2015-08-111
1
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
AUGUST 1112015 REGULAR CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD MEETING
SUMMARY OF BOARD ACTION
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER - Chairperson:
August 11, 2015 Regular Meeting, City Hall, 55 SE 3`d Avenue,
Okeechobee, FL
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Chairperson.
III. BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF ATTENDANCE - Secretary.
Chairperson Jamie Gamiotea
Vice Chairperson Rennae Sweda
Board Member Lynn Boak
Board Member Melissa Close
Board Member Louise Conrad
Board Member Ted Denisuk
Board Member Jim Pippin
Alternate Member John Abney
Board Attorney John Cook
Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer Herb Smith
Code Enforcement Officer Fred Sterling
Board Secretary Sue Christopher
PAGE 1 OF 4
BOARD ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE
Chairperson Gamiotea called the August 11, 2015, Regular Meeting to order at 6:32 pm, in the City Council Chambers,
located at 55 Southeast 3'ti Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida,
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairperson Gamiotea.
Present
Absent with consent
Present
Present
Present
Absent with consent (John Abney filled the seat for Member Denisuk)
Present
Present
Absent
Absent
Present
Present
IV. MINUTES - Secretary.
A. Motion to dispense with the reading and approve the Member Close moved to dispense with the reading and approve the Summary of Board Action for July 14, 2015 and July 27,
Summary of Board Action for the July 14, 2015 Regular 2015; seconded by Member Pippin. There was no discussion on this item.
Meeting and July 27, 2015 Emergency Meeting. VOTE
GAMIOTEA - YES BOAK - YES CLOSE - YES CONRAD - YES DENISUK - ABSENT
V. AGENDA - Chairperson. PIPPIN - YES SWEDA - ABSENT ABNEY - YES MOTION CARRIED.
A. Requests for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on There were no request for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on today's agenda,
today's agenda. 11
774
775
AGENDA
VI. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS.
A. Disposition of Cases presented by Code Officer Sterling
Case No, 14-069
Leonard Summa. 301 SE 8`h Drive
Request for reduction of lien ($1,320)
Case No. 14-059
Tax Ease Florida. 1018 NW 5`h Avenue
Ch 30 Sec 30-43 Public nuisance
Ch 30 Sec 30-44 General cleaning & beautification
AUGUST 11, 2015 - CEB REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 2 OF 4
BOARD ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE
This being a quasi-judicial proceeding, an oath was administered to those offering testimony, all responded affirmatively, Officer
Sterling advised all events occurred within the corporate limits of the City of Okeechobee. The Officer's notes, testimony,
photographs, and supporting documents were all entered as part of the official record,
Mr. David Hazelief addressed the board representing U.S. Bank, N.A. who now owns the property through a foreclosure sale,
He said as soon as the bank had legal possession of the property it was brought into compliance. Officer Sterling testified
Case 14-069 had a fine of $15.00 per day which accrued for eighty-eight days ($1,320). He verified once the bank took
possession the property was brought into compliance and the fine was stopped.
Member Close moved Case No.14.069, Leonard Summa, 301 SE 8" Drive, be given a reduction of lien in the amount
of fifty dollars ($50.00) to cover administrative costs; seconded by Member Conrad
GAMIOTEA - YES SOAK - YES CLOSE - YES CONRAD-YES DENISUK - ABSENT
PIPPIN - YES SWEDA - ABSENT ABNEY - YES MOTION CARRIED.
Officer Sterling testified service was via Notice of Violation/Notice of Hearing sent by certified mail and received by property
owner, He stated the property was purchased by Tax Ease through a tax certificate sale, He said he sent several notices
by certified mail and spoke with a representative once on the phone, but nothing has been done to bring the property into
compliance. At this time the property is very overgrown and neighbors are complaining.
Member Pippin moved to find Case No.14.059, Tax Ease Florida,1018 NW 5`h Avenue, in violation of Ch 30 Sec 30.43
Public nuisance and Sec 30-44 General cleaning & beautification, based on the testimony of Code Officer Sterling,
imposing a fine of twenty-five dollars per day beginning fifteen days after receipt of proper notification; seconded by
Member Close.
GAMIOTEA - YES SOAK - YES CLOSE - YES CONRAD-YES DENISUK - ABSENT
PIPPIN - YES SWEDA - ABSENT ABNEY - YES MOTION CARRIED.
