Code Enforcement Hearing - public_hearing

Alright. I'd like to call the order, the code enforcement hearings for the city of Northport. It's 09:12AM. I appreciate the patience everyone had, but that time we spent on the front end will pay dividends later on down the road because we're a little better organized now. If everyone could please stand and join me for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to flag

of The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

under God, indivisible, liberty and

justice for all.

All may be seated. Okay. We have one public comment card. And if so if Lindsey, I think I'm pronouncing this flatter, could come forward, come to this podium over here, and, and you'll have three minutes.

Thank you for allowing me to speak. I'm speaking on behalf of the property on Galbett Avenue. I think it's important to add the perspective of those experiencing the effect of this code violation, put a human perspective. Today, I'm representing many wonderful neighbors who cannot be here today. These include police workers, medical workers, city workers, teachers, counselors, retirees, parents like myself, as well as children who rely on parents like me to speak on their behalf.

This is more than just an unfixed roof going on at this house. It's more than just an eyesore, which the city workers keep thinking that's why I'm calling. But this is a health and safety issue. I'm really grateful my other neighbor who lives next to this war this this this house was was available to show the city worker the many violations that go beyond just a hole in the roof. During Milton, shingles flew everywhere off this house, damaging property.

A tree fell next door on my neighbor's property and put damage to her roof. The owner came by and actually trimmed the trees, which now opens up all the damage to her house. And she left all the debris from the trees still on the property, which is now kindling during this dry season. So it's beyond health and safety. There is rotting plywood that she put to fix the window.

So now this is a target for crime. There are disease carrying mosquitoes and rodents from the pool lying festering and unkempt. Rats from the house damaged my neighbor's RV. We've considered moving, but it's going to be difficult with this house two doors down from us. And to be honest, we love our neighborhood. We live in an awesome neighborhood with wonderful neighbors who really take care of their house houses. I know not living in an HOA comes with with a cost, but we have people who respect and do this. And so I really hope that you take my words into consideration. And if the owner is here, I hope that you consider maintaining your house or sell it to someone who will. Thank you so much.

Thank you. This is we have a case on this today. I guess you're looking what what what case number is it? It's 244118.

It's 8209 Galbett Avenue.

Alright. I just wanted to kinda How about bigger part?

There's gonna be one more

in one thirty three minutes.

Okay. We move up.

Okay. Do we have a card?

He's filling the card out.

Okay. Alright. Okay. We'll do that.

Oh, did everybody this morning and all that?

No. We're not there yet Okay. Because we're in public comments still. Alright.

Can I

make my announcement? Yeah. Go ahead and make your announcement so I'll save some time.

Morning, everybody. Thank you all for being here. My name is Kevin Roducci. I'm the manager for the code enforcement division for the city of Northport. Just a few housekeeping things. If you're here today for a permit and a permit only, you can bypass the hearing if you go back downstairs and it's an expired permit and you re up the permit. You'll pay a fee and you'll be done. That will close your code enforcement case. It will not close out the permit. You'll have to arrange for inspections, most probably, to get whatever you had permitted looked at by the city to give the city's okay

on it.

So I just wanna put that out there. You don't have to wait here for a couple hours if that's all you need to do. If you just go down and get your permit re up, you'll be all good. Also, we haven't had a hearing in a few months, so there's probably gonna be a lot going on here today. So I just ask you to be patient. Everybody that's in here that has a case or for whatever reason you're in here, you will be taken first, and then we'll do the cases that that no one shows up for last. So we give you that courtesy to be heard sooner than later. Pretty much that's all I have to say. The judge will give you some more instructions, and we'll move on. Again, thank you for all being here. And if you need to see me after, I can talk to you outside or before. Just I'll be over to see you in a second, we'll get rolling. Thank you, your honor.

Alright. Thank you. Alright. Do we have the other Yeah. Hand card filled out?

Alright.

Ron Alexander? Correct. Alright. And you've got three minutes. Go ahead.

December '23, I did a unity of title. After that, in February, I was cited for having a backhoe on my property, which then complied. Well, compliance was dated, just this year. And then, was it May? May 3, I was cited again for a land clearing and a complaint from a neighbor that also went into compliance.

I did nothing. And then on 05/07/2024, I was get given a citation for right away, dredge and fill, culvert installed without a permit, and accumulation of debris on the right away and the backhoe again. And then you heard the heard this on this October 24. And what you did is dismissed it without prejudice, and I wish you to change that to with prejudice so this doesn't happen again.

Well okay. So is who is the code enforcement officer? If not, is mister Raducci who probably has some memory of this?

It was Nathan Long, your honor. He's not with us anymore.

Okay. Yeah. So, typically, if I dismissed it without prejudice, I would have done that so that it sets the stage for repeat violation. Yeah. This it so but I, again, I can't remember anything about this particular case.

That's okay. When you were here

This was and this was a what How violation was this one? Was this the culvert?

It was the culvert. Yes.

Alright.

And there was also the and dredge and fill,

which Okay.

I couldn't find dredge and fill in on the they said. I found it in subdivisions. And, you were you wouldn't entertain the other two cases because they weren't on the docket, I guess, for lack of a better word. I wish since this decision was based here, I think this would be the best place to have the appeal.

Mister Medici. Do do you remember this case at all?

You're talking to me, your honor? Yes. Yes. Daily. Yes. I I kinda came in the middle, but I what is the issue?

So the what his request is, I dismissed the and I think it was the Culver case. It may have been also the Dredge of fill. It was all the same. It without prejudice. He's just asking it to be dismissed with with prejudice. My again, I don't have much recollection of this case, but my recollection is I would have probably done that to set the stage for a repeat violation, but I just don't remember. I was just asking if you remember the specifics and if you can recall why I dismissed it without prejudice.

I don't recall, but to be honest, I don't think that'll be decided today. And I think the city attorney will have to wait in at some point. Yeah.

I mean, I'm

not saying it can't happen. It's just not probably gonna happen today.

Yeah. I mean, here would be my recommendation to you is instead of this this being during public comment, which is really I'm just supposed to just say or listen to what you say. I don't really take any action. Understood. That you maybe reach out to the city, the system city attorney is sitting there, and and she may wanna say something to you also so that if if you feel like you and if there's a process, I don't know if there's a process, to bring it back as an actual case, you know, we can do that. So is there something you wanna say?

Yes, your honor.

Yeah. Go ahead.

Yes. This would be more of an appeal. You did already render a final order.

Right.

So this would not be the appropriate form for this.

Yeah. Okay. Yeah. And there is a time for appeal, and I assume that is

I'm not sure because this was not an agenda item. I don't have anything, and I was not here for this case. But, I cannot say if this would have been in the time frame for an appeal. But if it is, this is not the appropriate forum. This would be something that would have to be appealed.

Yeah. So I think what I encourage you to do is go look look at the again, I don't know the date of the of the dismissal. Look at that and see if and look at the appeal process and see if you're within the time to file the appeal.

The appeal process is only for people that are found to be in violation. I was not found to be in violation. Therefore, the appeal doesn't apply.

Yeah. But you're asking me to modify the order so that you I do. Yeah. I know. So but that is that would also be the form of an appeal. Or you're you're saying I'm not satisfied with the order you gave.

Sorry. But but I cannot find a mechanism by which to do so.

All right. Well, again, you can you can reach out to staff. If they can figure out a way that with you to make it happen, I mean, I'll I'll be glad to hear it, but there's nothing I can do about it today. Yes. All right.

And I will just add, our office cannot provide legal advice.

Right. Yeah.

Ron, I believe Director Wray would like to weigh in.

Sure.

Good morning, Elena Wray, Director of Development Services.

And I know one's been sworn yet because this is not yeah, well, we're not quite there yet. This was under public comment. I'll go ahead and just let you speak unsworn.

So a person can appeal an order that is given by you. They have a thirty day appeal period to

serve

the court.

So even if something is dismissed but there is a condition of that dismissal that someone doesn't agree with, the mechanism is to appeal that to Circuit Court within that thirty day appeal period. And if you do not appeal within thirty days, then there is no mechanism to then appeal that.

