2024-08-13 Handwritten Minutes •,''�aoed o1/71%.` CITY OF OKEECHOBEE CODE ENFORCEMENT
,� ph m; AUGUST 13, 20247, SPECIAL MAGISTRATE HEARING
o �; 55 SOUTHEAST THIRD AVENUE, OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA 34974
_:4 ��••• HANDWRITTEN MINUTES — CHRISTINA CURL
Mission Statement: The mission of the City of Okeechobee is to provide accommodating services that
enhance the quality of life for our citizens and businesses in a fiscally sound manner.
Vision Statement: The City of Okeechobee will maintain a vibrant and prosperous community built on our
heritage, history, unique character, and small-town atmosphere.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Special Magistrate Azcona called the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing to order on
Tuesday August 13, 2024, at 6:08 P.M. in the City Council Chambers located at 55 Southeast 3'
Avenue. Room 200, Okeechobee. Florida. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Special
Magistrate Azcona.
II. ATTENDANCE Present Absent
Special Magistrate Roger Azcona. Esquire x
City Attorney Greg Hyden x
Police Administrative Lieutenant Bettye Taylor x
Code Enforcement Officer Anthony Smith x
Code Enforcement Officer Christina Curl x
III. AGENDA
A. Requests for the addition, deferral, or withdrawal of agenda items. There were none.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ADMINISTRATION OF OATH
A. Special Magistrate Azcona dispensed with the reading and approved the June 11, 2024,
and the July 9, 2024, Minutes.
B. This being a Quasi- Judicial proceeding. Special Magistrate Azcona collectively administered an
Oath to Code Officers Smith. and Curl, Mr. Benjamin Falk and Mr. Dale Williams.
V. CONTINUED CASES
C. Case No. 230817007; Tanglewood, LTD c/o A & M Properties Inc, 420 Northwest 9th
Street, Violation of Code of Ordinances Chapter 30, Sections 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-
44 General cleaning and beautification, International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
Chapter 3. Section 304.1 .1 Unsafe conditions (Exhibit 1).
GH- Code Officer Smith if I can interject for this argument this is being brought back before
the magistrate per his request to determine if the city and the property owner could come
to an agreement that would be supported by our code of ordinances. I did speak with Mr.
Falk and what we have offered is that they are in the process of reroofing two of their six
buildings and what we asked for is that within 15 days or so that they have a licensed
roofer inspect the roofs on the remaining four buildings and issue a status on those roofs
by August 30th if the four remaining roofs are not leaking and do not need any further
remediation for the health and safety of the occupants the city will close its current code
enforcement case against Tanglewood and find it in compliance and thereafter just like
any other applicant they could then apply for a fine reduction consistent with the code of
ordinances. Upon the closure of the current code enforcement case Tanglewood would
have a licensed inspector/roofer issue an inspection report on a quarterly basis or
Page 1 of 20
V. CONTINUED CASES CONTINUED
A. Case No. 230817007: CONTINUED: somewhere there in abouts to the city just to assure
that the four remaining roofs remain safe for those who are living in there just until the
roofs are replaced with two being done next year and the final two the year after. So that
is the tentative discussions and agreement that we had so that is where we stand. The
court has already ruled on the actual violations, but the magistrate wanted to know if we
could come to an agreement on the issue of the remaining roofs and the accrued fines
that are continuing to accrue on a daily basis because of those roofs. So that is the
tentative agreement that we have. I don't want to speak for Mr. Falk but that is where
things left off
RA- okay thank you Mr. Hyden, so my understanding is that this does not change or
modify the previous ruling we are just coming to an agreement, would that be correct Mr.
