HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #14 Approval of Code Enforcement Reduction of Fines/ Liens for Patricia Breeze of the Thomas R. Ison, Sr. Estate and 6 E. Delaware Stf orfda
AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET
Meeting Date: June 18, 2013
Item # 14
Contact Name:
Contact Number:
Doug Gaines
407 905 -3100 ext 1503
Reviewed By:
Department Director:
,111 4
City Manager:
Subject: Code Enforcement Reduction of Fines /Liens for Patricia Breeze of the Thomas R.
Ison, Sr. Estate and 6 E. Delaware Street (District 2 Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen)
Background Summary:
This case involved a residential dwelling with occupancy in violation of the Minimum Housing Standards
creating unsanitary and unsafe conditions resulting from having no connection to potable water or electrical
utility services. Other violations included an upside down motor vehicle on the front lawn in full view of
pedestrians, motorists and the Ocoee Middle School campus; and miscellaneous junk, trash and debris littering
the property. The property owner was constrained by intimidating, unauthorized tenants refusing to vacate the
premises or cooperate in any fashion.
Issue:
Patricia Breeze, a principal party of the property- owning entity, Thomas R. Ison, Sr. Estate, appeared before the
Code Enforcement Board on May 28 2013 requesting a reduction to the fine and lien amount of $25,200.00
imposed by the board on April 24, 2013 for non - compliance with case number 13 -002. Patricia Breeze
appeared at the original hearing and the follow -up hearing for imposing fine and lien conveying supported and
documented information regarding the unauthorized occupancy and intimidating behavior of tenant, Ben Pope,
and other unknown persons. Ben Pope and unknown persons demonstrated complete disregard towards
Patricia Breeze, neighboring residents, and the City of Ocoee by not vacating the premises when requested
and having a continuous yard sale. Immediately upon the departure of the unauthorized tenants, the property
was brought into full compliance and has been maintained ever since.
Recommendations
The Code Enforcement Board recommends the City Commission reduce the fine to the City's cost of $426.11.
Attachments:
Photos and Code Enforcement Board minutes are attached.
Financial Impact:
Reducing the fine to $426.11 would recoup the City's costs.
Type of Item: (please mark with an 'Y)
Public Hearing For Clerk's Dept Use:
Ordinance First Reading Consent Agenda
Ordinance Second Reading
Resolution
Commission Approval
Discussion & Direction
Public Hearing
Regular Agenda
Original Document/Contract Attached for Execution by City Clerk
Original Document /Contract Held by Department for Execution
Reviewed by City Attorney N/A
Reviewed by Finance Dept. N/A
Reviewed by () N/A
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CASE 13 -002 6 E DELAWARE ST. EXHIBIT `A' OFFICER LOEFFLER
EXCERPT OF DRAFT
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD MINUTES
MAY 28, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Godek called the regular meeting of the Ocoee Code Enforcement Board to order at
7:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. Member Carrington led the invocation
and Member Amey led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The roll was called and a quorum
was declared present.
PRESENT: Chairman Godek, Vice - Chairman Lowery, Members Amey, Blynder, Carrington,
Kelley, and Osborne. Also present were Asst. Support Services Director - Code
Enforcement Manager Doug Gaines, Code Enforcement Officers Carmen
Delgado, Edward Loeffler and Robert Siegrist; Administrative Assistant Bridgett
Ballard, Board Attorney Mary Sneed, and Recording Clerk Stella McLeod.
ABSENT: None.
GUESTS: None.
Administrative Assistant Ballard administered the oath to the code enforcement officers and to
anyone intending to speak regarding a case.
CONSENT AGENDA
ALL MATTERS LISTED UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ROUTINE BY THE CODE
ENFORCEMENT BOARD AND WILL BE ACTED UPON BY ONE MOTION. THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE
DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS UNLESS DISCUSSION IS DESIRED BY A MEMBER OF THE BOARD, IN WHICH
CASE THE CHAIRMAN WILL INSTRUCT THE BOARD CLERK TO REMOVE THE ITEM FROM THE CONSENT
AGENDA AND SUCH ITEM WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY.
A. Minutes of the April 23, 2013, Code Enforcement Board Meeting
Assistant Support Services Director - Code Enforcement Manager Doug Gaines presented
the dismissals - compliances as well as the continuances.
B. Dismissal or Compliance (Cases #13 -025, #13 -027, #13 -028, #13 -034 were transferred to
the consent agenda)
cace Niimhar
Respondent
Location of Violation
C. Order of Continuance (JUNE 25, 2013 Meeting)
Case Number
Respondent
Location of Violation
13 -044
LAKE BLVD
OFFICER
LOEFFLER
13 -045
OFFICER
LOEFFLER
ANDREA MARIE STEPHENS 1503 PRAIRIE
SEARS HOME IMPROVEMENT PRODUCT
AHMED SALAH
NOHA NOUR
ADT LLC
2323 BLAKE WAY
Member Kelley, seconded by Member Carrington moved that the consent agenda be accepted
as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS
None.
