Good morning. Um, the hearing of the June 17th, 2026, 9:00 a.m. special magistrate is now in session. My name is Gemma Torcivia. I'm the county special magistrate for code enforcement. I will be presiding for today's hearing, which we will get
underway shortly, but I do want to attend to a few administrative matters first. Um, the purpose of today's hearing is to provide an impartial quasi-judicial forum to hear evidence regarding alleged violations of the Martin County Code of Ordinances. All proceedings will be conducted in an orderly and respectful
manner to ensure due process for all parties. Please turn off or silence all cellular phones at this time. Um, if we could to get started, let me just ask everyone who's able to do so to stand with me and say the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Before we begin hearing testimony today, um, I do want to swear in everyone who
intends to speak on any of the cases on the agenda. So, that would be all code officers, respondents, and any witnesses who will be giving testimony. You may stay where you are. Just please rise and raise your right hand.
I'm going to ask a question, and after I ask the question, you can respond by saying I do. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? >> I do. >> I do. >> Thank you.
Now, are there any cases in compliance that we're removing from the docket or any applications this morning? >> No, your honor. >> Thank you. Um, we will now call the docket. Um, we are going to start with case number
ENF 202604009. Um and this is uh Officer Shanahan's case. Um at this time uh Officer Shanahan, if you could please just state your name for the record and provide a summary of the facts. >> Sure.
My name is Michael Shanahan and I have been sworn in. I am a code compliance investigator for Martin County. The respondent, JLS Properties and Construction LLC, is present. This case concerns property at 7255 Southeast Redbird Circle, Hobe Sound,
Florida 33455 in Martin County, Florida. This case was not generated from anonymous complaint. According to the official records, the property appraiser, Martin County, property owner is JLS Properties and Construction LLC. A copy of the property appraiser's
record of ownership is county's exhibit one. On April 2nd, 2026, I inspected the property. At that time, I observed trash and debris. At the time, I photographed the property. Photographs accurately show what I saw then and are marked as county's exhibits
two through four. Two is the door tag. I can zoom in. Three is the trash back here. Along here. Four, again, same trash. Based upon the investigation, I issued notice of violation to JLS Properties and Construction LLC on April 15th,
2026, marked as county's exhibit five. In the notice, I cited the following Martin County code violation section 67.201B, nuisance to clear trash, etc. General ordinances Martin County code. In the notice of violation, the respondent was given until April 20 9th,
2026 to correct the violations. I inspected the property again April 30th. At the time, I photographed the property. The photographs actually show what I saw then and are marked as the county's exhibit six and seven. Six again, I circled
the debris in the yard. Seven, there was some kind of some debris, but they since replaced it or since removed it in the carport. >> Is that photograph showing the debris or is that after the debris was removed? >> No, I mean this is before the debris was removed. I've been back since.
>> And it's now removed? >> yeah. >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Compliance was not achieved and a notice of hearing was issued and by certified mail on May 1st and is marked as county's exhibit eight. The return receipt was not received.
Therefore, on June 1st, 2026, I posted the property and the Martin County Administration Building. The affidavit is marked as county's exhibit nine. A photograph of the posting is marked as county's exhibit 10. Exhibit 11 was
included to show the violation still exist. Therefore, I went to the property again on June 16th and saw that the side violations had not been corrected. At that time, I photographed the property. The photographs actually show what I saw then and are marked as County's Exhibit 12.
>> So, just to clarify, you went back June 1st and again June 16th? >> Yes, ma'am. >> June 1st is Exhibit 11 and Exhibit 12 is June 16th? >> Correct. >> And today is June 17th, so you just yesterday. >> Correct. >> Thank you, sir. >> I requested all the County's exhibits be
received into evidence based upon my testimony and evidence I requested that the respondent JLS Properties and Construction LLC be ordered to comply with the cited provisions of Martin County Code by July 31st, 2026 and if not in compliance by then, be required
to pay a fine in the amount of $100 per violation for every day the violation continues thereafter. The County has incurred a cost in the amount of $575 conducting this investigation and requests that the County be reimbursed that amount at the conclusion of today's hearing.
