It's 2:00, and we're officially opening up the code Enforcement
board hearing. Okay. Roll call. Mr. Video. Here. Mrs. Archer here. Doctor. McCullough here.
Mr. Ogle here. Mr. Stevens here. Mr. Here. Mr. Abercrombie is absent. Mr. Paul here. Miss Kern
here. Okay. Okay. Please rise for the invocation. Name of the father, son and Holy Spirit. Our heavenly father, we seek blessings on the task before us.
Bless our efforts with clear insight, our deliberations with wisdom, our work with clarity and accuracy, and our decisions with impartiality. We pray that our work this afternoon will
find favor in your sight. This we pray. Amen. Father, son and Holy Spirit and pledge of Allegiance, please. 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. Please be
seated. Okay. It's the intention of this board to promote, protect and improve the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Tarpon 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 final administrative order of this board to the
Circuit Court. Such appeal shall be filed within 30 days of the execution of the order to be appealed. Florida Statute 286.0105 requires any party
appealing a decision of this board to have 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
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
make a presentation and to present his or her witnesses and exhibits. Then the city can question the alleged violators. Violators, witnesses. After both
rounds of 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 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 appropriate actions. Before we begin the public hearings, we
will have all potential witnesses stand up and be sworn in by the Secretary of the board. Additionally, please turn off all cell phones off or
silence them. Thank you. The whole truth and nothing but the
truth. I do. Okay. Okay. Okay. The first case is. And these are the first orders. 20 5-8. Chair,
we're going to I apologize. We're going to skip case one and go to two. Okay. Both case one and case three have started to come into compliance. So we're
we're pulling them from the agenda. Okay. Thank you much.
Okay. So it's case number 20. 5-80000543 Michael Kirkwood 135 North Ring Avenue, Tarpon Springs, Florida. And the code
violations are six dash 60 4-8, a stop work order violation. Land Development Code 141 .01. Okay, so first, the city
presents its case. Good afternoon. My name is Mike Ralston. I'm the face certified code enforcement officer for the Tarpon Springs Police Department. And this is for the property located at 135 North
Ring Avenue. Before I begin, sir, do you have any objection to us submitting evidence? No, sir. All right. Pass that down.
Yeah, I already got. Yep. Yes. All right. On the afternoon of 523, I received a call from the planning and Zoning department. Patricia McNeese, who was
letting me know that there was an in-progress installation of a patio behind 135 North Ring Avenue and that it was in violation of the Land
Development Code and the master stormwater agreement for this community. It's a series of 12
homes. There is a universal master stormwater plan for that community that when it was built, it had to remain at that state. So a patio was being
installed. I went issued a stop work order. Mr. Kirkwood was not home at the time. It was just the workers. So upon my arrival, I observed, obviously you can
see some equipment, and they were beginning to clear the dirt and add hardscape in preparation for the pavers going down. So I
issued a stop work order. Mr. Kirkwood then made contact with me on the phone not long after he got home, got my number, gave me a call and was understandably
upset that his work had been stopped and he felt that he was following the rules as it was under 100ft■!S that did not require a permit, which is. I checked on the stop work order,
just no permit. I explained to Mr. Kirkwood at the time there was more at play. I was getting that information from planning and zoning. This community has a
history regarding paver installations. There was a large case there from a ways back, and that we needed to wait and sort through it, and he brought to my attention. Well, there's several neighbors that have them, to
which I explained as well. There's going to be code cases coming for all of those properties. And I did tell him, please do not continue working, because if you violate the stop
work order, it's going to put you in a whole new arena that we don't want to be in. Mr. Kirkwood then came down and spoke with the building department, called me again to
say he was with the building department and again was under 100ft■!S. And I told him that again, there's a little bit more to this, and it's coming from the planning and zoning
department. He went and spoke with Pat in the office, to which she told him as well, not to continue the work. So fast
forward to the next week and the work was done, and you can see the finished pavers put in. This is just the portion of the code
that initiated it. I want to be clear that we're not really here to litigate the. Whether you can or cannot put these pavers in. This is the debate that would have occurred had he obeyed the
stop work order. I would have been happy to have it, but I wanted it up there for context. This is what we're actually seeking, which is an unlawful continuance. Any person who
shall continue any work after having been served with a notice of violation or a stop work order, except such work as the person is directed to perform, to remove or remedy the
violation or unsafe condition shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law, which is why we're here today. I also wanted
to highlight an email from Mr. Kirkwood that he sent to his community, and he copied myself and Pat on it. And the part I
want to highlight for you is where he acknowledges my contractor finished the remaining project a couple of days later. The action prompted me to speak with the code enforcement officer, the
building department, and planning and zoning. After extensive conversation with the city, I will be removing the pavers and rock within the next two weeks for violating the stop work order. This is on me and my
contractor, and I'm taking full responsibility for it at my cost. The rest of this email is him basically acknowledging that he should not have installed it,
and that his HOA was also at fault for not blocking, which they were in possession of information that he should have never been approved to put this
in. So the rest of our evidence packet is exhibit A is all of our photos. Exhibit B is the notice of violation and notice of hearing. Exhibit C is the
affidavit of posting, notice of violation for the Notice of violation and Notice of Hearing. And exhibit D is the Pinellas County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector information.
