DRAFT MINUTES

CODE ENFORCEMENT HEARING

 

City Hall, 516 8^th Avenue West, Palmetto, FL  34221

 

Special Magistrate:  Daniel P. Lewis, Esq.

February 25, 2025

2:00 p.m.

 

   Special Magistrate Daniel Lewis called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m., followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mr. Lewis made opening comments about the quasi-judicial proceeding and all people wishing to speak were duly sworn.

 

 

1. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA                                                                                

none

 

   2. APPROVE MINUTES                                                                       

Code Enforcement Hearing Minutes dated January 28, 2025, were approved as written.

 

 

3. PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

   A. Case No. 25-02 (ECE24-1359)                                                                                       

M Squared 1615 5^th LLC

1509 8^th Street West

Palmetto, FL  34221

 

Violation Location:      1615 5^th Street West, Palmetto, FL  34221

Codes Violated:          Chapter 19, Section 19-222 a portable storage container shall not remain at the property in any zoning district in excess of (60) consecutive days, and must not be placed more than twice during each calendar year

  

Code Enforcement Officer Ken Sexton presented an Affidavit of Non-Compliance which was presented for the Magistrate’s consideration and made a part of these minutes and stated he had not had any other conversations with the Respondent. 

 

  SETTLEMENT:        Magistrate Lewis ruled that based on sworn testimony and on evidence presented, the Respondent was found in violation of the City Code Section 19-222 and imposed a fine of $25.00 a day beginning February 14, 2025, and terminating on the day the property is found in compliance as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer.                            

 

B. Case No. 25-04 (ECE24-1753)                                                                             

   Christina Zaloga

1201 8^th Avenue West #F-46

Palmetto, FL  34221

 

Violation Location:      1201 8^th Avenue West Lot #F-46, Palmetto, FL  34221

 

Codes Violated:          Chapter 17, Section 17-28 Property Management Code, Chapter 3 General requirements, 302.5 Rodent harborage

 

   Code Enforcement Officer Sexton presented an Affidavit of Non-Compliance which was presented for the Magistrate’s consideration and made a part of these minutes.  Mayor West received a letter from a neighbor regarding the ramifications of having rats on the property which was also made a part of these minutes.  Magistrate Lewis clarified with Code Office Bowman that the City can take action to get bids from professional exterminators and the City will attempt to abate.  Magistrate Lewis previously found that this was a public safety concern, allowing the City to enter on to the property.  The City was seeking a fine of $25.00 per day.

 

       SETTLEMENT:         Magistrate Lewis ruled that based on sworn testimony and on evidence presented, the Respondent was found in violation of the City Code Section 17-28, specifically 302.5 Rodent Harborage and imposed a fine of $25.00 a day beginning February 14, 2025, and terminating on the day the property is found in compliance as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer.  This is a public safety concern and the City of Palmetto needs to correct the violation.            

 

 

C. Case No. ECE25-0244                                                                 

   Salah Hijaz

12401 Silton Peace Drive

Riverview, FL 33579

 

Violation Location:      908 8^th Avenue West, Palmetto, FL  34221

Codes Violated:          Chapter 18, Article II, Section 18-26 (a) - weeds, grass and bushes overgrown; Chapter 18, Article II, Section 18-26 (a) - trash littering property, cans, bottles, paper, broken fencing; Chapter 7, Article XI, Section 7-238 - Windows

  Code Enforcement Officer Rob Lamensa is requesting a dismissal due to incorrect dates which would violate due process, and they have also partially started to bring the property into compliance

 

               SETTLEMENT:       Based on the request of the City of Palmetto, Magistrate Lewis dismissed the case.

 

D. Case No. ECE24-2046                                                     

   Jesse Martinez

Delana Martinez

1015 11^th Avenue West

Palmetto, FL 34221

 

Violation Location:      1015 11^th Avenue West, Palmetto, FL  34221

Codes Violated:          Chapter 7, Section 17-182 Permit required.

  Code Enforcement Officer Rob Lamensa stated the property was brought into compliance as of February 21, 2025.

 

SETTLEMENT:      Magistrate Lewis dismissed the case for compliance and no further action is needed.

 

4. OLD BUSINESS

 

 

   5. NEW BUSINESS

The next Code Enforcement Hearing will be scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

 

 

Magistrate Lewis adjourned the meeting at 2:15 p.m.