Loading...
Soini v. Unemployment & CityIN THE DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOURTH DISTRICT, P.O. BOX 3315, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33402 MARY H. SOINI Appellant(s), vs. UNEMPLOYMENT APPEALS COMMISSION, et al. Appellee(s) . October 30, 1997 BY ORDER OF THE COURT: CASE NO. 97 -01574 L.T. CASE NO. 97 -2095 PALM BEACH ORDERED that appellee's motion filed September 29, 1997, to dismiss is granted, and the above - styled appeal is hereby dismissed. hereb true cop CLERK certify the 4bregoing is a of the/original court order. JBEUTTE 'TMU EL R cc: Mary H. Soini Unemployment Appeals Comm. City of Okeechobee /CH STATE OF FLORIDA UNEMPLOYMENT APPEALS COMMISSION Suite 300, Webster Bldg. 2761 Executive Center Circle, W. Tallahassee, Florida 32399 -0681 Claimant /Appellant MARY H. SOINI DCA Case No. 97 -01574 ssn 265 -90 -1808 NOTICE OF APPEARANCE COMES NOW the undersigned, JOHN R. COOK, who states the following: THAT JOHN R. COOK announces his notice of appearance and representation of the CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, and requests that all further pleadings be directed to the undersigned. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the original hereof was forwarded to the Unemployment Appeals Commission, and a true copy hereof was furnished by US Mail this day of June, 1997 to Mary H. Soini, 512 N.W. 16th Street, Okeech bee, Florida 34972. John R. Cook City Attorney City of Okeechobee 55 S.E. 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Florida Bar No. 262951 STATE OF FLORIDA UNEMPLOYMENT APPEALS COMMISSION 300 Webster Building 2671 Executive Center Circle, West Tallahassee, Florida 32399 -0681 904/487 -2685 • Fax 904/488 -2123 • TDD 904/922 -9314 June 3, 1997 CITY OF OKEECHOBEE 55 SE 3RD AVE OKEECHOBEE FL 34974 Re: ATTN: John R. Cook Dear Mr. Cook: MARY H SOINI SSAN 265 -90 -1808 Ref.'s Dec. No. 97 -2454U UAC Docket No. 97 -02095 DCA Case No. 97 -01574 Your brief dated May 1, 1997, has been referred to me for response. The Commission rendered its order on April 21, 1997, affirming the referee's decision holding the claimant disqualified from receipt of benefits. Your brief was not received until after the Commission issued its order; therefore, it could not be reviewed in connection with your case. The claimant has appealed the Commission's order to the V Oj. ii District Court :r Appeals, where it is currently pending review. The claimant has not, to date, filed her brief in the court action. Sincerely Join xger, Attorney Unemplcyment {Appeals Commission JWK /mk STATE OF FLORIDA UNEMPLOYMENT APPEALS COMMISSION Suite 300, Webster Bldg. 2761 Executive Center Circle, W. Tallahassee, Florida 32399 -0681 Claimant /Appellant MARY H. SO I N I ssn 265 -90 -1808 TTAC no. 97 -02095 / Referee's Dec. no. 97 -2454U UNILATERAL BRIEF OF APPELLEE THE APPELLEE, the City of Okeechobee, Florida, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 38E- 3.004, in light of the apparent waiver of Appellant Mary H. Soini to file a brief in this cause, submits the following appellee brief in support of the referee's decision in this matter, as follows: 1. That this matter was heard by telephone conference by the referee on February 12, 1997, at which time the appellant /claimant submitted all evidence available to her regarding her termination of employment with the City of Okeechobee, Florida. 2. That the handwritten request for an appeal by claimant filed with the commission is essentially a request to reopen the evidence and the testimony heard at the telephone hearing of February 12, 1997, and not permitted under the applicable rules. 