That's the end of my >> Thank you very much. Um good morning. Are you the respondents for JLS Properties and Construction? Um you may come to the podium. >> Yeah, my husband is coming with me with me, too. >> Um do you have any questions this
morning for the code inspector and if I could just get both your names? >> Um my name is Christina Michia and my husband. >> My name is Jose Luis Sanchez. >> Okay. Do you have any questions for the code inspector this morning?
>> Well, um I I think uh we were getting we were not getting the right like we were not getting the right information to ourselves cuz we we were not understanding what was the debris was. Um but I got in touch with him. He sent me
the pictures Uh and I haven't get back to him, honestly, because my husband was away. He just came back a week ago. So, that's why there's a lot of things that it hasn't been done because he was away for two almost 2 months.
>> Okay. And the county has given you a compliance date of July 31st, 2026. Can you remove all of the trash and debris from the property by that date? >> We already removed couple of things.
It's just some of things like um in the backyard. Like can I get near him to show him where >> It's up on the camera. >> Okay. >> We can put it up on the screen. >> Okay. So, we're trying to um
fix uh things in the house. And we well would like to build a little shed. I think what that's what you call in that area where you see you can see like pieces of um metals there. And that's where we want to set it. We
haven't get We haven't go to get the permission yet because as I said, my husband was away. And that's like that's our goal in that space. >> Right. So, just to be clear, we're not here to talk about that. We're only here to talk about this debris. So, whatever
you decide to do later with permits, you're welcome to do, apply for a permit. But you still have to remove the the debris that was photographed and it was circled in red. So, that's the pile of debris >> But >> that leaning fence, and then all that wood >> Okay.
>> debris. You have to remove it from the property and get rid of it. >> Okay. >> So, you you could take it and and to the dump. Um if you plan to use it for materials, you only have until July 31st to correct
this. So, that's a month and 2 weeks. That's That's tight. So, you have to remove it from the property. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> It's This is separate and apart from anything you plan to do with a shed. So, I just want to be clear about that. We're not here about the shed. You're
welcome to apply for a building permit. You can do that while you're here today. But, um you do have to remove that debris. And if you don't, you have until July 31st. So, if you don't do that, you will get a fine a daily fine of $100 a day. >> Okay.
>> So, that That's a That's a serious amount of money and it will it will accrue very quickly. So, I'm going to urge you to make sure that you prioritize this. I understand um it can take time to get a permit and build. So, you just need to remove those things. Take them to the dump. Get rid of them.
They cannot be on the property. Do you understand? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Your Honor, if I may interrupt you for a moment, could I just ask what the respondent's relationship is to JLS Properties & Construction LLC? >> Building maintenance. >> What's that? >> Um excuse me, can you repeat that again?
>> What's your relationship to JLS Properties & Construction LLC? Are you members? >> That's a >> We We are We would try to make a like um uh this >> Do you own the business that owns this property with you? >> to we try to to make a business to make
a buy properties and something like that, but we start with this. So, we are starting now. >> So, you both own that business JLS Properties & Construction? Both of your names >> Yeah, my wife and and me >> are on there. >> Okay. Okay, I just wanted to make sure for the for the record that the the
respondents had the authority to speak for the actual record owner. >> Thank you. Um do you have anything else to add? >> So, you are sure? >> Give me the receipt of the key. >> What is the key? >> She put in the stack here.
