CEB Minutes 10/22/2009 R
October 22, 2009
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
Naples, Florida
October 22, 2009
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Collier County Code
Enforcement Board, in and for the County of Collier, having
conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 a.m. in REGULAR
SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex, East Naples,
Florida, with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN: Gerald Lefebvre !
Larry Dean
Kenneth Kelly
Edward Larsen
Lionel L'Esperance (Absent)
Robert Kaufman
James Lavinski
Herminio Ortega
ALSO PRESENT:
Heidi Ashton-Cicko, Assistant County Attorney
J en Waldron, Code Enforcement Specialist
Jeff Letourneau, Code Enforcement Supervisor
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CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD OF COLLIER COUNTY. FLORIDA
AGENDA
Date: October 22, 2009, at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Collier County Government Center, Third Floor, 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Building F, Naples, FI
34112.
NOTICE: THE RESPONDENT MAY BE LIMITIED TO TWENTY (20) MINUTES FOR CASE
PRESENTATION UNLESS ADDITIONAL TIME IS GRANTED BY THE BOARD. PERSONS WISillNG
TO SPEAK ON ANY AGENDA ITEM WILL RECEIVE UP TO FIVE (5) MINUTES UNLESS THE TIME IS
ADJUSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN.
ALL PARTIES PARTICIPATING IN THE PUBLIC HEARING ARE ASKED TO OBSERVE ROBERTS
RULES OF ODER AND SPEAK ONE AT A TIME SO THAT THE COURT REPORTER CAN RECORD
ALL STATEMENTS BEING MADE.
ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION OF TillS BOARD WILL NEED A RECORD OF
THE PROCEEDINGS PERTAINING THERETO, AND THEREFORE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A
VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WillCR RECORD INCLUDES THE
TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WIDCH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. NEITHER COLLIER
COUNTY NOR THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING
TillS RECORD.
1. ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES-
A. September 23, 2009 Hearing
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS/MOTIONS
A. MOTIONS
Motion for Re-Hearing
1. David E. Horton CESD20080011966
B. STIPULATIONS
C. HEARINGS
1. CASE NO: CELU20090007827
OWNER: HERIBERTO PEREZ
OFFICER: INVESTIGATORRENALD PAUL
VIOLATIONS: COLLIER COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE 04-41, AS AMENDED, SECTION 2.02.03
SINGLE FAMILY HOME WAS CONVERTED TO MULTI FAMILY IN AN AREA
DESIGNATED FOR SINGLE F AMIL Y USE
FOLIO NO: 36120200000
VIOLATION
ADDRESS: 2081 50TH ST SW, NAPLES, FL
2. CASE NO: CESD20090004386
OWNER: KENNETH & BARBARA BLOCKER, SR.
OFFICER: INVESTIGATOR MARIA RODRIGUEZ
VIOLATIONS: FLORIDA BUILDING CODE, 2004 EDITION, CHAPTER 1 PERMITS, SECTION 105.1
INTERIOR WALLS, DOORS AND ELECTRIC WERE INSTALLED WITHOUT FIRST
OBTAINING A COLLIER COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT, ALSO AN UNPERMITTED
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
FOLIO NO: 60183640000
VIOLATION
ADDRESS: 109 3RD ST. IMMOKALEE, FL
3. CASE NO: CESD20090002945
OWNER: LISA DASHER
OFFICER: INVESTIGATOR MARIA RODRIGUEZ
VIOLATIONS: COLLIER COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, 04-41, AS AMENDED, SECTION
1O.02.06(B)(1)(e)(i). FLORIDA BUILDING CODE, 2004 EDITION, CHAPTER 1 PERMITS,
SECTION 105.1
FOLIO NO: 25577800404
VIOLATION
ADDRESS: 3551 CARSON LAKES CIRCLE IMMOKALEE, FL
4. CASE NO: CEL U2009001 0758
OWNER: J. PEACEFUL, LC
OFFICER: INVESTIGATOR RON MARTINDALE
VIOLATIONS: COLLIER COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE 04-41, AS AMENDED, SECTION 2.02.03.
PROHIBITED USE. TRUCK RENTAL BUSINESS PROHIBITED IN C-3 ZONED LOCATION
FOLIO NO.: 68391446166
VIOLATION
ADDRESS: 77330 PRESERVE LANE NAPLES, FL
5. CASE NO: CESD20090012961
OWNER: J. PEACEFUL, LC.
OFFICER: INVESTIGATOR RON MARTINDALE
VIOLATIONS: COLLIER COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE 04-41, AS AMENDED, SECTION
10.02.06(B)(1)(e) ALTERATIONS TO STRUCTURE WITHOUT OBTAINING REQUIRED
PERMIT(S), SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION(S) OR ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF
OCCUPANCY/COMPLETION
FOLIO: 68391446166
VIOLATION
ADDRESS: 7770 PRESERVE LANE NAPLES, FL
6. CASE NO: CENA20090005263
OWNER: PAULINO & ADRIANA VEGA
OFFICER: INVESTIGATOR MARIA RODRIGUEZ
VIOLATIONS: COLLIER COUNTY CODE OF LAWS, CHAPTER 54, ARTICLE VI, SECTION 54-179.
ABANDONED PROPERTY (SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME) P ARTIALL Y DISMANTLED
WHICH HAS BEEN LEFT UNATTENDED AND PROTECTED FROM THE ELEMENTS.
FOLIO: 00070440001
VIOLATION
ADDRESS: 3200 WESTCLOX ST. IMMOKALEE, FL
7. CASE NO: CESD20090009150
OWNER: EJ PROPERTIES LLC., EDGERRlN JAMES TITLE MGRM
OFFICER: INVESTIGATOR ED MORAD
VIOLATIONS: COLLIER COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE 04-41, AS AMENDED, SECTION
10.02.006(B)(1)(a). FAILURE TO OBTAIN BUILDING AND LAND ALTERATION PERMITS,
INSPECTIONS AND CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY AS REQUIRED.
FOLIO: 125520009
VIOLATION
ADDRESS: 407 3RD ST. IMMOKALEE, FL
8. CASE NO: CESD20090004481
OWNER: JOHN E. CRlMMEL JR.
OFFICER: INVESTIGATOR THOMAS KEEGAN
VIOLATIONS: 04-41, AS AMENDED, SECTION 10.02.06(B)(1)(a) AND 1O.02.06(B)(1)(e), COLLIER COUNTY
CODE OF LAWS, CHAPTER 22 BUILDINGS & BUILDING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE II,
FLORIDA BUILDING CODE, ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF THE FLORIDA BUILDING
CODE, SECTION 22-26(b)(104.1.3.5)
FOLIO: 24831560009
VIOLATION
ADDRESS: 1390 DELMAR LANE NAPLES, FL
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. Motion for Imposition of Fines/Liens
1. CASE NO: 2005010592
OWNER: DOMENIC P. TOSTO A/KIA DOMENIC TOSTO, TRUSTEE AND JOANNE M. TOSTO
TRUSTEE OF THE FAMILY LIVING TRUST
OFFICER: INVESTIGATOR JIM SEABASTY
VIOLATIONS: COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE 04-58, THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, SECTION
6, PAR. 12, SEC. 11, 12, 15 & 16 & COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE 2005-44, THE LITTER
AND WEEDS ORDINANCE, SECTIONS 7 & 8. NO PROGRESS AND A CONTINUATION OF
NEGLECTED MAINTENANCE AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS RELATIVE TO A STORM
DAMAGED TWO STORY CONCRETE AND WOOD FRAME SEVEN DOME SHAPED
RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE.
FOLIO NO: 01199120007
2. CASE NO: CESD20080001776
OWNER: THEODORE W. & KAREN L. WASSERMAN
OFFICER: INVESTIGATOR AZURE SORRELS
VIOLATIONS: COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE 04-41, THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, AS AMENDED,
SECTIONS 10.02.06(B)(I)(a) AND 10.02.06(B)I)(e). ELECTRICAL BOATLIFT ADDED TO
THE WEST SEA W ALLIPROPERTY WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING REQUIRED COLLIER
COUNTY BUILDING PERMITS.
FOLIO: 52450200000
VIOLATION
ADDRESS: 410 CRISTOBAL ST NAPLES, FL
3. CASE NO: CESD20080003864
OWNER: JOSE RODRIGUEZ
OFFICER: INVESTIGATOR WELDON WALKER
VIOLATIONS: COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE 04-41, THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, AS AMENDED,
SECTIONS 10.02.06.B.l.a, 1 0.02.06.B.l.e & 1 0.02.06.B.l.e.i. BEDROOM AND BATHROOM
ADDITION BUILT ON SIDE OF STRUCTURE WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING PROPER
PERMITS.
FOLIO: 63857400007
VIOLATION
ADDRESS: 607 GLADES ST. IMMOKALEE, FL
4. CASE NO. CESD20090003484
OWNER: FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION
OFFICER: INVESTIGATOR THOMAS KEEGAN
VIOLATIONS: COLLIER COUNTY CODE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 22, BUILDINGS &
BUILDING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE II, SECTION 22-26(b)(104.1.3.5), COLLIER COUNTY
LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, 04-41, AS AMENDED, SECTIONS 10.02.06(B)(I)(a) AND
10.02.06(B)(I)(e) & FLORIDA BUILDING CODE, 2004 EDITION, CHAPTER 1, SECTION
111.1. GARAGE CONVERTED INTO LIVING SPACE, BATHROOM AND KITCHEN,
INTERIOR WALLS ERECTED AND PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL WORK COMPLETED
WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING COLLIER COUNTY APPROVAL, NECESSARY PERMITS,
INSPECTIONS AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION.
FOLIO: 48780640001
VIOLATION
ADDRESS: 3141 PINE TREE DR. NAPLES, FL
5. Motion for Reduction of Fines/Liens
6. NEW BUSINESS
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Motion for Imposition of Fines/Liens
B. Request to Forward Cases to County Attorney's Office
8. REPORTS
9. COMMENTS
10. NEXT MEETING DATE - November 19, 2009 (location at Community Development and Environmental ServiCE
2800 North Horseshoe Drive Naples, FL 34104)
11. ADJOURN
October 22, 2009
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I'd like to call the Code Enforcement
Board of Collier County meeting to order. The date is October 22nd,
2009.
Notice: The respondent may be limited to 20 minutes for case
presentation, unless additional time is granted by the board.
Persons wishing to speak on any agenda item will receive up to
five minutes, unless the time is adjusted by the chairman.
All parties participating in the public hearing are asked to
observe Robert's Rules of Order and speak one at a time so that the
court reporter can record all statements being made.
Any person who decides to appeal a decision of this board will
need a record of the proceedings pertaining thereto and, therefore,
may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made,
which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal
is to be based.
N either Collier County nor the Code Enforcement Board shall be
responsible for providing this record.
May I please have the roll call.
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Gerald Lefebvre?
MR. LEFEBVRE: Here.
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Ken Kelly?
MR. KELL Y: Here.
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Robert Kaufman?
MR. KAUFMAN: Here.
MS. WALDRON: Mrs. James Lavinski?
MR. LA VINSKI: Here.
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Herminio Ortega?
MR. ORTEGA: Here.
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Ed Larson?
MR. LARSEN: Present.
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Larry Dean?
MR. DEAN: Here.
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October 22,2009
MS. WALDRON: And Mr. Lionel L'Esperance is not present.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: And he does not have --
MS. WALDRON: And it's an unexcused absence.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: And the alternate will be a voting
member until Lionel, if he does show up, until get here.
Do I have an approval of the agenda -- or should I say changes to
the agenda first?
MS. WALDRON: We do. We do have some additions to the
agenda.
Under motions, we will have two items under motion for
extension of time.
The first item, which is currently item four under imposition of
fines will be moved under extension of time. Federal National
Mortgage, CESD20090003484.
Item two under extension of time will be Rafael Santos and
Zonia Barginer, Case CESD20090000849.
Under stipulations, we have four stipulations. The first stipulation
will be EJ Properties, LLC, Edgerrin James Title MGRM.
CESD20090009150.
Second item under stipulations will be Lisa Dasher,
CESD20090002945.
Third item under stipulations will be John E. Crimmel, Jr.,
CESD20090004481.
And the last item under stipulations will be Paulino and Adriana
Vega, CENA20090005263.
This item will be a time sensitive item at 10:30, due to an
interpreter.
And I believe that's all the changes that we have.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. Just going to give everyone a
minute to make the changes needed.
Everyone all set?
Do I hear a motion for approval of the minutes -- or approval of
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October 22, 2009
the agenda?
MR. KELL Y: Make a motion to approve.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. DEAN: I'll second the motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
And before I go any further, I don't want to forget, today is going
to be Heidi's last day, our county attorney. And Jean Rawson will be
back next meeting. So I just want to say thank you very much.
MR. KAUFMAN: It's not going to be your last day, it's just--
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Well, last day --
MS. ASHTON-CICKO: My last day here.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Sorry, sorry. I see a bead of sweat
coming off. But last day working for the board.
Approval of the minutes. Do I hear a motion?
MR. KAUFMAN: Make a motion we approve the minutes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. DEAN: I'll second the motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
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October 22, 2009
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
And we're going to move on to motions. The first one is a
motion for rehearing. David E. Horton, CESD200800 11966.
MR. LARSEN: Mr. Chairman, at this time I would have to
recuse myself from the board.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. Please note on the record.
(Speakers were duly sworn.)
MR. HORTON: Is this -- am I presenting my case today or
asking for a rehearing?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: No, you'd be asking for a rehearing
today.
MR. HORTON: I'm prepared and everything's finished.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Is it --
MR. KELLY: I have a question of Heidi.
Was the motion filed within the time frame allotted? And if so,
do we have the ability to just put this on the agenda with an amended
agenda vote?
MS. ASHTON-CICKO: Well, the request was on September
9th, and his hearing was on August 27th, so it would have exceeded
the 10 days.
MR. HORTON: The request was actually made the day after the
last court case. I wasn't here because of an illness in the family. I sent
an e-mail in, and I have a copy of it, to the e-mail that was provided
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October 22,2009
for me at code enforcement.
Then when I physically went down there two weeks later I was
told that they provided the wrong e-mail. She said it happens all the
time. So that's why the September date shows.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: You are in compliance, correct?
MR. HORTON: Yes.
MR. KELLY: So it's a finding of fact basically more than
anything?
MS. WALDRON: Well, he's got operational costs that he's been
ordered to pay as well.
MR. HORTON: Everything's been paid for except for court
costs. That's the only reason I'm here today, to see if I can get the
court costs waived.
MR. KELLY: I could save some time and let you know that the
operational cost of the board has no authority to waive or to reduce.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Correct.
MR. KELL Y: So we would --
MR. HORTON: Who do I appeal to that then?
MR. KELLY: I don't think there is. I think it's just a standard
rules and reg. issue. Maybe the Board of County Commissioners, but
I --
MR. HORTON: I have paperwork here I just want to show you.
Anyways, I've got enough for everybody. How do I dispense this?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Well, are you looking -- we haven't
decided if -- I guess we're trying to figure out what you're trying to do.
You are in compliance now.
MR. HORTON: I'm in compliance.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: We can't do anything with
operational costs. We can't reduce those.
MR. HORTON: No, no, everything's finished.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Correct, correct.
MR. HORTON: What I've got here, though, is the paperwork
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October 22, 2009
that shows the chronological of what happened to me. Looks like I'm
going to lose my house because of an error made by code
enforcement.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Well, that's--
MR. HORTON: Regardless, I've got a copy of the impacts that
the code enforcement's made to me. And I know your -- the job here
is to protect the overall standard of the community, but in my case
you're going to have an empty house with a reinforced lanai.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Well, all that's outstanding sounds
like there's operational costs, there's no fines. If you were coming in
front of us and there was a fine, we can vote on reducing the fine. But
there aren't any fines. You're in compliance. The only thing is
operational costs. What are the operational costs in this --
MS. WALDRON: $87.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: $87.