All

right. Thank you. All right. So approval of minutes. Are there any corrections to the minutes of 01/23/2025? Hearing no corrections, those minutes are approved. Alright. In a moment, the clerk is gonna ask everyone else here who's going to speak. The first few things we did were under pub public comment, so those are not done under sworn testimony. But everything in the case will be under sworn testimony, and, and here's how the process will work.

Your cases will be taken in the same order that you lined up back there. So the first person who filled out their green card will be the first case and so on. The property owner will come to this podium over here. The code enforcement officer will stand at this podium over here. It's a quasi judicial hearing that that city puts on their prima facie case first to, you know, to to say, look.

Here are the facts that show why this is in violation. After they're done, you have the right to ask the code enforcement officer questions if you want to. You don't have to. You can just tell me why either you believe that the property is in compliance, or if you're, looking for some time to bring the property into compliance, if there's factors that impact that, you can talk about that. Then I will, the the city has the right to ask you questions at the end of your testimony, and then I usually go one more time with the property owner getting the last word.

I just ask that you don't be repetitive, that, yeah, you only really respond to any new information, that came out. So that's the way the process will work, and we'll try to get you out of here as quick as we can. And so everyone who is going to speak today, please stand, and the clerk will administer the oath.

Can everyone wishing to provide testimony please stand and raise your right hand? You swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to provide is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge, so help you God.

Alright. So the first case today is case number 2450252. The property owners are Roselle Estanis Estanis, Paulina Estanis, Russell Estenis. Oh, it says, yeah, the the same two, names repeated. And the property address is 1120, Ring Street.

If you'll come on down, You'll hear the code enforcement officer say their name for the record, and then they'll say whether they've been sworn. Especially as we get deeper into this and if we get any new people coming in, it's helpful if that's the first words out of the property owner's mouth also. Just state your name and state say that you've been sworn. You may begin whenever you're ready.

Sure. Good morning, your honor. I am Josh Preston, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number, CCase24Dash50252 was initially inspected on 12/30/2024. This case is addressing the violation of Florida building code one zero five point one permit required.

It was an enclosed lanai on the rear of the property without a permit. Folks here have pre since submitted a permit. However, it was rejected by requesting additional revisions. So we had an opportunity to speak this morning and several times, in fact, and they would like to continue it so they can get the permit, the revisions submitted correctly and, get the permit issued.

Okay. So give me an idea how long this when when did this case initiate? Give me an idea.

Thirtieth of

last year. Okay. And, well, I tell you what, I'm gonna let them speak next, and then I'm gonna come back to you and ask for recommendations from the city. Alright. So same name for the record and that you've been sworn.

Oh, my name is Milana Status. I've been sworn.

Alright. Okay. So just tell me again. You that's what's happened so far? You applied. Okay. So just kinda tell me where you're at right now.

We did the permit, but we're just gonna we're just gonna break it down.

Okay. Alright. Yeah. Because and is it because too much stuff was done, that's gonna be too. Okay. So now you need to do they need to get a demolition permit to take this down, or since it was never permitted, can they just take it down? Correct. They can just take it down. Alright. Okay. So how long do you think it's gonna take to to take it down?

Thirty days. Probably thirty days.

Thirty days?

To find somebody.

Just, like, take it down for us.

Alright. Yeah. So now I'm gonna turn back to you, and here's the question is, are you are you okay with the continuance, or do you wanna find violation and set some future date?

Request a continuance. Okay. Just to

give them an opportunity to do either or. Okay. So, we will you think this next hearing, that's basically thirty days from now. So Yeah. Alright. So here's what we'll we're gonna do. We'll continue this case till May 22, which is the next hearing. And if you bring it into compliance so just stay in contact. As soon as it's taken down Yeah. Just call the office.

Mhmm.

And then at the part of the compliance, you don't have to come back. Okay. Alright? Okay. Okay. Alright. That's all we need to do on this case. Thank you. Next case is, CE case 244250. The property owner is Bureau Atlantic two LLC. The property address is 6268 Skyview Drive.

Morning, your honor. My name is Gavin O'Neil, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport. I've been sworn. This case number 244250, which was initially inspected on 11/13/2024. The case is addressing, 2 Dash 51 B 1 B 1 for the land clear. The land clear consists of two twelve inch palms, one twelve inch pine, and one ten inch oak for a total sum of $4,600 in fines.

And have you had communication with the property owner?

I have. Yes, sir.

Alright. Alright. Anything else from you? No,

your honor. Alright.

State your name for the record, and you've been sworn.

My name is Jeremy Dzurich. I've been sworn.

Alright. So you've had some meetings?

Yes, sir. I've met with Ryan, arborist in discussion because initially, this was a $15,000 unknown tree clearing. Right. And, we did not clear the lot.

Right.

And, we're between two houses getting constructed. And I'm not sure who cleared it, but it got cleared in the process. So I met with Ryan. We went through what's been cleared and kind of what the options could be.

And So you did not clear it? I You did not cut these trees?

No, sir. No. We own multiple lots. I've never never cleared any of them. Alright. Alright.

Do you agree with their calculation of what the fine would be based on the number of trees that were cut?

I agree with the number of trees. What my ask would be is that we could possibly the fine would be if it was let's say, I submitted the permit and did this by the book and got charged that rate. That would be my request, which would be, I believe, $1,600.

Alright. So this is one of these cases where and we've had some of these before where, you know, if the city finds him, then he has some recourse against whoever actually removed the trees. But sounds like what I'm hearing is you don't know exactly who did it. It could have been the homebuilder on one side or the homebuilder on the other side.

Yes, sir.

Alright. Let me let me I see the arbor is standing there, so state your name for the record and then you've been sworn.

Ryan Peeper, urban forester. I have been sworn. Okay. We do have some satellite historical imagery that does show machinery operating on the property. I don't know if we can get that up on the monitor, but there's quite a timeline and his willingness to work with us. He's been forthright. I do not feel that he had anything to do with this. Had he come to us for a tree removal permit, we would have divided those inches down and mitigated it such as, it is in the code, and the total was $1,600. So his willingness to work with us, and I do not feel that he had anything. I don't have any evidence either way.

I do have visual satellite imagery that shows machinery on the property, but it doesn't, like, have a name of, I did this on the side of

the Right.

Right. But I his willingness to work with us, he came last meeting. Unfortunately, it was canceled, and we we sat and talked and went through a pretty good timeline of when this happened. And it seemed

Oh, go ahead. Sorry.

It seems to be exactly in line with the other two, adjacent properties.

So do you agree with his calculation that if he'd come for a permit, it would have cost him $1,600?

Yes, sir. Okay.

Alright. Yeah. And both whether whether they whether it's the fine that's calculated by the trees or that, you're in small claims jurisdiction, which means that, you know, you're on to hire an attorney, but you still have to prove your case.

Mhmm.

But, again, based it's about first, I'm gonna say, is there anything else you wanna say before I rule? No. Okay. I I am gonna find that there is a violation. I am going to reduce the fine down to the $1,600 because of, again, the extenuating circumstances here that the fact that the property owner really didn't, you know, have anything to do with this. So, yeah, you will have some recourse to try to recover that. And, and it sounds like they might have some information that might be helpful, and you pin that pinning that down on one of the two homebuilders. So Excellent. That's what we're gonna do. Thank you.

Appreciate it.

Next case is, ABCECase22450007. And then we've got a series of cases here that are all the same property owner. This is Better Homes Construction LLC. This case is the one that's at 4075 Hessler Terrace. Whenever you're ready, you may begin.

Morning, your honor. I'm Gavin O'Neil, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport. I have been sworn. This is case number 2450007, initially inspected 12/13/2024. This is for violation of one zero five point four point one one of the Florida building code for an expired single family residence permit. I've inspected this on multiple occasions, most recently on 04/23/2025 around 08:00. I have not had contact with the property owner prior to today, and I don't have any photos at this time for 4075 Kessler Terrace.

Alright. Alright. So mister Donahue, state your name for the record, you've been sworn, and then how tell me how you're related to the LLC.

Sure. Sure. So I'm James Donahue. I have been sworn.

Yeah.

So I am one of the owners of the LLC. Okay.

And is did you purchase did you purchase this fairly recently, or have you owned the property?

No. We've owned this for a while. Okay. And so we're do want me to

Yeah. Go ahead. Yeah. I I I'm sorry. For an uptick.