3. That at the telephonic hearing, the referee heard the 7 evidence, including the investigation performed by the City Clerk, who also acts as personnel director for the City, which concluded after interviewing both the witnesses for the City, and witnesses for the claimant, that no substantial issues were raised by the claimant, nor any evidence of wrongdoing by other employees of the City. 4. That it is clear that on November 4, 1996, the claimant submitted a brief note to her supervisor in the police department, stating that she resigned her employment, to seek employment elsewhere. 5. It is submitted that the claimant received a full and fair hearing of her termination by the referee on February 12, 1997, and that her appeal and attempt to reopen the evidence should be denied by the Commission. SUBMITTED this / day of May, 1997. I HEREBY CERTIFY that the original hereof was forwarded to the Unemployment appeals commission, and a true copy hereof was furnished by US Mail this day of May, 1997 to Mary H. Soini, 512 N.W. 16th St. Okeechobee, Florida 34972. JOHN R. COOK City Attorney City of Okeechobee 55 S.E. 3rd Avenue Okeechobee, Florida 34972 Florida Bar no. 262951 fir IA 52% _;� p ,,.�� City of Okeechobee • .._1# 55 S.E. Third Avenue • Okeechobee, Florida 34974 - 2932.813/763 -3372 May 1, 1997 John Drago City Administrator 55 S.E. 3rd Ave. Okeechobee, Florida 34972 re: employee Mary Soini Dear John: I want to bring you up to date, and submit our billing for this litigation involving the attempt by Mary Soini to recover unemployment benefits due to her leaving the employ of the City. You will recall I met with the Chief of Police; the Clerk; yourself; and conducted a telephonic hearing with the clerk on February 12, 1997; all of which indicated that Mary's complaints were not substantiated, and that she should not be entitled to unemployment benefits. I might add that the investigation performed by the City Clerk at my request proved to be invaluable at the telephone hearing. Nevertheless, Mary filed an appeal from the decision of the referee to the State unemployment commission. Since her appeal, I have seen no further paperwork. However, we are permitted as appellee to file our own response, and out of caution, I did in fact prepare a brief response, and filed it with the State. I do not expect a different result at this level. Kindest Regards, :r. C• .k City Attorney JRC.rb LAW OFFICES JOHN R. COOK 202 NW 5TH AVENUE OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA 34972 TELEPHONE (941) 467 .0297 FAX (941) 4674798 May 1, 1997 BILLING STATEMENT MARY H. SOINI conference with Chief .8 call to Drago & Bonnie .3 review report from Bonnie .3 call to Bonnie re: hearing .1 review materials for hearing .4 hearing on 2/12/97 .5 review appeal by Soini .3 call from Bonnie & Chief .2 prepare City brief .5 letter to Drago .1 TOTAL HOURS 3.5 3.5 hrs. @ $75.00/hr. _ $262.50 TOTAL DUE $262.50 Thank you. () ,,, ,,) 9 94A- /--- v-I-Alb c4)) co,-Q.A r,;(,-- A-A) (6 tLeA 0 / c, 4 10,4 / 0;./i t „Nei) b"ttk\, Lt J,--cn cyk4, .7 /, 3 t D r 1 0 g i9-11, A,it /WAA'11. &I 19 ° ' B0NA M: , 93 CA tio 13,.:2 ne 0 I N2A),.6,,) m03mjo-b- cfi L� .S )1161A>-:1-No--(NA 2 -iz `i7 .3 ACIULW °10 --1-i'\--L caiq bLoy,t-N 6 --,v,&) 0,_;e6 i 2____ GA CA-b bc,A,4 . Lc- t' DAct-P . TL 3 -S }NyIS @ 7,<(/‘2-)ivr- CoL� e STATE OE FLORIDA rea 9-, )9(P1 //:60 Y-I UNEMPLOYMENT APPEALS COMMISSION Suite 300, Webster Building 2671 Executive Center Circle, West Tallahassee, Florida 32399 -0681 904/487 -2685 Fax 904/488 -2123 TDD 904/922 -9314 (Hearing Impaired) (---) Claimant /Appellant UAC No. 97 -02095 