MR. HORTON: I -- it's not that much to you guys, but I had to
put a couple thousand dollars into complying. And in the meantime
too, I was told that part of my house was not in compliance, which is
going to cost a lot of money to fix, and I found out three months later
it was in compliance.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: We don't want to hear the case. But
I guess by rehearing the case, the outcome would be the same, you
still would have to pay operational costs. So there's no gain except for
you would have to come back down here again.
MR. HORTON: I was under the impression that you had the
ability to waive court costs. That's the only reason I came down
today.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: We do not have the ability to waive
operational costs.
MR. HORTON: What is the operational cost as opposed to court
cost?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Operational costs are their --
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October 22, 2009
MS. WALDRON: It's basically the same thing.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: But it's your --
MS. WALDRON: It's the cost for us to bring the case forward to
the hearing.
MR. HORTON: Also my paper work shows that I was in
compliance before the last hearing. I left a message the week before
that I was ready to go, and then I got a notice a week later that I'm to
appear. The message was left on Mr. Renald's answering machine.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Jennifer, correct me if I'm wrong,
operational costs, even if the case isn't brought to us, do they still have
to pay? Would a respondent still have to pay those?
MS. WALDRON: If the case is not brought to you and it's
pulled off the agenda, the operational costs are not owed.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Operational costs are not owed.
Is there any administrative way that you could see that ifhe's
correct in a voice mail, e-mail or whatever record he has, if that could
be shown and argued, would operational costs be able to be waived?
MS. WALDRON: Well, I have an affidavit of compliance, and
it's also in your packet --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Correct.
MS. WALDRON: -- from the investigator, and it states that he
was in compliance on the 30th. And we have to go by the testimony
from the investigator that that was the time that they were in
compliance with the case.
It's already been brought forward, we've already spent the cost,
you guys have done an order, we've recorded the order, we've incurred
those costs as well. You'd have to rehear the case and come up with a
different outcome in order for him to get the costs dismissed at this
point.
MR. KAUFMAN: Or if the county withdrew the case.
MS. WALDRON: It's already been heard, though, so we can't
withdraw the case.
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October 22, 2009
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: But -- so if we hear a case and the
case -- we find that there's no violation in fact, then there's no
operational cost?
MS. WALDRON: Correct.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: So is that -- your argument is you
want to come back in front of us and find that there was no violation.
If potentially you find no violation, then the court cost of $87 would
be erased, I guess.
MR. HORTON: I don't know if I can take off another day of
work to do that.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I mean, that's the option.
MR. HORTON: Okay, I'll tell you what: The option for me is to
do that. In the meantime, I have a chronological order of everything
that happened. I don't know if this can go into public record or not or
what. If I can disperse this, I'll go ahead and pay the court costs.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I'm afraid if you give us that
information, then it's like hearing the case. And--
MR. HORTON: I see, okay.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: -- we want to make a --
MR. HORTON: If I come back, I can disperse this then, correct?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: More than likely, yes.
MR. HORTON: Okay, then I'll go ahead and rehear it then.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Discussion from the board?
MS. WALDRON: The board's going to have to vote on --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Right.
MS. WALDRON: -- whether you're going to grant a rehearing,
due to the circumstances that he's --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Presenting.
MS. WALDRON: -- suggesting to you.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Go ahead.
MR. KELLY: Does staff have any objection to the statement
made that the respondent was in fact within the time frame initially,
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October 22,2009
via e-mail or phone call?
MR. PAUL: I want to object. I've never heard from Mr. Horton
in regards to this. I guess he may have come into the office, but I
don't think it's on a timely -- it was in the time frame of the last
hearing.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay, let me ask a question.
You stated, Mr. Horton, that you have an e-mail that sent to an
incorrect e-mail address.
MR. HORTON: I have a copy of the original e-mail.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. Maybe we should see that
and then find out from the county if that --
MS. WALDRON: The e-mail's actually in your packet, and the
e-mail address that is -- it's addressed supposed to myself and that is
an incorrect e-mail. So this was not sent to me --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay, it was never received.
MS. WALDRON: -- on the 9th of September. Which is the day
that he originally sent this was on the 9th of September.
MR. KAUFMAN: Is it possible to, if the board decides to rehear
the case, that it can be put at the end of agenda for today so that the
gentleman wouldn't have to come back a different day?
MR. KELLY: Are you ready for it?
MR. PAUL: Yeah, I'm ready, I'm ready for it.
MR. KAUFMAN: Would that be okay?
MR. HORTON: What are we talking? How long?
MR. KAUFMAN: Ifwe, the board, votes to rehear the case and
we move it into the agenda so that you don't have to take another day
off of work, it's just --
MR. HORTON: Well, I'm self-employed, I'm flexible. But I can
leave and come back then today?
MR. KAUFMAN: I don't know what time it would be, that
scheduling. But everything we --
MR. HORTON: Okay, I'll do that. Yeah, I've got everything.
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October 22,2009
I'm ready.
MR. KELL Y: In light of the time frame, knowing that the
respondent did in fact make a request within the allotted time, I make
a motion that we grant the rehearing.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Well, we don't know in fact that he
did make notice in time.
MR. HORTON: Are you talking about the notice via e-mail or
the notice via phone?
MR. KELL Y: Well, the notice via e-mail that went to the wrong
address.
MR. HORTON: The one that she referred to is the second
e-mail.
MS. WALDRON: It has to be provided in writing. We don't -- it
has -- I mean, if you call a few days before that, we would tell you it
has to be in writing and it has to be within this time frame. The rules
clearly state it has to be requested in writing.
And this was what we had in writing, this is what I accepted from
him at the time --
MR. HORTON: I'm not exactly sure --
MS. WALDRON: -- we gave it to you to make the decision.
MR. KELLY: So this e-mail has 9/21 as the date that it was sent
to the wrong e-mail address.
MS. WALDRON: He sent it on Wednesday, September 9th. If
you look at the top, that's when--
MR. KELL Y: Oh, I see.
MS. WALDRON: -- I mean, I'll accept that as the date because
he had the wrong e-mail address.
MR. HORTON: But if you look at the content of the e-mail, it
says this is the second one I sent; is that correct? Which means --
MS. WALDRON: No.
MR. HORTON: -- it indicates there's one before that, isn't it?
MS. WALDRON: No, it does not. It just says I missed my
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October 22,2009
hearing last week due to sudden illness.
MR. KELL Y: I concur with the respondent, Mr. Horton. The
first line of the e-mail does say I sent this e-mail last week, dot, dot,
dot.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Well, there's a motion. Do I hear a
second?
MR. KAUFMAN: I second the motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MR. KELLY: Mr. Horton, if you'd like us to rehear this, the
county and the board seems to be okay with hearing it today. We
would just have to amend our agenda to put this on as a hearing.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: That was my next step.
MR. KELLY: Sorry.
MR. HORTON: Any idea -- could I go for a couple of hours,
come back, or we're talking --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I wouldn't go for a couple of hours.
It all depends on the cases. Sometimes we're here for an hour,
sometimes we're here for four hours.
MR. HORTON: All right, all right.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: So I wouldn't go too far.
Page 12
October 22, 2009
MR. HORTON: Okay, very good, thanks.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a motion to amend the
agenda to put David E. Horton at the end of the hearings?
MR. KAUFMAN: I'll make that motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. KELL Y: Second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELLY: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
We're going to move on to the next one. And next will be motion
for extension of time, Federal National Mortgage. And it's
CESD20090003484.
(Mr. Keegan was duly sworn.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Good morning. No representative?
Okay.
How was this received? Was there a letter?
MS. WALDRON: This was submitted bye-mail to me on
Monday, and I did tell the representative, I think, I believe it was from
the realtor's office, that I would forward it to you for consideration.
MR. KELLY: Mr. Chair, if I may?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes, sir.
MR. KELL Y: I have a slight issue with granting any type of
extension or anything. Judging by the e-mail that was written, it
Page 13
---
October 22,2009
appears as though they're trying to sell the home, thus passing the
violation and all the repercussions off to a potential new owner.
And although the e-mail does state that the potential buyers are
willing to rectify the code violations and any costs associate with
them, I would hate to the pass on this to someone who maybe wasn't
completely informed as to the extent of the violations and have them
incur a larger dollar amount than what they maybe were led to believe
and thus be back in front of us as a hardship. I'd rather see the bank
take care of the liability before passing it on.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion from the
board?
MR. LARSEN: Yes--
MR. KAUFMAN: Has the county heard from the bank at all?
MR. KEEGAN: I believe just that e-mail.
MS. WALDRON: Just the e-mail that I received from the --
looks like the representative from the realtor firm. That's it.
MR. LARSEN: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes, sir.
MR. LARSEN: The e-mail, Jennifer, also requests information
pertaining to an extension and to send them any documents and things
like that. Was there any followup in regard to this, or do you know
exactly who you spoke with? Was it Becca Gallagher?
MS. WALDRON: Yes, it was. It was Becca. And I was
e-mailing her back and forth. And she just wanted to know, the
documents, was there any form that they needed to fill out to request
the extension. And I accepted the e-mail as their request for
extension, instead of filling out an additional form.
MR. KEEGAN: I'm sorry, if I can say something?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Absolutely.
MR. KEEGAN: This case, once it was in the foreclosure
process, it was turned over to code enforcement's foreclosure team.
And I have a note entered here on September 15th, 2009 by John
Page 14
October 22, 2009
Santafemia, the initial violation e-mail sent to Citibank, who they
were dealing with at the time and then Ms. Waldron received the
e-mail.
MR. LARSEN: Right.
MR. KAUFMAN: Based on the bank not showing up to request
anything and based on what Mr. Kelly has already said, I make a
motion that we deny the request.
MR. LARSEN: Well, you know, we do have a notice of hearing.
I don't think there's any contention that it wasn't properly served. It
says respondents are required to appear at 8:30 a.m. and hearings
begin at 9:00 a.m. And--
MS. WALDRON: I did speak with the representative yesterday
as well and informed her that it's in their best interest to send someone
to represent them and tell them why they're requesting the extension.
MR. KELL Y: I'll second the motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
Mr. Larsen?
MR. LARSEN: No, no further discussion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
We will hear the case today.
The next one will be Rafael Santos.
(Speakers were duly sworn.)
Page 15
October 22,2009
THE COURT REPORTER: May I have your name, please.
MR. SANTOS: Rafael Santos.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Sir, you're looking for extension of
time?
MR. SANTOS: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Can you explain why, please.
MR. SANTOS: The addition is almost done. I try to pass only
the final inspection.
The addition is almost done. It hasn't passed only the final
inspection, and it's today. And I would like to have at least 45 more
days. Because my sister got sick and she lives in Gainesville. And
two days before the finalize is tomorrow. But everything is on. I did
the appointment for today. But it's -- and I also need to do the survey
that is going to cost at least $1 75. But my sister is not working right
now and for the month. So I don't know if it's possible.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Go ahead.
MR. KELL Y: Investigator, I noticed here that this was originally
entered into a stipulated agreement, so --
MR. MUCHA: Yes, sir.
MR. KELL Y: The respondent voluntarily basically took it upon
himself to correct the violation.
Do you feel as though the respondent's been pretty diligent
getting this thing taken care of?
MR. MUCHA: Absolutely.
MR. KELL Y: So no objection for an extension?
MR. MUCHA: No objection.
MR. DEAN: I have one question.
What was the time limit you asked for?
MR. SANTOS: It was like --
MR. DEAN: Now. Did you say 45 days?
MR. SANTOS: Yeah, if you could. Because I have to pay at
least $175 for the final survey. And then like I was explaining you,
Page 16
October 22,2009
my sister is -- she got sick and she lives in Gainesville, and she's not
going to work for at least a month, and she has two kids. So if I -- I
don't know if you can do it.
MR. DEAN: The reason I asked is on your to whom it may
concern letter to us, you ask for one or two weeks. And then --
MR. SANTOS: Oh, yeah, but --
MR. DEAN: But 45 is needed. I have no problem with that. I
just want to make sure we understood. You asked for a week or two,
now you're asking --
MR. SANTOS: Yeah, but I'm afraid. I would like to -- you
know, if something happen, I don't want to pay $250 a day.
MR. DEAN: Makes sense. Thank you. That's good.
MR. LARSEN: Is there a motion pending?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: There is no motion, but if you'd like
--
MR. DEAN: I'll make the motion that we extend 45 days.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. LARSEN: I second the motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELLY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
Sorry, we had a little technical difficulty. It seemed like all of us
Page 17
October 22, 2009
had -- in this order for Santos, looked like there was an original, but
it's actually a color copy, so that's what we're talking about.
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Chair, we do have one change to the
agenda --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay.
MS. WALDRON: -- if we could do that now before we get
started.
Under old business, motion for imposition of fines, number one,
the county would like to withdraw that case from the agenda.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Tosto?
MS. WALDRON: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. Do I hear a motion to amend
the agenda once again?
MR. KELL Y: Motion to amend.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. KAUFMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELLY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
See, you might get out of here by 10:30.
Okay, we're going to move on to stipulations. And next -- first
stipulation is E.J. Properties, LLC. Edgerrin James Title MGRM. And
Page 18
October 22,2009
it is Case No. CESD20090009150.
(Mr. Arthur James and Mr. Morad were duly sworn.)
MR. MORAD: Good morning. For the record, Ed Morad,
Collier County Code Enforcement.
Here before you to present a stipulation agreement for Case No.
CESD20090009150. The violation is failure to obtain building
permits for improvements of dwelling units'. Location is 407 Third
Street, Immokalee.
Mr. Arthur James is here representing the property owner of
record, which is E.J. Properties, LLC.
Prior to today's hearing we had a pre-hearing on October the
12th, 2009, and Mr. James representing the LLC, we discussed the
violations, we reviewed the stipulation agreement, and he signed as
the agent or representative for the LLC.
MR. KELLY: Mr. Morad, the one you have on the screen
doesn't have any date or fine amount.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: We have to add that in.
MR. KELLY: It's a stipulated agreement.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: That's true.
MR. MORAD: I'm sorry? It should be on the -- we left it up to
the board, I'm sorry.
MR. KAUFMAN: It's not a stip., though.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: It's not a stipulated agreement,
because not all the terms are agreed to.
MR. MORAD: That's correct.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: So was there any days discussed and
a fine discussed?
MR. MORAD: No, sir. Once again, we thought the policy was
to leave it up to the board to decide.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: No, the policy is to have a stipulated
agreement telling us what all the parties agreed to and then coming to
us and then we --
Page 19
October 22, 2009
MR. MORAD: Okay. If you'd like, Mr. James and I could go
out and agree to the required time and fine, if you'd like.
MR. KELL Y: Unless you want to just recap what your
discussion was and come up with a time now that's acceptable to
everybody.
MR. JAMES: I have no problem with that.
MR. LARSEN: I think that would be more the prudent way to
go. I mean, basically I believe that the code enforcement agents were
relying on this board to suggest days and an amount of fine.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I guess the question would be then
of the respondent, how long do you think it will take? I mean, have
you gotten the permits yet?
MR. JAMES: No, I'm working on that now. And he's -- I've
been working with him diligently to get the permits.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I mean, all the engineering work's
been done?
MR. JAMES: Well, I got everything, I just got to find the right
contractor to do the job.
MR. LARSEN: Right. If I understand, you're in need of permits,
right?
MR. JAMES: Yeah, that's it.
MR. LARSEN: Okay. And the permits are for plumbing and
wiring?
MR. JAMES: Yeah.
MR. LARSEN: All right. And how long do you think it's going
to take you to finalize that process and get your permits?
MR. JAMES: Give me about 60 days, I should have it.
MR. LARSEN: Sixty days.
MR. JAMES: Yeah.
MR. LARSEN: Okay. Do you think you're going to need any
longer than 60 days? Because it's a lot easier for us to give you time
now.
Page 20
October 22, 2009
MR. JAMES: Well, make it 90.
MR. LARSEN: Was that 90?
MR. JAMES: Yeah, give me 90 then. We'll go with that.
MR. LARSEN: Now, you do know that basically if you don't
finish up within that period of time, there's going to be an imposition
of a fine.
