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: What?
MR. OWEN: Not kidding, sir. That is in the complainant's
front yard.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Make a motion that a violation exists.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
Okay. It carries unanimously.
February 26, 2026
Page 130
I don't even know what to say to that. I'd be pissed. I'm going
to make a hard one here. Let me get that recommendation.
MR. OWEN: Yes, sir.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: That's terrible.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Well, it's about to be.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: It wasn't there prior to the
complainant's purchase of the property? Was it there before the
complainant built?
MR. OWEN: So the complainant was there, I believe, first, and
then the respondent built after.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Yeah, read that. Give it to me.
MR. OWEN: Is it opposite? Okay. I apologize.
MR. IANDIMARINO: Yeah. I do believe Mr. Crenna's
property was there first, and then the neighboring property was a
vacant lot, which was -- which was built upon, and, you know, of
course, they had to --
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: In the dark of night, he didn't run
that one pipe? It was there.
MR. IANDIMARINO: No, that was there -- that was -- that had
been running onto the neighboring property well before the
individual built the house --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Even so. That's --
MR. IANDIMARINO: -- on this neighboring property.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: -- a massive pipe. You've got kids
running over there playing ball. They hit that...
MR. OWEN: All right. My recommendation: That the Code
Enforcement Board orders the respondent to pay all operational costs
in the amount of 59.28 incurred in the prosecution of this case within
30 days and abate all violations by:
One, redirecting the gutters to prevent stormwater runoff onto
the neighbor's property within blank days of this hearing, or a fine of
February 26, 2026
Page 131
blank dollars per day will be imposed for each day the violation
continues;
Two, the respondent must notify the Code Enforcement
investigator when the violation has been abated in ordered to conduct
a final inspection to confirm abatement; 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 county Sheriff's Office to enforce the provisions of
this order, and all costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property
owner.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I would consider this a
health-and-safety case.
MR. OWEN: Okay.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Would you agree to that? I mean,
you've got a pipe protruding from the ground.
MR. OWEN: It's not there. That was when Cooper went in
October.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It was not there?
MR. OWEN: That is not there anymore. I could not find
evidence of it yesterday, sir.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It looked removed, or could it be that
it's covered?
MR. OWEN: It could have been cut back, but what was
protruding out of the ground is not visible as of yesterday.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. Well, they're not here. I'm
going to make a motion that we give them 45 days. If not, a fine
amount of $500 per day will be imposed on the property. That's my
motion.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
February 26, 2026
Page 132
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
Opposed?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: 3-1.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: That pipe -- it's not a gutter.
It's a pipe.
MR. OWEN: It's a plastic corrugated pipe that is used
underground for moving of water. So you can either have it fully
encased or in some cases you can get it with perforations in a certain
set distance, so that way water gets in it and actually disperses to the
ground naturally. I use it off of my gutters on my house, too, to get
the water away from my house.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Open a case on that.
MR. OWEN: 3390 50th Avenue.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: No, Brian, don't say that. Thank you,
Brian. Don't say it on the record.
MR. OWEN: It stays on my own property, though, so...
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yeah, that's the key.
MR. OWEN: And I'm not signing your entry consent form.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Oh, man.
MS. BUCHILLON: You're done.
We are on our last case now, under old business, motion for
imposition of fines and liens, No. 11, CESD20220005165, Gene
Nailon and Maylin Nailon.
For the record, respondents were notified regular and certified
mail January 29, 2026, and it was also posted at the property and
courthouse February 6th, 2026.
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?
February 26, 2026
Page 133
MR. MARINOS: I do.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Why aren't they here, Charles?
MR. MARINOS: Well, hello. I don't know. It's a very good
question.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay.
MR. MARINOS: They've been -- they've been to most of the
other ones, but they're not here for this one.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Yeah, I remember.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Previous operational costs were not
paid, so we're just going to do what we have to do. Yep, go ahead.
MR. MARINOS: Past orders: On June 22nd, 2023, the Code
Enforcement Board issued a finding of fact, conclusion of law and
order. The respondent was found in violation of the referenced
ordinances and ordered correct the violation. See the attached order
of the Board, OR6271, Page 3895, for more information.
On October 24th, 2024, the Code Enforcement Board granted a
continuance.
The violation has not been abated as of February 6th, 2026.
Fines have accrued at a rate of $150 per day for the period from
September 21st, 2023, to February 26th, 2026, 890 days, for a total
fine amount of $133,500.
Previously assessed operational costs of 59.21 have been paid.
Previously assessed operational costs of $59.49 have not been paid.
The operational costs for today's hearing is $59.63. For a total
amount of $133,000 -- $133,619.12.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: I'd like to make a motion to impose
the County's fines of $133,619.12.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
February 26, 2026
Page 134
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Aye.
All those opposed?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: It carries unanimously.
MR. MARINOS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Thank you. You win today, Charles.
Most cases, biggest fine amount.
MR. MARINOS: I'll look to try not to win next time.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Make a motion to close the --
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Well, do we have anything else,
Helen?
MS. BUCHILLON: No, we do not have any motions to rescind
or amend.
We do have three cases to forward to the County Attorney's
Office.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. We've got to make a motion
for that, correct?
MS. BUCHILLON: Um-hmm.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Okay. I make a motion to do that.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: Aye.
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: (No verbal response.)
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
It carries unanimously.
MS. BUCHILLON: And no reports, no nuisance.
Next meeting is Thursday, March 26th, 2026, at 9 a.m.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: Perfect. There being no further
business on behalf of the County, can I get a motion to -- I'll make a
February 26, 2026
Page 135
motion to close.
BOARD MEMBER AYASUN: Second.
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: We're adjourned.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: All those in favor?
BOARD MEMBER ELROD: (No verbal response.)
BOARD MEMBER RUBENSTEIN: Aye.
COMMISSIONER AYASUN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN FUENTES: (No verbal response.)
We're adjourned.
*******
February 26, 2026
Page 136
There being no further business for the good of the County, the
meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 12:47 p.m.
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
ROBERT KAUFMAN, CHAIRMAN
These minutes approved by the Board on ___________, as presented
______________ or as corrected _____________.
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF VERITEXT BY
TERRI L. LEWIS, REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL REPORTER,
FPR-C, AND NOTARY PUBLIC.