Referee's Dec. No. 97 -2454U MARY H SOINI 512 NW 16TH ST OKEECHOBEE FL 34972 SSAN: 265 -90 -1808 Date Appeal Filed: 03/04/97 NOTICE OF DOCKETING The official record which was before the Appeals Referee, including the recorded testimony, will be reviewed by the Commission. The Commission's Order will be sent by mail. Any change of address must be reported in writing to the Commission at: Suite 300, Webster Building 2671 Executive Center Circle, West Tallahassee, FL 32399 -0681 Employer No. - 9975445 QTY OF OKEECHOBEE 55 SE 3RD AVE OKEECHOBEE FL 34974 Benefits Payment Section UCCO- 3664 -1 Other copies mailed to: PLEASE INDICATE THE CLAIMANT'S NAME, SSAN AND UAC NO. ON ALL CORRESPONDENCE SENT TO THE UAC. Encl.: Commission's Rules of Procedure. APR 021991 Date of Mailing NOTE: ANY CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING YOUR APPEAL MUST BE ON STANDARD 8 1/2 by 11 PAPER. PERTINENT FOR APPEALS LOYMENTAPPEALSCO) COMMISSION THE O 38E -2.004 Computation of Time. (1) In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by heseorules, the date of rendition of a decision, order, notice, or the filing of an appeal designated period of time begins t shall last day period shall be counted unless it is a Saturday, Sunda or holiday. shall run until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday (2) As used in this rule, holiday means: (a) Those dates so designated by the Section 110.117, Florida Statutes; CO Any other day on which the of the closed; and (c) Any other day on which the United States Postal 38E -2.005 Notice to Parties. (1) All interested parties shall be notified in writing of the pendency of review by the Commission. (2) A copy of all briefs, motions, opposing documents and correspondence filed with the Commission shall be served on the 38E -2.006 Representation. resent himself or be (1) In proceedings before the Commission, a party may represent represented by an authorized representative. (2) Unless notification of continued rep an sappealsnrefereeeshall with notthe retai n such a party's representative in proceedings before status before the Commission. (3) A party's representative before Commission shall ve of record and shall receive all notices, documents notice of withdrawal is filed with the Commission. ato the proceeding or any person who has 38E -2.007 Ex Parte•Communications. No party a direct or indirect interest in the proceeding shall comnicaS1ewiths the C Commissionived members concerning the merits of the appeal unless all parties their right to be present. 38E -3.002 Review by the Commission. (1) The review conducted by the Commission the appealserefereedand suchenewcevidence as within the official record which was before accepted by the Commission pursuant to Rule 38E- 3.005. (2) The Commission may relinquish jurisdiction and direct the taking of additional evidence by an appeals referee or other hearing officer. The evidence shall be taken as . Unless prescribed by rule for the taking evidence revert to therCommission before for ffinal disposition. C otherwise directed, jurisdiction shall (3) The Commission sion shall remietentthe substantial referee's evidencedecision the record determine thewhether legal the findings are supported by competent requirements of the law. By written conclusions are in accord with the essential req ii decision, the Commission shall affirm, modify, or reverse the referee's decision, or shall remand with instructions. 