1
AUGUST 11, 2015 -CEB REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 3 OF 4
776
AGENDA
Case No. 15-013
Anthony Bertram. 1105 SW 711 Avenue
Ch 30 Sec 30-43 Public nuisance
Ch 54 Sec 54-51 Parking commercial vehicles
1
11
BOARD ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE
Officer Sterling testified service was via Notice of Violation/Notice of Hearing sent by certified mail and received by property
owner, Property owner, Anthony Bertram, addressed the board stating he was using two shipping containers as temporary
storage until he is able to purchase the property next to him from Billy Mason and build a large shop which would give him an
enclosed place to park his commercial vehicles and for storage. He said he attempted to contact Mr. Mason tc find out how
soon the purchase of the property could be finalized, but Mr. Mason did not get back to him with an answer, Chairperson
Gamiotea stated he felt the tax paying citizens of Okeechobee should not be hindered when they are trying for run a licensed
business in Okeechobee. However, he said we have to consider any safety issues and if the temporary structure is unsightly
to the neighbors. Code Officer Sterling verified Mr. Bertram has always been willing to work with him in the past and he has
not had any complaints from neighbors. Chairperson Gamiotea advised the board to think through the circumstances
surrounding this case before rushing into a decision based solely on a code violation. He suggested allowing a certain amount
of time for Mr. Bertram to buy the property and begin building a shop. Then bringing the case back to the board for review,
Member Conrad moved to find Case No.15.013, Anthony Bertram,1105 SW 7tn Avenue, in violation of Ch 30 Sec 30.43
Public nuisance and Ch 54 Sec 54.51 Parking commercial vehicles, based on the testimony of Anthony Bertram and
Code Officer Sterling, allowing an extension of six months to bring the property into compliance, if not in compliance
at that time the case will be brought back before the Board for review; seconded by Member Abney.
VOTE
GAMIOTEA - YES SOAK - YES CLOSE - YES CONRAD-YES DENISUK - ABSENT
PIPPIN - YES SWEDA - ABSENT ABNEY - YES MOTION CARRIED.
777
AUGUST 11, 2015. CEB REGULAR MEETING - PAGE 4 OF 4
AGENDA
ADJOURNMENT - CHAIRPERSON GAMIOTEA.
i
Jamie Gamiotea, Chairperson
ATTEST;
Sue Christopher, Secretary
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE AND BE ADVISED that when a person decides to
appeal any decision made by the Code Enforcement Board with respect to
any matter considered at this meeting, he/she may need to insure that a
verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the
testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Code
Enforcement Board media is for the sole purpose of backup for official
records of the fire department.
Please be advised that if you intend to show any document, picture, video or
items to the Board in support or opposition to any item on the agenda; a
copy of the document, picture, video or item must be provided to the Board
Secretary for the City's record.
BOARD ACTION - DISCUSSION - VOTE
THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION NOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA, CHAIRPERSON GAMIOTEA ADJOURNED
THE MEETING AT 7:10 P.M.
E
1
W Okeechobee News
107 SW 17th Street, Suite D
ANDEPENDENT Okeechobee, Florida 34974
863-763-3134
NEWSMEDIA INC. USA
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF OKEECHOBEE
Before the undersigned authority personally appeared Katrina
Elsken, who on oath says she is the Publisher of the Okeechobee
News, a three times a week Newspaper published at Okeechobee,
in Okeechobee -County, Florida, that the attached copy of
advertisement being a 4
in the matter of
I
in the 19th Judicial District of the Circuit Court of Okeechobee
County, Florida, was published in said newspaper in the issues of
I1.S
Affiant further says that the said Okeechobee News is a
newspaper published at Okeechobee, in said Okeechobee County,
Florida, and that said newspaper has heretofore been published
continuously in said Okeechobee County, Florida each week and
has been entered as second class mail matter at the post office in
Okeechobee, in said Okeechobee County, Florida, for a period of
one year next preceding the first publication of the attached copy
of advertisement, and affiant further says that she has neither
paid nor promised any person, firm or corporation any discount,
rebate, commission or refund for the purpose of securing this
advertisement for publication in the said newspaper.
Katrina Elsken
Sworn to and subscribed bef6W me this
°t day of AD
Notary Public, State of Florida at Large
ANGIE BRIDGES
MY COMMISSION # EE 177653
EXPIRES: APri120, 2016
Bonded Thru Notary Public Underwriters
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD MEETING
S HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Okeechobee Code Enforce-
d (CEB) will conduct a regular meetingg on Tues Auy 11, 21135,
or as soon thereafter as possible, at 8 / Hall, 5� SE 3rd Ave, Rm
,hobee, FL. The public is invited and encouragged to attend. The
ry be obtained from ctyofokeechobee.com or by calling the Cade
ANY PERSON DECIDING TO APPEAL any decision made by the CEB
with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need to ensure a
verbatim record of the proceeding is made and the record Includes the test(-
mony and evidence upon which the appeal will be based. to accordance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAy any person w th a disability
as defined by the ADA, that needs special accommodation to partldpate in
this proceeding, contact the Fire Department no later than two business
days prior to proceeding, 863-357-1971.
