WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=kqp8acMSxrw NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: kqp8acMSxrw): - 00:06:40: Meeting Start: Roll Call, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance - 00:08:23: Code Board Procedures and Witness Swearing-In - 00:11:03: Case 1: 1309 Cromwell Drive - Overgrown Property - 00:16:08: Case 1: Property Owner's Explanation - Hardship Issues - 00:20:23: Case 1: Motion, Discussion, and Fine Assessment - 00:22:58: Case 2: 120 Athens Street - Abandoned Property - 00:25:57: Case 3: 1003 Lake Avoca Drive - Storm Damage - 00:28:57: Case 3: Notification Challenges and Final Motion - 00:31:22: Case 4: 1019 South Florida Avenue - Pool Issue - 00:35:11: Case 5: 1390 Red Oak Drive - Water Restriction Violation - 00:38:29: Case 5: Property Owner's Testimony and Rebuttal - 00:42:16: Case 5: Discussion of Errors & Water Source - 00:47:50: Case 5: Voting, Water Type Discussion & Outcome - 00:50:07: Case 6: 1508 Point City Avenue - Affidavit Acceptance - 00:51:50: Minutes Approval and Officer's BoCC Meeting Announcement - 00:53:22: Board Comments: Board Member Resignation - 00:54:43: Meeting Adjournment Part: 1 1 00:06:40.266 --> 00:06:50.509 Let the record indicate that the time is 2 p.m. and this session of the Tarpon Springs Code Enforcement Board is now 2 00:06:50.509 --> 00:07:03.422 open. Can we have a roll call? Bonnie. Mr. Dumas here. Here. 3 00:07:03.422 --> 00:07:15.968 Mr. Ogle is absent. Mr. Stephan is also absent. Mr. Abercrombie here, Mr. Paul. Miss Kern here, 4 00:07:15.968 --> 00:07:28.481 miss Merricks here, miss Lambrinos. Yes, here. Thank you. Roll call. And I apologize. I called you Barbara instead of Bobby. I had a secretary for 5 00:07:28.481 --> 00:07:40.059 many years that was named Barbara, so I apologize, Bobby. Don't worry. That's my real name anyway. Okay. Would we all please rise for the invocation 6 00:07:40.059 --> 00:07:51.904 and the Pledge of Allegiance, please? Dear Lord, please give us the insight that we will need and the empathy that we need to show in order to make 7 00:07:51.904 --> 00:08:02.715 the best decisions here today. And. Please keep our troops as 8 00:08:02.715 --> 00:08:16.028 safe as possible. Amen. And now, the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which 9 00:08:16.028 --> 00:08:23.401 it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. You 10 00:08:23.401 --> 00:08:38.451 can all be seated. I'll now go over the procedures that will be used today in this hearing. The procedures for this code 11 00:08:38.451 --> 00:08:48.427 board are as follows. It is the intention of the board to promote, protect and improve the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Tarpon 12 00:08:48.427 --> 00:09:00.373 Springs by providing an equitable, effective, and inexpensive method of enforcing various codes within the city of Tarpon Springs. Any aggrieved party may appeal a 13 00:09:00.373 --> 00:09:08.814 final administrative order of this board to the Circuit Court. Such appeal shall be filed within 30 days of the execution 14 00:09:08.814 --> 00:09:21.060 of the order to be appealed. Florida Statute 286.0105 requires any party appealing a decision of this board to have 15 00:09:21.060 --> 00:09:31.737 a record of the proceedings to support such an appeal. The procedure of this board is as follows. First, the city presents its witnesses and 16 00:09:31.737 --> 00:09:43.849 exhibits, after which the alleged violator is able to ask the city's witnesses any specific questions regarding their testimony. Secondly, the alleged violator is allowed to 17 00:09:43.849 --> 00:09:55.061 make a presentation and present his or her witnesses and exhibits. Then the city can question the alleged violators witnesses. After both rounds of 18 00:09:55.061 --> 00:10:05.570 testimony, both on the part of the city and on the part of the alleged violator, each party is asked to give a closing argument, first by the city and 19 00:10:05.570 --> 00:10:15.747 then by the alleged violator. After those three steps are taken, this board will close the public hearing portion of the case to discuss it and take the appropriate action. Before 20 00:10:15.747 --> 00:10:24.623 we begin the public hearings, we will have all potential witnesses stand up and be sworn in by the Secretary of the 21 00:10:24.623 --> 00:10:38.971 board. Bobby. Please read testimony. You're about to give us the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I do. And if you 22 00:10:38.971 --> 00:10:52.651 have a cell phone, would you please. Turn it to silence or off? Thank you. And now I'll 23 00:10:52.651 --> 00:11:03.129 turn to the inspector. Sir, if you're ready with your first presentation. Yes, sir. Just please bear with me. I'm dealing with kind of a head. 24 00:11:03.129 --> 00:11:11.136 Colds of my voice goes out, I apologize now. My name is Mike Ralston. I'm the code enforcement officer for the city of Tarpon Springs. And 25 00:11:11.136 --> 00:11:24.316 this is case 25-80000687 for the property, located at 1309 Cromwell Drive. This is a 26 00:11:24.316 --> 00:11:37.296 self-initiated case. It was started on October 27th of 2025, and this house is located on 27 00:11:37.296 --> 00:11:48.107 Cromwell. This is just to give you a little bit of an overview. It's in the neighborhood of Brentwood, and I was in the 28 00:11:48.107 --> 00:11:56.481 neighborhood doing other inspections when I identified this house. It was extremely overgrown. I could see the roof 29 00:11:56.481 --> 00:12:09.395 is tarped