No. No. You're fine. So we we have So we're actively working with them daily with our attorneys to get through that, but, that's the situation on all of these.

Alright. So, so it sounds like, yeah, we're I'm we're gonna hear kind of the same thing on the next next two cases. But so once they renew the permit, how long is it good for?

Should be six months, your honor.

Six months. And how much does it cost to renew the permit?

It varies depending on how many times it's been re up.

Okay. You happen to know what the next renewal cost is? I don't. Alright. And Okay. It's just And so this was a permit that expired in December?

Your honor. 12/02/2024.

Okay.

Well, I'm gonna give you the last word, but my inclination is, again, you know, commencing construction on the house is not what's gonna bring it in compliance. Just getting the permit renewed is the only thing that brings in the compliance. So, you know, my, you know, my inclination is gonna be to find that there is it's in violation and to give, you know, a relatively short period of time, like thirty days in which to in which to to, to get the the permit. But I'm I'm gonna give you the last word if there's anything else

you want.

Yeah. I mean, we're actively working on it, and then there's no negative intention with us to to drag anything out. We're trying we I mean, it's not our best interest to to to finish this stuff. So, if you could give us thirty days, and we'll just try to get it cleared up for the hearing, I'm totally fine with that word. Alright.

And you're given that? Okay.

So Yes, Honor.

It sounds like that's gonna probably be the thing for the next two cases too. So I'm gonna find that there is a violation of, section one zero five point four point one point one of the board building code for this expired permit. A fine of let's see. This is, a fine of $50 a day and a maximum of $5,000 will commence on February excuse me. On I'm looking at

the old one

here. Hold on.

But, yeah, it's an old one. Yeah. I need a new GT. Sorry.

No worries.

What would it be? It's gonna be oh, no. I thought it would be right here.

It's pretty secondary. No. So that's the

that would be the, like, I'll tell you what. I can I can kinda figure this one out on the fly? So our next hearing is, May 22. So, like and I'm looking to the city over here. But I say May 18 for compliance, then that gives you a couple of days to check.

I mean, this is you don't even have to go out there. Maybe we even make it May 20. That's fine. Alright. So I'm gonna that fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on 05/20/2025 if not caught in in compliance by, let's say, 05/19/2025. Okay? Alright. Meanwhile, you can start working on the cheat sheet. Alright. So just stay up there because the next one is case number, 2450226. Also, Better Homes Construction LLC. This one property address is 1765 Naptal Road.

I'm Josh Preston, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. You stated case number 24Dash50226. Yep. This was a case involving the affordability code again 105.40.11 expired single family resident permit 21Dash0013004, which expired 12/17/2024.

Alright. And you just agreed to the same thing we just did? Alright. So, I'm gonna find that there is a violation of, chapter one zero five point four point one point one of the Florida building code for this expired permit. This permit inspired on 12/17/2024. A fine of 20 excuse me, of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on 05/20/2025 if not brought into compliance by 05/19/2025. Alright. Next case is case number 2450117. And, again, it's Better Homes Construction LLC. This property address is 1291 South Abraham Boulevard.

Josh Preston, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number 24Dash50117 was initially inspected on, 12/23/2024. This, address is violation of four building code one zero five point four point one point one. Expired permit number 21Dash00012134, which expired 12/09/2024.

Alright. And, again, same thing? Same thing. Yes, sir. Alright. So I'm gonna find there's a violation of chapter one zero five point four point one point one of the Florida Building Code for this permit, which expired on 12/09/2024. Fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on 05/20/2025, if not brought into compliance by 05/19/2025. Alright. That's all those cases. You're excused.

Thanks, ma'am.

Next case is case number, CE case 242785. The property owner is Kathleen M. McCloy, life estate, and the property address is 1027 Petronia Street.

Morning, your honor. I'm Gavin O'Neil, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport. I have been sworn. This is case number 24Dash2785, which is initially inspected in 0701 of twenty four. This case is addressing the violation of one zero five point four point one one of the Florida building code for two expired permits. Those permits are a reroofing permit and a screened in lanai porch. The property was last inspected on 04/23/2025 at around 08:00. I have not had contact with the property owner prior to today, and I have zero photos as evidence for 1027 Petronas Street.

Alright. So, so this permit expired on 06/22/2018?

Yes, your honor. Alright.

Well and there are there are there's two permits. Right?

Yes, your honor.

And the other one was on okay. On '13. Okay. Alright. So, mister McCloe, state your name for the record that you've been sworn.

My name is Fred McCloe. I have been sworn.

And are you the remainer man? Does it mean that okay. Kathleen is still alive?

Yes. She's on me.

Okay. And okay. Go ahead and say whatever you wanna say

The green enclosure was that was done before we even purchased the home. We came here. This was on the cape that I got at one other time. I came here, and we had squashed that. So I thought they said that because it was done way before we purchased the house that that was over. As far as the roof, we've called for inspection twice, and these hung out outside my house until they blew up.

And when when was the final for the roof?

I I don't know. This was the roofer that called for the inspections.

Can you can you tell from looking at that, or is that helpful for you to look at?

No, your honor.

I see the initial date of 08/08/2018. Okay.

And who was the roofer? I'm gonna tell you the the reason why I asked about the date, which I don't think is gonna be relevant here because, you know, when we got to 2020, things got a little weird. You know? I know that Yeah. I I understand. Or something that dropped between the cracks, but it sounds like this was all prior to 2020.

Empire Custom Builders, sir.

K. And as far as you know, they're still in business.

Yes, sir. Okay.

Alright. I see mister Raducci standing over here. Is there something you wanna

Yes, sir. Kevin Raducci, the manager for

the corporate division. I have

been sworn a question. So so we understand what you're saying. When you said the roof was pulled in for a second, is that was you're thinking that was done by the roofing company?

That was done by the roofing company. They they filed for the permitting. This was stuck outside my house.

Okay. So I I'm not sure I'm not saying you're not stating what you know, but I'm not sure what that means in terms of what we do. But if he can get the inspections, he'll be fine with the roof. I'm just talking about the roof for now. Right. But that, you can go downstairs and find out if they're either gonna charge you that fee or waive it or go look at it or whatever, and that will hopefully satisfy the roof. Right. And the other one, I don't

Yeah. The other one yeah. So yeah. So let well, let's finish talking about the roof, and then we'll go talk about the other one. Okay? So I I just wanna make sure you kinda understand what mister Ruggucci was saying, and that is that this is potentially a very easily solvable problem. It probably will require you getting in contact with a roofing contractor, I believe. I don't I I don't know. I mean, you might be able to go downstairs and then do this yourself.

At this point, if this is all it's gonna take for me to go down and actually do something, then I just Yeah.

Get it done. Yeah. That's probably at least the starting point. Yes, sir. May find out a little bit more information. So I think that's what we can do for the roof. Now let's talk about both of these, and then we'll talk about what my final action's gonna be. So the other one you're saying, when this home was purchased by, I guess, it's your mother

My yes.

Father. That that that that had already occurred.

There was a screen enclosure there when they purchased

the home.

Screen enclosure. And yeah. So the the screen enclosure.

So they didn't pull any permits. Everything was done before they even purchased the house.

Okay. There is an

expired permit for that. Right?

Mhmm. Your honor, there is an expired permit.

Right.

I don't know. During your closing sir

Yeah.

Title search, it should have come up in the title search post Yeah.

It didn't come up in the title search, but almost every and, yeah, this is where I I used to be a I used to be a settlement agent. So I closed probably in my career. I'm retired now, but I probably I closed thousands of real estate closings. So the standard of care now pretty much, whether it's a commercial title company or a law firm, whoever does the closing, is they get, they they they get a search done. It's not a title search, but it's a search that that reveals that there's open permits.

And then they you know, it will tells you there's open permit, you know, on this, and they make the seller fix that, you know, before the closing can occur. So that's kinda what mister Raducci is referring to. It's I tell you, it's not technically a part of the title search, but it is for the last twenty years. I'd say if you go back before twenty years ago, you know, it was not necessarily the standard. But since then, it's become it's become the standard. So so, unfortunately, I mean, your recourse now well, let let's talk about it. So what is so this is this this this is just a screen This is not enclosing a screen lanai. Correct?