38E.3.003 Record on Appeal. (1) The contents of the record shall consist only of: (a) All notices, pleadings, motions, intermediate rulings, wa and evidelcerreceivedf or considered by the appeals referee or other hearing officer, proof, objections and rulings thereon; (b) All agency memoranda or data submitted appeals the officer, provided that such memoranda or artiest appeal, after notice of upon the record submission an ex parte communication pursuant to (cc) ) All matte placed 120.66(2), Florida Statutes; (d) The tape recording of the proceedings made by or under the supervision of the appeals referee or other hearing officer; (e) The decision of the appeals referee or special examiner, if any; (f) The notice of docketing of the orderlofftheeCroeraission removing the proceedings to itself or initiating Unemployment Appeals COII°°eviewnupon its own motion; Pr<: jrc >7 r pis 1 v l / 1 Unemployment Appeals Commission 97 02095 /9.4aJ/6 nd s ,47v6 ?/ /9 7 cleA*- Gr p ‘z5-1O -/oe 4>z � ?7 ez� 7'c��ux 4(7, //(_ S'7Ze/ Je7e( z-p?—_ 2tc, aog66e_. • ed/ 7z-27 ■.Yf)44Z:t /6' j,6 701 6e /9.9/ _56-6, / 99&. a. ,_,-77 L c . i-)A. ,2.:_.6„z,Azz- 7 L/7/64-,IA Z. C Mi„ ,.37 G"` 97 97 � �/ •n() ttlz(l' 1-0 / -e -? /ei2'e zZ , (,),'L (4 A' /, ' /174 C-c- /1 y , / • e c`,"/'721..7 (L) PT <- • / &cec_77 jJ 1 6C -LJ 74 26,faJ:477 zc:\ wc.i/jZCz&L.l- 'A,, 6,t&•,2J Q v x_ i d z-c lei mil' �1 d_Z-2ef)-7 /6, _J,_& _.zydc_rz,,g_, ..�� Q;r • 7 7 }:_e_jz22c) ,*.z) om 5 (4-ire) s y d2/41' , /r G� G ,_/__e_t_d ,,-L.) d_I--_. A , . ,/ rfIl/ 2Z--, -e_ XW4 d(r) d, L,i- a,z,,,4.e e/r(_2 C,e_ ,dc6e4..._ c:d)ze.._ 4.,& 61,Ze(-Z12.( Z-(1)-e-----&- c./iRe_2a, ,•,'J, xe_c, W2? �GQ /- L a _ g 151'7" AQYZ /1 -,� /),y -� /�i{_ Gov L74 6/(274 zz c,"0„/ dbf)2 / e /-7/Le!!- �ee max 7L-) j / izfidez_, AC:i7 Af-L7X Cj-■ 1 (4 /67 ;1?4 jzZeZ .1GeR-2ZcP e_lGe zfy%2Ze ,Jg Q2> Pr 7. / / , EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CLERICAL FORM Employee: Sp, J) , /7 /Yy Department: A)/)-G i TOTAL SCORE FACTOR + TOTAL WEIGHT FACTOR = WEIGFrED AVERAGE Employee Rating + 25 Do Not Recommend Merit Increase , _�• Date Prepared: els of performance ays listed in this PT = 4 pts. tory = 3 pts. = 2 pts. = 1 pt. = 0 pts. utstanding bove Satisfactory atisfactory onditional nsatisfactory Recommend Merit Increase Will Re- evaluate in 90 days COMMENTS: Date levised 7/86 Knowledge of-Work 1 SCORE X WEIGHT = SCORE FACTOR NOTE: The lei are all 3 X 3 = Quality of Work 2 X 3 = order: Outstanding Above Satisfa Satisfactory Conditional Unsatisfactor KEY. Productivity 3 3 x 4 = < Z- Initiative 4 3 X 2 = (p• Dependability 5 3 X 2 = Attendance 6 X 3 = / 3.6 - 4.0 = + 3.0 - 3.5 = 2.0 - 2.9 1.0 - 1.9 = i 0 - .9 = 1 Total Score Factor Work Habits 7 X 2 _ Cooperation 8 X 3 = G` Public Contact 9 -5 X 2 = LP Safety 10 y X 1 = Li. Total Weight Factor = 25 /157" i TOTAL SCORE FACTOR + TOTAL WEIGHT FACTOR = WEIGFrED AVERAGE Employee Rating + 25 Do Not Recommend Merit Increase , _�• Date Prepared: els of performance ays listed in this PT = 4 pts. tory = 3 pts. = 2 pts. = 1 pt. = 0 pts. utstanding bove Satisfactory atisfactory onditional nsatisfactory Recommend Merit Increase Will Re- evaluate in 90 days COMMENTS: Date levised 7/86 CITY OF OKEECHOBEE TO: FINANCE DEPARTMENT The following information should Effective: Employee Department Position September 1. 