HE ARINGS OF STATEMENTS OF VIOLATIONS
PLJRSLIAN I TO THE HEARING RULES ADOPTED BY THIS BOARD ON JUNE 27, 1995, VARIOUS DOCUMENTS ARE USED BY THE CODE
ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN EACH CASE AND ARE REPORTED IN THE CASE TESTIMONY GIVEN BY THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. IN
THESE MINUTES THE TITLES TO THOSE DOCUMEN FS WILL BE ABBREVIATED AS FOLLOWS:
ACED - AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: FOR DEMOLITION, AOC - AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE, AONC - AFFIDAVIT OF NON - COMPLIANCE, A F-
APPLICATION TO FORECLOSE.. CO - COMPLIANCE ORDER, CMFD — COMMISSION MEETING FOR DETERMINATION, CS — CONTINUED STAY,
CTR -COPY TO RF,SPONDENT. ECO EXTENDED COMPLIANCE ORDER FX- EXHIBITS. FS- FEES STAYED. LDC Land Development Code. NOCV -
NOTICE OF CODE VIOLATION, NOH - NOTICE: OF HEARING, NS -No Service. OAF - ORDER AUTHORIZING FORECLOSURE. OIF -L- ORDER
IMPOSING FINE -LIEN, ONC - ORDER OF NON - COMPLIANCE, OOC - ORDF;R OF CONTINUANCE, , ORE — ORDER REDUCING FINE„ PETS - PER DAY
FINE SUSPENDED, POS - POS, RFR - REQUEST FOR REHEARING. RFRDUC - REQUEST FOR REDUCTION DENIED UNTIL COMPLIANCE, ROF-
REDUCTION OF FINE, SFH — SUBPOENA FOR HEARING. SOV - STATEMENT OF VIOLATION (S) and WD— WI "THDRFW.
Vice - Chairman Lowery, seconded by Member Kelley, moved that the order of the agenda be
changed to hear the following cases in sequence which are #13 -032 #12 -234 #13 -002 and then
revert back to the orijzinal agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
HEARINGS ON STATEMENT OF VIOLATIONS PURSUANT TO NOTICES OF
HEARINGS
Case No. 12 -234 Beverly Bellinger / Christopher Jones
844 Patriots Point Drive Officer Delgado
Violation Cited: 115 -3, 115 -6, 108 -35
Observation: Dog feces all over back screen patio. Swimming pool water dirty and green.
11 -06 -12 NOTICE OF CODE VIOLATION RE- INSPECTION DATE: REPEAT
VIOLATION
11 -06 -12 STATEMENT OF VIOLATIONS
11 -06 -12 NOTICE OF HEARING MEETING DATE: 11 -27 -12
11 -06 -12 ALL DOCUMENTS SENT BY REG. & CERTIFIED MAIL
2
11-27-12
COMPLIANCE ORDER
FOUND IN REPEAT VIOLATION AS OF
11 -6 -12 FINED $500.00 PER DAY, PER
VIOLATION UNTIL IN COMPLIANCE
11 -28 -12
PROOF OF SERVICE
CERTIFIED MAIL
03 -13 -13
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE
115 -3 & 108 -35
03 -13 -13
AFFIDAVIT OF NON COMPLIANCE 115 -6
04 -30 -13
ORDER IMPOSING FINE /LIEN
04 -30 -13
PROOF OF SERVICE
CERTIFIED MAIL
05 -13 -13
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE
05 -14 -13
ORDER IMPOSING FINE /LIEN
TOTAL DUE $191,000.00
05 -14 -13
PROOF OF SERVICE
CERTIFIED MAIL
05 -28 -13
REQUEST FOR REDUCTION
MEETING DATE: 05 -28 -13
05 -28 -13
RECOMMENDATION
REDUCE FINE TO $10,598.88.
TO BE HEARD BY CITY COMMISSION
FOR FINAL DETERMINATION
Vice - Chairman Lowery, seconded by Member Kelley moved that Case #12 -234 be re -heard for
possible reduction of fine. Motion passed unanimously.
Officer Delgado presented the case and gave its history. An exhibit (photo) was presented as
well. The property was brought into compliance on May 13, 2013. The total owed for the lien is
$191,000. The City's cost is $598.88.
Ms. Lisa Jones, 3348 S. Lake Butler Blvd., Windermere, spoke for the case. Ms. Jones
explained that her son travels frequently, and his roommate failed to take care of things. As soon
as they found out the problems, however, they took care of them.
Chairman Godek asked about the length of time it took to fix the problem. Ms. Jones said that
the pool was in compliance but had additional problems due to a clogged drain. They spent
additional funds having the drain repaired and returning the pool to good condition.
Member Osborne asked how it became a repeat violation if it was taken care of immediately.
Officer Delgado said in November of 2012 the pool and property were in violation. In March
2013, the deck was cleaned up, but the pool was still dirty.
Board Attorney Sneed clarified that this was the November 2012 case that came to the officer
as a repeat violation. Officer Delgado replied affirmatively.
Member Kelley asked the original date of the repeat violation. Officer Delgado answered that
she did not have the date with her.
Member Carrington asked why notice was not taken the first time in September to fix the
problem, and how do they know this won't happen again.
