Minutes - 09.16.2024 - Code Enforcement BoardCITY OF CLERMONT
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Chair May called the meeting of the Code Enforcement Board to order on Monday,
September 16, 2024, at 6:00 pm.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair May, Vice -Chair Camps, Member Fomoles, Member Forth,
Member Kilburn, and Member Whitehead
MEMBER ABSENT: Member Falcone
ALSO PRESENT: Code Enforcement Officers Snodgrass, and Cortez; Code Enforcement
Manager Wallace, Code Board Attorney Brackins, City Attorney Brandt, Development Services
Director Henschel, and Development Services Coordinator Heard
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
MINUTES
Motion to approve the Minutes for the July 15, 2024 Code Enforcement Board Meetin.er Moved
by Member Whitehead.- Seconded by Vice -Chair Camps. Motion gassed 6-0 with Member Falcone
absent.
OPENING STATEMENT
Chair May made the opening remarks.
SWEARING IN WITNESSES
Code Enforcement Officers Wallace, Cortez, and Snodgrass, city staff, along with any of the public
who may testify were sworn in.
OTHER BUSINESS
ITEM 1— CASE NO. C2404-0069
Libre Real Estate LLC
1000 W. Montrose Street
LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 1000 W. Montrose Street
REQUEST: Motion to Lien
The Respondent was not present.
City Attorney Brandt introduced the case and explained at the July meeting this Board found that
a violation existed on this property for weeds. As of today, this property is still not in compliance.
The property owner and agent have been sent proper notice, and no one is present representing the
property. The City is requesting a lien be placed on the property in the amount of $4,800 and
continue to accrue until the property comes into compliance.
Member Vice -Chair Camps made a motion to lien in Case No. C2404-0069- seconded b_trMember
Forth. Motion passed 6-0 with Member Falcone absent.
Code Enforcement Board Meeting
September 16, 2024-
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ITEM 2 — CASE NO. C2404-0035
Kings Ridge Golf Club of Lake County LLC
1950 Kings Ridge Blvd
LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 1950 Kings Ridge Blvd
REQUEST: Reduction of Fine
City Attorney Brandt introduced the case and asked if anyone is present representing Kings Ridge.
Representative Stephen Finch for Respondent was present and sworn in.
Stephen Finch, Representative for Kings Ridge, 1950 Kings Ridge Boulevard, asked for their fines
to be reduced and explained the circumstances involved in order to come into compliance and get
the violations resolved.
City Attorney Brandt explained Kings Ridge resolved the violation and have remained in
compliance; and further, the City accepts the reduction request of $500.
Member Fornoles made a motion to reduce the fine in Case No. C2404-0035 from $2.000 to $500
to be paid on or before October 16 2024: and further. failure to pa11 will result in reverting the
fine to its original amount of $2.000: seconded bi, Vice -Chair Camps. Motion passed 6-0 with
Member Falcone absent.
ITEM 3 — CASE NO. C2312-0017
GLORI-1295 LLC
(Noland's Roofing)
1295 W. Highway 50
LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 1295 W. Highway 50
REQUEST: Reduction of Fine
City Attorney Brandt introduced the case.
Representative Daniel Bell for Respondent was present and sworn in.
Daniel Bell, 1295 West Highway 50, explained their steps to remedy the situation and asked for a
reduction of fine.
City Attorney Brandt informed the Board the City supports reducing the fine to $1,200.
Member Forth made a motion to reduce the fine in Case No. C2312-0017 from $6.000 to $1,200
to be paid on or before October 15, 2024: and further, failure to wv will result in reverting the
fine to its original amount of $6.000: seconded hi., Vice -Chair Camps. Motion passed 6-0 with
Member Falcone absent.
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Code Enforcement Board Meeting
September 16, 2024
ITEM 4 — CASE NO. C2405-0019
Linda Lalchan
1870 Vale Drive
LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 1870 Vale Drive
REQUEST: Reduction of Fine
City Attorney Brandt introduced the case.
Respondent Linda Lalchan was present and sworn in.
Respondent Linda Lalchan stated she is requesting a reduction of fine and explained the
circumstances surrounding her case.
City Attorney Brandt stated this is a repeat violation, which is now in compliance and has remained
in compliance. He stated the City is amenable to a reduction of fine of 20 percent of the full amount
of the fine, which would be $6,100 to be paid in 30 days.
Respondent Linda Lalchan stated she believes that is an unfair amount due to the situation of the
tenant not allowing her access to the home. She stated she cannot afford to pay that fine, because
she is not working; and further, she stated the house is currently on the market.