MR. JAMES: I mean, finish up -- it's a 16-unit building.
MR. LARSEN: No, I understand. I'm talking about getting your
permit.
MR. JAMES: Okay, no problem, I understand that.
MR. ORTEGA: I have a question.
With regards to the time frame, if -- this is multi-family, I take it?
MR. JAMES: Yes.
MR. ORTEGA: You're looking at permitting and you're also
looking at the actual work.
MR. JAMES: No, that's not what he's stipulating. He's saying
permitting, just getting the permit.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: If you read under paragraph two, if
you can look up -- or if you have it in front of you.
MR. JAMES: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: It says request all required
inspections to be performed and passed through a certificate of
completion! occupancy.
So that means that you are done, not just getting permits, but the
work is completed, you call an inspector out and all -- everything is
approved. That's what a CO -- or certificate of completion or --
MR. JAMES: Yeah, I understand what that means.
So give me six months, then I can have the whole thing finished.
Because it's a 16-unit thing.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: See how it changes?
MR. JAMES: Yeah, changes very good then, yeah.
MR. KELL Y: Mr. Morad, do you have any objections?
Page 21
October 22, 2009
MR. MORAD: That's fine with me, yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Now, we just have to come up with
a fine amount.
MR. KAUFMAN: $100 a day after six months?
MR. LARSEN: I think that's an appropriate amount.
MR. JAMES: We can work with that. Can we go $2.00? I'm
asking now.
MR. KAUFMAN: That's what you call negotiating.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay, so now we have within 180
days or a fine of $100 will be imposed for each day the violation
exists, okay? Is that understood?
MR. JAMES: That's understood.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Now, what we'd like you to do
before you leave is if we do agree to this, is have that filled in, 180
days and 100 days. You're going to need to initial it and date it.
MR. JAMES: No problem.
MR. KELL Y: I'll make a motion we accept the stipulated
agreement.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. DEAN: I'll second that motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
MR. ORTEGA: I do have a second question, I'm sorry.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Go ahead.
MR. ORTEGA: Are you here as a representative?
MR. JAMES: Yes.
MR. ORTEGA: Does he have a Power of Attorney?
MR. KELL Y: I know from past experiences that we've worked
together and he's under the same foundation and he was authorized in
those cases. I'm comfortable.
MR. ORTEGA: No further questions.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Thank you.
MS. WALDRON: And just for the record, operational costs as
Page 22
October 22, 2009
well.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: And operational costs, okay.
MR. KAUFMAN: Operational cost to be paid within?
MS. WALDRON: Thirty days.
MR. KAUFMAN: Thirty days, 10 days?
MS. WALDRON: Thirty days.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I'm not sure that was a problem.
Any further discussion?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye. \
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes. Thank you very
much. Have a good day.
The next one will be Lisa Dasher. That is CESD200090002945.
(Speakers were duly sworn.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Like to read the stipulated
agreement, please. And state your name.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: For the record, Maria Rodriguez, Collier
County Code Enforcement.
The violation noted in the referenced Notice of Violation are
accurate and I stipulate to their existence.
Therefore, it is agreed between the parties that the respondent
shall: Pay operational costs in the amount of $86.43 incurred in the
prosecution of this case within 30 days of this hearing. Abate all
Page 23
October 22, 2009
violations by: Must apply for and obtain a Collier County building
permit or demolition permit and request required inspections to be
performed and passed through a certificate of completion/occupancy
within 120 days of this hearing or a fine of $200 per day will be
imposed.
That if the respondent -- the respondent must notify code
enforcement within 24 hours of abatement of the violation and request
the investigator to perform a site inspection to confirm compliance.
That if the respondent fails to abate the violation, the county may
abate the violation and may use the assistance of the Collier County
Sheriffs Office to enforce the provision of this agreement, and all
costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do you agree to this?
MS. DASHER: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: And if you can just state your name
for the record, please.
MS. DASHER: Lisa Dasher.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any questions of the board?
MR. LARSEN: Yes. Ms. Dasher, how long do you think it's
going to take for you to comply with this stipulation? Are you going
to be able to do it within the 120 days?
MS. DASHER: I hope so. I was unable to because I'm
unemployed during the summer. I'm back to work now, so--
MR. LARSEN: Okay. And do you pretty much know the
process and what needs to be done?
MS. DASHER: Yes, Maria has been helpful.
MR. LARSEN: All right. So you think 120 days is enough time
for you to get this taken care of?
MS. DASHER: Yes.
MR. LARSEN: The only other concern I have is that basically
the fine of $200 a day seems high. I would recommend $100 per day
after the 120 days, because we're dealing with a patio, it appears.
Page 24
October 22, 2009
MR. KELL Y: Miss Dasher, do you have plans to keep the patio
and bring it up to current code, or to take it down?
MS. DASHER: Yes, I plan on keeping it.
MR. KELL Y: I'm curious to see what the board thinks about the
120 days. Ifwe have to bring it up to current code now, it might be a
little bit more work than --
MS. RODRIGUEZ: She was working with someone, trying to
get the engineering for it. And they were going to do a permit by
affidavit. So I don't know if it's got any other adjustments that she
needs to do to bring it up to code; I don't know.
MR. LARSEN: Well, is it just as a matter of getting it permitted
or additional work needs to be done on your patio?
MS. DASHER: I think just getting it permitted.
MR. LARSEN: So you think that the work was done up to code,
it was done properly?
MS. DASHER: I think so.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: So you do understand that if you do
find out that it can't be brought up to code for some reason, that you
will have 120 days to either bring it up to code, get a certificate of
completion or you would have to demolish it.
MS. DASHER: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. And you have 120 days. And
as it stands now it's $200, but we'll have a discussion about possibly
reducing it.
Any further discussion from the board?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a motion to --
MR. KAUFMAN: I'd like to make a motion to reduce the fine
from $200 on the stipulation to $100.
MR. LARSEN: I second that motion.
MR. KELL Y: And accepted.
MR. KAUFMAN: And accepted.
Page 25
October 22, 2009
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MS. DASHER: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: You're welcome.
MR. KAUFMAN: One last thing. If you for some reason get
stuck and you don't get it done in 120 days, before the 120 days come
back.
MS. DASHER: Okay, thank you.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Next case will be John E. Crimmel,
Jr. Case No. CESD200090004481.
(Speakers were duly sworn.)
MR. KEEGAN: Good morning.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Good morning.
The respondent is not present; is that correct?
MR. KEEGAN: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Thank you very much.
MR. KEEGAN: For the record, Thomas Keegan, Collier County
Code Enforcement Investigator.
In reference to Case No. CESD20090004481, Board of County
Commissioners versus John R. Crimmel.
The respondent and the county has reached a stipulation
Page 26
October 22, 2009
agreement. He agreed that the violations noted in the referenced
Notice of Violation are accurate, and he stipulates to their existence.
A wooden gazebo with electric built without first obtaining Collier
County approval, necessary permits, inspections and certificate of
completion at 1390 Del Mar Lane, Naples, Florida, 34104. Folio No.
248315600009.
Therefore, it is agreed that the parties -- that the respondent shall:
Pay operational costs in the amount of 87.57 incurred in the
prosecution of this case within 30 days of this hearing, and also to
abate the violations by applying for all necessary building permits or a
demolition permit. Request all required inspections through to
certificate of completion to bring property into compliance within 60
days of this hearing or a fine of $200 a day will be imposed until the
violation is abated.
The respondent must notify the code enforcement investigator
within 24 hours of the abatement of the violation and request the
investigator to perform a site inspection to confirm compliance.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Before I jump into this case,
Jennifer, did she -- did you make -- was a change made from $200 to
$100 and did she initial it?
MS. WALDRON: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay, very good. Thank you. I
forgot to make a mention of that. Sorry about that.
Any questions of the board?
MR. LARSEN: I have a question, Mr. Chairman.
Is this residential or commercial?
MR. KEEGAN: Residential, sir.
MR. KAUFMAN: Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes, sir.
MR. KAUFMAN: I'd like to make a motion that we accept the
stipulation as written.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
Page 27
October 22, 2009
MR. DEAN: I'll second that motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MR. KEEGAN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: We've still got -- we're going to
jump over Vega, because he's time sensitive for 10:30 this morning,
and we're going to go on to the first hearing. And that should be
Heriberto Perez, correct? Case No. CELU20090007827.
Is the respondent present?
MR. PAUL: No, he's not.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Thank you very much.
MS. WALDRON: This is in reference to violation of Ordinance
Collier County Land Development Code 04-41, as amended, Section
2.02.03.
Description of violation: Single-family home was converted to
multi-family in an area designated for single-family use.
Location/address where violation exists: 2081 50th Street
Southwest, Naples, Florida, 34116. Folio 36120200000.
Name and address of owner/person in charge of violation
location: Heriberto Perez, 2081 50th Street Southwest, Naples,
Florida, 34116.
Page 28
October 22, 2009
Date violation first observed: May 11 th, 2009.
Date owner/person in charge given Notice of Violation: June
17th, 2009.
Date on/by which violation to be corrected: July 17th, 2009.
Date of reinspection: September 16th, 2009.
Results of the reinspection: Is that the violation remains.
The notice of hearing was posted at the property and the
courthouse on October 2nd, 2009, and was also sent certified mail on
October 12th, 2009.
At this time I'd like to present Investigator Renald Paul.
(Mr. Paul was duly sworn.)
MR. PAUL: For the record, Renald Paul, Collier County Code
Enforcement Investigator.
Case No. CELU20090007827. A violation of Collier County
Land Development Code 04-41, as amended, Sections 2.02.03.
Single-family home converted to multi-family unit in a single-family
zoned area with no permits.
At this time I would like to bring in some exhibits, B-1 through
11.
MR. KELLY: Make a motion we accept the exhibits.
MR. LARSEN: Second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
Page 29
October 22,2009
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MR. PAUL: And this was simply on my first site hearing. I
went into the main part of the home. I had spoken with the tenant and
he let me inside. And as you'll see as she goes through the
photographs, the first photograph just shows the inside of the main
part of the home.
The second photograph that she's showing is two bedrooms off to
the right side of the home. Actually shows on three -- it's actually
three different doors. There's two of those doors that you cannot get
through because they're sealed shut. The one off to the left goes into
one unit and the one to the right goes to the garage, which is also
sealed off as another unit.
And that's the side door to the garage.
MR. KAUFMAN: Excuse me. So you're saying there are three
units there?
MR. PAUL: Three units. This has been converted into a triplex.
MR. KAUFMAN: Okay.
MR. PAUL: And this is the inside of the one that's in the garage.
And it shows that they've added plumbing and electrical also.
And they also have a secondary kitchen in the second one, and
they have another kitchen in the third unit also. So in total they've got
three kitchens in the home.
And this is the back unit, the one that I wasn't able to access. But
I was finally able to get entry in there.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: At a different time?
MR. PAUL: Right, at a different time.
MR. ORTEGA: Have you made contact with the actual owner at
all, physical?
MR. PAUL: I did, but it was through another person. What had
happened was I had gotten in contact with the bank. I believe they
had filed a lis pendens for the property and they had actually met me
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October 22,2009
out at the site. And they were like, well, we're going to try to get this
situation taken care of.
And the owner was there at the time, but he doesn't speak
English. So that's how I was able to gain access into the home, into
the back part of the home.
MR. ORTEGA: Is this property located in Golden Gate City or
Golden Gate Estates?
MR. PAUL: This is Golden Gate City.
And that just shows the other bathroom that was in the third unit
-- I mean the kitchen that was in the third unit.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: What's the status of the bank?
Foreclosure, I guess.
MR. PAUL: They have not foreclosed on the home yet. It's still
in lis pendens, so they don't have title to the home yet, so he's still the
owner.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay.
MR. KAUFMAN: Have you looked to see if any building
permits were ever pulled on this?
MR. PAUL: There hasn't been. There are no--
MR. KAUFMAN: So all of the work that we see here--
MR. PAUL: Is all illegal, yes.
MR. KAUFMAN: Okay.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: And from the pictures, I take it
there's people living in there?
MR. PAUL: Yes, there are. Each unit is being rented out as a
little efficiency.
On 5/11 I was on-site. I had spoken with the tenant, I had
explained why I was on-site. We had gotten a complaint about
overcrowding at this property.
Once inside I did take photographs of the interior of the home.
The first tenant advised me that I needed to go speak with the tenant
that was living in the garage so that I could get in there, which I did.
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October 22, 2009
And she allowed me entry, and that's when I took the photographs of
that one, of those two parts of the home. I was unable to gain access to
the back part of the home at that time.
On 5/12 I attempted to do personal service to the property owner.
The property appraiser sheet states that the owner lives at the
residence, but he doesn't. So I was unable to serve the NOV at that
time.
I sent it certified mail. It was returned on 6/7. Observed that the
violation remained. There was no change. There were no permits that
were applied for, anything.
On 6/17 of'09 I posted a Notice of Violation at the residence and
the courthouse.
On 6/22 I had a phone conversation with a lady by the name of
Diane who was working with the bank, and at that time we had spoken
about the violations. And she had said that the property was going
into a short sale. But she wanted to meet me at the site so we could
possibly get these issues taken care of.
On 7/20 of '09 I had met with Diane, and at that time the property
owner was on-site. And we went over everything. And that's when
she allowed me access into the third part of the home, which was the
back part where, as you see, it was converted also.
On 8/25 I called Diane because there was no change, no permits
had been applied for, and I had left her a message.
8/28, after research, found there was no call back from her.
There was no change, violation remained. I prepped the case for
court.
And on 9/16 found that the violation remained.
On 10/2, posted a notice of hearing at the residence and the
courthouse and we're here today.
MR. KAUFMAN: Have you had any opportunity to speak to
anybody from the bank?
MR. PAUL: No, no one's ever called me back. Even when I
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October 22, 2009
leave Diane messages, she doesn't call me back.
MR. KAUFMAN: Has this been turned over to the task force
that has been working with banks?
MR. PAUL: Yes, it has. This information has been turned over
to them.
I don't know where they're at with it at this time, but I've gotten
no information on it. I don't have any new information.
MR. KELL Y: I'll make a motion that a violation does exists.
MR. KAUFMAN: Second.
MR. LARSEN: I'll second the motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MR. PAUL: The county asks that the owner pay the operational
cost in the amount of -- I don't know what the operational cost is.
MR. KAUFMAN: I'm getting--
MR. PAUL: 86.71 incurred in the prosecution of this case within
30 days of the hearing. Abate all violations by: Respondent must
obtain a Collier County demolition permit and return the residence
back to the original permitted state and obtain inspections and
certificate of completion within "X" amount of days of this hearing or
pay a fine of "X" amount of dollars for each day the violation remains.
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October 22, 2009
Respondent must notify code enforcement within 24 hours of
abatement.
If respondents fail to abate the violation, the county may abate
the violation and may use the assistance of the Collier County
Sheriffs Department to enforce the provisions of this agreement and
all costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
MR. KAUFMAN: Do you have any suggestion as to violation
exceeds "X" amount of days -- whatever the days are, what the fine
would be.
MR. PAUL: Sixty days and then fines, 200 a day.
MR. KAUFMAN: Okay. I'd like to make a couple of comments.
Number one, there are obviously three families living there.
MR. PAUL: Correct.
MR. KAUFMAN: So not only because of electrical and
plumbing that's there to be a safety violation, and also the people who
are living there, if you return this to a single-family residence, they're
going to have to make arrangements to go someplace else, so I think
that needs to be taken into consideration when we deliberate the case.
MR. PAUL: I can put in something here where we can have
them vacate those other two parts of the home that have been
converted, depending on how much time you want to go.
MR. KAUFMAN: Well, it wouldn't be just them vacating it, but
then the electrical and the plumbing that was done there needs to be
inspected --
MR. PAUL: Correct.
MR. KAUFMAN: -- permits have to be pulled, et cetera.
MR. PAUL: Right.
MR. ORTEGA: There may be more to that. If they're on septic,
they're going to have to demolish. They're not going to be able to keep
the garage.
MR. PAUL: Right.
MR. ORTEGA: Most likely.