Ms. Jones answered that they removed the dogs and fixed the pool. Her son travels a lot and is
actually selling the house. He was supposed to close May 24, 2013, but he could not due to this
problem.
Board Attorney Sneed reminded the board that this will be recommendation.
Member Blynder said that he recalled that the neighbor came to the board two months in a row.
Both times there were photographs of a horrible situation on the property. Ms. Jones said the
neighbor takes a picture everyday of everything. Ms. Jones replied that she understood the
board's position, but the board does not know what she has been through with the property.
Mr. Gaines clarified that the City did not cite according to the photographs taken by the
neighbor. The City used only the photos taken by staff.
Member Osborne moved that board reduce the fine to $5000 • the motion died for lack of
second.
The chairman asked the board for another motion.
Member Blynder, seconded by Member Kelley, moved that in Case #12 -234 the board
recommend to the commission that the fine be reduced to $10 000 plus the City's costs of
$598.88. Motion passed bymaiority roll -call vote of 4 to 3 with Chairman Godek and
Members Amey and Osborne dissentinz.
Case No. 13 -002 Thomas R. Ison Sr. Estate
6 E Delaware Street Officer Loeffler
Violation Cited: 115-3,108-35, 108-19,108-22,108-24
Observation: Occupancy of a dwelling and allowing occupancy of a dwelling in violation of Ocoee minimum
housing standards. Unsanitary conditions affecting the health, safety and welfare of the public and occupants. No
electircal or water utilities required to meet sanitary and occupancy related ordinaces: no connection to legal,
approved source of potable water and electrical service supply required for sanitary ofperation of waste system, hot
and cold water supply, potable water supply, and mechanical perishable food storage. Wrecked, cut -up sport utility
vehicle hulk, chassis and parts in the unfenced open access front yard, visible from street and from ocoee middle
school. Vehicle hulk creating a danger and nuisance to the public health saftey and welfare. Misc. Junk, debris
littering the property.
01 -08 -13
01 -08 -13
01 -08 -13
01 -08 -13
01 -22 -13
NOTICE OF CODE VIOLATION
STATEMENT OF VIOLATIONS
NOTICE OF HEARING
ALL DOCUMENTS SENT BY REG. & CERTIFIED MAIL
COMPLIANCE ORDER FOUND IN COMPLIANCE OF 0 1 -22-13 OF
115 -3, 108 -35, 108 -19 F &D, 108-22,108-24D.
FOUND IN VIOLATION OF 108 -19A, 108 -9C.
TO COMPLY BY 01 -25 -2013 OR FINE OF
$150.00 PER DAY, PER VIOLATION, UNTIL
RE- INSPECTION DATE:
MEETING DATE: 0 1 -22-13
Vice - Chairman Lowery, seconded by Member Amey, moved to re -hear Case #13 -002 for
possible reduction offine. Motion carried unanimously.
Officer Loeffler presented the case and gave its history. The property owner had little control of
the situation as there was a tenant occupying the property. Upon the departure of the tenant as of
April 19, 2013, the property rapidly came into compliance. City costs total: $426.00.
Ms. Patricia Breeze (formerly Ison), said that the tenant has moved and everything is in
compliance.
Board Attorney Sneed reminded board that this is a recommendation to the commission.
Member Blynder, seconded by Member Amey, moved that in Case #13 -002, the board
recommend to the commission to reduce the fine to the City's costs. Motion passes by majority
roll -call vote of 5 to 2 with Members Carrington and Osborne dissenting.
IN COMPLIANCE.
02 -26 -13
BOARD ORDER
IMPOSE FINE AS PERSUANT TO
JAN. 23, 2013 ORDER.
02 -27 -13
ORDER IMPOSING FINE -LIEN
02 -27 -13
PROOF OF SERVICE
CERTIFIED MAIL
03 -26 -13
AFFIDAVIT OF NON COMPLIANCE
04 -19 -13
AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE
04 -24 -13
ORDER IMPOSING FINE -LIEN
TOTAL DUE $25,200.00
04 -25 -13
PROOF OF SERVICE
CERTIFIED MAIL
05 -28 -13
REQUEST FOR REDUCTION
MEETING DATE: 05 -28 -13
05 -28 -13
RECOMMENDATION
REDUCE FINE TO CITY COST OF $426.11.
TO BE HEARD AND DETERMINED BY BOARD OF COMMISSION.
Vice - Chairman Lowery, seconded by Member Amey, moved to re -hear Case #13 -002 for
possible reduction offine. Motion carried unanimously.
Officer Loeffler presented the case and gave its history. The property owner had little control of
the situation as there was a tenant occupying the property. Upon the departure of the tenant as of
April 19, 2013, the property rapidly came into compliance. City costs total: $426.00.
Ms. Patricia Breeze (formerly Ison), said that the tenant has moved and everything is in
compliance.
Board Attorney Sneed reminded board that this is a recommendation to the commission.
Member Blynder, seconded by Member Amey, moved that in Case #13 -002, the board
recommend to the commission to reduce the fine to the City's costs. Motion passes by majority
roll -call vote of 5 to 2 with Members Carrington and Osborne dissenting.