Minutes 05-21-12 MINUTES OF THE CODE COMPLIANCE LIEN REDUCTION MEETING HELD ON
MONDAY, MAY 21, 2012, AT 6:30 P.M., IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS
CITY HALL, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
PRESENT:
Michele Costantino, Chair Shana Bridgeman, Assistant City Attorney
Robert Foot, First Vice Chair Diane Springer, Code Compliance Coordinator
Gary Cole, Second Vice Chair
Robert Bucella
Rose Marie Yerzy
ABSENT:
Kathleen Carroll
Richard Yerzy, Vice Chair
I. Call to Order
Chair Costantino called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m
II. Approval of Agenda
Diane Springer, Code Compliance Coordinator, explained not all the Respondents
were present, but the Board should proceed and hopefully the rest of the Respondents
would arrive
III. Swearing in of Witnesses
Gary Cole, Second Vice Chair, explained the procedures. The Recording Secretary
administered an oath to all those intending to testify. Ms Springer distributed lien
reduction procedures to the Beard Respondents. It was also noted that of the five
Board members present, four affirmative votes were needed in order for the motion to
be valid.
Case No. 11 -168 Harbors Way 115 Trust 115 Harbors Way
Ms. Springer presented the request for the above case. The notice of violation was
January 24, 2012 for violations pertaining to a Business Tax Receipt. The case was
heard on March 16, 2011, and no one appeared. The compliance date and fine
established by the Board was March 26, 2011, or incur a fine of $100 a day thereafter
Compliance was documented on March 14, 2012, having 353 days of non - compliance.
1
Meeting Minutes
Code Compliance Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
May 21,2012
The first email Ms. Springer received regarding the case was on April 4, 2012, inquiring
about the lien reduction. The Business Tax Receipt was applied for on March 14,2012.
The inspection and Business Tax Receipt was issued that same day.
Mark Brody, 25F Crossing Circle, Boynton Beach, representing Jeffrey Gombos, the
owner of the above listed property, was present. Mr. Brody commented he has been a
resident since 1995, and he was unaware a Business Tax Receipt for a rental was
needed. The violation came to his attention in March of last year from a letter received
at the residence. At the time, the property was held in Trust due to negotiations held
after a divorce. The Trust had a different address than the owner's address. As soon
as they learned of the violation, they addressed it.
Mr. Brody was in the debt consolidation business operating in 50 states and flew in from
California to attend the hearing. He noted in his line of work, they have to deal with
several laws, so they diligently follow all instructions. The notice was sent to the existing
address on January 22 or 24. The Trust was transferred back with a different address.
The quit claim deed was notarized on December 15, 2010, and recorded on January 11,
2011. He explained that changed the mailing address of the homeowner. The title
search was done on January 22nd or 24th and the correspondence was sent to the
original address.
Had they been aware of the issue, they would have immediately scheduled an
inspection. When he paid the initial Business Tax Receipt fee, he was unaware of an
inspection. He sought relief based on the fact that the correspondence was sent to an
incorrect address. The address, as of January 11, 2011, was 1035 Gateway Boulevard,
and the correspondence was sent to Delray Beach. Mr. Brody expressed the owner
was shocked to learn he was being fined $100 a day and requested full relief.
Ms. Springer announced for the record that on January 24, 2011, when the case was
initiated, both the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector's office showed the address at
251 NE 17th Street, not the Gateway address. She explained under Statute 162, they
sent the mail to where they were legally required.
Mr. Brody expressed he did not feel he should be responsible for Palm Beach County
not updating their records in a timely manner. He reiterated the mail was not forwarded
because the individual at the residence signed for it and threw it away. There was no
conversation since then due to a falling out. Ms. Springer commented the first meeting
was posted at the premises and at City Hall. The second fine certification meeting had
the signed receipt of mailing. Mr. Brody could not address why the tenant did not send
any correspondence to them, but he did originally send the correspondence to pay the
Business Tax Receipt.
Mr. Gombos had been collecting rent about a month or two prior to when he received
the notice. Mr. Brody explained they applied to the homeowner's association, who was
to forward their application to the City. Mr. Brody reiterated they acted promptly when
2
Meeting Minutes
Code Compliance Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
May 21,2012
they learned of the violation pertaining to the Business Tax Receipt and acted promptly
when they learned about the large fine and scheduled an inspection which passed.