Page 34
October 22,2009
With regards to the work, there's more I'm sure than just
electrical and plumbing. There's going to be structural work, because
they probably enclosed walls or doors, so --
MR. PAUL: That's correct.
MR. LETOURNEAU: For the record, Jeff Letourneau, Collier
County Code Enforcement Supervisor.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Were you sworn in?
MR. LETOURNEAU: No, I wasn't.
(Speaker was duly sworn.)
MR. LETOURNEAU: Investigator Paul, what's this zoned,
single- family?
MR. PAUL: Single-family, yes.
MR. LETOURNEAU: So basically the work that they've done
they can't keep anyways, right?
MR. PAUL: Correct. It has to be converted back to --
MR. LETOURNEAU: Yeah, it has to be demolished.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Plus if there was a chance of it being
permitted, then they would have to pay impact fees, but that's not--
MR. PAUL: That's not -- no.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: -- not a solution.
MR. PAUL: No.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. The worry I have is that
there's actually people in the house currently. And also the lack of
motivation by the owner, the bank probably can't do too much because
they don't have title to it yet.
MR. PAUL: Correct, they're probably not going to do anything
until they get actual title to the property.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Right. And the problem is they may
not take title to this house because of the pending issues that it has, A.
And then B, with the fine, if there's a fine attached to this, obviously.
So is there any way that we could have the current tenants
removed from the units?
Page 35
October 22,2009
MR. LARSEN: I think I can help you on that. Basically there is
no mechanism this board has to actually remove tenants. I mean,
basically proceedings would have to be brought in a different forum.
Now, I share the concerns of the other members of the board that
there may be a health and safety issue here. I also agree that if this is
a short sale or in some kind of process where the bank is negotiating
with the owner to convey title, that any additional time we give them,
we have to keep in mind that a change of ownership or change of title
may be in the works.
I'm very concerned that basically this is a three-unit rather than,
you know, just a conversion of the garage or some other things that
we've seen. Here they've dedicated a lot of time and effort to
converting this place over to take rents from people who did not know
that they were living in an unapproved, unpermitted unit.
I think that although 60 days under some circumstances might be
appropriate, I think 30 days under these circumstances for them to
correct the violations is more appropriate. And I think that $200 per
day for any day after that is an appropriate fine.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I agree with you, 30 days, but I think
$200 might be a little bit light. I think 250 might be more appropriate.
MR. LARSEN: 250's fine with me.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any other discussion from the
board?
MR. KAUFMAN: On the task force that's been set up to handle
these type of arrangements, have they been successful in dealing with
this particular bank that has posted a lis pendens on it?
MR. PAUL: I don't know at this time.
MR. KAUFMAN: The reason I ask is because any fines that
accrue after 30 or 60 days, whatever it is, is going to be the
responsibility of the bank, along with having a dwelling that needs to
be completely changed, if you will. So it would be in their best
interest, and I think that's some of the motivation that banks have, to
Page 36
October 22,2009
jump on it right away. So it would be interesting to see how the task
force handles this one.
MR. LARSEN: Well, I mean, as a comment on that, banks just
can't take title. I mean, basically either they've got to go to foreclosure
sale or they have to be deeded title by the owner.
Now, in this particular case, you know, it doesn't matter to me
which way the bank takes title. My only concern is that basically
something happened within a relatively short period of time to correct
the situation, whether that allows the county to move or whether or not
it urges the bank along. So I don't think the bank is going to really
rush through this. We don't -- do we know if there's a foreclosure
action pending?
MR. PAUL: No, I don't know at this time.
MR. LARSEN: So it might be a considerable period of time
before the bank even is in a position to take title.
MR. KAUFMAN: I'd like to try a motion then.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Go ahead, sir.
MR. KAUFMAN: I'd like to make a motion that they be given
30 days to come into compliance and a fine of $250 per day in excess
of the 30 days be implemented, plus the payment of the costs of 86.71.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. Do I hear a second?
MR. JAMES: I'll second it.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
Page 37
October 22,2009
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
Next case will be Kenneth and Barbara Blocker, Sr.,
CESD20090004386.
(Mr. Earnest Freeman, Gina Green and Ms. Rodriguez were duly
sworn.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: You have to read in the case.
MS. WALDRON: This is in reference to violation of Ordinance
Florida Building Code, 2004 edition, Chapter 1, Permits, Section
105.1.
Description of violation: Interior walls, doors and electric were
installed without first obtaining a Collier County building permit.
Also an unpermitted change of occupancy.
Location/address where violation exists: 109 Third Street,
Immokalee, Florida, 34142. Folio 60183640000.
Name and address of owner/person in charge of violation
location: Kenneth Sr. and Barbara Blocker, 110 12th Street,
Immokalee, Florida, 34142.
Date violation first observed: April 17th, 2009.
Date owner/person in charge given notice of violation: April
20th, 2009.
Date onlby which violation to be corrected: May 17th, 2009.
Date of reinspection: July 21 st, 2009.
Results of reinspection: The violation remains.
At this time I'd like to present Investigator Maria Rodriguez.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: For the record, Investigator Maria
Rodriguez, Collier County Code Enforcement.
This is in reference to Case No. CESD20090004386, dealing
with violation: Interior walls, doors, and electric were installed
without building permits and unpermitted change of occupancy,
located at 109 Third Street, Immokalee, Florida, 34142. Folio No.
Page 38
October 22, 2009
60183640000.
Personal service was given on April 20th, 2009.
I would like to present case evidence in the following exhibits:
B-1 through 19.
This case was initiated as a complaint on April 4th -- I mean
April 16th, 2009.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a motion to approve the
exhibits?
MR. LA VINSKI: I'll make a motion we approve the exhibits.
MR. LARSEN: Has the respondent seen the exhibits?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Have you seen the exhibits?
MR. FREEMAN: Yes.
MR. KAUFMAN: I'll second it.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: This case was initiated as a complaint on
April 16th of '09. Observed interior walls, doors and electric installed
without first obtaining building permits. And also an unpermitted
change of occupancy.
April 20th, 2009, I met with Mr. Blocker, explained the Notice of
Violation. He signed, dated and a copy was given to him.
Page 39
October 22, 2009
On July 21 st of 2009, observed that the violation remained.
Recommendation? That--
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: No, we have to hear the case first.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Go ahead.
Okay, the very first page is the original floor plan. This was an
old post office.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Thank you.
And what is it being used as now?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: It's a church.
What you see highlighted is what they removed, all the walls that
went across. And that's where all the boxes were. Got removed.
And in the front where the double doors are where you see the
lobby, there were tellers in there, and that all got removed.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: That's where the tellers were?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: In the front, yes.
MR. KELLY: The walls that were removed, were they structural
or were they just there as a racking system to hold boxes?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: I don't know.
MR. FREEMAN: Racking system.
MR. KAUFMAN: Did they go to the ceiling?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Yes.
MR. FREEMAN: Yes.
MR. ORTEGA: I have a question.
Is this an individual structure?
MR. FREEMAN: Yes.
And let me make a correction. Those boxes just went to the drop
ceiling, like the acoustical. They didn't go all the way to --
MS. RODRIGUEZ: In the front where the double doors are, they
converted those into office rooms. The very first one -- the very first
room is an office. And then it's the lobby. Another room, another
room, another room.
And then the end one was already there. That's an existing one.
Page 40
October 22, 2009
That hasn't been touched.
But all these rooms also have electric in them.
That's the name of the church.
That's the entrance.
That's the very first room to the left as you come in with electric,
as you can see from the door.
That is the second room. And where the gentleman is setting is
the little lobby as you come in.
That's the electric on the second room.
That's the third room.
More electric.
More electric.
That's the end room; that's the fourth room.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Not the postmaster's room but the
fourth room.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: No, that's not the post off -- that's another
room that they put up walls.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Right, right.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: And this in the lobby, this is as you go into
the church. Those double doors weren't there, of course. So you go in
through those double doors, and then on the other side of those rooms
is that wall that they placed.
On the far end of the building, they also added another wall to
divide the restrooms. There's a hallway that you go through it. I
guess they were trying to hide the restrooms. But there was a wall that
was put in, that's part of that wall.
It's a long wall.
We have nothing further.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay, very good.
MR. KELL Y: I have a quick question. All the pictures that you
showed of the electrical conduits and outlets and so forth, are you
saying those were all added?
Page 41
October 22, 2009
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Yes.
MR. KELLY: Okay, thank you.
MR. KAUFMAN: So from the time it was a post office until it
was converted to a church, there were no building permits at all
pulled?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: No, none. All the electric and all the walls
were added.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Can you state your name for the
record, please.
MR. FREEMAN: My name is Earnest Freeman, local contractor
here, licensed in Collier County.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do you have authority from Mr.
Blocker?
MR. FREEMAN: I would say yes. I've done a few other cases
with him. Mr. Blocker is here now and he requested that I show up to
represent what we was going to do on this proj ect. So I will be the
contractor for the proj ect.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: If I can have him come up, please.
And I'd like to have him sworn in.
I'm not sure, I think he's been in front of us before in other cases,
but just want to have you state -- can I have you sworn in, please.
(Mr. Blocker was duly sworn.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: If you could state for the record that
he has the authority to speak on your behalf, unless you want to stand
here and --
MR. BLOCKER: Yeah, I give him the authorization. Earnest
Freeman.
MR. LARSEN: Mr. Chairman, may I as a question?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes.
MR. LARSEN: Mr. Blocker, are you Mr. Kenneth Blocker, Sr.?
MR. BLOCKER: No, sir, I'm Jerry Blocker.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. That adds another dimension
Page 42
October 22,2009
to it.
Kenneth, is that your father?
MR. BLOCKER: Father.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Attorney, ifhe has authority from
his father, which I didn't ask, can he now pass it on to Mr. Freeman?
MS. ASHTON-CICKO: I think that you can hear the testimony
today.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. Thank you.
MR. BLOCKER: I would also like to ask if Gina Green is -- has
-- I would like to authorize her as well, if she's needed.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Very good. Thank you.
Okay, go ahead.
MR. FREEMAN: Well, I'm just -- what do you want me to state,
as far as the compliance issue what we plan to do?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I guess have you been working with
the county to try to get this corrected?
MR. FREEMAN: Yes, we had a meeting with Mr. Snow and
Ms. Rodriguez a few weeks ago to, you know, have a little
deliberation on what we was going to do with the proj ect.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay.
MR. LARSEN: Mr. Chairman, if I may.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes.
MR. LARSEN: Is there any contention that this building is not
in compliance with the code?
MR. FREEMAN: Well, that was already stated by Ms.
Rodriguez with the walls that were coming in as far as not having a
building permit.
But that was done by a previous tenant. Mr. Blocker had leased
the building to another pastor, not the one that's in there now, and he
made the alterations to the interior of the building without his
knowledge.
MR. LARSEN: All right. So there's no contention that permits
Page 43
October 22,2009
should have been pulled but were not pulled.
MR. FREEMAN: That's correct.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: How long do you think it will take --
or I guess what process do you plan on taking to get this corrected?
Do you plan on doing it by affidavit or do you plan on actually going
and getting the permits and so -- what's your process and how long do
you think it will take?
MR. FREEMAN: Okay, the process is yes, we want to get a
permit to comply with the walls and do the necessary corrections. But
we have two issues. The building permit could probably be maybe
even six to eight months from obtaining the permit and getting all
inspections and getting the case closed.
But then we also have a zoning issue. This building, as you
know, was a post office, as stated. Somewhere down the line Collier
County changed the zoning in there, so it's no longer permitted to be
commercial. And that's one of the biggest issues. The owner has to
now go and get a rezone, which is -- you know, I guess I'm just being
a little impartial, but I think it's unfair.
It was also a commercial building but now it's not one anymore.
So we have that issue there with the use now. And if you know
any -- have any information on rezones, they can take anywhere from
a year. And I guess because of where we are in Immokalee, we're
dealing with the master plan approval issue, and God knows when
that's going to take place and when it's going to be implemented. So
we have like the domino effect on this particular proj ect.
Now, all those surrounding properties, they are commercial right
now, you know. But for some reason that one's VR.
MR. KAUFMAN: That wasn't grandfathered in when the
changes were made?
MR. FREEMAN: It should have been, sir, but we don't know
what went on with the county. We don't know what happened. We
sort of got blindsided.
Page 44
October 22,2009
MR. LARSEN: Based upon the admission that a violation does
exist, I think we should just move to a motion on whether or not a
violation exists and determine what the remedies should be.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Is that in a motion form?
MR. LARSEN: Well, I move to find that a violation does
actually exist.
MR. KAUFMAN: I second that.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
MR. KELLY: Just clarification from the county's standpoint.
VR is village residential in that type of zoning?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: If they would have converted the church 10
years ago or however many years that they've been in that church,
they would have converted it then, maybe it would have been
grandfathered in. But they didn't.
MR. FREEMAN: Well, when you say conversion, you don't
even have to get an occupational license for a church. You just go in
there, you open up a building and make it a church. So where does the
conversion issue take place?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: It's the use. If they would have gone into
zoning and changed the use, then maybe they would have
grandfathered it in, but they didn't do it.
MR. LARSEN: Mr. Chairman, I think we're a little far afield
there. I mean, basically that's --
MR. KELL Y: It's just my question was a house of worship is not
allowed in a village residential zoned property.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Correct.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: We have a motion, we have a
second --
MS. GREEN: Can I just offer one thing on that?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Actually, we're just here to ask
questions and have a response, and that's as far as it goes. Because
we're in discussion right now. So the hearing is actually closed.
Page 45
October 22,2009
MS. GREEN: Oh, okay, I was just going to-- ;
I
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: But you may be able to bring
something up when we have a recommendation, when we get to that
point.
Any further discussion?
MR. ORTEGA: I have a question.
If -- this was a commercial property, correct?
MR. FREEMAN: Correct.
MR. ORTEGA: Was this sunsetted or was it abandoned at one
point?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: The post office moved. They did a new
post office, so they moved from that building to the new building.
Then at one point that got changed to a church.
MR. ORTEGA: But was it abandoned or empty for 180 days?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: I don't know.
MR. KELL Y: Do you know when this went from commercial to
residential?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: No, I don't.
MS. GREEN: I do.
MR. FREEMAN: Mrs. Green could --
MS. GREEN: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: If she has -- if she's been sworn in.
MS. GREEN: For the record -- yes, I've been sworn in.
F or the record, Gina Green, professional engineer, State of
Florida.
I have done research. Mr. Blocker actually did contact me.
When he got the Notice of Violation and had learned some
information and asked me to do some research for him, I went down to
the Property Appraiser's Office.
When the post office was built, which was back in the Sixties,
that zoning there was C-2 in Immokalee.
From what we can find at the Property Appraiser's Office, that
Page 46
October 22, 2009
property got changed to village residential in the early Eighties. The
post office vacated in the Nineties and moved to their new facility in
Immokalee. So the post office continued to be there after the county
changed the zoning when they did their blanket rezone of looking at
areas and they redesignated that street in that area of Immokalee to
village residential. But the post office continued to operate.
When the post office vacated, it -- then the building was sold and
a church rented it, not realizing that anything had to be done, because
it was a commercial building in there to begin with, even after it had
changed to village residential.
It has operated for many years since then as a church. And this
violation of change of use just came up. And in order for a church to
operate now in a village residential, it's a conditional use.
So there are opportunities to keep it as that is what the county's
telling us now, is you either go to a conditional use or you rezone the
property to a district that -- which right now under the Immokalee
Area Master Plan, they could go to C-4 zoning, but with the changes
to it, they can actually, if adopted through the Growth Management
Plan amendments presently, it could get changed to where they could
actually go for C-5 zoning. And that is what ultimately they want to
do right now.
So that's the history of this piece of property and how the uses
and how it came from commercial, got blanketed to.
MR. KELL Y: In your research, did you find out when the
electrical was added?
MS. GREEN: I did not research the building permit side of it. I
was asked to research the land use side of it.
MR. FREEMAN: When did Pastor Ford have that building?
When do you think he became the -- that was the previous tenant
before the one that's there now.