BE ADVISED that should you intend to show any document, picture, video
or items to the CEB in support or opposition to any item on the agenda' a
copy of the document, picture, video, or item MUST be provided to the
Board Secretary for the Oty's records.
by: Chairperson Jamie Gamiotea
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
AUGUST 11$ 2015 OFFICIAL AGENDA
1, CALL TO ORDER - Chairperson: August 11, 2015 Regular Meeting, 6:30 pm, City Nall, 55 SE 31 Avenue, Okeechobee, FL
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Chairperson.
Ill, BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF ATTENDANCE - Secretary.
Chairperson Jamie Gamiotea v1
Vice Chairperson Rennae Sw da rtC
Board Member Lynn Boak
Board Member Melissa Close f
Board Member Louise Conrad ✓
Board Member Ted Denisuk
Board Member Jim Pippin ✓
Alternate Member John Abney
Board Attorney John Cook l�
Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer Herb Smith i�
Code Enforcement Officer Fred Sterling ✓
Secretary Sue Christopher
IV. MINUTES - Secretary,
A. Motion to dispense with reading and approve Summary of Board Action for July 14, 2015 Regular Meeting and July 27,2015
Emergency Meeting,
V. AGENDA - Chairperson.
A. Requests for the addition, deferral or withdrawal of items on today`s agenda
tutu.(
PAGE 1 of 2
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PUBLIC HEARING ITE d by Code Officer SterlingL
Vll. reserlte Violation l ;,fib
Disposition of Cases P
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A. Name & Address Request for lien reduction
Case No` a Cc` — Leonard Summ �L�
1 SE e Drive 43 public nuisance } 1 c� , �� v
& beautification ?'L� (, L���--, � � u^
14-069 30 Ch 30 Sec 30-
Sec 30-44 General cleaning
Florida LLC Ch 30
Tax Ease �, Avenue
. 59 101E NW 5 h 30 Sec 30-43 public nuisance vehicles-�
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14 0 Bertram Ch 54 Sec 54-51 Park 9 i n , `,y`_ a •1 5 �, "� 1 r l�
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Anthony 'a Avenue �;� t� �� ? � t 7 v -icy
15-013 1105 SW 7 '
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Chairperson ent Board
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In accordance w Fire Dep video or items for the Y
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City of Okeechobee
Code Board Meeting
August 11th 2015
Case #14-069
Leonard Summa / U.S. Bank
301 SE 81hDrive
CH 30., Sec 30-43 Public Nuisance
CH 30,, Sec 30-44 General Cleaning & Beautification
• 02/10/2015 — Case came before the Code Board. Board gave property owner 7 days to correct the
violation after receiving Board Order.
• 02/27/2015 — Posted property with Board Order.
• 03/07/2015 — Started fine of $15.00 per day.
• 06/02/2015 — Property went into foreclosure, fine stopped. Fine totaled $1,320.00 (88 days @ $15.00
per day)
• 08/11/2015 — Administrative cost as of this date $49.17.
1. 863 763 6935 Hazelllef & Prevatt Realty Inc 03:35:01 p.m. 07-07-2015 2 /3
CODE ENFOkCEN Nr ]BOARD
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE
Case No... N—
REQ= T.OR REDUCTION OF PENALTY OR
EXTENSION OF COMPLIANCE DATE
INSTRUCTIONS: Please fill in both sides of this foam. completely. Be specific when wxitiS your
statement Please return this form to the Code Enforcement Department. The Petition will then be
presented to the Board at the next regularly scheduled meeting. If you are claiming medical or financial
hardship, attach supporting documentation (i.e., a doctor's statement or proof of income.) rf you have
any questions, please call the Code Wbreement Officer, Fred Sterling, at (863) 357-1971'. The Board
will consider requests for reduction of penalty or extension of compliance only one time for each case.
The Board's decision shall be its fuW action on the case. You may appm,at the hearing to of ri
testimony.
Property Owner's Name: L -
i �-j
I D -r
Property Address: 0 01 5�. U �' , t;? Ole ee L'h a ee-
Phone Number when you can be reached during the .day: 9 63 - 7 2- d
Is the property now in compliance? _\'Y'es No *The board will not consider a reduction of
If no, explain in detail:penalty if the property is not in compliance.