1996 Mary Soini Police OCT, 1 1996 :tl RECF.IVED 1. rF� be entered into your records. Records clerk Annual Salary 18,000. CHANGE INTENDED : FROM: TO: Department Police Position Probationary Salary Rate REASON: 18,000. ecoras er 18,000. Hired Re -hired X promotion Layoff Terminated Leave of absence from Evaluation Period Completed Transfer Resignation Length of Service Pay until Date Date Other (Explain) Change Requested by: `C113ef•=iolosaleya/‘" Date 09 -01 -96 APPROVED: Finance Department . t _.t• �zr.Date Administration / Date DENIED: Finance Departme Administration Date X Date • • .460- LC1,CC 1 MORN • zol, awls • pelts n '3'N SZZ ValdOld dO NOINfl S311213911 11A10 NVOld3VW AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF FLORIDA 225 N.E. 34 Street • Suite 102 • Miami, FL 33137 D 4 i 0-- AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF FLORIDA 225 N.E. 34th Street • Suite 102 • Miami, Rocida 33137 • (305) 576 -2336 • Fax: (305) 576 -1106 INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THE ACLU ACCEPTS CASES thank you for calling the ACLU about your case. Please read this infomiafion carefully to find out the kinds of cases we accept, and how to have the ACLU consider yoctr case. If you believe your case may be the kind of case we can accept, fill out the enclosed questionnaire and return it to us. If we need more infocmaGon, we will call you. We will let you know as soon as possible whether We can accept your case, although there may be some delay because-of limited resources. WHAT DOES IT COST? The attorneys for the ACLU represent the dents free of charge. Cases are handled by staff counsel or by volunteer attorneys - in private. practice. HOW 00 WE CHOOSE CASES?. The ACLU generally fifes cases that affect the civil liberties of large numbers of people, rather than those involving a dispute -between two parties. The basic questions we ask with reviewing a potenfiat case are: (1) is this a significant civil tiber<iies issue? (2) What effect wt11 this case have on people in addition to our client? (3) Do we have the resources to take this case? WHAT ARE CIVIL LIBERTIES? The civic fiber -6es we seek to protect include: Freedom of Speech and Press. For example: -- A student is suspended for writing a newspaper article critical of the principal; — A police officer is disciplined for speaking out against pb(ice brutality, — A group is charged for police protection when it applies for a demonstrafion permit. • - Freedom of Religion. This involves both the right of - individuals to religious beliefs - and the separation of church and state. Privacy. For example, reproductive rights. Faual Protection /Oiscriminafion. For example, this could include a sheriffs department which. refuses to accept women depufies or a refusal to allow homeless people to vote because they have no fixed addresses. Due Process. For example, a community group is denied a permit by the police, and the town provides no appeal of the potice,decision. WHAT CASES AFFECT OTHERS? Lawsuits can affect a large number of people in two ways. First, we sometimes challenge a policy or prcc`.tioe which directly impacts marry people. Second, a lawsuit brought on behalf of one person can have a larger impact on others in the long run when it establishes or expands legal protections. (a lawsuit challenging drug tesfing of one employee could set a precedent for thousands of workers in the future). AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF FLORIDA 225 N.E. 34th Street • Suite 102 • Miami, Florida 33137 • (305) 576 -2336 • Fax: (305) 576 -1106 October 11, 1996 Mary Soini 512 NW 16 Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Dear Ms. Soini: Our legal panel has reviewed your recent request and regrets that we are unable to offer you legal assistance. We are a private, non - profit organization. All of our litigation is conducted by volunteer attorneys. Due to our limited resources, we cannot take all civil liberties cases offered us. We simply do not have the resources to operate as a general legal clinic. However, we do not intend to imply a judgment on the merits