Hyden
GH- correct you have already made a ruling but the issue that had occurred at the last
hearing was Mr. Falk on behalf of Tanglewood had said that he thought there was some
type of agreement that we could abate fines or stop fines. I said under the code of
ordinances we really don't have the authority to do that we could either close the case or
we could reduce it as a lien reduction request, but we just couldn't simply abate something
for a period of time. So, in discussion with Mr. Falk it appears with the four remaining
roofs maybe if we can get the report from the licensed roofer that the remaining four roofs
do not need any current remediation then we could close the matter. Then the case would
not need to come back before the magistrate unless they came back in with a reduction
request which would obviously come back. So, that is where things stand as far as the
city's end. I don't know if Mr. Falk would like to respond on his end. It's not necessarily a
ruling you need to make it would be an agreement that would be made between the city
and Tanglewood at which point we would deem the case closed
RA- okay, thank you Mr. Hyden. So, I am going to ask Mr. Falk who we have here online
are you in with agreement with that Mr. Falk
BF- yes, that is the exact discussion that Mr. Hyden and I had, and we are in agreement
with that. I would like to make a correction that two of the roofs have already been
completed they were completed back in June, and we still do have four remaining
buildings. We do have a licensed roofer going out the end of this week to inspect the roofs
and provide a report that there are no active leaks on the remaining four buildings
RA- okay, sounds good Mr. Falk. I am going to go ahead and enter an order today based
on the party's agreement. So, as I enter this ruling, I guess Mrs. Curl you will send that
stipulation to both parties and if there are no other objections I will enter for the purposes
of today's hearing. I will follow the party's agreement that within 15 days of this hearing
that the property owners shall have a licensed roofer inspect the remaining four roofs and
provide evidence that they are not leaking and need remediation once the evidence is
received the city will consider the property to be compliant and the daily fine will stop
accruing. The property owner can then apply for a fine reduction for the existing fines.
Thereafter the property owner shall have a licensed roofer provide twice annual evidence
that the remaining four roofs are not leaking and do not need remediation while waiting
for replacement in 2025 and 2026 and failure to comply with the required inspections will
result in non-compliance and the city will pursue a new case. Okay I will enter that per the
agreement between the parties. Anything further on this one
GH- I just wanted to make clear that we said that the roofs need no further remediation
for the health and safety of the occupants. So, if the licensed roofer was to come back
and suggest that the roofs could use a pressure washing, we would not keep the case
open just for that we are talking about major issues with the roofs, so if it something minor,
we would still close the case
Page 2 of 20
V. CONTINUED CASES CONTINUED
A. Case No. 230817007; CONTINUED:
RA- okay sounds good, we will add that in. Anything else. Okay is there is nothing further
with that one that is what we will do. I am glad we were able to work this out
CC- your honor I do have a question
RA- yes go ahead
CC- I know the agreement was typed up by Greg, has this been signed yet by Mr. Falk
or the City
GH- I do not believe so, I do believe I was still waiting on your as in Gary Ritters approval
to send it over. Once I get that I can send it over to Mr. Falk, but obviously today we heard
orally that he agrees to it so we can deem it an oral agreement in the interim
CC- okay, thank you
RA- okay, sounds good thank you, next case
AS- appreciate you Mr. Falk, you can hang out if you want to
BF- I was going to ask a question, once we have the agreement signed and we have the
inspection provided later this week and then at the point the matter is closed. Then at that
point we can apply for a reduction of the lien/order is that correct
AS- that is correct
GH- that is correct
BF- okay I just wanted to make sure I know the order of what needs to take place
GH- nothing prevents you from getting the form now and starting to fill it out. I don't want
you to think that you must wait for closure to pick up the form, but the city can't consider
the lien reduction request until the matter is closed
BF- okay, where so I obtain that form
GH- the wonderful people in code enforcement Anthony or Christina
CC- I can email it, or Dale can pick it up
AS- he can come by and pick it up or we can email it to you Mr. Falk, which ever one you
want to do
BF- email would be preferable
AS- I can email it to you no problem, anything else
BF- yes. one more question. Once we submit that and it is acceptable for a reduction in
the fine and once the fine gets paid that removes the existing lien
AS- that is correct
GH- that is correct. Once a lien reduction is received and the city ordinances can grant
up to a certain amount and you can always appeal to the magistrate within the terms of
the ordinance, then once a lien reduction is granted and you pay it a release of lien will
be recorded in public records and there will no longer be a lien against the property
BF- okay, thank you
RA- okay next case
VI. NEW CASES
A. Case No. 240521008; Michael Alan and Meredith Lanae Glassburn, 114 Northwest 9th
Street, Violation of Code of Ordinances Chapter 30, Sections 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-