and there's trees growing up in a state that are literally beginning to grow through. This is a slightly later inspection where the 30 00:12:09.395 --> 00:12:18.771 trailer had been moved and the driveways had been cleaned up. But you can see there's trees growing up through the soffit 31 00:12:18.771 --> 00:12:31.750 and of the roof. The sides of the house are actually quite impassable right now because there's so much growth. This is another picture you can just see of it. The trees are almost 32 00:12:31.750 --> 00:12:43.696 supporting the roof at this point in different areas. This was from batteries and other 33 00:12:43.696 --> 00:12:55.407 things that were scattered in and amongst the vegetation. The property is owned by Mr. England and initially we did not have any contact with him. 34 00:12:55.407 --> 00:13:05.584 Our letters and things went without, but he did. Eventually he was able to reach out and get hold of us and he explained he had some hardship issues. He's living with his ailing 35 00:13:05.584 --> 00:13:16.795 mother and whatnot, so we've tried to give him time and extensions. As you saw in one of those previous pictures. You know, he did clean up the driveway a little bit. You know, 36 00:13:16.795 --> 00:13:28.607 this was the initial, you know, he did blow out a lot of the leaves and do a little bit of cutting and edging, remove the trailer. And then we sort of lost contact with him again. 37 00:13:28.607 --> 00:13:39.218 And then we I ran into him while doing an inspection. He was on site and he had explained he had had a miscommunication with us and that he had been working on the 38 00:13:39.218 --> 00:13:51.229 inside of the house. And I explained, I know my concern is more on the outside. He said he would continue to work on it, but again, that he was dealing, you know, with he doesn't live on site and he had his mother. 39 00:13:51.229 --> 00:14:01.674 So we've tried to give him as much time as possible. Even when we issued this notice of hearing, we tried to give it. We ran it out an additional 40 00:14:01.674 --> 00:14:13.552 time. We issued a notice of hearing in March. We could have had him in front of the April code board, but we wanted to give as much time as possible, which is why we're here. So I'm 41 00:14:13.552 --> 00:14:23.662 sure the board will you guys will debate and he he is here to answer any questions, and I'm sure he'll ask for a time frame, which I'm okay with giving him time. But we just we 42 00:14:23.662 --> 00:14:33.339 need a final deadline at this point to, you know, get this project moving and go from there. And that concludes my presentation. Sir, do you have 43 00:14:33.339 --> 00:14:43.182 any objection to me submitting evidence? Thank you. And that concludes my presentation. Mr. 44 00:14:43.182 --> 00:14:57.529 Ralston. Officer, start back to slide one, please. No further back. The initial paperwork. 45 00:14:57.529 --> 00:15:10.142 Now, on this screen, we're showing a case number. Last three, eight, six, seven. On the paper I have it says 687. 46 00:15:10.142 --> 00:15:19.451 Which number are we dealing with. It's going to be 687, I apologize, I'm sorry. It's going to be 687. I apologize. 47 00:15:19.451 --> 00:15:33.932 It's wrong on mine. I started to have a question. If we were to give him this gentleman more 48 00:15:33.932 --> 00:15:43.942 time, do you have a recommendation as to how much time? No. I'd be open to him giving, asking what he's looking for, and we'll go from 49 00:15:43.942 --> 00:15:54.053 there. All right. Do any of the board members have any question for the officer? Anybody? Apparently there are no 50 00:15:54.053 --> 00:16:08.166 questions. And we'll go on with the with Mr. England then. Step up to the mic. Mr. England, give us your name again. My 51 00:16:08.166 --> 00:16:19.211 name is Mike England. Need to speak up nice and loud. My name is Mike England. Go ahead sir, I'm not much for public 52 00:16:19.211 --> 00:16:24.482 speaking, so I prepared a statement. I'd like to read it. Microphone, sir. I can't hear 53 00:16:24.482 --> 00:16:38.730 you, sir. How about now? Maybe it's off. It may not be on. 54 00:16:38.730 --> 00:16:49.575 How's that? Much better. All right. I want to give you some background on my situation. I've owned the house for 30 55 00:16:49.575 --> 00:17:01.320 years. More than 30 years with no issues. But a few years ago, my mother developed cancer and needed full time care. And I 56 00:17:01.320 --> 00:17:09.928 wasn't going to put her in a facility. So I quit work and moved in with her and her house in Seminole to take care of her. 57 00:17:09.928 --> 00:17:22.574 I have and had very little free time and 25 miles away, and therefore my house has been neglected and. And I was 58 00:17:22.574 --> 00:17:34.052 noticed by I was notified by code enforcement and my initial contact. I told them I would take care of things and what free time I had, and I asked 59 00:17:34.052 --> 00:17:44.362 them if they would let me know about the priorities they had, and they were glad that I asked that and told me they would that work for a while. And then 60 00:17:44.362 --> 00:17:55.541 I was getting some things done that they had mentioned. And one call I made to check in and ask what was next. I didn't get an answer. I just got a text 61 00:17:55.541 --> 00:18:05.884 message back saying that there was more to be done to be in compliance. So I mistakenly took that to mean that things 62 00:18:05.884 --> 00:18:15.260 were more relaxed, and I shift my focus to work inside. I wanted