It's really just over the pool.

It's really just the whatever the permit issue is or maybe a subsequent issue with the permit.

Right.

But since he's going downstairs anyway for the roof, you can ask them downstairs what he needs to do to reactivate the permits.

I mean, unlike that first case we had

I don't even have a screen enclosure right now. Milton saw to that. I'm fighting my insurance company to even get that. So I'm sure that when my contractor comes up to get the new enclosure, that we'll have to go through the permitting and and all that other stuff again. Yeah.

So it sound it sound sounds like there hasn't been a whole lot of communication.

I I haven't spoken with anybody. Yeah.

So and that's gonna help a lot. I mean, if you go either with this gentleman downstairs, I think you're gonna get a lot of answers. Now now I'm gonna go to the city and ask, I mean, what what action are you looking for today after hearing all of this?

The case has been going for a long time, and I have given him multiple courtesies as well as two violations. But since he's here today and he's willing to go downstairs and fix it, I'm asking for a continuance, John.

Alright. Yeah. I assume you have no no problem with a continuance.

Alright. No problem. Long as we can go down and get it done.

Yeah. I think I think once you go down with code enforcement, you're gonna get a lot of answers, and you're gonna realize that it's

not Yeah.

Difficult as you might think it is to get this correct.

The last time that we went down over the roof, I was more than willing to get it done then, but they had changed zoning laws, and they needed a packet that had all oh, I've got that now. So

I Alright. Yeah. I might I guess

I'm more than willing to go down, take care of whatever has to be taken care.

Doctor George is gonna take him down.

Alright. This gentleman back here in the back, if you'll just follow him down that because he doesn't have any cases to run, and, and he'll he'll work with you. Okay. We'll continue this till 05/22/2025 hearing. You bring this in compliance. You don't need to come back.

Wonderful.

Alright? Okay. Thank you.

Thank you, gentlemen. I appreciate you. Alright.

Next Case number CE, case, 2500276. The property owner is Stefan, Democos, and the property address is 2606 Mather Lane.

This is he.

Yeah. It's me. It's me, your honor. Alright. Actually, I met with him this morning. He is downstairs staying the line as

we speak. Okay. Alright. So so do I need let me does that just procedurally, do I just need to find that there's a violation even though he's downstairs paying the fine?

Well, we had the arborist go out there

and give us an estimate

of what he did, what he cut Yeah.

Cut down, and he gave us a price.

Yeah. This is a procedure question.

I well, they're they're well, if he pays you can find in violation because there won't be an order if

Right. If he Okay. So what was what was the number that he and the arborist agreed to?

19700.

Okay. I'm gonna find that there is a violation of two dash, five one one in Norfolk City code for, tree removal and that a fine of say the number again because I've already forgotten.

$39,400

will be imposed, and then sounds like, you know, by the time I even sign the order, it'll be resolved. So alright. Thank you. Next case is a c E case 224, 50036. Modern Builders Inc is the, property owner, and 5726 Baker Road is the property address.

That's

okay. Take your time.

Thank you.

Whenever you're ready. I'm Josh Preston, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number 24Dash50036 was initially inspected on 12/16/2024. The case is addressing the violation of Florida billing code one zero five point four point one point one in the expired same family residence permit 22Dash00019100, which expired on 12/03/2024. As of the April 22, it was still expired status, and I have not had contact with the property owner prior to today. Zero photographs presented as evidence. This property located at 5726 Baker Road. Alright.

So it looks like the permit was originally pulled or oh, okay. That's the owner and and okay. And the builder pulled the permit. Alright. Is your name for the record?

Greg Glasser. I've been sworn in.

Alright. And how are you related to Modern Builders?

I own the company.

You own the company. Okay. What do you wanna say?

I've got 19 homes either finished or under construction in the city of Northport. Those were all done for South American investors. Part of their contract was there to pay all the closing costs, all the interest carry and everything else for the loan that I was able to get them. When the market dropped, they decided not to pay another dime. They currently owe me about a 3 quarters of $1,000,000.

Consequently, I've got five of those of the group that doesn't appear here already c o'd, but I can't sell them because their attorney decided to put a Liz pendants on all the properties. So even though I've got finished product, I can't sell them with a Liz pendants on it. We are currently in three court battles with them as recently as one yesterday that they're placing trial. I don't anticipate they're being resolved to this anytime in the near future. To make it worse, the senior lender that has the funds that loaned, because all the loans were cross collateralized, will no longer fund draws.

So we were able to pay interest up until October, finish a group of homes, get them CO. We've not seen a dime from them, which is over a half $1,000,000 in draws. They won't pay because of the loose pendants Until that's removed and we're waiting for a judge in Sarasota County to make a decision on that, which quite frankly we feel will be in our favor. But at this point, our hands are completely tied. We've expense virtually every dollar we have in order to try and keep things alive, but at this point, we can't.

What's the what's the completion status of this particular phone?

These are basically complete with the exception of having the, I believe, final inspection, which would be the CO.

Alright. So alright. So the reason I asked that question, I was thinking of, you know, public health and safety issues. I mean, is is it are the is this home, like, secured?

Oh, yeah. They're completely locked up. Impact glass, I mean, they're tight as a

tick. Alright. When was the so are you are you is your company the plaintiff in this litigation?

I'm I'm the defendant defending against the Liz pendants to start to get that removed.

Okay. And I've The Liz pendants was filed not by the lender, but by the investor?

By the by the client that we're building for. Right. They bought these for investment to resell.

And And when did they file this case?

It would have been, I believe, in May. We've had pretrials with extension. So

Your honor,

if I Yeah. Go ahead.

So Kevin Rucci, manager for the code enforcement division, I've been sworn. Again, the easiest way to alleviate this is to have the the governor in charge of the property reactivate the permit. It'll divide them six months. Right. It'll close out the perm. It'll close out the code enforcement case, and then they can work on whatever way they're gonna dispose of the

property or or finish it or whatever else.

Right.

Yeah. I yeah. The again, just so both of you know. So my the reason I'm at I asked some of those questions, it was not so much about the the decision to find that there's a violation. You know, I'm kind of already I'm already there.

Right.

But but as you know, this is this is a pretty significant daily fine. Correct. That that's the maximum. And so the reason I was asking those questions is is there really a public health and safety issue here and to make the daily fine a little more tolerable? So if they decide, hey. Cost of doing business, we'll just let the mine run. Eventually, they'll have to pay it. But if, you know, it won't be growing at $50 a day Is it Yeah. Then that's that's that's kind of You said it's ready for the final So that's that's why I was asking those questions. I well, yeah.

The other the way these are working is not only are they permitted, the neighbors are tired

of seeing the south of half built or three quarter built and

just they believe it, you know, constricts their property value if they were to sell.

Is this one landscaped yet?

Yeah. Is it

all Some of these are landscape ones that we're talking about here is landscape.

It is landscape.

Is it sodden? Yes. There was anything because I don't know. Somebody cutting the grass.

We did have the mode. Currently, the bank is in the process of foreclosing on all of them. So they've taken over the taxes.

So it'll be our recommendation, your honor, than to find it in violation.

Well, I mean, again, I'm I'm already there. My my question is, you know, there's a spread of, you know, the daily fine being anywhere from 1 to $50 a day. And and I'm I'm leaning a little bit more towards the lower end of that spectrum than the higher end because this now, again, he may come to me with a house that, you know, is not secure, is a public health issue, and my decision may be complete. I may say the maximum fine. I'm just that's kinda what's going through my mind right now. So and I see the assistant city attorney standing there, so he wants to speak. So go ahead.

Yes. I I just wanted to bring up that, the the city has met their burden on the fact that all they really have to prove here is that there was a permit. It's expired. So all the other aspects of the ongoing litigation are not necessarily relevant to the burden that the city does have to prove here. The permit has been expired since December 2024, which is a relatively long time for a builder. I think there is that aspect of it, which is a builder. They do know what their responsibilities are. So I do think that is something for you to take into consideration here.

Does the city have any kind of opinion about what the daily fines would be? I I think I'm gonna leave the maximum at the maximum. I'll tell you that. But but because, that that then they have a decision to make. You know? Is it cost of doing business, and do we just let the fine run? And we just deal with it down the road, or do we walk downstairs and, you know, renew the permit?