The property was renting for $1,200 to $1,500 per month. Mr. Brody explained the
property was well kept. The members discussed it was easier to have more compassion
on those who are ignorant of the law, than those in the business. Mr. Brody explained
he is not in the business, and they made every effort to comply. There was discussion
the issue was due to negligence, not direct non-compliance. It was noted the
Respondent was still collecting rent.
Motion
Based on testimony and evidence presented in the aforementioned case and having
been advised that the Respondent has complied with all lien reduction procedures set
forth in Section 2-84 through 2-89 of the City of Boynton Beach Code of Ordinances,
Mr. Bucella moved that this Board reduce the fines instituted in the aforementioned
case by virtue of this Board's Order of March 16, 2011, to an amount of $5,000,
including administrative costs.
Discussion followed $7,000 may be more appropriate. Mr. Bucella amended the motion
to $6,000 including administrative costs.
Vote
Mr. Foot seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
Mr. Brody inquired what the rental amount had to do with the fee. Chair Costantino
explained when individuals appear before the Board, they ask for all kinds of
information. It would not have mattered if $2 in rent was collected and the rental amount
had no bearing on the fine.
Case No. 08-3188
Benel & Yves Joseph
520 NW 11th Avenue
Ms. Springer indicated this case, and the following two cases pertained to the same
property. She explained the notice of violation for this case was October 17, 2008 for
violations pertaining to mowing and maintaining the property. The case was heard on
December 17, 2008, and no one appeared. The compliance date and fine established
by the Board was December 27, 2008, or a fine of $50 a day would be imposed
thereafter. The violations were corrected on December 27,2011, having 1,094 days of
non-compliance.
Ms. Springer received an email on November 10, 2011, from the property manager
inquiring how to comply. On November 21, 2011, she emailed the information on all
three cases to the property manager. To comply, they had to pay an outstanding water
3
Meeting Minutes
Code Compliance Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
May 21,2012
bill of close to $4,000. The property came into complete compliance on December 27,
2011.
Hartford Howell, 8188 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, was the real estate agent handling
the transaction for the owner. He commented the property was for sale. The violations
occurred in 2008 and the owner took possession in May of 2011. His information
showed the City ordered demolition of the property. He had a copy of the notice for
demolition dated January 13, 2011, which was prior to the current owner acquiring the
property. In May, when the owner took possession of the property and was alerted to
the issues, they ordered bids to demolish the structure themselves, but learned the City
had a better price, so they permitted the City to demolish the property. Ms. Springer
explained there was an arrangement made where the City demolished the property and
the current owner paid the City. The home was a foreclosure. It was also noted there
was a case against the Bank, who currently owns the property.
The demolition occurred on August 17, 2011. The lot was for sale, and was on the
market for $8,000. Mr. Howell explained it has been on the market for several months;
however, there was still no buyer.
Discussion followed if the Board assessed any part of the lien, it was unlikely the
property would sell. Chair Costantino suggested zeroing out the fine in the first and
second case and deal with it on the third case.
Motion
Based on testimony and evidence presented in the aforementioned case and having
been advised that the Respondents have complied with all lien reduction procedures set
forth in Section 2-84 through 2-89 of the City of Boynton Beach Code of Ordinances,
Mr. Cole moved that this Board reduce the fines instituted in the aforementioned case
by virtue of this Board's Order of December 17, 2008, to an amount of zero dollars,
including administrative costs. Ms. Yerzy seconded the motion that unanimously
passed.
Case No. 09-3772
Benel & Yves Joseph
520 NW 11th Avenue
Ms. Springer presented the request and indicated the notice of violation was sent
December 4, 2009, for violations pertaining to removing trash, mowing grass, weeds in
the rear yard, and trimming bushes and trees. The case was heard on January 20,
2010, and no one appeared. The compliance date and fine established by the Board
was January 30, 2010, or a fine of $200 a day would be imposed thereafter. The
violations were corrected on December 27,2011, having 695 days of non-compliance.
Hartford Howell, 8188 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, the real estate agent handling the
transaction for the owner, had no further comments to add.
4
Meeting Minutes
Code Compliance Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
May 21,2012
Motion
Based on testimony and evidence presented in the aforementioned case and having
been advised that the Respondents have complied with all lien reduction procedures set
forth in Section 2-84 through 2-89 of the City of Boynton Beach Code of Ordinances,
Mr. Cole moved that this Board reduce the fines instituted in the aforementioned case
by virtue of this Board's Order of January 20, 2010, to an amount of zero dollars,
including administrative costs. Ms. Yerzy seconded the motion that unanimously
passed.