>> Come on. Come on. >> She put in the material that is not present. >> We We just have a question on this part where it says number one debris means fragment or accumulation and it says a little bit down including building
materials. However, building materials present on any manufacture or vegetation matter including building materials. What does that mean? Oh. Oh, okay. It's going in process
construction activities. shall not be deemed >> So if it was an ongoing construction that would be fine. But yeah, but you don't have construction. [clears throat] >> Oh, okay. So >> If I can clarify, what that would ongoing and active means
>> [clears throat] >> building project that is has an active building permit. If it if one is required and one would be required for this. So until if the active if the building permit is active and it's being worked on it's not just laying then building materials are not
trash. But in a good situation like this where you have no building permit it comes under this definition. >> Okay, thank you so much for clarification. Oh, okay. I have another question, too. >> Yes, ma'am. >> So we have some our laundries are
outside. For now they don't have another spot. So we were trying to uh can they stay there? Or I can cover like with a little like make a little wood like cover like a little wood there
or make it look nice but can that stay there? >> I'm going to ask I mean it's not something that's on the docket. I don't actually know what the respondent is talking about. I would suggest she she talk to the code enforcement officer, have him take a look and he can advise whether or not it's permissible.
>> Okay. >> So so to be clear, the pictures that we have shown in this case that have the two red circles, that is the debris that has to be removed. >> Okay. >> You should ask Officer Shanahan after this hearing, when we're finished, about
the questions you have. This is a good time to ask him cuz you're here. >> Yes. Yes. >> But the debris that has to be removed is circled in red in those photos. >> Okay. >> Do you Do you understand what the debris we're talking about? >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. Very good. Um do you have anything else to add? >> The two
Yeah, I know. That's what >> Um I'm going to receive the county's exhibits into evidence, including the photographs, which I have reviewed. Um I reviewed the testimony and the evidence that was presented, including the photos that were entered into evidence here today. Um I do find that the county has
established by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation of the county code of ordinances exists at the subject property as enumerated in the notice of violation. And I hereby order that the respondent must bring the property into full compliance by July 31st, 2026.
If it is not brought into compliance by that date, a fine of $100 per day will begin to accrue until compliance is achieved. Um you are assessed the costs of this action in the amount of $575
as provided by law, and you must pay the same to the county um here at the conclusion of today's hearing. If you do not comply with the requirements, you will get the fine of $100 per
violation per day for each and every day of noncompliance and administrative costs, if there are additional costs in enforcing the action. Um pursuant to chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes, there will be no further hearing required for the entry of such fine and costs. In addition, all
fines and costs will constitute a lien against the land on which the violation exists and upon any other real or personal property owned by the respondent. After 3 months from the filing of any such lien which remains unpaid, the county attorney is hereby authorized to foreclose on the lien or
sue to recover the money judgment for the amount of the lien plus accrued plus accrued interest. Now, this is important. When you comply, the respondent must request an inspection. You have to call for an inspection by contacting the county's building
department code enforcement division at 772-288-5505. That number will be on the order that you will get today. But, it's important that you understand you have to call for a re-inspection. It's not the county's obligation to come out and re-inspect. A request for inspection must be made at
least 1 day prior to the requested inspection. So, you have to give advanced notice. >> Okay. >> Um with that said, this matter is resolved. >> Thank you. >> Did you need >> Thank you. >> She's going to make you a coffee for you and she'll meet you in the lobby.
>> Okay. >> And I can >> Thank you very much. Um the next case that we will call is also a case that is Officer Shanahan's case. This is case number ENF2026-030552-01. Um Officer, would you like to present this case? >> Sure.
>> Thank you. >> My name is Michael Shanahan and I've been sworn in. I'm a code compliance investigator for Martin County. The respondent, Glenn Peter Cottis and Robert M. Hoffman Jr. are not present. This case concerns property at 7398 Southeast Bruce Terrace, Hobe Sound,
Florida 33455 in Martin County, Florida. This case was not generated from an anonymous [clears throat] complaint. According to the official records of Martin of property appraiser Martin County, property owners Glenn Peter Cottis and Robert M. Hoffman Jr.
