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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-02-2026 MINUTES OF THE SCHOOL SPEED ZONE VIOLATION HEARINGS HELD ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026, AT 9:00 A.M. IN CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS 100 E OCEAN AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: James Stokes, Special Magistrate James Longhini, Clerk Sergeant Munro Officer Perez PSA Ortiz PSA Baldino PSA Ridgely James Stokes, Special Magistrate, called the School Zone Enforcement Violation Hearings for September 2, 2026, to Order at 9:01 a.m. He introduced himself and gave his background, stating he is an independent hearing officer, Magistrate arbitrator who travels around the state where he is assigned. He said he knows nothing about the cases, and he will learn all here. He said this is like traffic court, the officer will testify, then the violator and the violator can ask questions. This program was created by the Legislature as a civil violation against the vehicle. It is not a moving violation, no points ae assessed, nor is insurance impacted, and there are no license suspensions. He said does not have the authority to do anything about the fines. Unlike Traffic Court Judges, they can allow traffic school, payment plans, and fine reductions, but he cannot. The Administrative Coordinator administered an oath to all those intending to testify. Mr. Stokes explained that all the cameras and monitors are connected and all will see the same thing at the same time. The following individual did not appear for their hearing: 703 South A Street LLC Notice No. 5892600158336 PSA Ortiz said on April 17, 2026, a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling in lane two on South Congress Avenue while passing a designated marked school zone at Crosspointe Elementary. At the time of the violation, the speed limit was clearly posted at 45 mph, during which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 64 mph. On April 23, 2026, he reviewed the notice and issued a violation. He had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. All viewed the evidence. Decision Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of$200. Hearing Minutes School Safety Zone Hearings Boynton Beach, Florida September 2, 2026 The following individual accepted a plea. Edith Madge Allen Notice No. 5892600177484 Ethel Carolyn Ambrosait Notice No. 5892600230853 PSA Baldino mentioned on May 27, 2026, a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling northbound in lane three on Congress Avenue, while passing a designated marked school zone at Crosspointe Elementary. At the time of violation, the speed was clearly posted at 20 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone times, during which time the cars speed was captured on radar at 35 mph. On June 4, 2026, she reviewed the notice and issued a violation. She had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. All viewed the evidence. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. Ethel Ambrosait, the registered vehicle owner, was present. She said that she is a careful driver and is not familiar with the area. She mentioned that she was travelling at 45 mph and gradually began to reduce but did not want to hit her breaks too hard. She said that she is 82 years old and is on a fixed income. She commented that there could be more signage. Judge Stokes asked to review the video again. He said that the school zone is clearly marked and that he does not agree with her on the deceleration. Ms. Ambrosait commented that she was watching carefully for any situation. Judge Stokes said that that may be true but that is not the purpose of a school zone and that he saw no effort to decelerate. Decision Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of$185. The following individual did not appear for their hearing: Dale Wade Bergman Notice No. 5892600231307 PSA Ridgley said on May 27, 2026, at 2:11 p.m., a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling eastbound, in lane two on Hypoluxo Road while passing a designated marked school zone at Freedom Shores Elementary. At the time of violation, the speed was clearly posted at 20 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone times, during which time the car's speed was captured on radar at 32 mph. After a review of the electronic evidence, she issued a notice of violation on June 5, 2026. She had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. All viewed the evidence. 2 Hearing Minutes School Safety Zone Hearings Boynton Beach, Florida September 2, 2026 Decision Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of$200. The following individuals accepted a plea. Robin Dominguez Notice No. 5892600216514 The following individual accepted a plea. Jason Ralph Ellinwood Notice No. 5892600237833 The following individual accepted a plea. Kyle L Fatigante Notice No. 5892600221886 The following individual paid prior to the hearing: Richard Alexander Golowicz Notice No. 5892600162189 PSA Ridgley mentioned that on April 20, 2026, at 2:04 p.m., a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling in eastbound in lane one on Hypoluxo Road while passing Freedom Shores Elementary. At the time the speed limit was clearly posted at 20 mph with a flashing yellow beacon and signs indicative of the school zone, at which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 34 mph. After a review of the violation, She issued a notice of violation on April 28, 2026. She had an evidence pack with a video and still images to pay. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. Decision Based on the evidence, Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of$200. The following individual did not appear for their hearing: Alberto Manuel Gonzalez Notice No. 5892600176783 PSA Baldino said that on April 27, 2026, a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling westbound in lane one on Miner Road while passing a designated school zone at Rolling Green Elementary. at the time of the violation, the speed limit was clearly posted a 20 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone times, during which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 39 mph. After a review of the 3 Hearing Minutes School Safety Zone Hearings Boynton Beach, Florida September 2, 2026 violation, she issued a notice of violation May 5, 2026. She had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. Decision Based on the evidence, Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of$200. Christopher John Grisetti Notice No. 5892600237312 PSA Baldino said that on May 29, 2026, a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling southbound in lane two at Seacrest Blvd while passing a designated marked school zone at Rolling Green Elementary. At the time of the violation, the speed limit was clearly posted at 20 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone time, during which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 36 mph. After a review of the violation, she issued a notice of violation on June 9, 2026. She had an evidence pack with still images to play. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. Christopher Grisetti, the registered vehicle owner, was present. He said that on that day it was early release for the children and that they were out of school at 11:30 a.m. he said he saw that there were no students around and tried to slow down. Judge Stokes asked to review the video again and said it does not appear that Mr. Grisetti attempted to slow down. Decision Based on the evidence, Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of$185. Michael Louis Horgan Notice No. 5892600186485 PSA Ridgely stated that on April 30, 2026, at 7:22 a.m., a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling northbound in lane one on Seacrest Boulevard while passing a designated marked school zone at Rolling Green Elementary. At the time, the speed limit was clearly posted at 20 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone times during which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 35 mph. After a review of the violation, she issued a notice of violation on May 12, 2026. She had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. 4 Hearing Minutes School Safety Zone Hearings Boynton Beach, Florida September 2, 2026 Michael Horgan, the registered vehicle owner, was present. He said that he was driving to a meeting and usually take the route every morning. He commented that there isn't a school on that road but that the school zone is used for the kids that cross. He said that the school zone is active at 7:20 a.m. and that he entered at 7:22 a.m. he said he is looking for mercy. Judge Stokes said that he appreciates Mr. Horgan honesty but that the area is clearly marked. Decision Based on the evidence, Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of $185. Michael Lawrence Kaufman Notice No. 5892600220383 PSA Ortiz commented that on May 20, 2026, a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling in lane two on South Congress Avenue while passing a designated marked school zone at Crosspointe Elementary. At the time of the violation, the speed was clearly posted at 20 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone times during which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 33 mph. On May 29, 2026, he reviewed the notice and issued a violation. He had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. Michael Kaufman, the registered vehicle owner, was present. He said he wants it to be considered that he was travelling at 45 mph and that he does not dispute that he entered the zone at 33 mph but that the school zone sneaks up on you. He mentioned that in the video you can see where he is pressing his breaks and where he begins to slow down and remains at 20 mph. Judge Stokes points out that Mr. Kaufman's break lights were on but that he does not look as though he was decelerating that much as he was catching up to a school bus that was doing the appropriate speed. Mr. Kaufman stated he did not see. Judge Stokes ask that the video is played again. Decision Based on the evidence, Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of $185. Brant Alan Mackey Notice No. 5892600154541 5 Hearing Minutes School Safety Zone Hearings Boynton Beach, Florida September 2, 2026 PSA Ortiz commented that on April 15, 2026, a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling in lane one on south Congress while passing a designated marked school zone at Crosspointe Elementary. At the time of the violation, the speed was clearly posted at 20 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone times during which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 44 mph. On August 26, 2026, he reviewed the notice of violation issued by PSA Lamb on April 22, 2026. He had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. Brant Mackey, the registered vehicle owner, was present. He said that he had written a letter and mailed it to Tempe, Arizona. He stated that he was not aware that there was school in the area and that when he received the violation, he returned to the area to take photos, which were submitted into evidence. He commented that one of his concerns is that flashing light is across from the school, and that it is too close to the school to do its job. He mentioned that the camera is in front of the warning light and that it does not provide adequate notice to begin to slow down. He said that per Florida Statue, there should be some signage to indicate that a school zone is approaching and that he did not see any of that. Judge Stokes explained that the agency in Tempe,Arizona only deals with the