Case No. 10-1579
Bank of New York
520 NW 11th Avenue
Ms. Springer presented the request and stated the notice of violation was sent May 26,
2010, for violations pertaining to securing all openings and removing trash. The case
was heard on July 21, 2010, and no one appeared. The compliance date and fine
established by the Board was July 31, 2010, or a fine of $250 a day would be imposed
thereafter. The violations were corrected on December 27,2011, having 513 days of
non-compliance.
Hartford Howell, 8188 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, the real estate agent handling the
transaction for the owner, had no further comments to add.
Discussion followed the Bank already sustained a significant loss on the property and
would continue to have expenses with the taxes and/or insurance. Mr. Foot thought the
Bank might consider a $5,000 lien a nominal amount, but he thought they should
consider the effect it had on the community.
Mr. Howell indicated the Bank had contracted with a company to maintain the property
and it has been in compliance since he became associated with it. A recent inspection
revealed it was currently in compliance.
Further discussion followed if they collected administrative costs for all three cases,
which amounted to $1,900, it would not make or break the sale. The members
discussed the fine amount and $2,000 plus the $1,900 would be appropriate.
Motion
Based on testimony and evidence presented in the aforementioned case and having
been advised that the Respondent has complied with all lien reduction procedures set
forth in Section 2-84 through 2-89 of the City of Boynton Beach Code of Ordinances,
Mr. Foot moved that this Board reduce the fines instituted in the aforementioned case
by virtue of this Board's Order of July 21, 2010, to an amount of $3,902.36, including
administrative costs. Mr. Cole seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
5
Meeting Minutes
Code Compliance Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
May 21,2012
Case No. 05-1741
Janet Loffio
2012 S. Federal Hwy. #402
Ms. Springer presented the request and stated the notice of violation was sent July 29,
2005, for violations pertaining to securing a permit to change an air conditioning unit.
The case was heard on September 21, 2005, and no one appeared. The compliance
date and fine established by the Board was October 1, 2005 or a fine of $25 a day
would be imposed thereafter. The violations were corrected on April 25, 2012, having
2,397 days of non-compliance.
Ms. Springer explained Ms. Loffio is deceased and the property was for sale. A title
search revealed the lien. In discussions with Ms. Loffio's former daughter-in-law, who
has taken over the sale of the property, it was learned Ms. Loffio was admitted to a
nursing home right after the air conditioner was changed in 2005, and her brother, who
was also elderly, was taking care of her affairs. None of the violations came to light.
Accidentally, the violation came into compliance because the home needed a new air
conditioner.
Ms. Springer explained Island Air Conditioning Co., who replaced the air conditioner,
said they removed a 1999 air conditioner from the unit and it was an original unit;
however, Building Department records indicated the original unit was placed in 1988.
Apparently the company installed a 1999 air conditioning unit in 2005 and never applied
for a permit. Officer Pierre, who cited the case, saw the air conditioning company
working without the permit.
Robin Winistorfer, 2531 NE 51 st Street, Lighthouse Point, the real estate agent selling
the property for the owner Elizabeth Loffio, was present. Ms. Winistorfer agreed with
Ms. Springer the unit was replaced in 2005 with a 1999 unit. This occurred in July of
2005, and in August 2005, Janet Loffio did receive two certified mailings from the City
regarding the unit; however, in August, Ms. Loffio appeared to be unable to function on
her own. The daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Loffio, made plans to have Ms. Loffio admitted
into a nursing home. Her health deteriorated and Ms. Loffio never returned to the
building. The electric was turned off from August 2005 to March of 2012. When the
power was turned on, the unit, which had been installed, did not work and had to be
replaced in March 2012.
Ms. Winistorfer requested the lien be dismissed because no one knew of it, and if they
had, they would have addressed it. It was only when the title search was conducted did
they learn of the matter. Although the letters were received, there had been meetings
with an attorney to admit Ms. Loffio into a nursing home. When she vacated, they did
not have any documents. In clearing out the house, they found documents were hidden
but the daughter-in-law never came across the information, nor did the brother have
information. The amount of the lien was more than the selling price of the house, which
was $58,000. Ms. Winistorfer explained they had a buyer and were supposed to close
last week. The mortgage was paid.
6
Meeting Minutes
Code Compliance Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
May 21,2012
Elizabeth Loffio is the widow of Janet Loffio's only son, who passed away in 1991.
Elizabeth was added to the deed, but could not do anything until Janet passed away.
When Ms. Loffio died in 2012, she was 87 years old and the brother was likely over 90.