of. your case. Rather, our suggestion is that you consult a private attorney for advice. If you wish to obtain referrals to attorneys in the Florida area, please call the Lawyer Referral Service at 1- 800- 342 -8011. This agency of the Bar Association can provide you with the names of attorneys specializing in the area of law pertinent to your case in your county. Thank you for writing to the ACLU of Florida. We wish you success in resolving your difficulties. Sinc ROBYN Exec LUMNER Director NOVEMBER 4,1996 OKEECHOBEE CITY POLICE DEPT. 55 S.E. 3rd AVENUE OKEECHOBEE,FLORIDA, 34974 CAPTAIN FARRENKOPF, DUE TO MY DESIRE TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT ELSEWHERE I AM HANDING IN MY RESIGNATION, EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 15,1996. SINCERELY, MARY . SOINI RECORDS CLERK OKEECHOBEE CITY POLICE DEPT. City of Okeechobee Police Department November 8, 1996 To whom It may concern: Reference: Mary E. Soini I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Mary during her years of employment here at the Okeechobee Police Department. She initally was hired as a Police Dispatcher on May 28, 1991. Without prior experience in this field it did not take Mary lone to learn. She was able to make quick and accurate decisions and maintain calm, during life threatening and emergency situations. This vast March she was placed on a probationary period for six months for an opening in our records department. Upon completion, her evaluation mark was "Above Satisfactory "and Mary was promoted to Records Clerk. I feel with Mary's outstanding work performance and pleasant personality she has proven to be an asset to any organization. If I can be of any further assistance concerning Mary, please do not hesitate to call me. (941- 763 -5521) Sincerely, Rehmund Farrenkopf Captain RF /ts 55 S.E. Third Avenue • Okeechobee, Florida 34974 -2932 • 941 - 763 -5521 • Fax: 941-783 -7804 ,/(le 2> /ya:2( d../z.,23v._z.,4 2.- _),12,:fde. AP791c-M42(:el 7&:e-77t_,) 7Z-217..‘ ea/Lee/4.2 9 -7Ze7c) z1112 26,,za 2 cz.)A70,Js./, Mi-e(2 a . eLo7 e i_._; A(e1(.7 1e3-2,z ..,4 d &, t1 Agzace--/z,,,L.- _;,- 16-' GL,W E.-lieQ- __A.1iY A_iee.-4) &4 ) j z".&t(-6_ ' • 4 V1761,';272tc7- a/ _./nC1 tit) ( c;_d ) ;el-a/0.6d _/224-ei g12.t2L ) de') L dig-4 &iz(t/c_64-e. Z at) z?-f- JOS. D. FAR151-1 (1892 - I:i771 JOS. D. FARISH, JR. ROBERT V. ROMANI • 5. EMORY ROGERS PETER M. BASSALINE KEITH R. TAYLOR hLN P. KEEL HER LEGAL ASSISTANT • BOARD CERTIFIED CIVIL TRIAL LAWYER LAW OFFICES FARISH, FARISH & ROMANI 3I6 BANYAN BOULEVARD P.O. BOX 4I IS WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33402 Ms. Mary Soini 512 N.W. 16th Street Okeechobee, FL 34972 Dear Ms. Soini: December 17, 1996 TELEr.HONL 1407) 659 -3500 r AX ( -lo-r) 655 -3158 (80u) 401 -4LAW Enclosed herein find the documents which you forwarded to my office approximately one week ago for our review. I have reviewed the enclosed documents, as well as the information provided by you in our telephone conversation. I have consulted with the other attorneys in the office regarding the potential of handling this matter on your behalf. At this point, we are not in a position to take on representation of you with regard to same. All of your original documents are contained herein. Obviously, you should consult with other attorneys in an attempt to bring this matter, as there are time restrictions upon when you can bring an action for recovery. It is in your best interests to consult with other lawyers in an expeditious fashion, so as to be certain to preserve any rights you may have. This firm has not taken on any representation of you, and therefore there is no fee for the services rendered to date. Thank you for considering our firm for your legal needs, and feel free to contact us in the future. Sincerely yours, FARISI -C FARISH & ROMANI Keith R. Taylo KRT /nrm Enclosures — yAA atAe 89-A)QA(6 .