to make it more livable for when I was able to move 63 00:18:15.260 --> 00:18:28.173 back in. And after seeing the notice of this hearing, I realize I should have contacted them more and made sure we were on the same page. And this 64 00:18:28.173 --> 00:18:39.918 isn't a case of me avoiding taking care of the issues. It's my misunderstanding of the priorities and timing. I'm 65 00:18:39.918 --> 00:18:51.163 applying for loans. One of the state funded home repair loan and one is through habitat for humanity. And if I'm given 66 00:18:51.163 --> 00:19:01.940 enough time, I will get a loan or grant. I will make things right and save my home. Any board members have any 67 00:19:01.940 --> 00:19:15.220 questions for Mr. England? I do. How long do you think before you get the grant approved or the loan approved? I'm sorry. How long before do you think 68 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:24.263 you'll hear whether your grant is approved or your loan is approved? I didn't get any indication as to time frame. I know it's once federal, once 69 00:19:24.263 --> 00:19:33.905 through habitat for humanity, and I don't really know. Anybody else. Any other 70 00:19:33.905 --> 00:19:43.915 questions? Does anybody care to, having heard the testimony, anybody care to make a motion 71 00:19:43.915 --> 00:20:01.366 in this case? So again, if Mr. Rowlands has a recommendation after hearing. Mr. Engle speak 72 00:20:01.366 --> 00:20:12.511 right now, we just have that June 10th, which would put it right before the next code board. I'm okay with you extending that, but I wouldn't want to go much beyond 45 days 73 00:20:12.511 --> 00:20:23.755 at this point. I mean, this has been going on since October. Sir. I was saying I'm ready to make a motion if we're ready. Go ahead sir. Okay. I move in 74 00:20:23.755 --> 00:20:37.369 case number 25-80000687 to find the respondent. Michael B England in violation of City of Tarpon Springs Code of ordinances 8-48-41 and 8-52 for 75 00:20:37.369 --> 00:20:49.881 the property located at 1309 Cromwell Drive, and to assess a fine of $50 per day beginning on June 10th, 2026, until compliance is achieved and to 76 00:20:49.881 --> 00:21:02.060 order the respondent to contact the Code Enforcement Division to arrange for a reinspection of the property to verify compliance with the board. Order any second, second. Okay, 77 00:21:02.060 --> 00:21:12.804 the motion has been made and seconded. Will vote. All those in favor, say yes, yes, yes. Anyone opposed? Say no and it 78 00:21:12.804 --> 00:21:24.482 passes. So you have till June 10th, sir. Okay. All right. And I I'm sorry you're in such a situation. I had to take care 79 00:21:24.482 --> 00:21:36.194 of my mother for a long time before she passed, and also had to take care of my wife for a long time before she passed. So I understand that there's a lot 80 00:21:36.194 --> 00:21:47.139 to do. And your priorities have to be somewhat different than maybe what the city's priorities are. But nonetheless, I think that the officer has 81 00:21:47.139 --> 00:21:59.651 given you ample time and it needs to be corrected. So there you are. Yeah. I didn't understand it to be that. That 82 00:21:59.651 --> 00:22:10.829 urgent. Is there some circumstance that might get me more time? Well, I would tell you that what you need to do is to deal with the officer as far 83 00:22:10.829 --> 00:22:24.142 as if you need to eventually ask for an extension, I would do it through him and work with the officer. I think that he's done everything he can to work with you, and I think that 84 00:22:24.142 --> 00:22:34.319 perhaps it can be worked out between the two of you so that you're satisfied in the city satisfied. But we also have to be concerned about the people that live, you know, across the 85 00:22:34.319 --> 00:22:44.696 street and your neighbors. And that's why we have to pursue this to some type of a finish. 86 00:22:44.696 --> 00:22:58.410 Okay. I understand, thank you. All right, officer, next case please. Yes, sir. My name is Mike Rollison. I'm the code enforcement officer for the 87 00:22:58.410 --> 00:23:09.921 City of Tarpon Springs. And this is case 26-8000753. And this is for the property located at 120 Athens Street. And there's nobody here for 88 00:23:09.921 --> 00:23:21.800 that case. I'm going to submit my evidence. Thank you so much. On February 2nd, we received a citizen complaint about this 89 00:23:21.800 --> 00:23:33.712 property. We went out and inspected. This is located on Athens, right at the intersection of Division Street. The property is. It's abandoned. 90 00:23:33.712 --> 00:23:44.456 We've seen no sign of anybody there. There is overgrowth. I mean, the mailboxes are just I mean, spilling out. And I have 91 00:23:44.456 --> 00:23:55.233 seen no evidence of any activity other than me walking up to this door to post it. There is various debris 92 00:23:55.233 --> 00:24:07.045 scattered around and left on the front porch. Overgrowth down on the alleys, and the property is just in a general state of disrepair, and we've 93 00:24:07.045 --> 00:24:17.354 received no contact from anybody. We issued a courtesy letter that day. On February 2nd of this year. We issued the notice of violation on February 94 00:24:17.354 --> 00:24:30.601 27th, and we have heard nothing back from anybody. The evidence I submitted exhibit A is the photographs. Exhibit B is the Notice of Violation and notice of hearing. Exhibit C is the 95 00:24:30.601 --> 00:24:39.878 affidavit of posting for both of those notices and exhibit D is the Pinellas County property appraiser and Pinellas County tax appraiser. And that 96 00:24:39.878 --> 00:24:52.524 concludes my presentation. Anyone have any questions for the officer? Well, apparently. 