Exhibit E is all of our emails and communication. So to sum it up, the city feels very strongly in this situation that while
this was a small backyard patio, the integrity of these stop work orders is critically important. If we send out the message that if you receive a stop work order
and you think the building official is wrong, or the code enforcement guy is just out to get me, or you're you're misinterpreting the code, I'm
just going to finish my work and we'll sort it out later. That's not a road we want to go down, because today it's a backyard patio. Tomorrow it could be a seawall that's wrecking the
environment. It could be an unsafe construction that could, you know, cause a fire. So that's why we are very, very
strongly seeking, in this case, the maximum fine and a very short time to comply. We need to uphold the integrity of the
city's stop work orders. And I can't state that enough. And unless you have any questions for me, that ends my presentation, I just want to say, Bobby, you're entering that
into the record, correct? Yeah. Thank you. Okay. Any questions from the board for the inspector? No. Okay. Do you have any questions? Yes. So at the time of this, what permit was
required? You said you marked permit, but there was. That was just what I know. No one permit. That was just what I marked down at the time was you would have
require. You would require to get a permit or in writing word from the planning and zoning department and the building department that what you were building was in accordance with
your community's master stormwater plan. Okay. So there's there was no actual permit that I could have gotten. You would have still but you would have gone through a process to get permission from
the city. Okay. How many townhomes currently have pavers? I believe at this time we have open code cases on and I could be misquoting here, but I
believe we have currently 5 or 6 cases open on properties. Now that we've become aware of that, all have patios installed. I learned this from my ex wife. I only ask questions I know the
answer to. So six of them and me being the sixth, the fifth one being a year ago. How many code
cases have been on that property on your property specifically? No, the whole since we're considering this thing, one whole development, how many code cases have been done on. I would
object to the relevance of the question, sir. We're here for the case on your property of 135
North Ring. Okay. That has a big factor of doing what I did to code cases, both brought into compliance. So that's my
reasoning for that. Two people did pavers just like I did and were brought into compliance. So that that's where it is relevant
to me. If they were brought into compliance, then they went through this process with this board and one came through that I would ask this question. Did either one of those cases, did
they receive a stop work order? I don't know. Okay. I again I object to the relevance of it. Okay. But I mean, it's all relevant, but it's I guess it's
not. So where in the HOA documents does it say I need a permit? I don't enforce your HOA documents, sir. That was just. I
was reading your email into the record where you said that your HOA failed you. But I do not enforce your HOA rules. Okay, but I mean, the city signed off on them, and I'm just curious
where in there that it says I need a permit. Again, I don't enforce your HOA rules. Okay. So
under the water management where that's what the city. Well, I'll, I'll come to that later. Now that's all the questions I
have. I have a question, Mr. Chairman. Go ahead. Officer, I just want to make sure this is my first meeting after several years away from the board. We're
strictly dealing with the fact that there was a work order violation or an alleged work. Yes, I want to. I added that other code in for the context of why we were out there. But yes,
once the stop work order violation occurred, that's the issue considered irrelevant. That's for you to decide as a board. But in my opinion, I'm
asking you. Yes. I don't it's once that stop work order was violated, it becomes irrelevant. The discussion is no longer. And you also indicated that that you
thought in your opinion, you thought that there should be a substantial fine. Do you have any type of recommendation I requested in my requested motion is the maximum, which is $250 a
day and a short period of time to come into compliance. Thank you. No more questions. Okay. Any other questions? Can I ask a question? Are the pavers
currently as they depict in the photo. They're still there. They're still they were never removed. No. Correct. Okay. That's fine. Thank you. Can I
ask a question of either the attorney or somebody? So, you know, when you see a case like this and I mean, it's pretty obvious. Stop work order.