So that is an option. I mean, that's It is. His option.

I know. But so but my well, I'm gonna okay. I'm gonna broadcast what the daily fine I'm thinking about. I'm thinking about $10 a day instead of $50 a day.

No. I don't think that's appropriate. Like I said, they're they're a professional. This is something they know that they have to do. Again, I don't think that their litigation is something that should be considered here. This is something that is their professional business every single day. They know what they need to do for the city's considerations. This is something that every single individual has to do. It has nothing to do with their This is a requirement of the city and any any individual of the city regardless of what's going on in their personal life, and we have reasons that we have this in the city code.

I've got something to add.

Well and I and I I will tell you this, that even at $10 a day, just from the pure cost, it's probably cheaper to go renew the permit than to pay the fine.

I I don't disagree with you. I I've been a a contractor in the state of Florida for forty eight years. Right. Built those 8,000 homes. I've never experienced this in my life.

So this this is a whole new whole new show as far as I'm concerned and how to work through this. The bank is in the process of taking these over and in with the intent of hiring the contractor on the other houses to complete and then to go ahead and remove the list pendants with the foreclosure and then sell these. So I'm sort of stuck in the middle where I have no funds coming in to pay for anything and that's what makes it difficult. So you're being able to pay $75 and get a an extension for the permit is really a matter of buying time before the bank goes ahead and forecloses and and

Yeah. So in addition to the list pendants that you're that that you the first one you talked about, there there's another there's another one out there too, right, with the pick by the ultimate lender.

There's a there's pendants by the one lender on 18 of them right now.

And yeah. Because, again, initially, the the group that hired you to build these houses, they have filed a list pendant against you, but there's also a mortgage lender that's involved that's also bottle of those pendants and therefore closing

the Right? The interesting thing about the list pendants of the lender is indications with attorneys is if we get the list pendants removed by the judge in Sarasota against the clients that we're building for, they will go ahead and negotiate, remove the list pendants so that we can sell these properties. Okay. It's a it's a mess.

Okay. And I see someone else who wants to speak to, so I will let her speak.

Good morning. Elena Ray, the director of development services. For the record, have been sworn. We do find that lower fines tend to disincentivize getting these permits renewed. They will just let that fine ride. The higher fines outweigh the cost of the permit. So we find that if the fines are higher per day, they do tend to come down and renew these permits. The actions that he is dealing with separate from this are not relevant to whether the final inspections and the COs can be issued. That can still be done. The city is not concerned with whether he has money coming in from outside investors.

We are concerned with ensuring that these homes have met their final inspections and are CO'd and off our books. That is the point that we are most concerned with to ensure that the health, safety, and welfare of the surrounding residents have been protected. So we are simply concerned with getting the final inspections done, getting the CO done.

So I have just one more question. And that is I may if you can pull back the permit screen again. So is Modern Builders Inc. The current title holder to this property? Or is it because it started off, it looked like the owner was is EDD Club Investment LLC.

Correct. The owner of the property, because the fact they're foreign nationals and nonresident aliens, found out they could not get a loan. I found a lender that could do the loan as long as the property was unencumbered and was owned outright. They then deeded the property in modern buildings Okay. Which the lender encumbered with, obviously, a mortgage Right. A lien on it for building purposes and equity.

Alright. I'm gonna give you the last word if there's anything else you wanna say.

To be honest with you, I don't know what to say. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard spot, and I don't know what to do. So if it's a matter of going down and and paying the fee for an extension of of permits, I'm in hopes that the foreclosure will go through, the bank will go ahead conceivably bring their new contractor in, which is what they do, and sell it, and I'm done with it. Right. That's what my hopes are. Okay. Alright.

So I'm gonna find that there is a violation of, section one zero five point four point one point one of the Florida Building Code for this permit, which expired on 12/03/2024. And, again, we've talked a lot about what the daily fine would be. After hearing all the testimony regarding that, I am gonna impose the maximum daily fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000, which will commence on May 2025 if not brought oh, no. It will commence on 05/19/2025 if not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025. So you got till May 18.

And and then as I said, I think even if I impose the lower fine, the economic sense still makes more sense to go down and just renew it. It buys you another six months. So alright. Sure.

I I I absolutely agree with you.

Okay. All

I can do is is is hope from your mouth to gods here that this thing gets resolved sooner rather than

that. Okay. So the next case is yours so you can, I I guess it is? This is the one that okay. So this is case number CECase245227. And is this the owner name and the docket incorrect? That no. Come back come back here, gentlemen, sir. Are you are you also the owner of 4456 Ripken Avenue?

Yes.

It's the

same scenario.

Okay. Stay there. Okay. So, and is this this one? So you hold on a second here. I'm just trying to So I'm trying to find out who Ryan Dalton is.

We had no idea. Just lady asked, and I said

Okay. So now here's my question. Is is the notice on this one correct, or is there a deficiency in the notice?

Leslie, can you check the Yeah. The property appraiser or

whatever type of we have, please?

You believe it's correct?

I I believe. Believe.

Yeah. Scroll down so we can see through the prior. I don't see Ryan Dalton anywhere. Does that mean this one got a defect?

I I don't wanna answer yet because I don't prepare those that paper anyhow.

Know if I will Yeah. Vary that for you.

Does it look like it's incorrect?

One bears COVID. Why is it wrong?

That's the plumber.

Oh, it's a subcontractor.

Yeah. It's a subcontractor. Maybe a computer app

or something. You're I see it.

Oh, it's for It's because it's saying this is the primary contract Yeah. Builders is right here. Your honor, it's just a nacelle goof up the actual here are all the contacts. You can see modern builders is the property. Okay.

Right here. So so every every notice that got sent out got sent out to modern builders?

It should have been. Yeah. Because it was even posted on property on it.

Okay. Alright. Okay. So good thing you stayed right there. So it doesn't look like there's an administrative error that caused a a notice problem here. So, so the instead of, you know, instead of Ryan Dalton, this one is also Modern Builders Inc. So tell me, well, go ahead and put your case on. And then

Well, I I have not been sworn. I stepped out

of the k. Can you do one more oath?

You raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to provide is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge to help you by?

Yes. Good morning, your honor. I'm Louis Sabone, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number 24Dash50227 was originally, inspected on 12/30/2024. This is the addressing the violation of Florida building code, one zero five point four point one point one.

Permit expired. The permit number is is 22Dash00017161 expired on 12/17/2024. Last time the property was inspected was on 03/20/2025. I have not been in contact with the owner, and I have zero photos for the property located at 4456 Brooklyn Avenue.

Okay. Alright. Kind of the same story

or Same scenario.

Same scenario. Okay. Alright. I mean, this this is more out of curiosity. So what's the status of this house?

It's the same as as.

It's one

of those original five that Okay. Pretty much wrapped up. Alright. Alright.

I am gonna find that there is a violation of, section one zero five point four point one point one of the board of building code for this, permit on this single family residential house, which expired on 12/17/2024, and a fine of $50 a day with a maximum $5,000 to commence on 03/19/2025, not brought in or excuse me. 05/19/2025. Not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025. Alright.

The key there is to go ahead and and do an extension on the permit if I'm

Yeah. Same same same scenario.

Okay. Thank you. Okay. Alright.

Is there a

Thank you,

Alright.

Last but not least, case number CECase242876. The property owner is Darice Clearwaters, and the property address is 5257 Verande Avenue.

That one should have been directed.

Your honor, she is.

Manager for the code. She just stepped out?

She went downstairs, I believe, to reactivate the permit.

So if we Yeah. Let's just con yeah. We'll just hold off on this one until we see her come back, and then I'll go down

and check. What's the address again?

It's 5257.

And Randy

Randy. Okay.

While he's doing that, we'll go I don't see anybody else here for cases, so we'll go start back with the ones yeah. Just keep that one out. Okay. Next is case CECase242128. The property owner is Jim Berger. The property address is 6260 Fremont Street. Alright.

I'm Josh Preston, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn.

I'll put these pictures up for me in the meantime.