MR. BLOCKER: The one that's been there now is eight years.
MR. FREEMAN: We would say the electrical change inside
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October 22, 2009
probably happened about 10 years ago when the church rented the
place.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All right, all those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MR. KELL Y: In light of the testimony, I would suggest that we
give ample time for them to chase whatever process they want to go
after to get it zoned correctly.
The only issue that I have is the electrical. It's been there for 10
years, eight to 10 years. Probably done right. Looks like it's all in
conduits. But I don't think that should sway us from allowing them to
go after their path to get it zoned correctly~
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I guess if I could have the engineer
back up, I have two questions. Or one question might lead to a
second.
You said they're going to go for a C-5 use?
MS. GREEN: Yes. I've already spoken to Kay Deselem over at
zoning regarding doing a concurrent zoning application to go to C-5.
And basically with not knowing what the master plan -- right now all
the Growth Management Plan amendments are in the transmittal
hearing stage right now with Collier County. In fact, I was just here
on Tuesday on another proj ect.
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October 22, 2009
Right now it has to get zoning in Planning Commission, it still
has to go to the board just for transmittal. Then it has to get -- if it
gets deemed to be transmitted and the Immokalee Area Master Plan
gets approved for transmittal, it goes to DCA, they have to do all their
review and objections, stipulations, whatever.
Then if they bring it back, the county looks at all the objections,
the corrections are made and then it goes through adoption hearings.
From what I'm being told right now, the adoptions for the Growth
Management Plan amendments are looking to be in early 2011 is
when everything right now that's being heard will get adopted.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: The other option would be going for
a conditional use, correct?
MS. GREEN: Right. The only problem with the -- the problem
in Collier County with conditional uses, especially for churches and
properties like this, you know, unlike where a church comes in and
asks for a building to be built specifically for them, these churches that
lease, they could leave in three months, and then you've spent -- I
mean, the amount of money to get a conditional use and the time isn't
that different than what the cost and time it takes to do a full rezone.
So to spend the money on a conditional use on something that
three months from now the church could be gone, you've spent all this
money for a conditional use; you can't use it to change it to another
conditional use, you have to go through another conditional use
process.
And the village residential leaves very little opportunity for a
structure like this one. Because it was built under commercial zoning
all those years ago, it doesn't really fit well into the classifications of
village residential. And that's part of the problems in Immokalee is, is
you have a lot of old buildings that were built under one zoning that
don't fit into the new zoning that the county overlayed over them in
the early Eighties.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: And with conditional use, if the use
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October 22,2009
is not being used for that particular purpose for 180 days, is it?
MS. GREEN: Yes, I think it's 180 days.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: 180--
MS. GREEN: No, actually, I think they give you up to a year.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. And you lose that --
MS. GREEN: Yes, then you lose that use and then you have to
go through the process again. So it can get very costly for these older
buildings.
And that's why they would prefer -- the path they would prefer to
take is to go ahead and rezone to C-5, see what happens with the
transmittal hearings and the adoption hearings for the Immokalee Area
Master Plan. Because they know right now they could go in for a
rezoning of C-4 under the current master plan. But they would prefer
to spend their money wisely, since they're looking at changing this in
Immokalee, and go for the C-5 zoning, which gives them opportunities
for more uses, legal uses in the building without having to go through
more costly processes.
In case the master plan doesn't get approved as proposed right
now, then they would just change our application to be to whatever the
highest zoning the master plan would allow.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Let's say hypothetically you do get
that C-5 zoning, do you then have to go for a site development plan or
a site improvement plan for the church?
MS. GREEN: Only if there needs to be changes made. If the
building as such and the parking as such supports that use, then no,
they just go in and do their use.
If the parking has to be upgraded or there's any upgraded sites,
then if they're not changing the building portion of it, then it would
just be a site improvement plan, which is a much shorter process.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Have you done a calculation for
what's required for parking spaces and so forth for a church?
MS. GREEN: I have not on this particular one yet because we
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October 22, 2009
haven't gotten to that stage yet. But with churches, I found -- I'm
dealing with several other churches here in the county. With churches
you have a lot more leniency with your parking. And especially in
Immokalee.
I actually just did a parking reduction actually for another church
for the Blockers that's on Main Street and got an administrative
parking reduction on that one.
So, you know, they -- churches have a little more leniency
because they know that it's -- you know, how they calculate seats,
everything. So, you know, I do not see there being a problem. They
actual have parking that's in -- and from the pictures you see, they
have their handicap access. The building was a government building
to begin with, so it has good access. The parking is still in good
shape. You know, it's just a matter of them adjusting.
If their seats -- it's basically telling them you can have this many
seats. It's more the seats drive how many parking, not the --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: It's the square footage, not the
square footage of the building.
MS. GREEN: Not the square footage, it's number of seats. And
they calculate it by chair. If you have chairs in the sanctuary or if you
have the pews, they give two 24 inches per length of pew as a seat.
So -- and you know, they don't count offices, that sort of stuff.
No square footage, it's strictly seats.
MR. KAUFMAN: I have no problem with giving sufficient time
to do whatever is necessary.
Is it possible, because of the electrical, that somebody can bring
out a licensed electrician to inspect it to make sure no hazard exists
with the wiring, considering it's a place that a large number of people
attend?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Right, what I'm worried about is
egress and ingress. Obviously if there is some kind of emergency
there, i.e. a fire, is there enough --
Page 51
October 22, 2009
MR. FREEMAN: There is several accesses from egress, I think
she showed that on the floor plan, that still exist.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Could we have the ability to have
like a fire inspector go out there and look at the ability to get in and
out of the building?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: He has little cardboard signs that said exit,
but nothing is the lit type that they should have. So he'd have to
replace those.
MR. FREEMAN: Yeah, we can upgrade those.
I guess what you're asking me for is to get a building permit and
get all these necessary things that will comply with the fire department
as well?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yeah, but you won't be able to get a
building permit because it's going to be a commercial building and
they're not going to permit that.
MR. FREEMAN: How about just for the electrical
improvements? I don't know. You got a good point there.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: You're not going to get any kind of
permit. If there's an issue with the electrical, they're going to have to
get a permit to correct it, and they're not going to be able to get that
permit.
So then the other issue is the church will not be able to operate
there until they get this use.
MR. ORTEGA: Well, the question is can they operate as a
church to begin with. That's question number one. Because there is a
change in use. Then you have to consider the fire issue. Life safety
issue, okay?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: The case started from the fire department.
They are the ones that called this. That's how we ended up with this.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. Well, that explains quite a bit
then. Then that's telling us that there's a health and safety issue that
the fire department has with this property.
Page 52
October 22, 2009
MR. FREEMAN: Well, the existing air conditioner had a little
smoke and they panicked and called the fire department. But the air
conditioning from the building was already existing and it just had a
little issue there.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Right. Okay, well, I don't think we
need to hear anymore unless we ask questions of the respondents.
Any other questions?
MR. ORTEGA: I still have the same question. Can they exist
there? There's a change in use that has occurred. Can they exist
there? You cannot get building permits.
On the other hand, this is beyond this board, perhaps, but can the
county be amenable to accepting a private provider or an engineer's
inspection as a temporary means? But again, you have to go back,
there's a change in use. So can they operate there right now? And
you have to consider again the life safety issues.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Currently that's why it's in front of
us, because the use is not --
MR. KELL Y: If I may, we've already determined that they can't.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: So the time frame --
MR. KELL Y: Time frame is the issue.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Right.
MR. ORTEGA: So is this building currently being used?
MR. FREEMAN: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: So the issue is --
MR. ORTEGA: How do we keep them in there?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Well, currently they should not be in there.
MR. LARSEN: I have grave concerns. I mean basically they
have no permits for the wire. You know, I mean, they restructured the
interior without any kind of review or approval. It's just a recipe for
disaster.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do you have a motion?
MR. LARSEN: I move to give them 30 days. Should they fail to
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October 22, 2009
obtain permits and do the work necessary under those permits within
30 days, then I believe we should impose $100 per day for a penalty.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. ORTEGA: I'll second that motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
MR. KELL Y: Nay.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: One nay. Motion passes.
Do you understand what we just did?
MR. FREEMAN: No, I don't, could you explain it to me?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes. What we just did is we
imposed a motion that you have 30 days to pull the permits and get the
work in order to get everything corrected, get a CO and so forth. And
if that is not the case, then you will have a fine of $100 per day.
MR. FREEMAN: Okay, is there any options? Because that's not
even possible getting a permit through the county in 30 days. That's
impossible. I've been working in this county as a builder for 15 years.
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Chair, do we give them the option for the
building permit like we usually do as well-- or the demo permit? It's
either building or demo permit.
MR. FREEMAN: Can we just demo the walls is what she's
saYIng.
MR. LARSEN: I amend my motion to include the option where
basically they can either obtain the permits and perform the work up
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October 22,2009
to code or they can get the permit and demolish it.
MR. FREEMAN: And when you say demolish, are you just
meaning just the walls that were constructed inside the building?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Remove anything that was
constructed within the building.
MR. LARSEN: Well, anything that the code enforcement people
have deemed to be in violation.
MR. KELL Y: May I also suggest that you add in the operational
costs and notification? Your order had one step and it was only
partial. There's three or four more steps to our typical orders. Maybe
start over?
MR. LARSEN: Well, I mean, basically I assume that the
operational costs and the notification to the code enforcement of the
completion of the work would be in the final order.
What are the operational costs, Jennifer?
MS. WALDRON: $85.86.
MR. LARSEN: 85.86?
MS. WALDRON: Within 30 days.
MR. LARSEN: Within 30 days.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Would the second like to amend
their motion?
Would you like to amend the second?
MR. ORTEGA: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
MR. KAUFMAN: I have one question. On item two, it says
unpermitted change of occupancy. How would that motion change
that use, whether you take the walls down or not?
MR. LARSEN: Well, you know, that's getting into the zoning
issue, correct?
MR. KAUFMAN: That's what--
MR. LARSEN: What I'm concerned about is basically we're
exceeding the scope of what we're doing here. I mean, basically a
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October 22,2009
violation has been admitted, we found a violation to exist. Now what
we're doing is we're discussing a remedy. They have the remedy of
either -- their option of either bringing this up to code, getting it
permitted, getting a certificate of occupancy or demolishing those
improvements which violated the code.
Now, my concern is that basically we're talking about a year or
two where people are basically pursuing zoning changes while this is
being used as a church and having an assembly in there every single
week with the fire department worrying that there's going to be some
catastrophe out there. They have unpermitted wiring?
I'm not quite clear on what walls were removed and what walls
were changed, but it seems like there was significant work done in
there over the course of several years which the county was not aware
of. And I guess basically what I'm concerned about is that we give
them an option of either rectifying the situation or removing those
walls and that electrical which created the violation to begin with.
MR. KELLY: Since we're commenting, I'd like to say that by
removing a partition that only went to a drop ceiling that's hung by
aluminum wires and then adding partitions back to that same level, it's
like a glorified cubicle. You're not adding structural walls to it, not to
mention the electrical work was done eight to 10 years ago and it's
been used like that since.
I don't see as though this being brought in front of us today all of
a sudden constitutes a county emergency and a health issue if
nothing's happened in the last eight years.
And the testimony about the fire department wasn't that they say
that everyone's in grave danger, it was just they had concern because
they saw a little smoke from an AC unit that malfunctioned,
something that normally wears and tears. I think we should give them
at least a year.
MR. LARSEN: Now, in response to that, you know, with the
walls going up to the drop ceiling, I didn't hear any testimony saying
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October 22, 2009
that those walls went up to a drop ceiling by people who were in there
and did the changes to the walls. What I heard was that basically it
was the contractor who has been hired now by the Blockers saying
that was what occurred.
What I saw was two diagrams, one where it was an original post
office and that there were walls. Those walls didn't indicate that they
went to a dropped ceiling. I mean, I don't know what the changes
were, but I don't hear any testimony here today by people who said I
was there when it was a post office, this was the status, these were the
electrical components, these were the walls, this is what was changed.
What I do see is two different diagrams that show significant
changes which take it from a grandfathered situation to a situation
where permits were not taken, they're not obtained, even though the
work was done accordingly or purportedly under the purview of the
owner who owned the building since I believe 1996.
MR. KELL Y: That was my exact concern. And that's
specifically why I asked the question to the contractor, Mr. Freeman,
were they just boxed racking systems or were they actually structural
walls. And he confirmed that they were just up to the drop ceiling. I
believe that's the exact words that were added. And the investigator
confirmed that. So that's why I reached my conclusion where I'm at.
MR. ORTEGA: Is this a sprinkled building?
MR. FREEMAN: I'm not sure. I can't recall.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: I don't believe (sic) seeing sprinkles (sic)
from the ceilings, uh-uh.
MR. ORTEGA: Was there a report from the fire department or
the fire marshal when they went out there? They did just see the
smoke and the AC and that was it, or was there more?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Somebody -- I think it was smoke and
somebody called the fire department and they came out.
MR. ORTEGA: But when they were there --
MR. FREEMAN: Nobody wrote up a report.
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October 22,2009
(Mr. Snow was duly sworn.)
MR. SNOW: I do so swear.
For the record, Kitchell Snow, Supervisor, Immokalee.
I think what initially happened, that there was some sort of a fire
and the fire department was called.
Oftentimes we go and we look on the site.
I would not hold with Mr. Kelly's assumption that the electrical is
-- when it was installed, because we don't know if it was installed 10
years ago or it was installed last week. The owner's own testimony
stated that permits were made without the knowledge. So I don't think
we can assume anything about the electrical.
I think once we decide -- we address the permitting issue, that's
going to address the zoning issue. However, the zoning issue is not
going to take place. That's going to be a long process. And this
church has been operating, as Mr. Kelly attested, for quite some time,
so we have to wait.
It's a permitting issue, that's all we're talking about here. If they
want to get the permits to continue, that's going to correct the zoning.
If they don't want it and they want to remove it, that's going to be their
choice. Those are the two options that we have here. One will take
care of the other, if we decide or if the board elects to do that. But we
would request some leniency.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: The issue with the 30 days too is can
they get permits to demolish.
MR. FREEMAN: It takes about two weeks for it.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: But can that be done being that be
it's not correct zoning?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: It can be done, demol-- okay.
All right, we have a motion, an amended motion, we have an
amended second.
Any further discussion?
Page 58
October 22, 2009
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
MR. KELL Y: Nay.
MR. KAUFMAN: Nay.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Two nays. Motion passes.
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Chair, can you just clarify what the order
is?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Mr. Larsen?
MR. LARSEN: Okay. Operational costs of$85.86 will be paid
within 30 days.
The respondent has 30 days to either obtain permits, bring the
property up to code and obtain those approvals necessary, including
inspections, or to obtain permits and demolish those improvements
which are in violation of the code.
MS. WALDRON: What was the fine amount?
MR. LARSEN: $100 per day for every day thereafter, after the
initial 30 days.
MS. WALDRON: Thank you.
MS. GREEN: Can I ask one other question? Only on what
happened. That's all. Because, I mean, there's -- it seems as if we're
talking about the building permit, but we haven't done anything to
address the problems of the land use and all that.
Does the 30 days include a land use change also, which we know
is thoroughly un -- I mean, it's not even remotely possible. You know,
I haven't heard any discussion as far as that portion of it. I just want to
understand what happened so that -- because I don't think my client
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October 22, 2009
understands either.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Thirty days to get the issue taken
care of.
MS. GREEN: Totally.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Uh-huh.
MS. GREEN: Okay.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Moving on to the next case. Paulino
and Adrianna Vega. CENA20090005263. And we have an
interpreter.
Could we have all the parties sworn in, please.
(Ms. Rodriguez and Mr. Vega were duly sworn.)
(Interpreter Maria Delashmen was duly sworn.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: And this is a stipulated agreement,
correct?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Yes.
INTERPRETER: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I guess the question is, has this been
fully explained to him when he did sign?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: I did explain it to him, but if she wants to go
over it, that's fine.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes, I'd like to have her go.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: I'm going to read it.