Robert Christiano, Realtor, Winter Park, explained the circumstances with the past tenant
overflowing the upstairs tub to leak to the first floor, calling a code complaint and not paying rent;
and further, not allowing him and the owner access to fix the problems. He stated the home has
been on the market for 30 days.
Chair May informed the Board that she does not believe reducing the already reduced fee, and
stated the fine can be paid from the sale of the home. She asked the Board if they have any
recommendations.
Member Kilburn made a motion to order the Cit zto record the tine ofS30, 500 in Case No. C2405-
0019: seconded by Vice -Chair Camps. Motion passed 6-0 with Member Falcone absent.
Member Kilburn made a motion to reduce the tine in Case No. C2405-0019 from $30.500 to $6.100
to be paid on or before December 16. 2024: and further, fiiilure to nav will result in revertinLy the
fine to its orizinal amount of' $30,500: seconded bi, Member Forth. Motion Passed 6-0 with
Member Falcone absent.
Chair May asked staff for an update on a past case with Advenir at Clermont LLC, Case No.
C2401-0036. City Attorney Brandt stated the case has been closed, because the property came into
compliance.
NEW BUSINESS
(The following agenda items were heard out o f agenda order.)
Code Enforcement Board Meeting
September 16, 2024
ITEM 6 — CASE NO. C2404-0038
John & Cindy Zentmeyer
1050 W. Magnolia Street
LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 1050 W. Magnolia Street
VIOLATION: Sec. 125-522 Building Permit Required, IPMC Sections: 307.1 General, 605.:
Installation, 308.1 Accumulation of Rubbish or Garbage, 112.2 Temporary Safeguards, 304.1
General (Exterior Structure), 304.1.1 Unsafe Conditions, 304.2 Protective Treatment and 304.6
Exterior Walls
City Attorney Brandt introduced the case.
The Respondent was present and sworn in.
Officer Cortez explained the following violations: Sec. 125-522 Building Permit Required, IPMC
Sections: 307.1 General, 605.1 Installation, 308.1 Accumulation of Rubbish or Garbage, 112.2
Temporary Safeguards, 304.1 General (Exterior Structure), 304.1.1 Unsafe Conditions, 304.2
Protective Treatment and 304.6 Exterior Walls. He detailed the case summary stating the
complaint was made by in-house staff Utility Billing Manager, and the property is currently not in
compliance. He gave the history, violations and dates, and exhibited pictures that are a true and
accurate depiction of the property on the dates taken. He stated staff's recommendation.
Respondent John Zentmeyer explained he is currently working on repairing his property when he
received this violation. He contacted the City who explained what needed to be done and
recommended he retain an engineer. He currently has a contract with Engineer Rick McCoy who
has a backlog of 60 days or longer. Once he receives the engineer work, he can apply for the
permit. He further stated he secured the upstairs door so no entry can be made on the balcony.
Discussion ensued regarding securing the balcony. Board discussion ensued on the staff
recommendation.
Vice -Chair Camps made a motion to find the Respondent is in violation in Case No. C2404-0038:
and is ordered to correct the violations on or before October 16. 2024. If Respondent does not
comply with this order, a fine of SI50 per day for evert) day in violation after October 16. 2024,
will accrue until corrected. The Respondent is ordered to contact the Code Enforcement Ofcer
to arranme an inspection of the _proper►v to verifi, compliance xvith the order: Seconded b_v Member
Whitehead. Motion passed 6-0 with Member Falcone absent.
ITEM 8 — CASE NO. C2404-0061
Aaron Jones
407 W. Highway 50
LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 407 W. Highway 50
VIOLATION: Sec. 117-8(11) Prohibited Signs; Banners, Sec. 125-522 Building Permit
Required
City Attorney Brandt introduced the case.
The Respondent was present and sworn in.
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Code Enforcement Board Meeting
September 16, 2024
Officer Cortez explained the following violations, Sec. 117-8(11) Prohibited Signs; Banners, Sec.
125-522 Building Permit Required. He detailed the case summary stating the complaint was self -
initiated by a code officer, and the property is currently not in compliance. He gave the history,
violations and dates, and exhibited pictures that are a true and accurate depiction of the property
on the dates taken. He further stated staff s recommendations to the Board that the property was
in violation of Sec. 117-8(11) Prohibited Signs, and is in violation of Sec. 125-522 Building Permit
Required.