44 General cleaning and beautification (Exhibit 2).
AS- violation of Chapter 30, Sections 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44 General cleaning
and beautification for having overgrown grass, weeds, trees, shrubs/bushes, and piles of
yard debris on the property. The respondent is not a repeat violator. The respondent was
first notified on May 2, 2024, via Courtesy Card. On May 22, 2024, I, Code Officer Smith
inspected the property; still non-compliant, overgrown grass, weeds, trees, and
shrubs/bushes remains. Fallen branches on the property. Photos in file. SOV/NOH,
photos and a copy of the city ordinances mailed via USPS certified return receipt for the
July 9th Hearing. The notice was received by Mike Glassburn on May 28, 2024. On June
Page 3 of 20
VI. NEW CASES CONTINUED
A. Case No. 240521008; CONTINUED: 4. 2024, I, Code Officer Smith inspected the
property; still non-compliant, overgrown vegetation remains. Photos in file. On June 18,
2024, I, Code Officer Smith inspected the property; still non-compliant, overgrown
vegetation remains. Photos in file. On July 3, 2024, I, Code Officer Smith inspected the
property; still non-compliant, overgrown vegetation remains. Photos in file. On June 9.
2024, Due to unforeseen circumstances unrelated to the matters raised in the Code
Enforcement Agenda the July 9, 2024, City of Okeechobee Code Enforcement Special
Magistrate Hearing had to be cancelled On July 11 , 2024, SOV/NOH mailed via USPS
certified return receipt for the August 13th Hearing. Per USPS tracking they could not gain
access to the delivery location to deliver our notice on, at 11:43 am. On July 23, 2024, I,
Code Officer Smith posted the property and the public notices board at City Hall with the
Notice to Appear. Photos in file. Code Officer Smith inspected the property; still non-
compliant, overgrown vegetation remains. Photos in file. On August 6, 2024, I Code
Officer Smith inspected the property, still non-compliant, the overgrown vegetation issues
have not been addressed. Photos in file. To comply with City Ordinances the property
owner needs to cut and maintain all the overgrown vegetation on the property. The City
recommends in accordance with the City's fine schedule a fine of $50.00 per day to begin
on July 10, 2024, until the property is brought into compliance, plus a $50.00
administrative fee.
RA- I am going to ask the City Attorney Mr. Hyden is there anything you would like to add
on this one sir
GH- yes, just two or three brief questions. Code Officer Smith approximately how tall is
the grass, I know we see in the photos that it looks tall but is it 6 inches, a foot tall, it looks
kind of tall do you have a general idea
AS- 12-18 inches, it's pretty tall
GH- it appears you took photos in June, July, August does it appear that the grass has
been mowed at any time or has the grass just continued to grow un-mowed
AS- it appears it has been mowed but it wasn't mowed low enough it looks like they just
bushed hogged it and knocked off the top of it and it is still out of compliance
GH- so even the most recently you are still saying that it is still 12-16 inches tall
AS- yes
GH- nothing further
RA- I have a few quick questions, Mr. Smith you took all the photos
AS- that is correct
RA- and these photos accurately represent the date they were taken and the conditions
of the property at the time they were taken
AS- that is correct
RA- okay, in the case of the City of Okeechobee vs. Michael Alan Glassburn and Meredith
Lanae Glassburn, Case #240521008 the respondents in this case was cited for Chapter
30, Sections 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44 General cleaning and beautification for
having overgrown grass, weeds, trees, shrubs/bushes, and piles of yard debris on the
property. I will make a finding that the respondent is not a repeat violator, but based on
the testimony and exhibits presented here at this hearing by the certified Code
Enforcement Officer Mr. Smith I will make a finding that the respondent are in violation of
the cited codes and there is more than sufficient factual basis for the allegations in this
case, the exhibits show a sufficient amount of overgrown grass and weeds, and shrubs
and piles of debris on the property. I will also make a finding that the respondent was
sufficiently notified by the posting, and it appears that they were notified by mail for today's
hearing. Given that I will follow the city's recommendation in this case and fine the
respondents a fine of $50.00 per day to begin August 14, 2024, until the property is
brought into compliance, plus a $50.00 administrative fee. Anything else Mr. Smith
Page 4 of 20
VI. NEW CASES CONTINUED
A. Case No. 240521008; CONTINUED:
AS- no sir
RA- okay next case
B. Case No. 240618005; Hazy Land and Construction LLC, 1109 Northwest 8th Avenue,
Violation of Code of Ordinances Chapter 30, Sections 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44
General cleaning and beautification (Exhibit 3).