97 00:24:52.524 --> 00:25:00.799 Not much to present here. Does anybody care to make a motion in this case? Make a motion. Go ahead please. I move in case 98 00:25:00.799 --> 00:25:15.680 number (268) 000-0753. To find the respondent. Lewis is in violation of the City of Tarpon Springs Code of ordinances 99 00:25:15.680 --> 00:25:26.257 8-48-418-52 for the property located at 120 Athens Street, and to assess a fine of $50 per day beginning June 10th, 2026, until compliance is achieved 100 00:25:26.257 --> 00:25:37.135 and to order the respondent to contact the Code Enforcement Division to arrange for inspection of the property. To verify compliance with the board's order. I'll second. The 101 00:25:37.135 --> 00:25:45.844 motion has been made and seconded. All those in favor say yes, yes, yes yes yes. Anyone opposed? Say no and the 102 00:25:45.844 --> 00:25:57.656 motion passes. We'll move on to the next case. Yes, sir. My name is Mike Rollison. I'm the code enforcement officer for the City of Tarpon Springs. And 103 00:25:57.656 --> 00:26:05.897 this is case number 26-80000788. For the property, located at 104 00:26:05.897 --> 00:26:21.979 1003 Lake of Oak Drive. We received a citizen complaint ons 105 00:26:21.979 --> 00:26:33.458 located in the South Pointe. Alexis property appears to be abandoned. You'll notice on this overhead shot. If you look at that, you see a gigantic 106 00:26:33.458 --> 00:26:43.868 tree that's covering half the house. That tree fell during one of the storms, and the property just has general storm damage. There's insulation 107 00:26:43.868 --> 00:26:55.346 that's falling out under the back porch on the rear of the property. And where the tree fell. It caused damage to the house. There's been no work 108 00:26:55.346 --> 00:27:02.987 done from what we've been able to gather from the HOA and neighboring properties, the gentleman has not been seen or 109 00:27:02.987 --> 00:27:17.335 heard from. It's in the name of Tyler J. Smith, who we've had no contact with. We have had a company called Safe Safeguard Properties has emailed us in 110 00:27:17.335 --> 00:27:27.779 reference to it, but it seems to be an automated because every time we've responded to them and said, hey, this is what's going on, it's like we just get the same automated. 111 00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:39.324 We're reaching out to inquire about this property. So they are not the owner. I don't know if he's contracted them, but they've not made any kind of meaningful contact with us. I'm 112 00:27:39.324 --> 00:27:50.034 going to submit my evidence since nobody is here. And that evidence is exhibit A is all of our photographs. Exhibit B is the notice of violation and 113 00:27:50.034 --> 00:27:58.710 notice of hearing. Exhibit C is the affidavit of postings. For both those notices. An exhibit D is the Pinellas County property appraiser and Pinellas 114 00:27:58.710 --> 00:28:11.756 County tax appraiser records. And again, with no contact, we're just looking for a motion to get a final deadline on this and see if we can get somebody to actually make contact so we 115 00:28:11.756 --> 00:28:21.399 can get the ball rolling on getting some repairs made out there to this property. And that concludes my presentation. All right. Any board members have any questions for the 116 00:28:21.399 --> 00:28:34.812 officer? Apparently no questions. Is this an absentee owner? We haven't seen it. The property appears to be abandoned. We've seen no sign of anybody living there. And 117 00:28:34.812 --> 00:28:45.857 the neighbors have not seen him. So I don't know if he's moved on. If he walked away from the property like some people do after a storm. But it's still in his name on Pinellas County Property Appraiser. They still 118 00:28:45.857 --> 00:28:57.836 show it as Mr. Smith owning the property. I know that. Doesn't you know, there's no further questions. I'll make a motion. 119 00:28:57.836 --> 00:29:09.480 All right. You may proceed. I move in case number 26-80000788, to find the respondent, Tyler J. Smith, in violation of the City 120 00:29:09.480 --> 00:29:21.058 of Tarpon Springs Code of ordinances 8-48-41 for the property located at 1003 Lake Avoca Drive, and to assess a fine of $50 per day beginning 121 00:29:21.058 --> 00:29:31.603 on June 10th, 2026, until compliance is achieved and to order the respondent to contact the Code Enforcement Division to arrange for Reinspection of the property to verify compliance with the board's 122 00:29:31.603 --> 00:29:44.148 order. Any second. I have another question here, if I may. Yes, sir. I'm looking at the paperwork that you passed out and with certified mail, we have an information here that 123 00:29:44.148 --> 00:29:54.959 says moved left, no address, unable to forward. How are you going to contact this? The law requires that notification be given. The law requires 124 00:29:54.959 --> 00:30:06.637 notification be given to the property. Appraiser's address. That's the address we use. It's the obligation of the homeowner to make any changes. It's not the obligation of the city. So 125 00:30:06.637 --> 00:30:18.282 we met the requirements of the law by sending it to the address that was presented on the property. Appraiser's address. Well, you know, I understand the law and how what you're describing is what needs 126 00:30:18.282 --> 00:30:29.961 to be done, that you're obligated if you own a piece of property to know what mail to get. That's all on the property owner. All we can do is, is 127 00:30:29.961 --> 00:30:39.037 send it to there. And if they don't choose to pick it up or choose to have somebody get their mail, then there's no we 128 00:30:39.037 --> 00:30:51.516 have no other choice but to handle it this way. Anything else? Colonel? All right. 