Therefore, it is agreed between the parties that the respondent
shall pay operational costs in the amount of $86.14 incurred in the I
prosecution of this case within 30 days of this hearing.
INTERPRETER: I would like to pay it right now.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Abate all violations by: Applying for and
obtaining a Collier County building demolition permit, and request
required inspections to be performed and passed through a certificate
of completion --
INTERPRETER: Yes.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: -- within 90 days of this hearing or a fine of
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October 22,2009
250 per day will be imposed.
INTERPRETER: Okay.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: The respondent must notify code
enforcement within 24 hours of abatement of the violation and request
the investigator perform a site inspection to confirm compliance.
INTERPRETER: Okay.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: That if the respondent fails to abate the
violation, the county may abate the violation and may use the
assistance of the Collier County Sheriffs Office to enforce the
provision of this agreement, and all costs of abatement shall be
assessed to the property owner.
INTERPRETER: Okay, no problem.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. Any discussion?
MR. KAUFMAN: I'd like to ask a couple of questions.
Number one, is this a -- is this going to be removed from the
property, is that what you're going to do?
INTERPRETER: No, I'm going to cut it.
MR. KAUFMAN: Going to cut it, okay.
Do you think that 90 days is sufficient time?
INTERPRETER: If you could give me a little bit more time, it
would be better for me.
MR. KAUFMAN: Does the county object to extending the time
to 120 days? I see this has gone on since July.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Well, the only problem with that is that the
mobile home is -- they gutted out the entire inside of the mobile home.
There's electrical wires hanging out. So we really wanted it to be
removed because it was a health and safety issue.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: The other thing, I take it that this
mobile home's going to be disposed of, correct?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Can we -- a lot of times in cases
similar to this we put in there that the material must be disposed in a
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October 22,2009
properly -- in a site that's -- I can't think of the words, but properly
disposed of.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Yeah.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: So we might want to add that.
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Add that on there?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Just as a suggestion.
MR. ORTEGA: Is this an old mobile home?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: Yes.
INTERPRETER: Since it's all iron, I'm going to just chop it and
sell it. It's metal that he can sell.
MR. KAUFMAN: Is it possible to remove the electricity from
the unit immediately and then given additional time to remove the unit
itself?
INTERPRETER: Can I cover the windows with a plywood for
the moment?
MR. KAUFMAN: That wasn't what I was asking.
INTERPRETER: Yes, I can remove it.
MR. KAUFMAN: Would the county have any problem with the
electrical service being --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Disconnected.
MR. KAUFMAN: -- disconnected within the next 30 days, if
you will, or less and then granting the respondent additional time to
remove the actual trailer from the property?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Are we reading too much into this?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Is it hooked to electric?
MS. RODRIGUEZ: It's hooked to the electric.
INTERPRETER: It has no electricity. The trailer has no
electricity .
MR. ORTEGA: Does it have a meter?
INTERPRETER: Yes, it has a meter but it's not hooked to the --
oh, you see, the people that lived there prior to that, they took the
meter. Somebody took it.
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October 22,2009
MR. ORTEGA: That could have been FP&L or Lee County
Co-op, whoever it is.
INTERPRETER: Yes, because they didn't pay no rent and they
took it.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Well, it would be probably
modifying the stipulated --
MR. LARSEN: No, my motion it is to accept the agreement as
written. Parties have agreed to it and I don't see any reason for, you
know, changing the agreed upon stipulation in this particular case, so I
move to accept the stipulation as presented.
MR. LA VINSKI: I second.
MR. DEAN: I second the motion.
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Chair, did you want to add the comment
in that you suggested earlier, to a site intended for disposal?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Mr. Larsen did not change it as
such, so it would be no.
Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays? Nay.
Motion does pass.
INTERPRETER: Okay, thank you.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: The next case would be J. Peaceful,
L -- do you need a break? We'll take a until five of. Would that be
sufficient? We'll recess until five of.
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October 22, 2009
(Recess. )
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I'm going to call the Code
Enforcement Board back to order.
Next case is 1. Peaceful, LC. Case No. CELU20090010758.
(Mr. Martindale and Mr. Georges Chami were duly sworn.)
MS. WALDRON: This is in reference to violation of Collier
County Land Development Code, 04-41, as amended, Section 2.02.03,
prohibited use.
Description of violation: Truck rental business prohibited in C-3
zoned location.
Location/address where violation exists: 7730 Preserve Lane,
Naples, Florida, 340 --
MR. MARTIN: 34117, I believe.
MS. WALDRON: 3411--
MR. MARTIN: 9.
MS. WALDRON: -- 9. Folio 68391446166.
Name and address of owner/person in charge of violation
location: Georges Chami, 7675 Margherita Way, Naples, Florida,
34109.
Date violation first observed: June 30th, 2009.
Date owner/person in charge given Notice of Violation: August
11 th, 2009.
Date on/by which violation to be corrected: September 7th, 2009.
Date of reinspection: September 16th, 2009.
Results of reinspection: The violation remains.
At this time I'd like to present Investigator Ron Martindale.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Can we put these two cases together,
since there's two cases?
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Chair, we'd like to present the two cases
separately to keep the two points.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Very good.
MR. MARTINDALE: Good morning. For the record, Ronald
Page 64
October 22, 2009
Martindale, Collier County Code Enforcement.
This is in reference to Case No. CELU20090010758, the
violation of a truck rental business in a C-zoned -- C-3 zoned location,
located at 7770 Preserve Lane, Naples, Florida, 34119. Folio
68391446166.
Service was given on 11 th of August, 2009, certified mail. And
I'd like to enter three exhibits into -- for the case.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear -- first of all, were they
shown to the --
MR. MARTINDALE: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: They were shown to the respondent.
Have you seen them?
MR. CHAMI: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a motion to accept the
exhibits?
MR. KAUFMAN: Motion to accept.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. LA VINSKI: Second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MR. MARTINDALE: On August the 30th -- I'm sorry, June the
30th, I was on-site on a call we received about some violations at the
shopping center.
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October 22,2009
When I arrived there, I observed eight to IOU-Haul trailers,
trucks and vans on the south side of the business.
I obtained a site development plan, contacted Kay Deselem of
Zoning and Land Development Review, and later met on the 15th of
July with Supervisor Jeff Letourneau. We discussed the case and
called the shopping center owner, Mr. Chami. Jeff explained the
obvious violations at first and then the other potential problems.
He was then placed on speaker phone so we could both talk to
him. It was explained that the call was being made as a courtesy and
no notices were filed yet. He would be allowed to pursue avenues to
effect compliance for the allegations, at least until the investigator
returns from vacation to resume at that time.
On the 14th, I met with Ray Bellows, Zoning Manager, and Kay
Deselem. The report was discussed. Kay advised the U -Haul truck
business could only be allowed and permitted in locations zoned as
C-4 and that the location of the business was zoned as PUD.
After obtaining the following research, I issued a Notice of
Violation, mailed it certified mail. It was received on the 11 th of
August. And that's where we are at this point.
The photographs, B-1, is an indicator of what the site looks like
with the rental equipment there.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: That's on the west side of the
building, correct?
MR. MARTIN: That's affirmative.
The next one is a portion of an e-mail that Mr. Joseph Schmitt,
Administrator ofCDES, sent and returned to Mr. Chami, giving him
the options, what the options were. Basically that he could have the
trucks removed and operate the business with trucks being in a
location other than there, because it's not zoned for that. Number two
would be to have the area rezoned to C-4. And the last of course
would just be to completely close the business.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: It says there's three options and the
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October 22,2009
third one is, or petition the board. And that is which board?
MR. MARTINDALE: That, sir -- yeah, Board of
Commissioners.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: That's what I thought, okay.
MR. MARTINDALE: The third element here is an excerpt from
the current Land Development Code. The highlighted area is what
pertains to this particular case.
The first one states that this type of operation cannot be
conducted in a C- 3 zoned area, it must be operated in a C-4 zoned
area.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: This site also has a gas
station/convenience store, laundry facility where you can drop off
your laundry and a post office. What is the use for a gas station?
MR. MARTINDALE: I do not know, sir. I assume it's in C-3.
MR. LETOURNEAU: I believe that gas station was permitted
there originally in the site development plan in the PUD.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: What PUD was it under; do you
know?
MR. MARTINDALE: Yeah, it's the Olde Cypress PUD.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Olde Cypress PUD, okay.
(Mr. Letourneau was duly sworn.)
MR. LETOURNEAU: For the record, Jeff Letourneau.
And I do believe that gas station was originally permitted in the
PUD.
MR. CHAMI: It was permitted as multi-use retail facility.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: It was what?
MR. CHAMI: Multi-use retail facility. It was not permit as gas
station but multi-use retail facility. It's around 11,000 square feet
facility .
MR. LARSEN: Mr. Martindale, I mean, I assume that the
violation is because it says that this is some kind of wholesaling use
and that it's associated with the need for outdoor storage of equipment;
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October 22, 2009
is that correct?
MR. MARTINDALE: That's correct. And it specifically states
in the ordinance here that rental equipment is not permitted.
MR. ORTEGA: I have a question.
This is a PUD, you stated?
MR. MARTINDALE: Yes, sir.
MR. ORTEGA: What does the PUD say; do we know?
MR. MARTINDALE: That's why I consulted with the planning
and the zoning people. And they're the ones that gave me the
information for which I cited the gentleman.
MR. LARSEN: So let me get this clear. You're saying that
basically in C-3, even though it's a mixed use retail, that it's more
appropriate for them to operate the U -Haul operations under a C-4
because of the specific language of this provision?
MR. MARTINDALE: Yeah, it's prohibited in a C-3 zoned area,
and it's not prohibited in a C-4.
Basically he could run the operation without the rental equipment
on-site. If he could relocate the rental equipment and still operate the I
I
I
offices there, which would be extremely inconvenient, I understand,
but he could still run the business there but he couldn't have the
equipment.
By looking at the picture, if you would put that up there, J en, the
reason being for this is the PUD and the way this was all zoned over
there, you can see the parking facilities would be extremely limited.
Put a lot of materials in there parked in the parking lot.
MR. LARSEN: All right. So you're saying that basically the
parking that was supposed to be allocated to retail customers is now
being taken up by the equipment to be leased.
MR. MARTINDALE: I believe that's why the original PUD was
designed that way. It's why the zoning was --like the lady said earlier
about the seating and so forth, that's how they go by the parking
situation.
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October 22, 2009
MR. LARSEN: Okay, thank you.
MR. MARTINDALE: Uh-huh.
MR. CHAMI: Can I make some comment?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes, sir.
MR. CHAMI: Thank you very much.
The U-Haul-- I start the business on the U-Haul in 2003. In fact,
in September, beginning of September, 2003. So it's a little bit more,
over six years we're in business on the U - Haul part.
F or the last four and a half years, five years, the U -Haul was
absolutely not big part of our business or any kind of importance in
our business. We're making probably on the whole year around
$13,000 max in revenue on the U-Haul. This is gross revenue.
For the last 18 months it's totally day and night. For the 18
months -- and unfortunately what's happening in town was happening
with people moving, people relocating their homes and different other
businesses. The U -Haul business got a little bit more importance.
Now, the picture we see here is little bit confusing and
misleading. The very simple reason why, because we usually we try
to get as much as possible trucks between June and August for when
the kids goes back to school, to colleges. This is why we really need
the most possible trucks.
And every year this is the best period for us and we don't even
have trucks, because it was already very limited as truck business, per
se.
Now, when we went on 2003, and this is too old for me to be
able to confirm it without any doubt, we went through the C-3
definition and all the uses, and went through the C-4 as well. I could
not see anywhere I was not allowed to use rental businesses in C- 3.
Now, if I go back today and goes through the definition and the
permitted uses, yes, C-4. And frankly, even four months ago I was
having some problem to find in C-4 where is written permitted use is
rental equipment and rental vehicles.
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October 22, 2009
In June when the problem started, we were very taken by
surprise. We could not even understand how this happen, how can we
have this problem right now. Mind you, we had around 14 calls on us
within, what, two weeks, I believe, from one businesses to code
enforcement for many, many violation. Most of them were not
founded. Unfortunately we had around four of them which are to be
discussed.
One of them was the U-Haul. We went back and forth with the
county with regard to see what to do with the U-Haul business.
Frankly, we could not understand the whole issue about the U-Haul.
For us it was a little bit surprising. The little I can say is very
. .
surpnsIng.
Now, Mr. Schmitt, what he told us to do is to go back to the
board, the county commissioners board, and to petition the board to
see, since we had this business for six years, to see if we'll be able to --
the county will be compassionate with us and try to give us enough
time either to make a determination about the use or to make also a
rezoning or conditional use or no matter what the business is.
Now, for time being the business, the parking part, is extremely
-- I wish we were busy. I wish we were able to say that we are able to
not having any problem. The parking is most of the time empty.
And the summer we got was probably the toughest summer, like
everybody else in town, the toughest summer we ever had in eight
years in business, or seven year in business.
I understand that probably when business start going back, if
we're still in business, it will be probably a problem if we have this
kind of trucks. But we always kept our trucks and the U-Haul area to
five to six spots. We always did. Unfortunately not around August
and September.
But the problem was never in our mind a problem until in June or
in July we end up having this in our face. Why we never reacted
before to this, because frankly, summertime was very, very tough, and
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October 22, 2009
we had the major problem first of all to deal on signage for my tenant.
Unfortunately he was here until -- he had a meeting at 11 :00. He had
to leave.
But unfortunately we rented the space to a pool company. And
this is the second case you'll be hearing after. And unfortunately this
has bothered one business owner in the area. And she like to find
around 14 or 1 7 code enforcement on us, three from the fire
department, we have four on the transportation. We had probably kind
of nice game going, which is calling constantly on us.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Right, we're not hearing any other
cases --
MR. CHAMI: Exactly.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: -- so let's just try to keep it focused
to this case.
MR. CHAMI: So basically what happened here, to make it -- we
try to get the person a sign. And my whole correspondence with the
county, my whole focus with the county was about giving this tenant
his sign, what his due -- or his right to have a sign.
And this issue went totally on the side. N ever even paid attention
to it, never even petitioned the commissioners or anything like this.
What I'm ready to do -- unfortunately it's too late. When I got
this notification for the hearing, it was too late for me to really react.
What I ready to do today basically is to go request the comment
-- the comment period for the County Board of County
Commissioners to request from them at least to hear my case on the
comment area next week on Tuesday.
I understand it is not enough time for them to do anything.
Probably they will not even make a decision on Tuesday.
What I'm doing as well today, I have to petition the board as
well. We have 14 days in advance notice for the board to be
petitioned, which I will do as well today. So basically will do a
comment and I will file for a petition as well today to give me enough
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October 22, 2009
time not for this next meeting but for the following one hopefully to
be able to get in front of the board and express the problem to them
and see what they would be able to do.
Sorry, I'm breaking your equipment here.
So basically what I'm trying to do is to go in front of the board
hopefully next week for a comment period. We understand around 10
minutes. And probably will be no decision, no -- but at least to bring
it to their attention.
And 14 days later or 15 days later to be in front of them as a
petition to be able to see if they will hear it as a petition and to see if
they will determine it as being acceptable use.
Because it's very vague. The wording is very vague. I
understand the way we're reading it today. Am I grandfathered or not?
I don't know. And this way I would like to see if am I able to be
grandfathered or go through a zoning to rezone the property. But this
is take around two years.
And Mr. Schmitt told me he has no problem to do this, he will
work with us to rezone it. But frankly, I would like to have a little bit
more time because I want (sic) to start spending 10 or $15,000 right
now for rezoning when I'm able to use this money to keep my
business open.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do you know if there was a LDC
change?
MR. MARTINDALE: Not to my knowledge.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. So in 2000 --
MR. MARTINDALE: There's constant updates, but this is the
most recent. But I have no idea when the last one was.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: And you have not looked at the Olde
Cypress PUD to see if it states in there that this use would be
approved?
MR. LETOURNEAU: For the record, we did ask the planning
department to take a look into this, and Planner Ray Bellows made the
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October 22, 2009
determination that this was not an acceptable use for this PUD.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay.
