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02-19-2008 Regular MeetingCITY OF CLERMONT MINUTES CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD FEBRUARY 19, 2008 The regular meeting of the Code Enforcement Board was called to order on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Members attending were James Purvis, Chairman, Joe Janusiak, Tim Murry, A. D. Van Demark, and Les Booker. Also attending were Betty McMinamen, Code Enforcement Officer, Yvette Brown, City Attorney, Valerie Fuchs, Code Enforcement Board Attorney, and Rae Chidlow, Code Enforcement Clerk. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The minutes from the Code Enforcement Board Meeting of January 15, 2008 were approved as written. Chairman Purvis stated that the new Board member, Alfred Mannella, could not attend this meeting due to a prior commitment. He stated that he felt they should wait until they have a full Board before electing a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Code Enforcement Board Attorney, Valerie Fuchs, stated that was up to the Board's discretion if that is what they choose to do. Chairman Purvis stated that they will then postpone the electing of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Being there was no one from the public present; Code Enforcement Chairman Jim Purvis opted to not read the Opening Remarks. Code Enforcement Officer Betty McMinamen was sworn in. Jim Purvis gave the floor to Code Enforcement Staff and Attorney. NEW BUSINESS CASE N0.08-386 Bret Jones 1230 Hampton St. Clermont, FL 34711 LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 1230 Hampton, Clermont, FL 34711 VIOLATION: Ordinance No. 281-C, Chapter 122, Section 122-141 and 122-143 Unpermitted Office in R-2 Residential Zoning. This case has come into compliance and will not be heard. OLD BUSINESS CASE N0.06-310 Lakshminarine Rampersad 677 W. Highway 50 Clermont, FL 34711 1 CITY OF CLERMONT MINUTES CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD FEBRUARY 19, 2008 LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 677 W. Highway 50, Clermont, FL 34711 VIOLATION: Ordinance No. 249-C, Chapter 14, Section 14-76 (12). Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code. CASE N0.06-311 Lakshminarine Rampersad 677 W. Highway 50 Clermont, FL 34711 LOCATION OF VIOLATION: 677 W. Highway 50, Clermont, FL 34711 VIOLATION: Ordinance No. 281-C, Chapter 122, Section 122-344 (a). Building Permit Required. City Attorney Yvette Brown introduced the two cases. She asked the Board to take a look at the letter that was sent from Lakshminarine Rampersad. Board member Booker asked how far back these cases go. City Attorney Yvette Brown stated that it dates back to November of 2006. Board member Booker stated that a significant amount of time has passed since the Board first heard the case, and now Mr. Rampersad is asking another extension. Board member Booker stated he does not understand what his health has to do with the case. Code Enforcement Officer Betty McMinamen stated that Mr. Rampersad has asked for an extension; however he won't get it unless the Board allows it to be extended. She stated the case started in March of 2006 with the fire. She said the building was locked down and everything was taken care of. The property was then sold to a new owner trying to get some financing to bring the property into compliance. In August of 2006, Staff found the out-building had been turned into a beauty salon. She stated it had concrete walls, a new bathroom, styling sinks and styling stations. Code Enforcement Officer Betty McMinamen stated in August of 2006, Staff wrote the Notice for unsafe building for the fire, to demolish or restore the building, and to get a permit to restore the beauty salon back to a storage facility. She stated that in November of 2006 the Board found both cases in violation and gave a fine of $10 per day on each case. On February 20, 2007 the original Respondent came back and asked for an extension, which the Board gave her, until August 21, 2007. In May of 2007, she sold the property to Mr. Rampersad. In June 2007, the case was switched over to his name. In August of 2007, Mr. Rampersad came before the Board and asked for an extension. The Board denied it and the fine started on August 21, 2007, but the Board decided that the lien would not be filed so that the Code Enforcement Board could forgive the fine if the Mr. Rampersad came into compliance. Code Enforcement Officer Betty McMinamen stated nothing has been done. She stated in August, Staff also wrote a Notice for the pole sign. She stated that case has been taken care of. 2 CITY OF CLERMONT MINUTES CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD FEBRUARY 19, 2008 In February 2008, Staff received by certified mail the letter that was given to the Board at the beginning of the meeting. Code Enforcement Officer Betty McMinamen said that in the letter it states that Mr. Rampersad is asking fora 6-month extension so the new buyers can have time to make the repairs. She stated Staff is asking the Board to sign the lien order. Board member Booker did not agree another extension was appropriate. Board Member Van Demark stated he feels the Board has been more than lenient. A.D. Van Demark made a motion to move forward with rlin~ the lien; seconded by Booker. The vote was unanimous in favor of moving forward with filing the lien. Chairman Purvis asked how the first sign court case went in Tavares. City Attorney Yvette Brown stated it went well. She stated that the sign company who put the signs up for Pulte requested a hearing. She stated they went to court before Judge Terri Neal and the sign company wanted to work something out at that time. Ms. Brown stated she told them they could pay the 10 tickets at $250 each and pay court costs, because they could have contacted them earlier. The sign company stated they had to go back to Pulte to tell them. She stated that she told them no, this was not the day to do that. Ms. Brown stated the Judge asked the sign company if they represented Pulte, and they said they were hired by Pulte to put up the signs. The Judge stated that Pulte had not been notified of the court date and time, so they had to come back the following week. Ms. Brown said the following week they went back to court and Pulte did not show up or call, so the Judge ruled in favor of the City. She stated Pulte has paid the fines and the court costs, except one, which may be an oversight. She stated that Staff is now going after all the other home builders that owe the City money for fines. Code Enforcement Officer Betty McMinamen explained the Lien Status Report to the Board. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Attest: Rae Chidlow, Code Enforcement Clerk 3