There's pavers. Right? So I got nothing to say. But the reason I came in front of you, and the reason I deviate from that letter that that I sent, that
it's on me and I'm taking it all out, is this has been a history for three years of a disaster that the city is not taking care
of. My homeowners association is not taking care of all of this background information is what led me to do that. It's like I
did the crime. It's a serious crime, or he's got a lot of good points. So when it comes to the fine or working with you on what
can be done. That's where I'm giving that. I mean, there'd be no reason for me to show up if all that information is relevant for the board to hear for purposes of what you just said,
which is the time period to come in compliance. Okay. If they if they decide that and the fine amount. Yes. That's all part of that mitigation or argument why
you ended up in this situation. The city's position obviously, is that, yes, there was a stop work order and that you you acknowledge you received it and you didn't follow it. We
understand that. So that's a violation. We got that. Your argument is going towards what you're asking the board to do to consider for purposes of coming
into compliance and the fine amount. So that is relevant, right. Okay. And the thing is the city, you know, the enforcement board here is actually giving you time to come
into compliance. We're not going to say right now, you know, you've got till whatever. Right. So you do have some. Now the other issue that's something that's something entirely different. The big thing is you got to stop order. And you
basically said it doesn't apply to me. I'm going to continue what I'm doing. Well, that's that's called chaos and anarchy. You know, we're a nation of laws. We have to follow the rule. And even though sometimes we don't agree with the rules,
the bottom line is it's better to be in a not have to be on defense right now. And that's why you're on defense right now. Because you broke the rules so
well. It's taken me 61 years to break the rules. So with with age comes wisdom. We know so but I can explain why you did the
why I did what I did. Absolutely. That is relevant for purposes of coming in compliance when I ask him questions. He had made the comment that, well, it's not it's not a it's a two
fold like the board. This is my first time board makes a determination if a violation occurred. Right. And I think you've basically admitted a violation. Yes, yes. So then the
second part of their motion is okay. Now what how long do we need for you to come in compliance. And if you don't come in compliance, which is what we're talking about, the
Max fine for first time violation is $250 per day for each day. The violation continues to exist. So that is, you're asking for a reasonable period of time. You're explaining why you're asking for
that, and then the board decides what they feel is appropriate. This board is here to get compliance. We're not here to try to find somebody. If we wanted to do that, we'd take you to county court. Right. And
where the judge only gives a fine here. The board's trying to work with residents and have them come in compliance and not, you know, to follow what the city rules are. So that's why
you have that opportunity to speak to the board and have those discussions. So you can absolutely present that if the board feels that it's not relevant or they don't want to hear anything more on that,
they'll let you know, okay, Mr. Chair, can I ask a question? In order for Mr. Kirkland to become
in compliance, the task is to remove the pavers, to take it back to the condition that it was when the stop order. Okay. That's that's it. Yes. And we
would and we would allow if he's still intends to attempt to get this all approved after the fact, we would be okay with them removing them and putting it in
a state that makes it. You know, survivable, survivable in the rain. So that is foundation isn't exposed and all that. So it's either return it to its original state or back to how it
was when the stop work order was issued. And then he could take whatever steps he needed as a short term to protect the property while he goes through the process of trying to get
this project approved. And Mr. Kirkwood, for your edification information purposes, there have been issues in that community prior, and I know I mean, and it
actually caused damage on other homeowners. And it was next door neighbor. I'm trust me, I know more about pavers at that location than the city does. I know everything that's happened.