Respondent Mr. Jones explained he has a contractor working on the structure, and the permit for
the fencing is pending.
Board Attorney Brackins instructed the Board to limit their motion to Sec. 125-522 Building
Permit Required.
Member Forth made a motion to find the Respondent is in violation in Case No. C2404-0061: and
is ordered to correct the violation on or before November 16. 2024. 11Respondent does not comghJ
with this order. a tine of 5150 per day for every day in violation after November 16. 2024. will
accrue until corrected. The Respondent is ordered to contact the Code Enforcement Officer to
arranee an inspection of the oroper , to verifi, compliance with the order.
Board Attorney Brackins asked for a point of clarification on whether his motion entails violation
of Sec. 125-522 Building Permit Required only. Member Forth answered in the affirmative.
Seconded by Vice -Chair Camps. Motion massed 5-1 with Member Fornoles onposine and Member_
Falcone absent.
ITEM 9 - CASE NO. C2407-0039
645 West Osceola Land Trust
645 W. Osceola Street
LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 645 W. Osceola Street
VIOLATION: Florida Building Codes (FBC): 101.2 Scope, 101.3 Intent, 101.4.2 Buildings
Previously Occupied, 102.2 Building, Section 125-522 Building Permit Required, IPMC Sections:
I11.1.2 Unsafe Equipment, 1l 1.1.3 Structure Unfit for Human Occupancy, 111.1.5 Dangerous
Structure or Premises, 102.2 Maintenance, 102.5 Workmanship, 302.1 Sanitation, 302.3 Sidewalks
and Driveways, 302.7 Accessory Structures, 304.1 General, 304.1.1 Unsafe Conditions, 304.2
Protective Treatment, 304.7 Roofs and Drainage, 304.9 Overhang Extensions, 304.10 Stairways,
Decks, Porches and Balconies, 304.15 Doors, 304.18.1 Doors, 305.1 General, 305.3 Interior
Surfaces, 305.4 Stairs and walking Surfaces, 305.6 Interior Doors, 306.1.1 Unsafe Conditions,
307.1 General, 309.1 Infestation, 404.4.4 Prohibited Occupancy, 504.1 and 505.1 General, 505.3
Supply, 506.1 General, 506.2 Maintenance, 603.1 Mechanical Equipment and Appliances, 604.3
Electrical System Hazards, 605.1 Installation, 605.2 Receptacles, 701.2 Responsibility, 702.3
Locked Doors, 704.6.1.2 Groups (Residential), 704.6.1.3 Installation Near Cooking Appliances,
705.1 General
City Attorney Brandt introduced the case.
Representative Curtis Wilson, Esquire, was present for Respondent and sworn in.
Code Enforcement Board Meeting
September 16, 2024
Officer Cortez explained the following violations, Florida Building Codes (FBC): 101.2 Scope,
101.3 Intent, 101.4.2 Buildings Previously Occupied, 102.2 Building, Section 125-522 Building
Permit Required, IPMC Sections: 111.1.2 Unsafe Equipment, l 11.1.3 Structure Unfit for Human
Occupancy, 111.1.5 Dangerous Structure or Premises, 102.2 Maintenance, 102.5 Workmanship,
302.1 Sanitation, 302.3 Sidewalks and Driveways, 302.7 Accessory Structures, 304.1 General,
304.1.1 Unsafe Conditions, 304.2 Protective Treatment, 304.7 Roofs and Drainage, 304.9
Overhang Extensions, 304.10 Stairways, Decks, Porches and Balconies, 304.15 Doors, 304.18.1
Doors, 305.1 General, 305.3 Interior Surfaces, 305.4 Stairs and walking Surfaces, 305.6 Interior
Doors, 306.1.1 Unsafe Conditions, 307.1 General, 309.1 Infestation, 404.4.4 Prohibited
Occupancy, 504.1 and 505.1 General, 505.3 Supply, 506.1 General, 506.2 Maintenance, 603.1
Mechanical Equipment and Appliances, 604.3 Electrical System Hazards, 605.1 Installation, 605.2
Receptacles, 701.2 Responsibility, 702.3 Locked Doors, 704.6.1.2 Groups (Residential), 704.6.1.3
Installation Near Cooking Appliances, 705.1 General.