A copy of the property appraiser record of ownership is county exhibit one. On March 31st, 2026, I inspected the property. At that time, I observed inoperable vehicles, trash debris, and a damaged fence. And uh high weeds. At the time I
photographed the property, the photographs actually show what I saw then and are marked as county exhibits two through six. Two is the door tag. Three is the inoperable vehicle here. There's some damaged fence on this side,
uh a refrigerator in the front yard. Uh more debris in the front yard. Uh it looks like he's like a scrapper, so he keeps some of the stuff on the trailer here. Five again, more debris. And six, uh more debris.
Based upon the investigation, I issued a notice of violation to Glenn Peter Cottis and Robert M. Hoffman Jr. on April 10th, 2026, marked as county exhibit seven. In the notice, I cited the following Martin County code violation, section
91.34A, generally inoperable vehicles, general ordinances Martin County code, section 67.201A, nuisance declared weeds, undergrowth, general ordinances Martin County Code. This violation is compliant and no longer a violation.
Section 67.201b, nuisance declared, trash, etc., general ordinances, Martin County Code. In the violation, in the notice of violation, the respondent was given until April 24th, 2026 to correct the violations. >> Officer, if I may interrupt you briefly,
which violation was corrected? >> The weeds. The weeds and undergrowth. Yes. >> which is the second one. >> Right. >> That we say. Thank you. >> Mhm. >> I inspected the property again on April 27th, 2026. At that time, I photographed the property and the photographs actually show what I saw then.
And are marked as County's Exhibits 8 through 10. I circled again the circled kind of just the mainly debris. Some of the stuff has been taken care of since I was there. Again, the fencing still a problem here. Leaning up against the other fence.
And then uh there's an inoperable vehicle back here that still remains. And there was an inoperable uh trailer of a waverunner back here as well. Compliance was not achieved and a notice of hearing was issued by certified mail
on May 1st and is marked as County's Exhibit 11. >> [clears throat] >> Excuse me. The return receipt was not received, therefore on June 1st, 2026, I posted the property in the Martin County Administration Building. The affidavit is marked as County's Exhibit 12.
A photograph of the posting is marked as County's Exhibit 13. I have been in constant contact with the homeowner, Glenn Cottis, who has been cleaning up the property and removing the inoperable vehicles and trailers. Glenn has informed me he plans to sell the
his portion of the property to the other party on the deed, Robert M. Hoffman, Jr. Therefore, I went to the property again on June 16th, 2026, and saw that the side of violations had not been corrected. At that time, I photographed the property. The photographs actually
show what I saw then and are marked as county exhibits 14 through 17. 14 is just like a a review of the whole property. Again, the truck is still back there. Some stuff here. >> Is the Waverunner and trailer still
there? >> The Waverunner Both Waverunners are gone. The trailers are gone. Like I said, he's he was trying to clean up some of the stuff. Excuse [clears throat] me. The inoperable is still there. Not covered. I mean, they're allowed to have, I guess, one vehicle that they're working on as long as it's covered.