But no, I appreciate that. Okay, so is it my turn now? Yep. Okay. All right. I want to try to give you an overall picture, and then I'll get into the details of do
you hand that out now can I I'll look at what it is. I got eight copies. Okay. And but my question before you do that,
what is the purpose of that. Is that because right now we're focused on you basically, you know, ignoring the stop work okay. So that's kind of that's
kind of not going to be relevant to my question of to the attorney, can I even talk and discuss? I mean, you're saying it's cut and dry, then I well,
again so we it's twofold, right? We've already talked about the violation. We know the violation exists. You're trying to ask this board for a period of time to come into compliance, which
may mean talking to the city or submitting something or removing the whole thing. So whatever is relevant to that request, I think, well, we have new members on the board, but I think that
everybody kind of understands the background, but you can go through it relatively, you know, concise, right. All right. I
guess I'm sorry to interrupt you. Most of that is already in evidence. It's all the emails. I just in full disclosure, I'm an honest person. And if I'm going to say my association did this
or did that, I want to prove that they were happy to receive anything. Okay. All right. I mean, it's nothing groundbreaking. And I recommend that. Okay. Okay. We're going to
enter this in as well Bob. Is that. Yes okay. Okay. What looks like an open and shut case is far from it. I was put in a terrible position that I should not have been put in. It was a
no win. No matter what I did. I'm not just some rogue resident just doing what I want. How did we get here? I've been in this location from the start and have
seen everything that has happened with regards to pavers landscaping. Currently, five homes have hardscapes with the most recent being done a year
ago, which is my next door neighbor that got flooded in that original case. Once I decided to do pavers to make my back area usable, I started
saving money for it. Over a year ago, I finally hired a licensed insured contractor and scheduled him two months out. I paid him $5,300 for the installation. He
ordered all material and started the project on May 23rd and was 80% done when I received the stop order, I did my due
diligence beforehand, read the covenants, looked at plat maps, and received HOA approval in addition to knowing how other cases were handled. My contractor worked a full day
building a knee wall, prepping the ground for the pavers and rock to help with the drainage. There's only 98ft■!S of pavers. The rest is rock, which drains
better than the grass. I got home from work and noticed the stop work order due to no permit. I called the officer
immediately to discuss the situation and sent him the lengthy email. He didn't show that one, but another one and it is in well that that email is in
the record. I did submit it. It's all of our emails. Everything is in. Okay. Okay, good. All right. I hey, I want everything out there in this thing. I then walked down and
talked with the building department. And then I spoke with Pat. Ask what's going on? Because I'm a very conscientious person and I knew everything
that happened at that location. And I don't do things the wrong way. And this is what has me every morning getting up, thinking, I cannot believe I am
in this situation. After four years of living there. So Pat and I had a talk back and forth. She did tell me, you know, you
shouldn't go forward with it. I'm not arguing that point. But she stated they are looking into it. When I asked for a permit. They're looking into it. Well, looking into what? Well, looking
into what you can do. And then shortly part time or part ways into the conversation, Pat made a comment. I wish we would have finished this figure this out
two years ago. Then she mentions a letter sent to our HOA in December of 22, addressed to the HOA president. That was never
shared by the HOA board. She forwarded this letter to me after I was finished with my project because I said, that's really good information to have.
If that was sent in 2022 and it's 2025 and I've never seen it, had the city sent that letter to each addressee at that, at that property, I
wouldn't be here. Had the HOA shared that with residents, I wouldn't be here. Had this board requested a permit from the two code violation cases, I wouldn't
be here. Had this board not given 131 North Ring permission per letter spoken by the officer at the time he was on the board
to keep 100 square foot. I wouldn't be here. This board code enforcement. Sometimes it's code enforcement and board it.
I'm not sure who's who, but. Into compliance or I wouldn't be here. 145 North ring was also brought into compliance. Fred, I
shouldn't use his name. One three. One North ring turned in 145. North ring who had done his pavers three years ago. Code
enforcement and building department or or planning and zoning. Went down to his property, looked at it, had him removed, three rows of pavers.
He's got it on video, but he and I are not talking now since he's one of the board members, so I didn't get it. But he has the city employees that came there
had him removed, three rows of pavers to bring him into compliance. I'm seeing all this. That's three years ago. It's 2025. So he was good and signed
off on Fred. He was brought into compliance with 100 under 100ftS of pavers. And they're there to this day. Excuse me, Mr. Chairman, how long is this going
to go on? Because I thought you made it clear that we're dealing with a work stoppage order. Correct. And I really not sure
how relevant this is and how much longer it's going to go on. You said that you would give them a brief or either you or the city attorney said, you
know, be brief. And we're going on and on and on here. It's a simple case which has already, in my opinion, been resolved because he has admitted that he continued with the work order.