paperwork. He mentioned that an officer from Boynton Beach reviews the video and issues a signed citation and that the company is not issuing the violation. He said that the signage placement is handled by traffic engineers and the schoolboard and that it was irrelevant to his decision. He informed Mr. Mackey that he can appeal his decision with the Circuit Court. Decision Based on the evidence, Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of$185. The following individual did not appear for their hearing: Sandra Gladwish Newman Notice No. 5892600155415 PSA Ortiz commented that on April 15, 2026, a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling in lane one on Hypoluxo Road while passing a designated marked school zone at Freedom Shores Elementary. At the time of the violation, the speed was clearly posted at 20 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone times during which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 45 mph. On August 26, 2026, he reviewed the notice of violation issued by PSA Lamb on April 22, 2026. He had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. 6 Hearing Minutes School Safety Zone Hearings Boynton Beach, Florida September 2, 2026 Decision Based on the evidence, Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of$200. Miguel Pardal Notice No. 5892600159565 PSA Baldino commented that on April 17, 2026, a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling northbound in lane two on Congress Ave while passing a designated marked school zone at Crosspointe Elementary. At the time of the violation, the speed was clearly posted at 20 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone times during which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 38 mph. On April 23, 2026, she reviewed the notice and issued the violation. She had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. Miguel Pardal, registered vehicle owner, was present. He stated that he would like to appeal the citation with the county court. He said that this is a business and that the City is only trying to collect money. Judge Stokes asked if Mr. Pardal wanted to add anything on the record. Mr. Pardal stated he does not and that he will take it to the circuit court. Decision Based on the evidence, Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of$185. Kim Esther Puhl Notice No. 5892600177997 PSA Ridgley commented that on April 28, 2026, at 1:49 p.m., a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling northbound in lane two on south Congress Avenue while passing a designated marked school zone at Crosspointe Elementary. At the time of the violation, the speed was clearly posted at 40 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone times during which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 20 mph. She reviewed the notice and issued a violation on May 6, 2026. She had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. Kim Puhl, the registered vehicle owner, was present and stated that she did not know about the violation until she received it. She said that there is no advance noticed that you are approaching a school zone and that she did not see the sign. She stated that she drives all around the county and other areas are clearly marked and that this feels like a trap to create tickets. 7 Hearing Minutes School Safety Zone Hearings Boynton Beach, Florida September 2, 2026 Judge Stokes stated that the sign is present and that there are two flashing yellow lights which is a warning for the upcoming school zone. He commented that he is having a hard time understanding that Ms. Puhl did not see the sign. Decision Based on the evidence, Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of$185. The following individual did not appear for their hearing: Jonathan Rodriguez Notice No. 5892600198084 PSA Ridgley commented that on May 27, 2026, at 2:06 p.m., a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling southbound in lane one on South Seacrest Blvd while passing a designated marked school zone at Forrest Park Elementary. At the time of the violation, the speed was clearly posted at 20 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone times during which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 37 mph. After a review of the violation, she issued a notice of violation on May 15, 2026. She had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. Decision Based on the evidence, Judge Stokes upheld the violation and assessed a fine of$200. Ricardo J Sanders Notice No. 5892600192566 PSA Ortiz commented that on May 5, 2026, a vehicle registered to the violator was travelling in lane two on Hypoluxo Road while passing a designated marked school zone at Freedom Shores Elementary. At the time of the violation, the speed was clearly posted at 20 mph with flashing yellow beacons and signs indicative of the school zone times during which time the vehicle's speed was captured on radar at 32 mph. On May 14, 2026, he reviewed the notice and issued a violation He had an evidence pack with a video and still images to play. Judge Stokes viewed the evidence. Ricardo Sanders, the registered vehicle owner, was present and said that when he realized the lights were flashing yellow, he tried his best to apply his breaks and to slow down to the posted speeds. Judge Stokes asked to review the video again. He stated that the video does appear to show Mr. Sanders attempted to reduce his speeds. 8 Hearing Minutes School Safety Zone Hearings Boynton Beach, Florida September 2, 2026 Decision Based on the evidence, Judge Stokes dismissed the case. The following individuals accepted a plea. Carmen Nina Vehec Notice No. 5892600169895 Ryan Russell Gallahue Notice No. 5892600167436 There being no further business before the Court, Judge Stokes adjourned the Hearings at 10:08 a.m. vitio Keysiera Delorme Administrative Coordinator II 9