AS- violation of Chapter 30, Sections 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44 General cleaning
and beautification for having overgrown grass, weeds, trees, shrubs/bushes, and garage
thrown in the shrubs/bushes and evidence of a man living on the property in a tent. The
respondent is not a repeat violator. The respondent was first notified on May 10, 2024,
via Courtesy Card. On June 18, 2024, Code Officer Smith inspected the property; still
non-compliant, the vegetation remains uncut and piles of trash/debris on the property.
The man staying in the tent has moved on. Photos in file. A SOV/NOH, copy of ordinance,
and photos mailed via USPS certified return receipt for the July 9, 2024, Hearing. The
notice was returned, insufficient address, on July 15, 2024. On June 25, 2024, I, Code
Officer Smith posted the property and the public notices board at City Hall with the Notice
to Appear. Photos in file. On July 3, 2024, I, Code Officer Smith inspected the property:
still non-compliant, the vegetation remains uncut and piles of trash/debris on the property.
Photos in file On July 9, 2024, Due to unforeseen circumstances unrelated to the matters
raised in the Code Enforcement Agenda the July 9, 2024, City of Okeechobee Code
Enforcement Special Magistrate Hearing had to be cancelled. On July 11 , 2024,
SOV/NOH mailed via USPS certified return receipt for the August 13th Hearing. The notice
was received by Cayden Danley on July 13, 2024. On August 6, 2024, Code Officer Smith
inspected the property, still non-compliant, the overgrown vegetation remains uncut and
piles of trash/debris on the property. Photos in the file. To comply with City ordinances
the property owner needs to cut all the overgrown vegetation and remove the trash and
debris from the property. The City recommends in accordance with the City's fine
schedule a fine of $50.00 per day to begin on August 14, 2024, until the property is
brought into compliance, plus a $50.00 administrative fee.
RA- Mr. Hyden anything you would like to add
GH- no, your honor thank-you
RA- you took the photos in this case Mr. Smith
AS- that is correct
RA- and these photos accurately represent the conditions of the property on the date they
were taken
AS- that is correct
RA- I will make a finding in the case of the City of Okeechobee vs. Hazy Land and
Construction, Case #240618005 the respondent was cited for violation of Chapter 30,
Sections 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44 General cleaning and beautification for having
overgrown grass, weeds, trees, shrubs/bushes, and garbage thrown in the shrubs/bushes
and evidence of a man living on the property in a tent. I will also make a finding that the
respondent is not a repeat violator. Based on the testimony and the exhibits presented at
this hearing. I will make a finding that the respondent is in violation. There is more than
sufficient factual basis presented in these exhibits I see that there is plenty of overgrown
grass, weeds, shrubs and trash all over the premises. It looks like the premises have not
been maintained. I also see what looks like a man living in a tent. I will make a finding
that the respondents were properly served together with the posted notice for the hearing,
and I will follow the city's recommendation and fine the respondent $50.00 per day to
begin on August 13, 2024, it is to begin today Mr. Smith
AS- August 14th
Page 5 of 20
VI. NEW CASES CONTINUED
B. Case No. 240618005; CONTINUED:
RA- to begin on August 14, 2024, until the property is brought into compliance, plus a
$50.00 administrative fee. Anything else on this one Mr. Smith
AS- no sir
RA- okay next case
C. Case No. 240626003; Okeechobee Hospitality LLC, 1200 Highway 70 East, Violation of
Code of Ordinances Chapter 30, Sections 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44 General
cleaning and beautification (Exhibit 4).