MR. LETOURNEAU: So I do believe he went over it and he
made the determination that it was equivalent to a C- 3.
MR. CHAMI: The PUD just talk about all the uses permitted
within the C- 3. This is the wording in the PUD.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay, very good.
Any further discussion, questions from the board?
(No response.)
MR. KELL Y: I make a motion that a violation does exist.
MR. LARSEN: I second that motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
Do you have a recommendation?
MR. MARTINDALE: Yes, sir. We recommend that Code
Enforcement Board order the respondent to pay all operational charges
in this case.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Can you put that up on the screen,
please?
MR. MARTINDALE: I'm sorry.
In the amount a of 86.14 incurred in the prosecution of this case
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October 22, 2009
within 30 days, and abate all violations by: Number one, ceasing all
outside storage of rental vehicles and equipment; or number two,
relocating rental vehicles and equipment to an area designated for
such use; or three, having the described property rezoned to allow for
such use.
Failure to comply with option one, two or three within "X"
amount of days of this hearing will incur a fine of "X" per day until
brought into compliance.
And if the respondent fails to abate the violation, the county may
abate the violation and use the assistance of the Collier County
Sheriffs Office to enforce the provisions of this agreement and all
costs of abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
MR. KAUFMAN: Mr. Chairman?
How many vehicles are parked there today?
MR. CHAMI: Today proba -- I can tell you probably from
yesterday. It was a lot. Yesterday we had probably 10 vehicle --
probably between nine and 11, probably. And probably six trailers.
MR. KAUFMAN: My question to the county would be, on the
time limit on this, how many days? And it looks like that you are
going before the BCC sometime within the next 30 days?
MR. CHAMI: Absolutely, yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: But they're not going to be making a
decision.
MR. KAUFMAN: No, I understand that. And our next meeting
isn't until December, as I --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: No, we don't have a meeting in
December.
MR. KAUFMAN: Oh, we have one in November.
If we were to meet halfway on this, give the respondent time to
get before the BCC and see what they're saying, and not start accruing
the fines until 60 or 90 days, we would have the ability to be as fair as
you could possibly be to both sides. Would the county have any
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October 22,2009
problem with that?
MR. MARTINDALE: We have no objections to that, sir. We
just would like to be, at least I would as the investigating officer, kept
abreast of any status changes that he may get as soon as possible for
the record.
And I don't think it's a health and safety issue, it's just a violation
of the ordinance. And we don't want to cause any financial problems
with anybody, these are just -- you know, we're doing our job. We go
out and it's down-printed on paper and that's what we report.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: He has been in front of us before for
.
a sign Issue.
MR. MARTINDALE: I believe so, sir.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes.
MR. LARSEN: This is the property across from Gulf Coast High
School?
MR. CHAMI: Exactly, yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: That's correct.
MR. LARSEN: And your vehicles, when you pull in, you've got
the pumps out front, you've got the post office inside, and these
vehicles are actually parked behind the building, aren't they?
MR. CHAMI: Behind the building.
MR. LARSEN: And there's other parking spots out in front.
MR. CHAMI: Exactly. Along Immokalee Road.
We have 57 parking, I believe. With a full occupancy for our
building, which we're not, we're -- I believe it's 49. What we should
be having -- what we're requested to have, if I'm not mistaken. So we
have 57, around eight spot more. Even with the full occupancy of the
building, the 11,000 square feet.
MR. LARSEN: What's behind the parking spots on the other
side of the fence where you park the U-Hauls?
MR. CHAMI: We have the Bougainvillea -- I believe the
Bougainvillea Shopping Center, Zookies and the other Pinch-a-Penny
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October 22, 2009
and other businesses.
MR. LARSEN: It's not residential.
MR. CHAMI: No. The residential is on -- we have a buffer, in
fact. Like we have in the PUD, the commercial PUD is on the front
and then you have kind of preserve area and then you have the
residential on the other side.
MR. LARSEN: Right. So, you know, there is no neighbors
being impacted by this.
MR. CHAMI: No. Absolutely not.
MR. KELL Y: I'll make a motion that we accept the county's
recommendation with 120 days and a fine of $100 per day.
MR. LARSEN: I second that motion. I think that's more
reasonable.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
MR. LARSEN: And of course the -- but the payment of the cost
of prosecution will be within 30 days?
MR. KAUFMAN: I'd like to add one thing to the motion, if
possible, and that is that Mr. Chami be in contact with code
enforcement to let them know what's going on with your deliberations
with the county.
MR. CHAMI: I will.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Mr. Larsen, would you like to
amend your --
MR. LARSEN: Yeah, I amend the second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: And the first?
MR. KELL Y: Sure.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All right, thank you very much.
Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
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October 22,2009
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MR. CHAMI: Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay, next will be 1. Peaceful, LC.
Case No. CESD20090012961.
(Mr. Martindale and Mr. Chami were duly sworn.)
MS. WALDRON: This is in reference to violation of Collier
County Land Development Code 04-41, as amended, Section
1 0.02.06(B)(1)( e).
Description of violation: Alterations to structure without
obtaining required permits, subsequent inspections or issuance of
certificate of occupancy completion.
Location/address where violation exists: 7770 Preserve Lane,
Naples, Florida, 34119. Folio 68391446166.
Name and address of owner/person in charge of violation
location: Georges Chami, 7675 Margherita Way, Naples, Florida,
34109.
Date violation first observed: August 5th, 2009.
Date owner/person in charge given notice of violation: August
11 th, 2009.
Date on/by which violation to be corrected: September 7th, 2009.
Date of reinspection: September 16th, 2009.
Results of the reinspection: The violation remains.
I would now like to present Investigator Ron Martindale.
MR. MARTINDALE: For the record, Ronald Martindale Collier
County Code Enforcement.
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October 22, 2009
In reference to Case CESD20090012961, location is 770
Preserve Lane. And I would like to enter two exhibits, if I may.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Have you seen them?
MR. CHAMI: I don't believe so. Most probably, but I want to
see these ones.
MR. MARTINDALE: Sorry.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a motion?
MR. KAUFMAN: Motion to accept.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. LA VINSKI: Second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MR. MARTINDALE: While I was investigating the prior case, I
also observed what you'll -- photograph one here. This -- I believe
this was originally built as a bank, and that was a drive-through there.
They've taken the window out and replaced it with two doors. You can
see by the fresh stucco around the edges where it's been filled in. It's
been since prior painted -- painted since then, pardon me.
And upon investigation I couldn't find any permits of any type.
Picture two, please.
This was a drive-thru area from where you see that box truck up
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October 22, 2009
to the bank window. They put an elevated ramp across this area up
into the -- enter into the business of Splash and Sizzle. None of the
work was -- no permits were pulled for any of the jobs.
And I sent a Notice of Violation to Mr. Chami on this also.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any other pictures?
MR. MARTINDALE: No, sir.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Are you done with your testimony?
MR. MARTINDALE: Yes, sir, I'm sorry.
MR. CHAMI: Thanks a lot. And my apology for getting two
cases in front of you today.
This case, frankly it's little bit mind boggling in one way. We
rented the space to Splash and Sizzle around end of August of this
year. And Splash and Sizzle has another company called Slab to
Shingle, and they are general contractor as well.
Now, they started the construction. They assured me all the way
that I hired Nova Engineering for all the permitting to expedite all the
different inspection and so on.
And frankly, I have nothing to say beside good things about this
tenant. They are really very, very nice, very good -- doing their work
in very professional way, and I never doubted a minute that everything
was being filed on time, everything was done.
Even at one time the whole place was -- the racks were in, the
fixtures were in, everything was ready to go. Even the shelving was
totally full, all the product were on it.
The fire department made an inspection and we're still waiting to
open the doors. And the reason they told me we cannot open is
because we want our occupational license, and we can't get
occupational license until the structural department at Collier County
will provide us with the permit, with a sign, a final inspection on the
door.
So everything led me to believe, and I'm still -- I'm not able to
understand what happened here in between. Because we were waiting
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October 22, 2009
over four days until we got a license occupation. And this was
waiting for the doors to be permitted and to be inspected and
everything was from structure and everything was supposed to be
done.
Suddenly we got the license for occupation. We have it. And I
don't know then what happened. All what I know, that one business in
the area made a complaint, code enforcement came in another time,
and they found basically that the -- to my understanding, the
complaint was about doing the work without permit.
They inspected, and obviously code enforcement found that
basically no permit was being provided for the door, and it was in
between Nova Engineering and between a final-- frankly, this is
details I don't really know exactly what happened in between. This is
why I was having my tenant here to explain to you in detail what
happened.
Now, from this particular point we had another problem came
back after, which was the ramp. And the ramp which was supposedly
somebody at the county told Nova Engineering you don't need to have
a permit for this particular ramp. All what you really need is permit
for the door.
As we speak today, I understand they filed the permit for the
door, they filed the permit for the SDP, so basically to show basically
the ramp was being done.
But this is all done after the fact that code enforcement was
on-site and basically they found us we are not in conformance.
So what happened in between, how come we end up having this
occupation license and how come the door was being inspected but
was not being -- I don't know, frankly. I fail to understand.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: The actual violation is?
MR. MARTINDALE: Performing work without inspections.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: What work in particular?
MR. MARTINDALE: The door, the ramp. Anything that
October 22, 2009
they've done there without any -- obtaining any permits.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: That elevated area there?
MR. MARTINDALE: Yes. That was the drive-thru. And it's
essentially -- I don't think that's the issue. The issue is just the
construction of a structure, and that is a structure, without any
approval, permits, subsequent inspections, COso
MR. LETOURNEAU: I believe they removed the drive-thru,
changed the --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I'm not sure if you -- you haven't
been sworn in, have you?
MR. LETOURNEAU: Do I have to get -- I'm sorry.
(Mr. Letourneau was duly sworn.)
MR. LETOURNEAU: Like Investigator Martindale said, there
was a drive-thru for a bank. I believe they modified the window there
and put a door and then built a ramp leading up to the door, basically
what's going on there.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further questions?
MR. KAUFMAN: Mr. Chami, did you speak with your tenant
and specifically ask them did you get a building permit for this work?
MR. CHAMI: Yes.
MR. KAUFMAN: And they said?
MR. CHAMI: Yes. And they told me -- later on their
understanding from Nova Engineering that Nova Engineering was
presenting -- fighting for the permit.
But I fail to understand -- this is why I was really hoping that he
will be with me here and we explain. But I believe -- I thought he
would explain everything to code enforcement about all the details.
Because until today I still fail to understand how Nova
Engineering did all the inspection without having a permit filed.
Usually you file a permit and then you do the inspection after.
How this happened, I have no idea.
MR. KELL Y: Engineers are allowed to file a permit by affidavit
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October 22, 2009
and basically do the work and then just say afterward it's up to code.
MR. CHAMI: Okay, thank you very --
MR. KELL Y: And that's probably his intention.
But Mr. Martindale, you've checked CDS and CD plus has
nothing.
MR. MARTINDALE: Several times.
MR. ORTEGA: Permit by affidavits are limited to residential,
not commercial. But permit -- private provider can do it, but you still
have to apply for a permit first. Obviously the ramp impacted the
SDP, so that was one issue.
You had to take care of that before you -- actually, you could do
the building permit, site development plan both or the amendment to,
but apparently that was never done.
MR. MARTINDALE: I believe the tenant is trying to get an
insubstantial alteration to the PUD because of this. I don't know what
the story is completely on it, except it's obvious that the structure has
been modified and there's no record of any permits.
MR. ORTEGA: This may not qualify for that. But are you in
the building department now? Are you proceeding with this?
MR. CHAMI: My understanding, everything was being filed on
Friday or on Monday.
MR. ORTEGA: Do you have any proof of this?
MR. CHAM!: Uh-uh.
MR. ORTEGA: That's very easy. The contractor can give you a
copy of the permit application, then you know for sure, as owner of
the property.
MR. KAUFMAN: I'd like to make a motion that a violation did
exist.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Does exhibit.
MR. KAUFMAN: Does exist.
MS. ASHTON-CICKO: For the record, I'd just like to note that
there was a speaker slip filled out. Mr. Dan Deerey --
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October 22, 2009
MR. CHAMI: He just left.
MS. ASHTON-CICKO: -- and he left.
MR. CHAMI: He left.
MR. LARSEN: Yeah, I second that motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
Do you have a recommendation?
MR. MARTINDALE: Yes, sir, I do.
The Code Enforcement Board -- we request the Code
Enforcement Board order the respondent to pay all operational
charges/costs in the amount of 86.14 incurred in the prosecution of
this case within 30 days.
And to abate all violations by: Obtaining all required Collier
County building or demolition permits, all required inspections
through to issuance of a certificate of compliance or occupancy within
"X" amount of days, or incur a fine of "X" per day until brought into
compliance.
The respondent must notify code investigator when the
violation's been abated in order to conduct a final inspection to
confirm abatement.
If the respondent fails to abate the violation, the county may
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October 22, 2009
abate the violation and may use the assistance of Collier County
Sheriffs Office to enforce the provisions of this order and all costs of
abatement shall be assessed to the property owner.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All right. Anyone like to take a stab
at this?
MR. LARSEN: Well, I'd like to suggest that basically we give
the respondent 120 days and then $100 per day until -- for every day
thereafter.
MR. KAUFMAN: I'll second that.
MR. KELLY: And that's obviously accepting the rest of the
recommendations by county?
MR. LARSEN: Yes, it is. With the proviso that the operational
costs are paid within 30 days, not the 120 days.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MR. CHAMI: Thank you very much. Have a wonderful day.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: You too.
MR. MARTINDALE: Thank you, gentlemen.
MR. LARSEN: You have Horton next; is that correct?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Is that the last case?
MR. LARSEN: If so, I have to recuse myself once again.
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October 22, 2009
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do we have a whole package for
them?
MR. MARTINDALE: Jeff just made me one.
MR. KELL Y: Have we got some old business?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Mr. Horton?
THE COURT REPORTER: Mr. Horton, I just want to remind
you that you are still under oath from the previous time you were here.
MR. HORTON: Um-hum.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Didn't want you to run off and miss
it.
THE COURT REPORTER: Mr. Paul, I just wanted to remind
you that you are still under oath.
MR. PAUL: Okay.
MS. WALDRON: Mr. Chairman, just for the record, we don't
have all the original case documents with us because we weren't
prepared to rehear this today. I don't have the statement of violation to
read off. I don't have any of that, so -- because usually it's a request
for rehearing and then it's scheduled for another day.
MR. KELLY: But it's in compliance. It might be relevant.
MS. WALDRON: I'm just telling you that I don't have that to--
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Can you read at least the --
MS. WALDRON: I have the previous order.
MR. KELL Y: If at any time you feel as though county is unable
to properly --
MS. WALDRON: I think the investigator can present the case
without us reading the statement of violation.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: We did ask that before and I think--
MR. PAUL: Yes, I can present--
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: -- you did state that you are prepared
to hear the case.
MR. PAUL: Yes, I am.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do you need to read anything in? I
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October 22,2009
mean, can you --
MS. ASHTON-CICKO: Well, I think we can read in what was
in the prior order. I've got that in front of me, if you'd like me to read
it in, or you'd like to.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I mean, at least you could state the
case, state the violation.
MS. ASHTON-CICKO: Okay. Well, the alleged violation was
Section 10.02.06(B)(1)(a) of the Collier County Land Development
Code. And the violation was: There was an addition to the rear of the
home without first obtaining a Collier County permit.
The address of the property was 2128 55th Street Southwest,
Naples, Florida. Folio 36379480008.
I think that covers the pertinent part.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay, as long as that's enough for
the record.
MS. ASHTON-CICKO: I believe so. Mr. Horton is here, so he
has received notice of the hearing.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay.
MR. PAUL: I can go ahead?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes.
MR. PAUL: For the record, Renald Paul, Collier County Code
Enforcement Investigator.
Again, the reference, Case No. CESD20080011966.
Violations of Collier County Land Development Code, 04-41, as
amended, Sections 10.02.06(B)(1)(a). Addition of a lanai with no
permits.
Service was given on 10-9 of '08.