129 00:30:51.516 --> 00:31:02.160 Anybody care to make a motion? We've got a motion, but we don't have a second yet. Anybody care to make a second? Second? This motion. I'll second it. All right. The motion has been made and 130 00:31:02.160 --> 00:31:11.769 seconded. All those in favor vote yes. Yes, yes, yes. All those opposed vote no. There's no no's. So we'll go on to the 131 00:31:11.769 --> 00:31:22.847 next case. The motion is passed. Officer. Yes, sir. My name is Mike Rollison. I'm the code enforcement officer for the City of Tarpon Springs. And 132 00:31:22.847 --> 00:31:35.526 this is case number. Let me make sure I got the right one here. Two. I apologize, it's 133 00:31:35.526 --> 00:31:48.006 wrong on my sheet again. It's correct in yours (268) 000-0773. This for the property located at 1019 South Florida Avenue. 134 00:31:48.006 --> 00:31:57.147 This property came in as a citizen complaint on February 24th. Upon inspection of the 135 00:31:57.147 --> 00:32:10.995 property. We noticed that the pool in the back is. It was tarped and covered. But that tarp has completely fallen in. The pool is still secure, so 136 00:32:10.995 --> 00:32:22.306 this is not a safety issue of access. It is secured. But it's a sanitary issue because that cover has caved in. The water is stagnant. It's you can tell 137 00:32:22.306 --> 00:32:33.818 it's a breeding ground for mosquitoes. We also observed there was construction work going on inside the house. Clearly, this had been a home 138 00:32:33.818 --> 00:32:45.296 that had suffered flood damage. So there was work going on. We've never observed anybody present at the house working. We've only seen this work that was going on in these two 139 00:32:45.296 --> 00:32:56.507 photographs. And since we this original date, nothing has changed. So they know we had been out there. This is a property that has been in front of the code board. Before. We 140 00:32:56.507 --> 00:33:08.352 had had difficulty making contact with them, but ultimately we did and corrections were made. But in this case, we have had no contact at all. And the 141 00:33:08.352 --> 00:33:18.329 property was inspected again today with no change. So I'm going to submit my evidence. There's nobody here. And I'm 142 00:33:18.329 --> 00:33:27.772 hopeful that a board motion will again, the hope is that will attract their attention to finally take some action and we'll go from there. And that 143 00:33:27.772 --> 00:33:40.117 concludes my presentation. Any board members have any questions for the officer? Anyone? Apparently no. No questions. Does anyone care to 144 00:33:40.117 --> 00:33:49.694 make a motion in regards to this case? I'll make a motion. 145 00:33:49.694 --> 00:34:02.707 Go ahead. I move in case number (268) 000-0773. To find Michael to find the respondent, Michael Marlow and Michelle Marlow, in 146 00:34:02.707 --> 00:34:15.353 violation of the City of Tarpon Springs Code ordinances. 36.0 2IPMC3 03.1 and 212 for the property located at 1019 South 147 00:34:15.353 --> 00:34:26.430 Florida Avenue, and to assess a fine of $75 per day beginning on June 10th, 2026, until compliance is achieved and to order the respondent to contact 148 00:34:26.430 --> 00:34:37.374 the Code Enforcement Division to arrange for Reinspection of the property to verify compliance with the board's order. Anybody care to second 149 00:34:37.374 --> 00:34:47.018 the motion? I'll. Second. Motion has been made and seconded. Any need for 150 00:34:47.018 --> 00:34:58.863 discussion before we vote? All those in favor say yes. Yes. All those opposed say no. There are no no's. Motion passes. 151 00:34:58.863 --> 00:35:11.609 Officer. Next case please. Yes, sir. My name is Mike Robinson. I'm the code enforcement officer for the City of Tarpon Springs. And this is case 152 00:35:11.609 --> 00:35:21.952 26-80000802 for the property located at 1390 Red Oak Drive. So this is a little bit different. What's before you today, sir? Do you have any objection to me submitting your 153 00:35:21.952 --> 00:35:33.364 evidence to the board? So recently the swift Mud has issued the phase three water restrictions and we as a 154 00:35:33.364 --> 00:35:44.575 municipality are required to do enforcement action as part of that. So we did a lot of social media campaign work. It was on 155 00:35:44.575 --> 00:35:54.652 the news, and we also went out and issued as many warnings as we could because this the swift mud order was once the deadline hit, we were no longer allowed 156 00:35:54.652 --> 00:36:06.530 to issue warnings. So we wanted to do as much education and outreach as possible. On April 20th. Well, first let me back 157 00:36:06.530 --> 00:36:18.042 up. This property was issued a warning. Mr. Marino's wife was present. He was out of town working, and I explained the watering restrictions to her, and she said that she would get 158 00:36:18.042 --> 00:36:26.384 with her husband upon his return because she didn't understand the timer and all that went into it. And we issued the warning and went 159 00:36:26.384 --> 00:36:37.528 from there. On April 20th, the property was observed to be watering at 934 in the morning, which is outside of the hours 160 00:36:37.528 --> 00:36:50.207 for watering. That warning was issued on April 3rd. We spoke with Mr. Marino. He was present. 