Officer Cortez detailed the case summary stating the complaint was made from a citizen, and the
property is currently not in compliance. He gave the history, violations and dates, and exhibited
pictures that are a true and accurate depiction of the property on the dates taken. He further stated
staff s recommendation that the apartment house be vacated by all tenants and not occupied until
the building is deemed safe and fit for occupancy by the Building Official or Code Enforcement,
to assess a fine of $250 per day for every day the property remains in violation starting October 1,
2024; and further, order that the violations stated constitute a serious threat to the public health,
safety and welfare.
Interim Fire Marshall Brian Hawthorn asked the Board if they had any questions with regards to
the public health, safety and welfare. The Board had no questions.
Chair May asked what happened to the tenants. Officer Cortez said all tenants moved out by
September 9th when it was condemned. Representative Wilson confirmed saying the home is
unoccupied, locked; and further, that they have rehomed all tenants into different apartments.
Representative Wilson stated he has been working with the City since they received the first
violation notice. He stated that this property is an R-2 Restoration and needs to be brought up to
1981 Codes, not 2024 Codes, which means there is only one (1) major violation which is the stairs.
He further informed the Board that they are working with an engineer in order to get the permits,
and the repairs may take at least 90 days due to the permitting process.
City Attorney Brandt asked for a five-minute recess. Chair May called for a five-minute recess.
(Recess from 7: 20 pm to 7:25 pm)
Ariana Jones, Tenant, stated she lived in Unit 1. She found out September 6th and was notified she
had to move out by September 8th. She further stated she paid rent September 1 st, and they were
not rehomed, given any guidance or assistance, and her security deposit and partial rent is being
sent by mail.
Jayvee Lemont, Tenant, stated Ariana is his girlfriend, and this was very unexpected. On
September 61h they were notified to move out by Sunday, and everything would be disconnected
on Monday. They just paid rent, and the lease was supposed to be valid for another six months.
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Code Enforcement Board Meeting
September 16, 2024
Chair May asked if staff had anything further. City Attorney Brandt stated staff stands by their
recommendations.
Representative Wilson stated after speaking with the property manager, prorate rents and deposits
are being mailed out to the tenants; and further, there were offers to rehome, and at least one or
two tenants did utilize that offer.
City Attorney Brandt made a point of clarification saying the property was built in 1911, which
makes it 114 years old. He stated the City stands firm with the condemnation and the $250 per day
fine starting October 1st
Representative Wilson asked for more time to work with the engineer and City. Chair May stated
it was unfortunate that the poor tenants did not have more time to move out.
Board Attorney Brackins informed the Board that they will want to consider the compliance
deadline when making the motion because of the health, safety and welfare issues.
Member Forth made a motion to find the Respondent is in violation in Case No. C2407-0039: and
is ordered to correct the violations on or before October 1. 2024. If Rest>ondent does not comely
with this order, a fine of'$250 tier day for every date in violation after October 1, 2024. will accrue
until corrected; further. order that the proverb, be vacated and the building is not to be occupied
until the buildine is deemed safe and fit for occunancv by the Buildinz Official. Code Enforcement
and Fire Denartment; and further, that the violations stated constitute a serious threat to the public
health, safety and welfare: Seconded bt? Member Whitehead Motion gassed 6-0 with Member
Falcone absent.
ITEM 10 — CASE NO. C2405-0038
DR FORCE LLC
4340 Renly Lane
LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 4340 Renly Lane
VIOLATION: Sections 18-53 and 18-54 Nuisances and Nuisance by Property Owner Declared
Unlawful
City Attorney Brandt introduced the case.
Representative Priscilla DeLima for Respondent was present and sworn in.
Officer Snodgrass explained the following violations, Sections 18-53 and 18-54 Nuisances and
Nuisance by Property Owner Declared Unlawful. He detailed the case summary stating the
complaint was made by the neighbors, and the property is currently not in compliance. He gave
the history, violations and dates, and exhibited pictures that are a true and accurate depiction of
the property on the dates taken. He further stated staff s recommendation.
Representative for Respondent, Property Manager Priscilla DeLima, explained the home was
rented, and it was the tenant's responsibility to take care of the pool. Once the property was vacant,
they hired a pool company to take care of the problem. Unfortunately, that pool company did not
fix the problem, and they have since hired another pool company. The new pool company started
the new treatment on September 13th, and today they are coming back to do another round of
treatment. She requested more time in order to get the pool up to code.