••••• 1/At )3q c t-kA -7)94 )1,4 ild'aiLk MELO-WY) Te: tro -t-tk tiuu cpAkd L'ivx r\kixt 2- etwy)--- k wicvc 41,,(/\ c.tcl iv\ a./- cic c-A E,0-1\y\t_ 414 AN-kik ct-f-A,!)(ye2 4t- c_A-44)(042_ 3 »L $A /1-.6 Ia-e ?, crievn,4k tii)declik,\k,s ■-• le,V) Letk't YY‘ r--Q 0( n_ct ;ZA 4 c-)1___ (S,; vv-No■ Aticw, 10-4,-y■ ctuickAk TO .Azt,t.) dv_ o__„„ oz NIA tO (c,i IAA -4 itvzt E eoc. mkt STATE OF FLORIDA UNEMPLOYMENT APPEALS COMMISSION 300 Webster Building 2671 Executive Center Circle, West Tallahassee, Florida 32399 -0681 850/487 -2685 FAX 850/488 -2123 TDD 850/922 -9314 September 25, 1997 Honorable Marilyn Beuttenmuller, Clerk District Court of Appeal of Florida Fourth District Post Office Box 3315 West Palm Beach, Florida 33402 Re: Mary H. and Flo Case No. 97 -015 Soini 'da U Dear Madam: City loym of Okeechobee, nt Appeals Commission Attached for referenced case for Appellee Unemployment Appeals Commission is a Motion to Dismiss which we request you please file. Your attention to this matter will be much appreciated. GAH /sar Attachments Sincerely, Atkinson-Ha elton General Counsel IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL OF THE FOURTH DISTRICT OF FLORIDA MARY H. SOINI, Appellant, vs. CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, and FLORIDA UNEMPLOYMENT APPEALS COMMISSION, Appellees. Case No. 97 -01574 APPELLEE, UNEMPLOYMENT APPEALS COMMISSION'S MOTION TO DISMISS Appellee, Unemployment Appeals Commission, pursuant to Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.300(a) and 9.410, moves for dismissal of this appeal for appellant's violation of the appellate rules. In support of its motion, the Commission states: 1. Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.110(f) provides: "Appellant's initial brief shall be served within 70 days of filing the notice. . . ." 2. Appellant's notice of appeal was filed on May 5, 1997. As of this date, appellant has not served its initial brief on this appellee and no time extension has been granted by the Court. 3. Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.410 provides: "After ten days' notice from the court, the following may be imposed for violation of these rules: reprimand, contempt, striking of briefs or pleadings, dismissal of proceedings, costs, attorney's fees or other sanctions." 4. Although dismissal is a harsh sanction to impose, it is justified in this case by appellant's failure to prosecute this appeal. See e.q., Gantt v. Volusia County Health Facilities Authority, 360 So.2d 387 (Fla. 1978); Robbins v. City of Titusville, 170 So.2d 844 (Fla. 1964); Ganey v. State, 101 So.2d 827 (Fla. 1st DCA 1958); Beck v. Hodge, 101 So.2d 47 (Fla. 2d DCA,1958). WHEREFORE, this appellee moves for entry of an order of dismissal or, in the alternative, imposition of any of the other sanctions provided in Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.410. Respectfully submitted, GERI�ATKINSON -HAZE TON Fla. Bar No. 0259764 Suite 300, Webster Building 2671 Executive Center Circle, West Tallahassee, Florida 32399 -0681 (850) 487 -2685 Attorney for Appellee Unemployment Appeals Commission CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing was mailed to the below listed persons on this 25th day of September, 1997: MARY H SOINI 512 NW 16TH ST OKEECHOBEE FL 34972 CITY OF OKEECHOBEE 55 SE 3RD AVE OKEECHOBEE FL 34972 GE F \ATKINSON -HAZE 4 ON