161 00:36:50.207 --> 00:36:59.417 And he would just simply explain he was trying to water a dead spot in the back and he is here today. The evidence 162 00:36:59.417 --> 00:37:13.531 I've submitted is. Basically this photograph that was taken of the watering going on. This 163 00:37:13.531 --> 00:37:24.040 is just another angle of it. You can see the you know, it's been going for a little bit. The water is pulling up there in the street. So exhibit A is the photograph. Exhibit B is 164 00:37:24.040 --> 00:37:34.418 the notice of violation and notice of hearing, as well as the fine remittance form. Exhibit C is the affidavit of postings for both of those notices. Notices and exhibit D 165 00:37:34.418 --> 00:37:44.495 is the Pinellas County property appraiser and Pinellas County tax collector records. What we're asking in this. For these water restriction violations, 166 00:37:44.495 --> 00:37:54.738 we. We issue a fine remittance form and ask them to pay a $150 fine to the clerk's office. So if you find that this property 167 00:37:54.738 --> 00:38:05.750 was in violation of the water restriction today. We would just ask that your order is that he come into compliance, and compliance is simply him 168 00:38:05.750 --> 00:38:18.729 paying that fine to the clerk's office. And that concludes my presentation. Anyone have any questions for the officer? No 169 00:38:18.729 --> 00:38:29.173 questions. All right, Mr. Marino, then you care to testify if you'd step up? Yeah. Give us your name again. Can you guys hear me? Okay, I'll 170 00:38:29.173 --> 00:38:40.384 try to do a good job of speaking up. Yeah. I mean, Mr. Officer Rolston did come out to our property. I don't remember the conversation going the way he mentioned about a dead spot 171 00:38:40.384 --> 00:38:52.963 in the back. What I said to him that day was that I had set the timer when I first of all, I returned back from Arizona, where I was caring for my mother. I wasn't working, 172 00:38:52.963 --> 00:39:03.374 caring for my mother out in Arizona. She's 90. So my brother and I are taking turns. So I was out there for two weeks when I got back. In that time, that's when the warning 173 00:39:03.374 --> 00:39:12.716 was issued and he was very kind to my wife. I appreciate that, but on the 20th I woke up that morning. I had set the timer 174 00:39:12.716 --> 00:39:25.996 that Sunday night to come on at midnight, and when I woke up in the morning to take the dogs out first thing, I noticed that the watering did not occur. There was no pulling on my, you 175 00:39:25.996 --> 00:39:38.309 know, sidewalks and such as it had been watered like it usually is. So I thought, well, let me let me because it's been now when my wife. I'm sorry, I'm going to back up. When my 176 00:39:38.309 --> 00:39:48.185 wife mentioned she had been warned, I had her shut the timer off entirely because I didn't want to be, you know, out of compliance. So I thought, let me I woke up that morning 177 00:39:48.185 --> 00:39:58.629 and noticed that didn't water. Let me get it on. Now if they come, I'll let them know. Hey, I had it timed. In fact, I mentioned to Officer Rolston, come and look at the timer. I 178 00:39:58.629 --> 00:40:09.940 can show you that it's set for midnight to 4:00, and I understand he's busy. He didn't have time for that, but he didn't. He didn't come over to to look at the timer. And, you 179 00:40:09.940 --> 00:40:21.385 know, it would have been nice, you know, get some confirmation and working with kind of partnering on that. That would have been great, but it didn't happen that way. And so since 180 00:40:21.385 --> 00:40:30.761 then, I have gone on with, and I don't know why that timer didn't go off properly. Since then, I have reached out to the Rainbird support folks. They 181 00:40:30.761 --> 00:40:42.305 had me do a complete reset. I reestablished the the, the, the appropriate timer on on the sprinkler system and got all 182 00:40:42.305 --> 00:40:54.451 the times in correctly. So, you know, honest mistake. And that's the truth. I'm not here. I'm not here to waste your time. And first of all, thank you guys for just giving me the 183 00:40:54.451 --> 00:41:05.663 platform to talk to you about this a little bit. I'm not here to, to, to dispute. I mean, he saw what he saw. I understand, but I do I do have you know, 184 00:41:05.663 --> 00:41:17.308 one thing to mention is in every correspondence that I've received from the City of Tarpon on this issue, it it has a property owner of Francis 185 00:41:17.308 --> 00:41:27.985 Ramos. And that's not my property. I mean, it's my property, but it doesn't have that. And based on what we're sitting through today and two or 3 or 2 other cases, 186 00:41:27.985 --> 00:41:39.229 incorrect information as far as the case number and in my case the property name. So details are slipping through a little bit. And that's a little bit of 187 00:41:39.229 --> 00:41:50.741 a concern with regards to kind of the, the, I don't know, consistency of data being presented to, to citizens and 188 00:41:50.741 --> 00:42:03.621 to the board. So, I mean, I, I, I'm requesting that the case is dismissed, if that's even possible because of the error in the property owner of the official documents I received 189 00:42:03.621 --> 00:42:16.466 from Tarpon Springs, the city of Tarpon