Case number 24Dash2128 was initially inspected on 05/09/2024. This case is addressing violation of, IPMC three

zero

four exterior structures, journal on safe condition, the roof on the roof on the north side of the residence showing heavy signs of deterioration. Additionally, roofing material appears to be missing on the south side of the roof. And, obviously, accumulation of debris, which is code four two dash two three. There's an accumulation of debris in the front yard consisting of other roofing materials that is now on the ground instead of on the roof. The property was last inspected on 04/22/2025. I have not been in contact with the property owner, and I have two photographs present as evidence. Photos are true and accurate depiction of the property located at 6230 Fremont Street in Northport.

Okay. So the the IPMC, that part of the Florida building code? Correct. Okay. Alright.

Alright. I'm going to find that there is a violation of 42 dash 23 of the Norfolk City code for this accumulation of debris that's, in the front of the house and on the side of the house, a fine of $10 a day with a maximum $1,000 will commence on 05/19/2025, if not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025. We find that there is a a violation of, the IPMC. I think it's Florida statute, three zero four point one, I think. That's Florida statute number, for the, you know, the the deterioration of the roof and, unsafe conditions, a fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on May 2025.

It's not brought in compliance by 05/18/2025. I think twenty twenty nine, twenty twenty five. Alright. Okay. Alright. Okay. Let's see. That's number 10. Okay. So, Doris Clearwaters, if you could come up here. This is case number CECase242876. Property address is 5257 Verandee Avenue.

Hey. I'm Josh Preston, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number 24Dash2876 was initially inspected on, 07/08/2024 by inspector Nathan Long, who's no longer with the code enforcement division. This case is addressing the violation of four building code one zero five point four point one point one being a reroof permit 2300008833, which expired on 10/11/2023. Oh, and apparently, it was reissued just moments ago.

So Alright. So is it in compliance now then?

It would be in compliance.

Alright. So is there anything you wanna say?

Well, there were some other things on that list that they wanted me to correct.

No. Alright.

Again The trash can those have that's been found in compliance as well.

And what? We that was all They're saying those are also in compliance. So we are we are good. Alright.

Okay.

Hope we'll find that that's in compliance. It's done. Thank you, man.

Thank you, man.

Alright. The next one is case number CECase242912. The property owner is Victoria l Todd, revocable trust. The property address is 3104 Junction Street.

Yes.

I'm Louis Sabone, a code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number 24Dash2912 was originally inspected on 07/08/2024. The case, addressing violation has two expired permit. One is 22Dash17344 reroof and expired on 06/12/2023. Permit number two is 17Dash0007954.

Complete mechanical change out expired at 06/1118. The property was last inspected on 03/20/2025. I have not been in contact with the homeowner, and I have zero photos presented evidence. And the photos are true. Oh, well, there's no photos.

They're they're amazing.

Location at, 3104 Junction Street.

Okay. And I've kinda asked this question before. So, you know, are you looking for two independent violations with two fines or the or the fines running or two violations here?

Yes, sir.

Sir.

I see a number one, though, back there. That an okay? I know. Okay. Yeah. Alright. Okay. Alright. I find that there is a violation of chapter one zero five point one of the board building code. There's two expired permits, one for the reroof, one for the mechanical change out. So, because of these two violations, a fine of a $100 a day with a maximum of $10,000 will commence on 05/19/2025. It's not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025.

Thank you, your honor.

Alright. Next one is case c, case 243369. The property owner is Latitude Northport LLC, and the property address is 2523 Viola Avenue.

Morning, your honor. My name is Gavin O'Neil, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport. I have been sworn. This is case number 243369, initially inspected on 07/31 at twenty four. This case is addressing the violation of one zero five point four point one one of the Florida building code expired single family residence permit. The property was last inspected on 04/2325. I've not had any contact with the property owner today, and I have zero photos to present as evidence.

Okay. I know you have zero photos, but have you been to the site?

Yes, your honor.

And now what's the basic status of this? Is it

The entire building's put together. It's been sodded. The roof's good. The doors are all closed. It's just in just hasn't been finished or CO ed.

Alright. Okay. I'm gonna find that there is a violation of one zero five point four point one point one of the Florida Building Code, for this expired permit twenty one ten two three eight. A fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on 05/19/2025. If not, project compliance by 05/18/2025.

And the next case is case number CECase243450. The property owner is Berhal, Sharon, or Jessica. I don't know which, you know, which is the I guess this maybe Sharon Jessica Burkhart Burhao. The property address is 5942 Trumpet Street.

Yes, your honor. My name is Gavin O'Neil. I'm code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport. I've been sworn. This is case number 243450, which was initially inspected on 08/07/2024. The case is addressing the violation of one zero five point four point one one of the Florida building code, which is the expired shed permit. The property has last been inspected on 04/23 at '25. I've not had any contact with the property owner. I have zero photos as evidence for 5942 Trumpet Street.

Okay. So is the fence permit also still outstanding expired? Or

as of currently, the North Port City code in the Florida, doesn't do fence permits anymore. Okay. So So all outstanding

you're just dropping that one.

Yes, your honor.

Okay. Okay. Alright. I'm gonna find that there is a violation of 105.40.10.1 of the board of billing code for this expired permit for the shed. That's permit number 22842. A fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on 05/19/2025, not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025. And, again, well, that's interesting about fences.

Yes, your honor.

But the but the sheds kinda I mean, you know, we're a couple months away from hurricane season. And, and, yeah, both sheds and fences can fly around. It's, it's interesting that fences don't require permits anymore, but that's not my problem, I guess. Case number CE case 243811. The property owner is Carlos and Dolores, Kinzel, and the property address is 2772 West Price Boulevard.

Yes, your honor. I'm Lewis Sabone, code enforcement inspector for the city of Norfolk, and I have been sworn. Case number 24Dash3811 was initially inspected on 09/11/2024. This case addressed the violation of seventy dash one eight North Port City code damage to roads and one zero five point one Florida building code permit required for covert installation. The permit has been inspected multiple times, most recently on 03/20/2025.

I have been in contact with the property owner. I have three photos to present as evidence. The photos are true and accurate depiction of the property located at 2772 West Price Boulevard.

So the damage to the road is that area that's just to the right of the driveway? Yes, sir. Basically, the edge of the road is Yeah.

Yeah. They put the driveway and culvert in without permits, and that is what's causing the damage because it's causing flooding.

Alright. Anything else?

No, your honor.

Alright. So I'm gonna find that there's a violation of Norfolk City code 70 dash 19. The damage to the road and sidewalk, again, that you can see it, is mostly to the right of where they installed the driveway, but it's probably also right where they installed the driveway. A fine of $10 a day with a maximum of $1,000 will commence on 05/19/2025, not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025. And then also, you know, a final violation of section one zero five point one of the Florida building code, for no permit for this work that was done, which installed this driveway with the culvert, and a fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on 05/19/2025.

It's not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025.

Thank you, your honor.

Alright. The next case is CE case 24, 4118. Property owner is Daniel and Alexandria DeWitt. The property address is 8209 Galbott Avenue. And,

of course, those are done. Good morning, your honor. My name is Gavin O'Neill. I'm the code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport. I have been sworn. This is case number 244118, which was initially inspected on 10/23/2024. This case is addressing the violation of three zero two point seven IPMC for a damaged pool cage and three zero four point one point one of the IPMC for a damaged roof and shingles. The property was last inspected on 04/2225. I have not had any contact with the property owner today. I have three photos presented evidence.

The photos are true and accurate depiction of the property located at 8209 Galvin Avenue. And then And you had one more. I think

I well, if it's yeah. That one. Okay. Okay. I'm gonna once again so there's a couple questions here. One is, this is one of those situations where Northport City County has brought in the Florida building codes. So this these are Florida building code violations. Not yet. Okay. And, again, like I asked before, there's technically two different violations going on here.

Is the city looking for one or two? Two, I see, from the back of the room. So, okay, I'm gonna find that there is a violation two violations of, 42 Dash 85, which incorporates the Florida building code, one for the conditions of the roof and the other for this this condition that's basically, this looks like the lanai has collapsed here. Is that

Yes, sir.

The collapse of the of the lanai. So a fine of a $100 a day with a maximum of $10,000 will commence on 05/19/2025, if not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025.

Thank you, your honor.

Alright. The next is case number CECase244223. The property owner is Kimberly Isher. The property address is 5181 Jensen Avenue.