Um but this one's still inoperable. And then, he he was showing that he had some debris out in the road waiting for pickup. I requested all the county's exhibits be received into evidence. Based upon the testimony and evidence, I requested the
respondent, Glenn Peter Cottas, and Robert M. Hoffman, Jr., be ordered to comply with the cited provisions of the Martin County Code by July 31st, 2026. And if not in compliance by then, be required to pay a fine in the amount of $100 a day for every day the
violations continue thereafter. The county has incurred a cost in the amount of $575 conducting this investigation and and request that the county be reimbursed the amount at conclusion of today's hearing. That's the end of my >> Thank you, officer. I'm going to just take another look to
see if there's anyone here from the respondent. Seeing no one, um I will receive the county's exhibits into evidence including the photographs. I have reviewed the testimony and the evidence presented here today including the photographs that were entered into evidence. I find that the county has established
by a preponderance of the evidence that there is a violation um of the two sections of the code of ordinances that uh were outlined in today's presentation and in the notice of violation that do exist at the subject property. I hereby order that the respondent must bring the property
into full compliance by July 31st, 2026. If it is not brought into compliance by this date, a fine of $100 per violation per day will begin to accrue until compliance is achieved. Um, the code inspector is also authorized to assess
administrative costs. Um, pursuant to chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes, no further hearing will be required for the entry of such fine and costs. And as noted earlier, the respondents will be assessed the costs in this action in the
amount of $575 as provided by law and shall pay the same to the county at the conclusion of today's hearing. In addition, all fines and costs will constitute a lien against the land on which the violation exists and upon any other real or personal property owned by
the respondents. After 3 months from the filing of any such lien which remains unpaid, the county attorney is hereby authorized to foreclose on the lien or sue to recover a money judgment for the amount of the lien plus accrued interest. And again as I as I reminded the previous respondent um and I hope
the respondent uh pays attention to today's hearing, upon compliance they are required to contact the county's building department code enforcement division for a re-inspection. The request for inspection must be made at least 1 day prior to the requested inspection. Um,
should the respondent come into compliance in accordance with the order finding violation and subsequently violate the same code section, such reoccurrence shall subject the respondent to the administrative fine of up to $5,000 per violation per day for every day of the violation. So ordered
this 17th day of June. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, officer. Our final case today um is a fine reduction. I I see we have Officer Spradley here [clears throat] for this. This is case
number ENF 2019120002. Um Officer Spradley, would you like to present this case? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. >> My name is Rachel Spradley and I've been sworn in. I'm the Nuisance Abatement Coordinator for Martin County. This case concerns the property located at 2686 Southeast Bonita Street, Stuart, in
Martin County, Florida. On May 20th, 2020, an order finding violation was issued by the Code Enforcement Magistrate to Richard St. Hubert and Mary C. Trissant for Section 67-201 B Nuisance Declared Trash, etc. General
Ordinances, Martin County Code. Section 21.173.4 Prohibited Occupancy, General Ordinances, Martin County Code. And Section 105.1 FBC Permits When Required Incorporated by Section 21.1 General Ordinances, Martin County Code.
So Exhibit one is my property appraiser showing that Mr. Trissant and our Mr. Hubert and Mr. Trissant are the owners. Exhibit two is the original order that was put in place. >> [clears throat]
>> Compliance was required by June 30th, 2020. On November 16th, 2023, an affidavit of compliance with accrued fines was issued reflecting an outstanding fine in the amount of $347,200 plus cost in the amount of $575. And
that's exhibit three. Staff has determined that a lien reduction is warranted. The respondents were responsible for the violation and brought the property into compliance and have offered to pay $34,720 to resolve the outstanding fines which have accrued plus cost in the amount of
$575 for a total payment of the in the amount of $35,295. And exhibit four was the reduction request that I received from Mr. St. Hubert for the property. And that concludes my testimony for this one.
>> Thank you very much. Um looking in the room, I see no one uh for the respondent in this case. I know we have an agreed order here. Um I will receive the county's exhibits into evidence. Um I have reviewed the testimony and exhibits that were presented here today
and I have reviewed the fine reduction stipulation and the agreed order that has come before me. Um I will accept this order and enter this order today. Today's order um provides that the respondents have offered to pay $34,722
and that said payment totals a value not less than 10% of the total fine amount or 10% of the value of the property, whichever is less in accordance with county code plus cost in the amount of $575. Um the staff has determined that a reduction in the lien is warranted and
in accordance with code and they have offered to pay the total amount of $35,295 within 30 days of the date of this order and that's important, 30 days of the date of today. In the event that said amount is not paid within 30 days, the fine shall revert to the accrued amount prior to
the reduction. Um this is done and ordered this day. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um, are there any additional matters? >> You don't have any minutes, right? >> No. >> No, your honor. >> Thank you so much. Um, we will uh we will adjourn. The