AS- violation of Chapter 30, Sections 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44 General cleaning
and beautification for having a boat trailer parked in the back, the plant islands full of dead
plant debris and the mulch beds in need of being refreshed. The vegetation surrounding
the stormwater pond needs to be cut and maintained. The respondent is not a repeat
violator. The respondent was first notified on June 10, 2024, via Courtesy Card. On June
25, 2024, I, Code Officer Smith inspected the property; still non-compliant, the plant
islands in the rear of the property still have not been addressed, vegetation around the
storm water pond remains overgrown. The boat trailer parked at the back of the property
has been removed. Photos in file. On June 26, 2024, SOV/NOH, photos and a copy of
the city ordinances mailed via USPS certified return receipt for the August 13th Hearing.
The notice was received by Laura Horn on July 10, 2024. On August 6, 2024, I, Code
Officer Smith inspected the property, still non-compliant, have not addressed the issue of
the overgrown vegetation around the stormwater pond. however the plant islands have
been cleaned out and resodded. Photos in the file. To comply with City Ordinances the
property owner needs to cut and maintain the overgrown vegetation around the storm
water pond. The City recommends in accordance with the City's fine schedule a fine of
$50.00 per day to begin on August 14, 2024, until the property is brought into compliance,
plus a $50.00 administrative fee.
RA- anything you would like to add Mr. Hyden
GH- yes, Code Officer Smith is the remaining violation just the tall grass around the storm
water drainage system
AS- yes that is correct
GH- that is all for now
RA- Mr. Smith you took all the photos in this case
AS- yes, I did
RA- and these images accurately represent the conditions of the premises on the date
they were taken
AS- yes, they are
RA- okay, I just need some clarification. I see there are some photos in here of the islands
and I can see that some of these places barely have any grass on them, could you tell
me exactly what the nature of the violation is on them
AS- are you talking about on August 6, 2024
RA- on June 10, 2024, the first photo
AS- okay on June 10, 2024, there is no grass there because that is all sticks and debris,
dried sticks and debris and the ground is all uneven and that is really the reason why
there is no grass there or anything. If you can see right, there you can see a stick hanging
off the edge right there
RA- yes, I see that
AS- there was only two islands that needed to be taken care of as you can see on August
6, 2024, they had taken care of it by cleaning it all up and laying sod
RA- yes, so you are saying that on the islands they resodded these islands
AS- yes, they did
Page 6 of 20
VI. NEW CASES CONTINUED
C. Case No. 240626003; CONTINUED:
RA- okay
AS- the only reason that they are still not in compliance is the overgrown grass around
the storm water pond
RA- okay, on June 10, 2024, at 11 :53 am I believe it is the second photo there is two
pictures, one seems to have a huge tree in the middle, but the grass seems short, so I
don't understand what the nature of the violation is here
AS- on June 10th
RA- yes, June 10, 2024, at 11 :53 am the first photo, this one right here. I know we are
citing them for overgrown grass
AS- the overgrown grass is not really the islands it is the storm water drain that is where
the overgrown grass is at
RA- okay, so this photo does it establish any type of violation
AS- okay, are you talking about the one with the trailer in the background
RA- oh you are talking about the trailer in the background
AS- yes, the trailer parked back there
RA- okay, so you are not talking about the grass around it but just the trailer
AS- no it is not it is the trailer
RA- okay I can see now where that supports factual basis. Okay on the second one below
explain to me the nature of the violation is it the tall grass behind the fence or the mulch
in front of the fence
AS- no behind the fence
RA- okay, so everything behind the fence
AS- yes
RA- okay, got it and the same with the following photos
AS- yes
RA- are they responsible for the property in front of the fence are they
AS- they are they are responsible for the property in front and behind the fence. They
have it fenced off because there is a pond there and it is supposed to catch overflow from
the rain, and it can't do that if there is a bunch of grass there
RA- got it, so you are alleging the property around the island that is kind of bare