Code Enforcement Board Meeting
September 16, 2024
Chair May asked whether the pool company is recommending anything further because of the
problems. Representative DeLima replied there was a problem with the motor after a storm. Chair
May informed the property manager that if they do not replace the pool equipment, it will be an
ongoing issue and a continued violation. Vice -Chair Camps shared she has a pool and the proper
chemicals are needed to be put in on a constant basis in order to keep it clean. Member Fomoles
asked if the new pool company is cleaning it on a weekly basis to which the representative
answered affirmatively.
Board Attorney Brackins informed the Board of the motion for recurring violations for properties
presently in violation.
Member Whitehead inquired whether they have a maintenance person working for the property.
Representative DeLima answered they have a monthly inspection, but not weekly. Chair May
asked who will maintain the pool once it is leased again. Representative DeLima stated
maintaining the pool is the responsibility of the tenant. Chair May recommended the property
management team hire a pool maintenance company to clean the pool regularly.
Vice -Chair Camps made a motion to find the Res wndent is in violation in Case No. C2405-0038:
and is ordered to correct the violation on or before October 16, 2024, and refrain from repeating
the violation thereafter. IfResPondent does not comph-, with this order, a fine of$150 Per day for
every dah in violation after October 16, 2024. will accrue until corrected. The Respondent is
ordered to contact the Code Enforcement Officer to arrange an inspection ofthe Properiv to verifu
compliance with the order: Seconded bi, Member Forth. Motion Passed 6-0 with Member Falcone
nh ea"i -
ITEM 5 - CASE NO. C2406-0022
Libre Real Estate LLC
Vacant Lot on W. Montrose Street
Alt Key 3826383
LOCATION OF VIOLATION: Vacant Lot on W. Montrose Street
REPEAT VIOLATION: IPMC 302.4 Weeds
City Attorney Brandt introduced the case and informed the Board this is a continuing repeat
violation. The City has placed a lien on this property, and this is to address the current violation.
The Respondent was not present.
Officer Cortez explained the following violations: IPMC 302.4 Weeds. He detailed the case
summary stating the complaint was made by a citizen, and the property is currently not in
compliance. He gave the history, violations and dates, and exhibited pictures that are a true and
accurate depiction of the property on the dates taken. He further stated staff s recommendation.
Chair May asked whether they have called the realtor on the sign to get in contact with the owner.
Officer Cortez said he called the number on the sign, and Code Enforcement Manager Wallace
can provide more information regarding the phone call. Code Enforcement Manager Wallace
explained she spoke with the realtor who is listed on the sign, and the realtor is not providing any
contact information.
Code Enforcement Board Meeting
September 16, 2024
City Attorney Brandt stated his firm has exhausted their research in trying to locate the owners
with performing a skip trace and certified mail to multiple addresses with no leads.
Board Attorney Brackins informed the Board of the motion for repeat violations for properties
presently in violation.
Member Fornoles made a motion to find the Respondent is in violation in Case No. C2406-0022:
further, move that the violations constitute a reheat violation of the prior order ofthis Board: and
further, move to order that the Respondent committed the repeat violation on August 15, 2024. A
fine of $500 will be imposed for each days the violation is repeated from August 15. 2024. until the
oroperiv comes into compliance. The Respondent is ordered to contact the Code Enforcement
Officer to arranie an inspection ofthe property to verih, compliance with the order: Seconded bi°
Member Kilburn. Motion grassed 6-0 with Member Falcone absent.
ITEM 7 — CASE NO. C2405-0005
Southern Villas Lot Owners Assn, Inc.
Vacant Lot on Villa Court
Alt Key 3776058
LOCATION OF VIOLATION: Vacant Lot on Villa Court
VIOLATION: Sections 18-53 and 18-54 Nuisances and Creating a Nuisance by Property Owner
Declared Unlawful, IPMC 302.4 Weeds
The Respondent was not present.
Officer Cortez explained the following violations, Sections 18-53 and 18-54 Nuisances and
Creating a Nuisance by Property Owner Declared Unlawful, IPMC 302.4 Weeds. He detailed the
case summary stating the complaint was self -initiated, and the property is currently in compliance.
He gave the history, violations and dates, and exhibited pictures that are a true and accurate
depiction of the property on the dates taken. He further stated staff s recommendation.
Member Kilburn made a motion to find the Respondent was in violation in Case No. C2405-0005:
however, the Respondent did correct the violation. The Respondent is ordered to refi-ain firom
repeatine this violation. Seconded by Vice -Chair Camps. Motion passed 6-0 with Member Falcone
absent.
Chair May opened the floor for public comment. with no speakers present, the floor was closed.
AJDOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8
Attest:
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Kathy He rd, ecording Clerk
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