Morning, your honor. I'm Gavin O'Neil. I'm city co inspector for the city of Northport. I have been sworn. This is case number 244223, initially inspected on 11/04/2024 by code enforcement inspector Nathan Long. This case is addressing the violation of 59 dash one c one of the North Port City code, or a boat being stored on a vacant lot. Property has been inspected on multiple occasions, most recently, 04/21/2025. I have not had any contact with the property owner today, and I have one photo to present as evidence. The photos are true and accurate depiction of the property located at 5181 Gensley Avenue. Okay.

I find that there is a violation of, section 59 dash one c one of the Northport, city code for this boat, and it looks like it's on a trailer, sitting on this property, and a fine of $10 a day with, a maximum of $1,000 will commence on 05/19/2025. It's not filed in compliance by 05/18/2025. Alright. Next is case CE case 2450046. The property owner is Leopold Wagner, life estate, Deborah Wagner, Janie Jacobs, and the property, address is 5004 Kingsley Road.

Oh, okay. And if you wanna run both of them at the same time, the next case is CECase twenty four five zero zero four nine. Again, same property owner, same address.

Yes, your honor. My name is Gavin O'Neil, code enforcement inspector for the city in Northport. I've been sworn. This is for case numbers 24Dash50046 and 50049, which were both inspected with the at the same time. The first case for 50046 is addressing the code violation 70Dash56H of the Northport City code, and 50049 is addressing 59Dash1B4 Northport city code and 44501.17 of the Florida building code.

At this time, it was most recently inspected at 42325, and I have not had any contact with the property owner. I have a total of two pictures that are a true and accurate depiction of the property at 4 or at 5004 Kingsley Road. I would also like to note, your honor, that, 50046 is a repeat case as well where the fines had been in place in the last October hearing.

And it's Okay. Well and there so there's and that so my next question, there's repetition that's showing the assigned numbers is in both cases. And and you're saying, though, that this is not the first time there's been no assigned numbers as it's a repeat violation?

Yes, sir.

So then my next question, and this is kind of a procedural question, is Loading. Because of this repetition here, is your preference just to go ahead and have both violations in the case that ends with four nine or have, you know, the repeat violation in the case that's 4 I again, maybe how you noticed it. Was 46 noticed as a repeat violation, or was 49 noticed as a repeat violation for the assigned numbers?

Your honor, I can I would have to check the checklist on the 49

Give me a second?

Because or, yeah, on 49 because I'm pretty sure that I'd taken the in compliance for the house numbers on 4 On 50049. However, it would still be on 50046 because that was the original case. I had a neighbor do a CO concern for the house numbers as well as the parking. That's why there would be a duplicate for the house numbers.

Okay. So, again, I but but Yeah. So it sounds like the 46 is the one that you want to be the active repeat violation for the house numbers.

Yes, your honor. Okay.

Alright. So, and then I gotta pull up my cheat sheet again. Repeat violation. So, okay. Alright. Alright. So, yeah, again, repeat violation covers a whole, you know, spectrum of issues here. So, and I'm never that concerned about the maximum fine. I'm more concerned about daily fine as far as is this type of situation. Does the city have a recommendation on what the daily fine should be for the repeat violation? And I see mister Roducci walking down, so he may have an opinion.

Morning, your honor. Keppra Roducci. I've been sworn. I've been here in I've been, working for the city over ten years. This property has been it's Kingsley. Correct?

Yes.

Property has been a constant concern for us, multiple cases. We always cut the grass a couple times a year at least, and the there's prior cases with with the same violations. So it'd be my recommendation to, enforce the maximum.

Which is $250 a day?

Yes, sir.

Okay. Alright. Well and they're not here. So, okay. So let me deal with, CE case 2450046. I find that there is a violation of seventy five six h of the Northport city code for, failure to have house numbers visible from the street, that this is a repeat violation. And so a fine of $250 a day with a maximum excuse me. Yeah. Well, it's actually up to $5,500. I I'm gonna do it at $250 a day with a maximum of $25,000.

We'll commence on 05/19/2025. It's not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025. And then moving to case number 2450049, essentially, I'm just gonna rule that we dealt with the assigned numbers in that prior case. So we're just and we're just not addressing that. I'm not dismissing it. I'm just I'm just not addressing it. And then and then, and we haven't really you haven't gotten into the photos for for that yet, have you?

Your honor, the, the Acela is down.

Oh, okay. Well, then do we just take a recess until the Acela system comes back up? I mean, I can also just take if you if you were there and you took the photos, yeah, you can describe to me also what you saw.

Oh, yes, your honor. So for 59Dash1B4 for the improper parking, there is a van with stored on the property. All wheels are flat. Windows open in the front and the two on

the driver's side are shattered.

Okay. There's a truck in the back of the property that has a fallen tree on top of it with the roof that is smashed in as well as the the window in the front. Okay. So both vehicles are inoperable. Alright. And then for, 4501.17 of the Florida building code for the accessory structure in the back, the entire framing of the screened in lanai in the back has collapsed on itself.

Oh, I that is just case. I don't see that one on this particular case. It does just say parking. That's in here.

Let's get into it. Here you go, your honor. Residential swimming barrier requirement.

Okay. So that was in the notice. Is this not on the agenda? Is that what you're saying?

Yes, your honor. Okay.

Alright. And that is a Florida building code violation?

Yes, your honor.

Okay.

Okay. Well and that maybe okay. So I'm gonna go back to the prohibited parking. So, again, that's are you looking for me to find one violation of that or two individual violations of that?

Two, your honor. Two? Okay. So,

alright. So, again, I I said what that we just weren't gonna deal with the assigned numbers in this case because we dealt with it in another case As to the, prohibited parking based upon the testimony of the code enforcement officer, I find that there is a violation of Norfolk City code 59 dash one. The four two violations, one for the inoperable van that's parked in the front and the other one for the inoperable truck that's parked in the back. Fine of $20 a day with a maximum of $2,000 will commence on, 05/19/2025, not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025. And then as to the, collapse screen, again, based upon is it working now?

I mean, can you can you go ahead and bring the photo up?

It's not loading now. It's

still Okay. It's so, again, based upon the testimony of the code enforcement officer, regarding this, basically, a collapsed, you know, screen enclosure on the back of the property, I find that there is a violation of Florida building code. What's the section again? It is I don't have it in the Yeah.

Yeah. 40501.17 of the Florida

building code. That that violation of the, building code and a fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence. Alright. Case number CECase2500181. The property owner is Robert Ransom, Michelle Ransom. The property address is 1604 Polenburg Avenue.

Your honor,

that case has

been in front of compliance.

Okay. Well, this And his quote. We will mark that one

as

compliant. Then next one is case number CECase2500214. The property owner is Adam Sauter or Sauter. The property I this is they're this must be a vacant lot. There's no property address. It's partial ID 0946060718.

Yes, your honor. I'm Gavin O'Neil, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport. I have been sworn. This is case number 2500214, which was initially inspected on 01/2425. This case is addressing the violation at 2Dash155B1B one of the land clearing. Permit was not secured for the removal of the trees. This property is residential. The number of trees removed was unable to be determined. However, the affected area is six is one about one and a half acres. The arborist said the fine should be around $60,000.

Is that it was Wait. What? I'm sorry. We're on unknown.

Six 60,000 square feet was the area

that was Okay. I was about to say I was doing the math there on math that makes sense. Yes. Okay. So, yeah, so that's 15 times six. There we go. Yeah.

Oops.

300. $90,000 is the number I come up with is

is

what

Yes, your honor. Okay.

Alright. I think that's all I need. Okay. I'm gonna find that in this case that there is a violation of Norfolk City code two dash five one one that, trees were removed without a permit. I'm gonna make a finding that the property is zoned residential, that the number of trees removed is unknown, and that based upon a lot size of approximately 60 or in excess of 60,000 square feet, a fine of $90,000 will be imposed.

Next is case number CECase2500217. Property owner is Hugh Sparks and Marissa Kippen, and the property address is 8396 Trio, Toronto Avenue.

I don't have any pictures. Oh, that's right.