AS- the islands have nothing to do with it I am talking about on the other side of the fence
RA- okay, so the front has nothing to do with it. It is all behind the fence
AS- yes
RA- okay I will make a finding in the case of the City of Okeechobee vs. Okeechobee
Hospitality LLC, Case #240626003 the respondent was cited for violation of Chapter 30,
Sections 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44 General cleaning and beautification for having a
boat trailer parked in the back, the plant islands being full of dead plant debris and the
mulch beds in need of being refreshed. The vegetation surrounding the stormwater pond
needs to be cut and maintained. I will make a finding that the respondent is not a repeat
violator. However, based on the testimony and the exhibits presented by the certified
Code Enforcement Officer Mr. Smith I will make a finding that there is plenty of factual
basis for the allegations and the respondent is in violation of Chapter 30, Sections 30-43
Public nuisances, 30-44 General cleaning and beautification. Upon clarification the
photos do show what looks like factual basis for the violations of the islands hardly having
any vegetation just lots of cut tree debris and behind the fence I can see plenty of
overgrown grass and I can see the trailer that is parked in violation. I will follow the city's
recommendation of finding the respondents in violation and fine the respondent $50.00
per day to begin on August 14, 2024, until the property is brought into compliance, plus a
$50.00 administrative fee. I will also make a finding that the respondent was properly
Page 7 of 20
VI. NEW CASES CONTINUED
C. Case No. 240626003; CONTINUED: notified in this case via SOV/NOH certified mail
receipt and that it was received by Laura Horn. Okay anything else on this case Mr. Smith.
AS- no sir
RA- okay next case
VII. DELINQUENT BUSINESS TAX RECEIPTS
A. Case No. 240709013; Amanda Connah, 1160 Southeast 21st Street, Violation of Code of
Ordinances Chapter 50, Sections 50-36 Issuance of local business tax, 50-43 Penalties
for violation of local business tax regulations (Exhibit 5).
AS- violation of Chapter 50, Sections 50-36 Issuance of local business tax, 50-43
Penalties for violation of local business tax regulations for not renewing their local
business tax receipt (BTR) by September 30, 2023, and engaging in business without
first having procured an active local BTR from the City of Okeechobee. The total amount
due is $315.63. The respondent is not a repeat violator. On March 5, 2024, 250-Day
Delinquency Letter was mailed via USPS certified return receipt. Returned, attempted-
not known, unable to forward. On April 30, 2024. Code Officer Curl spoke with Amanda
Connah about her delinquent BTR. She stated that she has been out of work for a couple
of months due to her mother being ill and could possibly make a payment on the account
next week, but she doesn't have the total amount. I transferred the call to Trish, the City's
BTR Specialist to see if any type of payment arrangement could be made and for her to
update the mailing address. Updated address: 1160 SE 21st St, Okeechobee, FL. 34974.
City Staff received an email from Trish, The City's BTR Specialist stating that she spoke
with Amanda, and she is going to try to get in next week to at least make a partial payment
and try to get the total paid by June. She is also teetering on making the decision to close
the business. On July 10, 2024, SOV/NOH and City Ordinances mailed via USPS certified
return receipt for the August 13, 2024, Hearing. Returned, attempted-not known, unable
to forward on July 22, 2024. On July 30, 2024, SOV/NOH hand delivered to Amanda
Connah for the August 13, 2024, Hearing. Hand delivery signed and placed in the file
along with a picture of Ms. Connah photo ID, I also spoke with her and advised her that
she needed to get into the finance office and pay the delinquent BTR as soon as possible.
On August 6, 2024, Code Officer Curl verified with Trish, the City's BTR Specialist that
the business owner has not paid her delinquent BTR, therefore the business is non-
compliant. Then we get an email in the ninth hour about 2:30 this afternoon that Amanda
paid the $315.63 bringing the BTR current. She is now in compliance. So, we just want
to state for the record that she was in violation of Chapter 50, Sections 50-36 Issuance of
local business tax, 50-43 Penalties for violation of local business tax regulations and she
came into compliance on August 13, 2024, she did not accrue any fines, and the case
has been closed and no further action.