Motion
Based on testimony and evidence presented in the aforementioned case and having
been advised that the Respondent has complied with all lien reduction procedures set
forth in Section 2-84 through 2-89 of the City of Boynton Beach Code of Ordinances,
Mr. Foot moved that this Board reduce the fines instituted in the aforementioned case
by virtue of this Board's Order of September 21, 2005, to an amount $5,000, including
administrative costs. Mr. Cole seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
Case No. 10-2056
Citimortgage
115 SE 14th Avenue
Ms. Springer explained this case and the next were for the same property. Ms. Springer
presented the request and indicated the notice of violation was sent July 13, 2010, for
violations pertaining to registering a foreclosed property, mowing the yard and trimming
the vegetation. The case was heard on August 18, 2010, and no one appeared. The
compliance date and fine established by the Board was August 28, 2010, or a fine of
$100 a day would be imposed thereafter. The violations were corrected on September
19, 2011, having 386 days of non-compliance. Ms. Springer clarified mowing and
trimming the yard were not part of the original violation.
Thomas Matthews, 18608 Harbor Light Way, Boca Raton, the listing real estate broker
representing Citimortgage, was present. He commented the property was currently
under contract. Ms. Springer explained the property was registered on September 19,
2011. Mr. Matthews explained the Bank did not obtain the property until January 4,
2012. The foreclosure proceeding was started and it should have been registered on
March 23, 2010, when the lis pendens was filed. Mr. Matthews explained he was not
involved until January 9, 2012, but noted the property was occupied at that time. He did
cash for keys to Mark Veen, the owner, who was living at the premises on February 20,
2012. Mr. Matthews expressed confusion as he registered the property after they
moved Mr. Veen out.
Attorney Bridgeman explained there are two elements of the Ordinance. One element is
to register the property once it becomes vacant, and the second component was to
maintain the property once it becomes vacant. If they filed the lis pendens, there was
an obligation to register and maintain the property; however, the Ordinance also
specifies it applies to property that is vacant or subject to default. The violation notice
was sent to the foreclosing attorney in Tampa, who signed a receipt of mailing for the
notice.
Ms. Springer explained they sent the notice to the foreclosing attorney because the
County property records would reflect Mark Veen as the owner until the foreclosure was
7
Meeting Minutes
Code Compliance Board
Boynton Beach, Florida May 21, 2012
complete. If the notice was sent to the main address at Citimortgage, it is sent all over
the country. The foreclosing attorney knows where to send the notice. The property was
under contract for $28,000.
Motion
Based on testimony and evidence presented in the aforementioned case and having
been advised that the Respondent has complied with all lien reduction procedures set
forth in Section 2 -84 through 2 -89 of the City of Boynton Beach Code of Ordinances,
Mr. Bucella moved that this Board reduce the fines instituted in the aforementioned
case by virtue of this Board's Order of August 18, 2010, to an amount of $3,634.12,
including administrative costs. Ms. Yerzy seconded the motion that unanimously
passed.
Case No. 11 -1172 Mark Veen & Margaret Turner 115 SE 124th Avenue
Ms. Springer presented the request and indicated the notice of violation was sent May
12, 2011, for violations pertaining to a Business Tax Receipt, removal of trash and
debris, and outside storage. The case was heard on July 20, 2011, and no one
appeared The compliance date and fine established by the Board was July 31, 2011, or
a fine of $150 a day would be imposed thereafter. The violations were corrected on
January 26, 2012, having 178 days of non - compliance.
Ms. Springer explained Mr. Veen was living in one of the units, and his girlfriend was
living in the other unit rent free. He signed an exempt form on January 20, 2012. Staff
verified that all the other violations complied on January 26, 2012. There was a memo
from the Building Department dated September 22, 2011, indicating there was no
electric service to the premises and an extension cord connected to another property
was used to obtain service. The house is placarded and the tenant was told to call Code
Compliance when power was restored. An outstanding water bill of over $4,000 from
Mr. Veen was paid prior to coming before the Board.
Thomas Matthews, 18608 Harbor Light Way, Boca Raton, the listing real estate broker
for Citimortgage, was present. Mr. Matthews explained he received the listing on
January 9, 2012. On January 10, 2012, he contacted Mr. Veen and made arrangements
for him to move out on February 20, 2012. After that point, they corrected the exterior
violations, removed the trash and trailer which was on the premises, mowed the
property and improved the landscaping. The property has been in compliance ever
since. As to the Business Tax Receipt, because Mr. Veen signed an affidavit indicating
he was living there and the girlfriend was living there for free, there was no violation. It
was also noted there were health and safety concerns that were not part of the case.