I'm Josh Preston, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number 25Dash00217 was initially inspected on 01/24/2025. This case was addressing the violation of Northport City code forty two dash twenty three accumulation of debris, numerous bicycle parts, lawnmowers, other miscellaneous household debris, and the right of way and throughout the entire property. We've had numerous complaints from area residents on this residence as well. I have not been in contact with the property owner prior to today.

And, unfortunately, I cannot show you the pictures, but, as of the twenty second, it was actually worse than what it was when I went out there in January. Okay.

Alright. I'm gonna find that there is a violation of section 42 dash 23, Norfolk City code based upon the testimony of the code enforcement officer for this accumulation of debris, which sounds like it's pretty much all over the property. The property appraised. Mean Right. You're trying to do something?

Yeah. We're just trying to reset the Okay. Just to see

if Alright. And so I find that there's a a fine of $10 a day with a maximum $1,000 will commence on 05/19/2025. It's not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025. Well, you had a lot of modems too. There was

there was a lot.

We're gonna see if we can pull them up. Doesn't work. Okay. It's the server then. It's

not Yeah. That's fine. Again, it's warrant testimony. I can I can take that? So, next is case number CECase2500240. Property owner is Remy Prisales, and the property address is 2212 Alliance Avenue.

Yes, your honor. I'm Lewis Sabone, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number 25Dash00240 was initially inspected on 02/04/2025. This case is addressing the violation of Northport city code 25 dash one b one prohibited parking and right of way and parking on an unimproved surface. The property was last inspected at 04/04/2025. I have not been in contact with the property owner. I do have three photos present as evidence. The photos are true and accurate description of the property located at 2212 Alliance Ave.

Okay. So just describe to me what's shown in the photo.

There is three photos. One of them is of a boat on a trailer that is parked on the side of the house. The other one is of a car parked in the city right of way, and then the other one is of a SUV. I believe it's like a Chevy Tahoe parked as well on the city right of way without a license plate.

Okay. Okay. So once again, I'm gonna ask. We're we're talking about one or three violations here. Okay? So, I'm gonna find that there is a violation of 59Dash1B one at the Norfolk City code for three different vehicles, that are parked, one of them without a tag, and they're the three vehicles are parked in the locations as described by the code enforcement officer in their testimony. A fine of $30 a day with a maximum of $3,000 will commence on 05/19/2025 if not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025.

Thank you, your honor.

Okay. Case number CECase2500359. The property owner is Sergei, Buntillo, and the property ID for this parcel is, zero nine five zero one three five three one zero.

Yes, your honor. Morning, your honor. My name is Gavin O'Neil, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport. I have been sworn. This is case number 2500359, which was initially inspected on 02/20/2025. This case is addressing 2Dash511B1B1. For the land clearing, this property is residential. The the number of trees is unable to be determined, but the effective area of the property is 10,000 square feet.

Alright. We are

asking for the maximum fine.

Okay. Gonna find that there is a a violation of, section two two dash five one one in Norfolk City code for removal of trees. Permit, I'm gonna make a finding that this property is owned residential, that the number of trees removed is unknown, that the size of the lot is, is at least 10,000 square feet, and the fine imposed to be $15,000.

Oh, it is now? Oh, look at that, your honor.

They're working now. Yeah. Go ahead and

put them. And never mind. So

you thought. Okay. The next case is CE case 2500360. The property owner is Steve Arlinski. This is again, it must be a vacant parcel. The parcel ID 0950135311.

Morning, your honor. I'm Gavin O'Neil, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport. I have been sworn. This is case number 2500360. Initially inspected on 02/20/2025. This case was addressing the violation of two Dash511 b one b one for LandClear. This is a residential lot. Number of trees removed is unable to be determined, and the affected area of the property is 10,000 square feet. We're asking for the maximum fine.

Alright. I'm gonna find that there's a violation of, section two dash five one one in the Norfolk City code for removing trees from the slot without obtaining a permit. We're make a finding that the property is zoned residential, that the number of trees removed is unknown, and the lot size is at least 10,000 square feet, the fine of $15,000 will be imposed. Next is, case c e case 22450006. Property owner is Janoy and the property address is 4703 Los Alamos Avenue.

I'm Josh Preston, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number 24Dash50006 was initially inspected on 12/13/2024. This case is addressing the following following violation of Fordham Building Code one zero five point four point one point one, single family residence permit expired 02/1986, which expired 12/02/2024. This was last expected on the April 22. I have not been in contact with the property owner prior to today. Zero photos to present as evidence, and this is addressing 4703 Of Los Alamos Avenue.

Alright.

We had a file that there is a violation of section one zero five point four point one point one of the Florida building code for this expired permit, which is was for a, new residential single family house, which expired on 12/02/2024, A fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on 05/19/2025 if not brought in compliance by 05/18/2025. What's the I mean, you know offhand, but you remember what the condition of this house is, the stage of construction is? I do not recall that. That's alright. I don't it it doesn't really make any difference.

I was just satisfied with curiosity. Next is case, CE case 22450064. The property owner is William Peters, and the property address is 4481 Amanda Avenue.

Alright. I'm Josh Preston, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport. I have been sworn. Case number 24Dash50064 was initially inspected on 12/16/2024. This case is addressing the violation of Florida building code one zero five point four point one point one, expired demolition permit 24Dash00000527, which expired on 12/04/2024. I have had not had contact with the property owner prior to today. This do we have pictures of that? I don't know. So the state on on this one, sir, is is a just a slab, and it's all overgrown. They never made it past the Okay.

Nope. Nope. Okay. And so the so the demolition permit would have been just to take Get rid of the slab. Pull it out. Okay. Alright. Alright. I'm gonna find that there is a violation of section one zero five point four point one point one of the board of building code for this expired permit, which expired on 12/04/2024. A fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on 05/19/2025.

It's not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025. Next is case CE case 2500025. The property owner is David Tolentino and Therese Tolentino. The property address is 1571 Marasco Lane.

Okay. I'm Josh Preston, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number 25Dash00025 was initially inspected on 01/03/2025. This case is addressing a violation of Florida building code 105.40.10.1, expired roof permit. Roof number is 24Dash00008305, which expired 12/23/2024. As of April 22, this has not been resolved. I have not had contact with the property owner prior to today.

Alright. So I'm gonna find that there's a violation of section one zero five point four point one point one of the board of building code for this roof permit reroute permit, which expired on 12/2324. A fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on 05/19/2025. It's not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025. Next is case c e case 2500041. Property owner is Priscilla Baker and Windrith Baker. Property address is 4533 Hartsook Avenue.

I'm Josh Preston, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number 25Dash00041 was initially inspected on 01/06/2025. This case is addressing the violation of Florida building code 105.40.10.1 expired door window permit 24Dash00008080, which expired 12/24/2024. I have not had contact with the property, owner prior to this date, and, this is addressing 4533 Hartsfield Avenue.

Alright. I find that there's a violation of section one zero five point four point one point one in the Florida billing code for this expired door window permit, which expired on, 12/24/2020 12/24/2024. A fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on 05/19/2025. It's not brought into compliance by 05/18/2025. Next is case number CCase2500079. Property owner is Young. The property address is 4394 Wood Successor Avenue. I'm Josh Preston,

code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. Case number 25Dash00079 was initially inspected on 01/07/2025. This case is addressing the violation of Florida building code one zero five point four point one point one. It's a single family residence permit that has expired 06Dash00005904, which expired on 12/28/2024. I have not been in contact with this property owner as well, and this is addressing the property located at 4394 Worcester.

I find that there's a violation of section one zero five point four point one point one of the Florida building code for this single family home permit, which expired on 12/28/2024. A fine of $50 a day with a maximum of $5,000 will commence on 05/19/2025. It's not brought into compliance by May 18. Next is case CE case 2500092. Neal Communities Florida LLC is property owner, and the property address is 18230 Vizcaya Court.

Morning, your honor. I'm Gavin O'Neil, code enforcement inspector for the city of Northport, and I have been sworn. This is case number 2500092, initially inspected on 01/08/2025. Case is addressing 105.40.11 of the Florida Building Code and expired commercial gas permit. Property has been inspected on multiple occasions, most recently on 042325. I've not had contact with the property owner today, and this is the property located at 18230 Vizcaya Circ Circuit.

It's like a shopping center? Or

This is, out in Welland Park, your honor. Okay. It is a it is a house.