RA- anything you would like to add Mr. Hyden
GH- no it sounds like it is an ending well case so nothing to add
RA- okay I will make a finding in the case of the City of Okeechobee vs. Amanda Connah,
Case #240709013. The respondent was cited for violation of Chapter 50, Sections 50-36
Issuance of local business tax, 50-43 Penalties for violation of local business tax
regulations for not renewing their local business tax receipt (BTR) by September 30,
2023, and engaging in business without first having procured an active local BTR from
the City of Okeechobee with the total amount of $315.63 due. Based on the testimony
and the exhibits presented by the Code Enforcement Officer Mr. Smith I will make a
finding even though the respondent did come into compliance the respondent was in
violation from on or about March 5, 2024, when they received the 250-day delinquency
letter until they came into compliance today August 13, 2024. So, we will keep that on the
Page 8 of 20
VII. DELINQUENT BUSINESS TAX RECEIPTS CONTINUED
A. Case No. 240709013; CONTINUED: record that even though they did come into
compliance they were in violation of the ordinance until today August 13, 2024, and the
city recommends no further action on this matter. So that is what we will do. Anything else
on this one Mr. Smith
AS- no sir
RA- okay, next case
VIII. REPEAT VIOLATORS
A. Case No. 240618009; Tina M. Bray, 1115 Northwest 7th Court, Violation of Code of
Ordinances Chapter 30, Sections 30-40 Junk, 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44 General
cleaning and beautification, Chapter 54, Sections 54-81 Use as a residence, 54-84
Parking in residential district (Exhibit 6).
AS- violation of Chapter 30, Sections 30-40 Junk, 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44 General
cleaning and beautification for having junk, trash, debris, and personal items (sofa) all
over the property and Chapter 54. Sections 54-81 Use as a residence, 54-84 Parking in
residential district for having a trailer parked on the property not meeting setbacks or
parked properly on the property and looking like someone may be living in it with a power
cord running from the home to the trailer. The respondent is a repeat violator, previous
cases #210405012 & 230125004 for violation of Chapter 30, Sections 30-43 Public
nuisances and 30-44 General cleaning and beautification. On June 18, 2024, SOV/NOH,
photos and a copy of the city ordinances mailed via USPS certified return receipt for the
August 13th Hearing to the property owner and to the renters. The notice sent to the
renters was returned, unclaimed, on July 9, 2024. The notice to the property owner was
also returned, attempted-not know, unable to forward on July 29, 2024. On July 10, 2024,
I, Code Officer Smith posted the property and the public notices board at City Hall with
the Notice to Appear. Photos in file. I, Code Officer Smith inspected the property; still non-
compliant, junk, trash and debris all over the property, mobile home park on the property
not meeting any setbacks. Photos in file. On August 6, 2024, I Code Officer Smith
inspected the property; in compliance, all the trash, junk, and debris remove from the
property. The mobile home also removed from the property. Photos in file. Case Closed.
On August 12, 2024, Compliance Letter mailed out via USPS regular mail. The City
recommends no action on this matter, but request it be noted for the record to have been
in violation of Chapter 30, Sections 30-40 Junk, 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44 General
cleaning and beautification, Chapter 54, Sections 54-81 Use as a residence and 54-84
Parking in residential district from June 18, 2024, until August 6, 2024, no lien/order
recorded, no fine accrued.
RA- anything you would like to add Mr. Hyden
GH- absolutely not it sounds like they cleaned up and that is great news
RA- okay I will make a finding in this case of the City of Okeechobee vs. Tina M. Bray,
Case #240618009 even though the respondent is a repeat violator in this case they were
cited for Chapter 30, Sections 30-40 Junk, 30-43 Public nuisances, 30-44 General
cleaning and beautification, Chapter 54, Sections 54-81 Use as a residence, 54-84
Parking in residential district for having junk, trash, debris, and personal items including
a sofa all over the property and a trailer parked on the property not meeting the setbacks
or parked properly on the property with it looking like someone may be living in it with a
power cord running from the home to the trailer. Based on the testimony of the certified
Code Enforcement Officer and the exhibits presented at this hearing I will make a finding
that the respondents were in violation and there is sufficient factual basis for the
allegations based on the statements and the exhibits presented. I can see the trailer with
what looks like somebody was living there, there is a picture of an electrical cord coming
from the house to the trailer, and there is simply what looks like debris all over the
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