Ms. Springer distributed photographs to the Board. Mr. Matthews explained when the
deal was made to move Mr. Veen out, no one was living in the other unit. He noted the
property has been under contract for several months for $28,000.
8
Meeting Minutes
Code Compliance Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
May 21,2012
Motion
Based on testimony and evidence presented in the aforementioned case and having
been advised that the Respondents have complied with all lien reduction procedures set
forth in Section 2-84 through 2-89 of the City of Boynton Beach Code of Ordinances,
Mr. Foot moved that this Board reduce the fines instituted in the aforementioned case
by virtue of this Board's Order of July 20, 2011, to an amount of $1,730.15, including
administrative costs. Ms. Yerzy seconded the motion that unanimously passed
Case No. 09-3879
Amtrust Bank
566 W. Ocean Avenue
Ms. Springer presented the request and indicated the notice of violation was sent
December 11, 2009, for violations pertaining to registration of a foreclosure and
trimming hedges at the corner to provide an unobstructed view of the intersection. The
case was heard on January 20, 2010, and no one appeared. The compliance date and
fine established by the Board was February 4, 2010, or a fine of $250 a day would be
imposed thereafter. The violations were corrected on April 16, 2012, having 801 days of
non-compliance.
The Respondent had to pay an outstanding water bill and registration of the property
was confirmed on April 13, 2012. Addressing the hedges was confirmed on April 16,
2012. They also had to repair the windows, screen and an air conditioner to apply for
the lien reduction.
Laura Rollins, 1450 SW 10th Street, Suite B, Delray Beach, the listing agent, was
present. Ms. Rollins obtained the listing on January 11,2012, and was not aware of the
violations until the property was under contract on March 28, 2012. When she learned
of the violations, she contacted Ms. Springer, registered the property, landscaped and
trimmed the property and paid a municipal lien. The sale price of the home was
$86,000.
Ms. Springer distributed photographs to the Board. Ms. Rollins explained they spent
almost $4,000 on a new air conditioner; they paid to have graffiti removed and the
preservation team mowed and replaced the windows. The cost for the windows was
about $525.
Discussion followed the Bank received notification and there was a dangerous situation
created from the hedges at the intersection. Ms. Rollins explained the Certificate of
Title was issued April 2012. The lis pendens was issued June 23, 2008. Another real
estate agent had registered the property, but had done so incorrectly. As to a
dangerous intersection being created because of the hedge height, Ms. Rollins
explained there was no through traffic as the road dead-ended against the interstate
and was on a cul-de-sac; however, a stop sign was observed in the photograph.
9
Meeting Minutes
Code Compliance Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
May 21,2012
Motion
Based on testimony and evidence presented in the aforementioned case and having
been advised that the Respondent has complied with all lien reduction procedures set
forth in Section 2-84 through 2-89 of the City of Boynton Beach Code of Ordinances,
Ms. Yerzy moved that this Board reduce the fines instituted in the aforementioned case
by virtue of this Board's Order of January 20,2010, to an amount of $10,000 including
administrative costs. Mr. Foot seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
Case No. 08-1279
Timothy Pardo
134 SE 11th Avenue
Ms. Springer announced this case and the following case involved the same property.
She indicated the notice of violation was sent April 28, 2008, for violations pertaining to
mowing the property and removing trash and debris. The case was heard on June 18,
2008, and no one appeared. The compliance date and fine established by the Board
was July 3, 2008, or a fine of $100 a day would be imposed thereafter. The violations
were corrected on September 20, 2011, having 1,173 days of non-compliance.
In addition to correcting the violations, the Respondent had to mow, trim, and weed the
property, including the driveway, repair the carport roof and rotted fascia, replace
windows, screens and the air conditioning unit, trim the trees, and replace the door to
the storage area in order to apply for the lien reduction.
Attorney Bridgeman administered an oath to all those intending to testify.
Diane Balsara, 1200 S. Federal Highway, Suite 307, Boynton Beach, the listing agent
for Wells Fargo Bank was present. The property was assigned to her from another
agent on August 17, 2011. She requested a lien search be done which revealed the
violations. She obtained bids and made the repairs. The property was then in
compliance. After that, the asset manager reviewed exterior pictures and wanted
additional work done to the exterior. They provided extra landscaping, coated the
driveway, and made other repairs to both the interior and exterior. Ms. Balsara reported
they spent about $26,000 to improve the property. She noted the carport and siding was
repaired. She commented Wells Fargo aggressively repairs properties they have as it
helps first time homebuyers.