Springs. Officer. Any response to that? I would say the two errors you witnessed 190 00:42:16.466 --> 00:42:26.377 today were up on my computer screen, not what was entered into the record. That was just me doing my PowerPoint. So that's on me, but not what was 191 00:42:26.377 --> 00:42:37.821 what was submitted to you was correct as far as this. I mean, even here on our our documents here, it's Joseph and Kathleen Marino. So I don't know. We 192 00:42:37.821 --> 00:42:49.333 would have pulled that directly from the Pinellas County property appraiser. And to cap it off, I would point out that Mr. Marino acknowledged that he 193 00:42:49.333 --> 00:42:57.541 he was, in fact, in violation, which at the end of the day, is the board's goal is to determine whether he was or was not in violation of the 194 00:42:57.541 --> 00:43:11.354 watering ordinance, but I. Were the notices sent to somebody else's name under somebody else's name. I don't see how we would have. It's it's here on 195 00:43:11.354 --> 00:43:22.099 the sheet and we pull this from property appraiser. I don't know how it would be different right here. What's on your sheet in front of you? I received all of the 196 00:43:22.099 --> 00:43:32.109 notifications. I received all notifications. All of the notifications came to my house. I did go to the property Appraiser's site and found the 197 00:43:32.109 --> 00:43:44.054 gentleman, Francis Ramos Jr. He lives over in another subdivision over off of Mirrors and Whitcombe subdivision. It's 198 00:43:44.054 --> 00:43:53.297 at the end of a cul de sac just like my house. But I do have that information you have. Can I see that? Do you have it with 199 00:43:53.297 --> 00:44:01.204 you? I do, yeah. Bear with me a second, Mike, and let me grab 200 00:44:01.204 --> 00:44:21.458 it. This is mine. I'll give you both of them. Yeah. This is Francis Ramos, which is on the 201 00:44:21.458 --> 00:44:35.472 notifications I received. And this is mine right there. So you're saying on the envelopes 202 00:44:35.472 --> 00:44:47.985 themselves it said Francis Ramos but it came to your address. No, I'm saying in the notifications that you hand-delivered and everything I've received in an email, it's 203 00:44:47.985 --> 00:44:55.993 listed it it has Ramos name in there as the property owner on every single document I've received from the city on this 204 00:44:55.993 --> 00:45:08.505 issue, can I see? So on exhibit C, I am reading the Notice of Hearing and Statement of violation. It does in the top 205 00:45:08.505 --> 00:45:20.484 left corner, say property owner Francis J. Ramos. However, I am seeing a few pages down that it was signed off by the code enforcement officer, that it 206 00:45:20.484 --> 00:45:33.097 was hand delivered and contact was made with Mr. Marino. So I'm looking at his documentation here and this is going to be something we're going to have to look at within 207 00:45:33.097 --> 00:45:44.374 Avalon. The address is correct. The parcel ID is correct. The case number is correct, but the property owner name is not correct. I do not know why it's like that, but everything else 208 00:45:44.374 --> 00:45:56.119 in the document is correct. And as Mr. Ethan said, I. We listed it on the document correctly, but I leave that to the board. I have no. If you just if you 209 00:45:56.119 --> 00:46:06.930 feel that it was improper and you wish to dismiss it, I have no objection to that. But I want to try to get to the bottom of. Why. But all the actual information is correct, 210 00:46:06.930 --> 00:46:18.876 right. Excluding the name, since the. The city is acknowledging that there are errors in the presentation, both in ownership and location and so forth, with the city 211 00:46:18.876 --> 00:46:32.422 like to withdraw its motion for today and present it at another time with all the information correctly presented. No. The the the person is here. The 212 00:46:32.422 --> 00:46:43.333 requirements of the law is giving you notice of a potential violation and a hearing to be present there, present there. It's technical violation under code 213 00:46:43.333 --> 00:46:52.376 enforcement. This is not a court of law. It doesn't have to meet those requirements. The city's comfortable with how it's presented. If you didn't have somebody here, that might 214 00:46:52.376 --> 00:47:03.453 be a different argument. Let me ask the officer. What you just got to interrupt is defined 215 00:47:03.453 --> 00:47:18.168 right now. It's $150. Fine. Can I ask a question again? Well, chair, I'm sorry. I've been asking to be recognized as Mr. Marino, a question. Are you 216 00:47:18.168 --> 00:47:29.012 using city water or reclaimed water? Well, water? It's well. Water. Yes. Okay. That's what I needed to know, because that changes up the laws and the decisions on all this. If it's 217 00:47:29.012 --> 00:47:40.223 reclaimed. Well, anybody care to make a motion in this case? Well, we can have more than the standard motions. Absolutely. I mean, if the board is uncomfortable, that's your 218 00:47:40.223 --> 00:47:50.300 decision. I'm just telling you the city is not uncomfortable. Well, let me ask, does anybody care to make a motion based on what the counselor has just 219 00:47:50.300 --> 00:48:03.480 informed us of? I'm going to go ahead and move forward with the original motion. Please feel free to vote however you feel on that. I move in case number 220 00:48:03.480 --> 00:48:12.522 26-80000802 to find the respondent, Joseph J. Marino and Kathleen F Marino, in violation of the City of Tarpon Springs Code of Ordinances. 