Are you requesting an extension of time to make repairs' Yes, No
Date you called the Code Enforcement Department for reinspection:
.Are you claiming financial hardship? Yes No
Are you claiming medical hardship? . _ Yes �o
H the property owner is unable to complete this form, list the name of she person who is a4oriwd to
act for the property owner and their relationship: A u}Z� 1 Ro t�2f
Page 1 of 2.
863 763 6935 Hazellief & Prevatt Realty Inc 03; 35;13 p.m. 07-07-2015 3 13
do hereby submit this Petition in request for a
reduction in the total amount of penalty imposed or request for an extepsian oftime to bring the property
into compliance, and in support of er the following statement
Date: Signed:
Page 2 of 2
Case #14-059
Tax Ease Florida LLC
1018 NW 5t" Avenue
CH 30,, Sec 30-43 Public Nuisance
CH 30, Sec 30-44 General Cleaning &Beautification
05/14/2014 — Sent Courtesy Card.
07/14/2015 — Called Tax Ease, They stated they would get it mowed.
07/29/2015 — Called and left message.
08/01/2014 — Mailed Notice of Violation.
08/08/2014 — Notice of Violation received, signed for by Kayla Lloyd.
09/25/2014 — Mailed Notice to Appear.
10/03/2014 — Notice to Appear received, signed for by Jennifer Cardoza.
03/09/2015 — Sent letter informing them about the lien on the property.
07/20/2015 — Mailed Notice to Appear.
07/27/2015 — Notice to Appear received, signed for by J. Vowel.
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Case #15-013
Anthony Bertram
1105 SW 7th Avenue
CH 30, Sec 30-43 Public Nuisance
CH 50, Sec 54-51 Parking Commercial Vehicles
• 01/27/2015 — Courtesy Card Sent.
• 02/26/2015 — Notice of Violation Mailed
• 03/10/2015 — Notice of Violation received, signed for by Anthony Bertram.
• 04/07/2015 — Mr. Bertram spoke with City Building Inspector Jeff Newell.
• 07/20/2015 — Notice to Appear mailed.
• 07/22/2015 — Notice to Appear received, Signed for by Anthony Bertram.
• 08/11/2015 — Mr. Bertram Came in and spoke to Jeff Newell.
• *See attached letter from Jeff Newell
• * See attached photos
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: FRED STERLING, CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
FROM: JEFFERY NEWELL, BUILDING OFFICIAL
SUBJECT: 1105 SW 7TH AVENUE; ANTHONY BER
DATE: AUGUST 11, 2015
CC:
The subject structure consisting of two oceanic shipping containers with an attached tubular
rooting system is not in compliance with either City Ordinances or the Florida Building
Code.
This structure was assembled without a permit. If a permit application had been submitted it
would have been denied due to its conflict with City Regulations and the Florida Building
Code.
Mr. Bertram communicated to me that he and Billy Mason were negotiating the sale of an
adjacent property to Mr. Bertram. If the sale materialized, then the non-compliance structure
would be disassembled and removed from the property.
As of this date, the Building Department has not been contacted by Mr. Bertram regarding
the status of the pending sale of the property and the removal of the non-compliance
structure.
Jeffery C Newell, CBO
0
G XN I b rt s`'w-
Case No.
14-060
14-071
14-073
15-010
15-019
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD
August 11, 2015
Name
Fine
Started
Filed
90 Days
Tax Ease Florida Reo
$25/day
1/04/15
1/08/15
4/07/15
407 NE 9" Avenue
Alumni Partners II
$60/day
12/26/14
2/04/15
5/04/15
206 SW 9' Avenue
Nationstar Mortgage
$25/day
1/04/15
2/04/15
5/04/15
1002 NW 2'd Street
Crystal I LLC
$15/day
5/05/15
6/05/15
9/02/15
1002 SW 6`h Avenue
GMAC Mortgage LLC $25/day 8/01/15
213 NE 8' Avenue
* Distributed at meeting for informational purposes only.
Code Board Action
12/9/14 - Imposed fine on 1/04/15 general cleaning/public nuisance
7/21/15 - City Council approved foreclosure
12/9/14 - Imposed fine on 12/26/14 for general cleaning/public nuisance
12/9/14 - Imposed fine on 1/04/15 for general cleaning/public nuisance
4/14/15 - Imposed fine on 5/5/15 for general cleaning/public nuisance
7/14/15 - Imposed fine on 8/1/15 for general cleaning/public nuisance