The sale price of the property was in the mid-60s as it did not have central air. Ms.
Balsara explained when she got the listing, the property was vacant. Once the repairs
are made she would have the exact list price. Ms. Springer distributed photographs to
the Board. The members discussed the fine amount. It was suggested assessing this
case for administrative costs, and imposing a fine on the next case.
10
Meeting Minutes
Code Compliance Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
May 21,2012
Motion
Based on testimony and evidence presented in the aforementioned case and having
been advised that the Respondent has complied with all lien reduction procedures set
forth in Section 2-84 through 2-89 of the City of Boynton Beach Code of Ordinances,
Mr. Cole moved that this Board reduce the fines instituted in the aforementioned case
by virtue of this Board's Order of June 18, 2008, to an amount of $634.12, including
administrative costs. Ms. Yerzy seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
Case No. 09-2416
Timothy Pardo
134 SE 11th Avenue
Ms. Springer presented the request and indicated the notice of violation was sent July
22, 2009, for violations pertaining mowing, weeding and trimming the property, repairing
broken windows and securing the property. The case was heard on September 16,
2009, and no one appeared. The compliance date and fine established by the Board
was September 26, 2009, or a fine of $150 a day would be imposed thereafter. The
violations were corrected on February 16, 2012, having 872 days of non-compliance.
Diane Balsara, 1200 S. Federal Highway, Suite 307, Boynton Beach, the listing agent
for Wells Fargo Bank was present. Other than addressing the violations as soon as
they received the listing, she had no further comments to add.
Motion
Based on testimony and evidence presented in the aforementioned case and having
been advised that the Respondent has complied with all lien reduction procedures set
forth in Section 2-84 through 2-89 of the City of Boynton Beach Code of Ordinances,
Mr. Foot moved that this Board reduce the fines instituted in the aforementioned case
by virtue of this Board's Order of September 16, 2009, to an amount of $5,000,
including administrative costs. Mr. Cole seconded the motion that unanimously passed.
Case No. 09-3324
Wachovia Mortgage
7801 Manor Forest Lane
Ms. Springer advised the Respondent was prepared to attend the meeting, but when
she checked, the property registration had expired. Accordingly, they were not eligible
for the lien reduction. Ms. Springer requested the case be tabled to June 18,2012.
Motion
Mr. Foot moved that the aforementioned case be tabled until the Code Compliance
Board meeting to be held on June 18, 2012. Mr. Bucella seconded the motion that
unanimously passed.
11
Meeting Minutes
Code Compliance Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
May 21,2012
Chair Costantino announced she was registered for Code Compliance School on June
22, 2012, so she would not be available during that time. She also commented she
attended a City Commission meeting two months ago. A case was being appealed
which involved a swimming pool. The Board had reduced the fine from $197,000 to
$33,000 and the Commission reduced it to $634.12. This was disturbing to her because
the City Commission puts the health, safety and welfare of the community in the hands
of the Board. She spoke with Commissioner Orlove, who was Vice Mayor at the time,
who suggested the Board put together, with Ms. Springer, a presentation to be made at
a City Commission meeting. This would include facts and figures to help the
Commission understand the Board's concerns. They asked the Board to do a job and
penalties would be incurred.
Ms. Springer explained the original argument with the case that was appealed was that
the notice was not proper, which she proved it was. She has to provide the costs to the
City which was what they charged. It was a bank-owned property. Chair Costantino
explained to the City Commission the Board takes swimming pool hazards very
seriously. She noted Broward County had a case where a baby was found at the bottom
of a black swimming pool. The pool was unsecured. She noted there was already a
case in Boynton Beach when a grandchild fell into a pool, but the child was not harmed.
Chair Costantino suggested the members sit with Ms. Springer and put together a
presentation. If the City Commission does not want to enforce black swimming pools, it
would be on record they would not enforce those violations. It was noted the City
cannot afford a lawsuit. It was also pointed out the Board's name was changed from
Code Enforcement to Code Compliance, but it still comes with responsibility. There has
to be a balancing point with safety and health issues and it should be brought to the City
Commission for discussion.
Motion
There being no further business to discuss, Mr. Bucella moved to adjourn. Ms. Yerzy
seconded the motion that unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:08
p.m.
Catherine Cherry
Recording Secretary
052212
12