221 00:48:12.522 --> 00:48:24.501 SWFMD phase three water restrictions 20-42, 40-43 and 20-44 for the property located at 1390 Red Oak Drive, and to 222 00:48:24.501 --> 00:48:36.346 assess a fine of $50 per day beginning on June 10th, 2026, until compliance is achieved and to order the respondent to contact the Code Enforcement Division to arrange for Reinspection of the property to 223 00:48:36.346 --> 00:48:44.955 verify compliance with the board's order. Does anybody care to second that motion? Second. Okay, motion has been 224 00:48:44.955 --> 00:49:00.103 made and seconded. All those in favor, vote yes. All those opposed, vote no. Yes. Yes. Yes. 225 00:49:00.103 --> 00:49:11.148 Let's vote. All those in favor vote yes. Yes yes yes. And all those opposed vote no, no no. 226 00:49:11.148 --> 00:49:23.160 And what's the count, Bobby? I heard one. No that was your no. I heard there are two nos. I'm sorry. That's why I was asking who's the second. No. Was I voted no. Okay. So there's two 227 00:49:23.160 --> 00:49:34.638 no's. And how many yeses is 5 to 2, sir. All right. Well the motion passes then. Any further 228 00:49:34.638 --> 00:49:45.382 motions involved in this case none are made. So we'll move on to the next case. The next two were water. I'd like to request 229 00:49:45.382 --> 00:49:52.188 my documents please. Thank you folks for your time. I 230 00:49:52.188 --> 00:50:07.437 appreciate it, thank you sir. The next two were both water cases. Those have come into 231 00:50:07.437 --> 00:50:19.783 compliance. So we're moving to an affidavit of compliance. This is going to be case number 232 00:50:19.783 --> 00:50:29.392 26-8000758. This was before you last month 1508 Point City Avenue. And that was the 233 00:50:29.392 --> 00:50:42.739 gentleman Mr. Cous cous. He did come into compliance one day after the board's order. So we are submitting that affidavit of compliance with one day of a 234 00:50:42.739 --> 00:51:03.193 fine due with the satisfaction fee. And here is that affidavit. 235 00:51:03.193 --> 00:51:17.641 Thank you. Okay. Anybody care to make a motion in this case? This is the last one for today. So somebody we need to move on. 236 00:51:17.641 --> 00:51:30.019 Anybody care to make a motion. Make a motion. We accept the affidavit of compliance and the aforementioned case. Any second. 237 00:51:30.019 --> 00:51:39.596 I'll second, the motion has been made and seconded. All those in favor? Aye, aye. All 238 00:51:39.596 --> 00:51:50.106 those opposed? No. There's no no's. Motion passes. I believe you have minutes to approve as well, sir. Pardon me. I believe 239 00:51:50.106 --> 00:52:03.720 you have minutes to approve. Have nine. Should be board minutes. Let's take a look. 240 00:52:03.720 --> 00:52:15.564 Okay. We need a vote on this. Yes, sir. All right. All those in favor of accepting the minutes? April 9th is going to 241 00:52:15.564 --> 00:52:28.178 be the date on that. Yes. Yeah. April 9th, 2026. Vote yes. Yes. Yes. Anyone opposed? Vote no. And the yeses have it. That passes. Anything else? Officer. 242 00:52:28.178 --> 00:52:38.655 I just want to let everybody know that at the BoCC meeting on the 26th at 6 p.m. if anybody is interested from code board to coming, they're going 243 00:52:38.655 --> 00:52:49.699 to be a proclamation by the mayor for code enforcement appreciation. And we consider you guys to be just as important in this process as city staff, because you guys 244 00:52:49.699 --> 00:53:00.610 volunteer your time to help get through some of these, which can be contentious. So having been on this board, I've sat where you sat and it's kind of a thankless job, but it's 245 00:53:00.610 --> 00:53:11.721 important that it has an impact in your community. So I invite all of you to come. You stand right up there again. It's the 26th at 6 p.m. and the location 246 00:53:11.721 --> 00:53:22.565 right here. Right here. Okay. Board of commissioners meeting. Okay, let's see what's next. Had the public comments. There's no one from the public 247 00:53:22.565 --> 00:53:33.343 here. Board comments. Anybody care to make a comment? Yes, sir. Yes, sir. So I have a quick comment. Just so you are all aware, effective today, I will be submitting my 248 00:53:33.343 --> 00:53:43.820 resignation to the clerk's office. On the board, I have tentatively accepted an offer with the Tarpon Springs Police Department as I am finishing my undergrad, entering grad school 249 00:53:43.820 --> 00:53:56.232 and starting full time work. This experience for me has been really great. You know, getting to start as an intern with the police department and seeing code enforcement on the back end while it was housed within 250 00:53:56.232 --> 00:54:08.244 that department. Now, being here with you all truly appreciate all the advice and insights I've learned from all of you. So thank you. I think I can speak for the other board 251 00:54:08.244 --> 00:54:19.488 members to wish you the best of luck. Thank you and congratulations. And I think the city is getting a fine new police officer. So thank you 252 00:54:19.488 --> 00:54:30.533 very much from the Romans. Bear this in mind. Yes, sir. Quiz Custodiet Ipsos custodes, who guards from the guards 253 00:54:30.533 --> 00:54:43.646 themselves. Have to ponder that. Thank you. All right. Any other comments from anyone? Nobody else. Okay, well, let the 254 00:54:43.646 --> 00:54:49.386 record indicate the time is 2:48 p.m. and this proceeding 255 00:54:49.386 --> 00:55:11.641 is concluded. You're done, good buddy.