I'd like to present some case evidence in the following Exhibits
B-1 through 3.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a motion to --
MR. LA VINSKI: I make a motion we accept --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Well, first before I say that, has the
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October 22, 2009
respondent seen the pictures?
MR. PAUL: No, he hasn't seen them.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: If you could please show him.
MR. HORTON: Yeah, he showed me a little bit ago.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I just want to make sure. And if you
can just state on record that you have seen -- they were presented to
you.
MR. HORTON: Yes.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Very good.
MR. KELL Y: Motion to accept.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a first?
MR. LA VINSKI: Yeah, I'll make a motion.
MR. KELL Y: Oh, that's right. I'm sorry.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Second?
MR. KAUFMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELLY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MR. PAUL: As you'll see in the first picture, it shows the picture
of the lanai.
MR. ORTEGA: I remember this one.
MR. PAUL: And the second picture is the property card from
the property appraiser's. I don't know if she'll be able to zoom in. But
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October 22, 2009
what it pretty much shows is there's a little writing that talks about the
date that it was actually added.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Where are we looking?
MR. KAUFMAN: Left side.
MR. PAUL: Right there. They've got little points that point to
that that show that they were added in like '95. I'm sorry, it's very
difficult to see.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: The one to the right.
MS. WALDRON: '96.
MR. PAUL: '96.
MR. LEFEBVRE: I can't tell if that's '95 or '96.
MS. WALDRON: It's '96.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay, the second line down right
where the line is. And then on the other side right where the line is, it
says '96. Okay.
MR. PAUL: Okay. And the third picture is the original 1990
permit. It's actually a survey. And on the survey you can see that
there is no lanai.
This case began on 9/8 of2008. I went to the property, I spoke
with Mr. Horton. I had explained while I was on-site, somebody
originally complained about a different violation, as I told him that I
would have to research and get back to him.
On 9/25, checked with the permit department, they still had not
gotten the plans back, so I was still monitoring.
On 10/9 I had received the information back, found there were
several violations on the property at that time.
On 10/9, I was on-site. I had spoken with Mr. Horton and I had
explained the several violations, which also included the lanai. At that
time he did not sign the Notice of Violation, he had refused. But I did
give him a copy of the notice.
On 11/18, after research, found that the violation remained.
On 12/17, found that the violation had still remained on-site.
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October 22, 2009
On 1/27 of2009 we had a meeting with the permitting
department, me and Mr. Horton and several persons that work for the
permitting department. Some of the violations were found not to be
violations at that time. But he still did have other violations that were
still on-site that needed to be corrected. And he was informed on how
to correct these issues at that time.
On 3/2 of 2009 he came into the office to take care of most of the
violations, but the lanai hadn't been taken care of at that time.
On 3/23 he had asked for an extension of time, which was
granted due to finances. So I just continued to monitor the case.
4/30 of'09, called Mr. Horton on the phone. He advised that
architect told him that the way that the lanai was built would not pass
today's codes. He was going to check with some other persons to see
if there's a possible way that he can get this taken care of.
5/18, I had spoken with Mr. Horton, he said he was speaking with
the architect at that time, and there was a possibility that he could get
this into compliance.
6/1/2009, Mr. Horton advised that the screen company was
coming out and would be able to fix what needed to be done at that
time. And I told him I'd continue to monitor it.
On 6/22 I spoke with Mr. Horton on the phone. Said that the
work was done but he didn't know when he was going to get the
permit. I informed him that he did not -- if he did not have the permit
by next week, I would prep the case for CEB, and he said he
understood.
On 7/15 of '09 after research found that the violation remained.
Owner has still not applied for the permits for the addition, so I
prepped the case for CEB.
On 8/4 of2009 the Notice of Hearing was posted at the
courthouse and the property.
On 8/14 I had spoken with Mr. Horton before the last hearing. I
had informed him that the case was prepped for court, and he said that
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October 22,2009
he understood. And I told him what the operational costs were.
On 9/23 of'09, after the first hearing, Mr. Horton did come into
compliance with the lanai. He did get the CO. He had -- he was
issued the permit on 9/23 of'09 and got the C.O. on 9/29 of'09.
And we're here today.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: If you'd like to speak now?
MR. HORTON: Yeah. The only reason I'm here today is to ask
for a waiver on the fees for today. And I have a sheet here
chronologizing everything that's happened so far. Some of our dates
were off. But it explains the delay from why it wasn't in compliance.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Would you like to enter that into
evidence?
MR. HORTON: Yeah. How do I do that?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Has he seen --
MR. HORTON: Yeah, I showed it to him a little bit ago.
MR. KELL Y: I make a motion we accept it.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. LA VINSKI: Second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(N 0 response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
Just give us a minute to have it passed out, then we can take a
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October 22, 2009
look at it.
Is the house for sale currently?
MR. HORTON: No.
MR. KAUFMAN: In reading this, unless I missed something, it
looks like the only problem here was item three, respondent must
notify code enforcement within 24 hours of abatement. I believe that's
-- looks like everything was done.
MR. PAUL: From the prior, correct? From the prior hearing?
MR. KAUFMAN: Right. Yeah, everything was done on 9/23.
Permit, everything --
MR. PAUL: The CO was -- he had gotten the CO on the 29th,
on 9/29.
MR. KAUFMAN: Which is prior to --
MR. PAUL: The hearing.
MR. KAUFMAN: -- the reinspection on the 30th.
MR. PAUL: Correct.
MR. KAUFMAN: Okay, how did you find to reinspect it on the
30th ifhe didn't notify you?
MR. PAUL: We're able to just check the computer system. It's
just a random check that I do.
And when I checked it, I noticed that he had gotten the CO, even
though he didn't call me.
MR. KAUFMAN: Okay.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Has everyone had a chance to read
this letter?
MR. DEAN: I was the last one to get it so it's taken me a little
longer.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: No problem. Just let me know when
you're ready.
MR. DEAN: Okay.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any questions from the board?
(No response.)
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October 22, 2009
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do you have any further statements?
MR. HORTON: No, do you have any further questions, though?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I just asked the board and doesn't
seem like there is.
Do I hear amotion?
MR. KAUFMAN: Let me try a motion.
Given the ordinary benevolent things that we do on this board,
since everything was in compliance and the only thing that was
missing as far as the general public is concerned, they're not harmed,
I'd make a motion that we find that this was in compliance.
The key here is the fine, if you will, is zero. The court costs are
the question in mind.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Right. Now, if we find -- we have
to find if there's a violation or not. If there's no violation, then the
operational costs would not have to be paid. If we do find in fact there
was a violation but it was corrected, then yes, a fine -- not a fine but
operational costs would be incurred.
So are you trying to say that --
MR. KAUFMAN: Based on the problem with the e-mail going
to the right place at the right time, I find that a violation did not occur,
that it was attempted to notify the county.
MS. WALDRON: Just for clarification on that, the e-mail was
only the request for rehearing, it did not have anything to do with the
case details. That wasn't part of the getting into compliance.
MR. PAUL: Right, there's no proof that --
MS. WALDRON: Right, that doesn't have anything to do with
the --
MR. KAUFMAN: Well, I'll stay with my motion, that--
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Hearing none --
MR. KELL Y: I make a motion that a violation did exist. Past
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October 22,2009
tense.
MR. DEAN: I'll second that motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
MR. KAUFMAN: One.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Okay. Motion passes that there's a
violation that has been found.
MR. HORTON: What does that mean to me?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: What that means is that if no
violation was found, then you wouldn't have to pay operational cost.
But because a motion has been made and seconded and approved by
the board that a violation did exist, you are responsible for paying the
operational cost of -- what was it, $87 and some change?
MS. WALDRON: $87 even.
MR. KELL Y: The key here was timing.
MR. HORTON: The whole point of me coming in here was to
show you the timing of what happened in between, you know, right
around, you know, July and August.
MR. KELLY: And that's what I was anxious to see. But since it
was brought in front of the board and we did go through the expense
of hearing the case before the CO was achieved, in my mind there was
a violation because the permit was not finally approved at the time we
heard the case.
MR. HORTON: I show here on July 20th, I paid for the permits
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October 22, 2009
and I sent -- I went into the county or over to the Horseshoe and gave
three sets of plans. I called the inspector on the same day to tell him
that that was the case. Then you see on 7/27 is when I received my
notice for the hearing. It's out of my hands at that point. It's in the
county's possession; is that correct?
MR. KELLY: Yes, sir. But the actual CO, the finalization of the
permit, wasn't achieved until almost -- well, to the end of September.
MR. HORTON: Well, the reason there's a 30-day lapse there is
because once I got my notice after the first hearing that I was in
violation, they said I had 30 days. I was in no hurry to make that
payment. I think I waited till the 28th day to do that.
MR. KELL Y: I hear you.
MR. HORTON: That's the lapse there.
MR. KELL Y: I can appreciate that.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: There's been a motion, a second and
there has been a violation found, so you will be responsible for paying
the $87.
MR. HORTON: How do I -- do I do by writing you a check now
or do I go downstairs or what?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: You can write a check right now.
That would be --
MR. HORTON: Well, I can't do that right now, I don't have my
checkbook with me. What do I do?
MR. DEAN: Within 30 days.
MR. HORTON: Go to Horseshoe Drive?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes.
MR. HORTON: Very good. Thanks.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Thank you.
MR. KELL Y: In the case, I make a motion that the violation did
exist and the corrective action is to pay the operational cost of $87
within 30 days, and there's no other further action.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: I guess that would be the
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October 22, 2009
recommendation?
MR. KELL Y: Well, we made a motion that a violation existed.
Now we have to actually make a motion for the order, correct?
MS. WALDRON: Right. We just need to put some wording that
the violation has been abated to the date of this hearing.
MR. KELL Y: I'll amend my motion to say that the violation has
been abated.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear --
MR. KAUFMAN: I'll second that.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Amend the second --
MR. KELLY: Well, we never had--
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Oh, okay, I thought you were
amending your previous one, sorry.
MR. KELL Y: So we had the motion.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: We have a second.
Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
Weare moving on.
MR. LARSEN: Just for the record, if that had to do with the
prior case, I'm abstaining and I'm excused.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Next case -- or motion for
imposition of fines would be Theodore and Karen Wasserman.
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October 22, 2009
(Ms. Perez and Mr. Scofield were duly sworn.)
MS. WALDRON: This is in reference to violation of Collier
County Ordinance 04-41, the Land Development Code, as amended,
Sections 10.02.06(B)(1)(a), and 10.02.06(B)(1)(e).
Location of violation: 410 Cristobal Street, Naples, Florida.
Folio 52450200000.
Description of violation: Electrical boatlift added to the west
side seawall property without first obtaining required Collier County
building permits.
On May 28th, 2009, 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, OR 4460, Page 2921 for
more information.
An order of continuance was granted. See order OR 4442, Page
2234.
The respondent has complied with the Code Enforcement Board
orders as of September 30th, 2009.
The county's recommendation is to issue an order imposing a lien
for fines at the rate of $200 per day for the period between September
25th, 2009 to September 30th, 2009, five days, for the total of$l,OOO.
Operational costs of $87.57 have been paid. The total
recommended lien amount is $1,000.
MR. LARSEN: Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion to abate
the fine.
MR. KAUFMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELLY: Aye.
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October 22, 2009
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MS. PEREZ: Thank you, gentlemen.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: You understand what just --
MR. SCOFIELD: No.
MR. KAUFMAN: You get an out of jail free card.
MR. SCOFIELD: So the fine's been waived?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Yes.
MR. SCOFIELD: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: And you paid the operational cost,
so you're all set.
MR. SCOFIELD: Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: You're welcome. Have a great day.
I think that's one of the quickest ones I've ever seen.
All right, next case is CESD20080003864, Jose Rodriguez.
(Mr. Walker and Mr. Rodriguez were duly sworn.)
MS. WALDRON: The notice of hearing was posted at the
property and the courthouse on October 1 st, 2009.
This case is this reference to violation of Collier County
Ordinance 04-41, the Land Development Code, as amended, Sections
1 0.02.06(B)(1)( a), 1 0.02.06(B)(1)( e), and 1 0.02.06(B)(1)( ei).
Location of violation: 607 Glades Street, Immokalee, Florida.
Folio 63857400007.
Description of violation: Bedroom and bathroom addition built
on side of structure without first obtaining proper permits.
On April 23rd, 2009, the Code Enforcement Board issued a
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October 22,2009
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 OR 4449, Page 2446 for
more information.
The respondent has not complied with the Code Enforcement
Board orders as of October 22nd, 2009.
The county's recommendation is to issue an order imposing lien
for fines at a rate of $200 per day for the period between August 25th,
2009 to October 22nd, 2009, 59 days, for the total of$II,800. Fines
continue to accrue.
Operational costs of $86.71 have not been paid. The total
recommended lien amount is $11,886.71.
MR. LARSEN: Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion to
impose the recommended lien amount of$II,886.71, and of course
the operational cost in the amount of 86.71 be paid.
MR. KAUFMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Although those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any nays?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
MR. WALKER: Thank you very much.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Is that it?
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October 22, 2009
MR. LARSEN: No, we've got--
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Step up.
Case CESD20090003484. Federal National Mortgage
Association.
(Mr. Keegan was duly sworn.)
MS. WALDRON: Property and courthouse were both posted on
October 5th, 2009.
This is in reference to violation of Collier County Code of Laws
and Ordinances, Chapter 22, buildings and building regulations,
Article 2, Section 22 to 26(b)(104.1.3.5). Collier County Land
Development Code, 04-41, as amended. Sections 10.02.06(B)(I)(a)
and 10.02.06 (B)(I)(e). And the Florida Building Code, 2004 edition,
Chapter 1, Section 111.1.
Location of violation: 3141 Pine Tree Drive, Naples, Florida.
Folio 48780640001.
Description of violation: Garage converted into living space,
bathroom and kitchen, interior walls erected and plumbing and
electrical work completed without first obtaining Collier County
approval, necessary permits, inspections and certificate of completion.
On May 28th, 2009, 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 OR 4460, Page 2930 for
more information. The respondent has not complied with the Code
Enforcement Board orders as of October 22nd, 2009.
The county's recommendation is to issue an order imposing a lien
for fines at the rate of $200 a day for the period between September
25th, 2009 to October 22nd, 2009, 27 days, for the total of $5,400.
Fines continue to accrue.
Operational costs of $88.43 have not been paid. The total
recommended lien amount is $5,488.43.
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October 22, 2009
MR. LARSEN: Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion to
impose a lien in the amount of $5,488.43, which includes the fine plus
the operational cost.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. KAUFMAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Any further discussion?
(No response.)
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELL Y: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
MR. KEEGAN: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
All right. Any new business?
(No response.)
MR. KAUFMAN: Next meeting will be held at?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Reports? Do we have a report from
-- for foreclosures?
MS. WALDRON: (Shakes head negatively.)
MR. KELLY: I like the new shirts.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Is that under new business or
comments? Just comments?
The next meeting will be November 19th, 2009. Location will be
at the community development and environmental services building.
MR. LARSEN: Mr. Chairman, do we have to take any action on
this letter from code enforcement bright dated October 15th in regard
to foreclosure, collect authorization --
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: It's under the consent agenda.
Page 100
October 22,2009
MR. KELL Y: Consent agenda.
MR. LARSEN: Okay. So no further action needs to be taken?
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: No further action.
MR. KELL Y: Motion to adjourn.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Do I hear a second?
MR. DEAN: Second.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: All those in favor?
MR. DEAN: Aye.
MR. KELLY: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Aye.
MR. LARSEN: Aye.
MR. ORTEGA: Aye.
MR. KAUFMAN: Aye.
MR. LA VINSKI: Aye.
CHAIRMAN LEFEBVRE: Motion passes.
*****
There being no further business for the good of the County, the
meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 11 :58 a.m.
COLLIER COUNTY
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
GERALD LEFEBVRE, Chairman
These minutes approved by the board on , as
presented or as corrected .
Transcript prepared on behalf of Gregory Reporting Service, Inc., by
Cherie' R. Nottingham.
Page 101