That's what we're dealing with. That's what he's charged with. I agree with that. But we're giving his allowing him to present his patience. And I you know, I've been sitting on this
board. It's my first day. I got it. But the big thing is here, okay? He's presenting his case. And as I stated from the get go, but it's not it's not just
dealing with I agree we're dealing with I agree he's you know what? What about when it comes to the finding or the leniency or working with me? If
you have these facts that are astronomically wrong, that should. Well, I think I think I'm sorry. I think the evidence that has come in thus far has
said exactly what you've already said, which is. Yes. Your HOA didn't tell you that. Yes. There's other people that went through processes and they dealt with the city. Yes. All those
things have occurred. And this is why you did what you did. Of course. Then we go forward and there's a stop work order, which you worked on after you were told that. Correct. Which is
what our violation is. Right. But we've come to probably to a point. I think the board understands all those facts. The board probably wants to hear what you're going to do now
going forward. Meaning, do you need a period of time to go back to the city to discuss this? Are you going to be removing the pavers and as the as been
requested by the inspector, what are you going to do and how much time do you need is what they need to hear. Okay, well, going to the city you get shoulder
shrugs. It had that had had Pat sent that letter to each of us. But can I stop you right there? Okay. First I'm going to I'll take I'll do whatever you want. Okay, I got it, but. Okay. I
just want to say state for the record that the big issue that you have is really with your homeowners association because they failed. Oh, absolutely. So
and we have no play over that other than that she sent that letter to me. I wouldn't be here. I know she sent that letter to each of the homeowners. He would have 6 or 5
less code cases. Well, the problem is that's not necessarily the obligation of the city in that scenario. But we're dealing with your scenario. So we need to hear what you want to do, what you're
asking this board. Yeah, I mean, I admitted my guilt. I could have said I was out of town and I got my contractor just did it, and I apologize. And he shouldn't have done it. They
were guys that didn't speak English. And man, I'm sorry, but I'm. I'm telling the truth.
Right? So. Okay, I just wasted $150 in printing. So my biggest problem is him saying we're going to look into it. Let's
wait. My backyard is completely dirt. It's May 23rd. Rainy season starts the end of May, so
I wanted to get it done that weekend. It's 80% done. It's all dirt. So if I do a stop, it could be months and months and
months of a dirt yard. And so and then you have where they dig out around the foundation and they dig lower to put rocks down
for drainage because I didn't, but up to the to any structures. So I've got a hazard of tripping. I've got ditches and
everything else. So the, the main point would be and I asked him this. So then once I finished it, I'm like, I'm either going to go months and months and months waiting to hear back from the city of what
we can do. This has gone on for years, so how do I think this is going to end quickly? So that's when I ended up finishing it. And then in one of my letters, or maybe a phone call to him, I
asked him, I said if I take up the pavers, can I leave the rock? The rock drains better than the grass that I had. And he said, no, you need to take it
all up. What I would ask is beg is can I leave the rock because it's better than the grass that was there, and I'll take up the
pavers and it'll be done in a week, I mean. That's good. I don't believe it's the function of this board. It's not evaluate engineering functions. The only
reason we're here is whether or not you violate the rule that we are discussing has come in compliance or noncompliance. And if he wants to come in
compliance, how much time is he requesting of the board in order to meet that criteria? We are not engineers, sir. We cannot
make a determination on drainage factors and we can't grant any variances to determine, based on your request, a time frame for you to come in compliance.
Before we impose any type of. I guess I misunderstood what was asked. I thought somebody had asked that what did I want or what did I need or what they're asking what? Take the pavers up.
Can I leave the rock or the entire yard is dirt. Sir, you are asking us for an engineering evaluation, which is not our function. I'm sorry to argue
with you. All we're doing here is asking for you to provide us with a timeline to come into compliance with the orders of
the city before we impose a fine. Okay, that's the limit of our of our expertise. Two weeks. We're not engineers. Two weeks from today. Sure. Okay. All
right. As soon as I can get my contractor, I can't physically pick them up. But is it the pavers and everything, or can I? So here's the answer from the board on that. The answer is you
have to go to the city and talk to them. What it takes for you to be in compliance other than removing the pavers. So this board if what if they accept
what you said they will give you two weeks from today or institute a fine up to $250 per day. But you have to deal with
the city on everything else. This board can't grant that information. Okay. Any other questions for I. I just have one
comment. Mr. Kirkland. Kirkwood. Kirkwood I apologize. I'm sorry. That's right. You said you need two weeks. There's actually 20 days left in the month. If we
were to allow it. Assuming that vote goes through, we will allow you the next 20 days to get with
the city and either come in compliance or come to terms that would kill this whole issue. Before we meet again on, I
believe, the 14th of August. Sure. That's fine. That'd be so. That's more that's more than the two weeks that you you said, I'll give you another six days.
And I this has just been a nightmare. Right? But no, I appreciate that. And I was just trying to hurry to get it done, to show you I'm going to do it. I'm not going to drag it out
like so many people do. Mr. Chairman, could I make a motion? Anything else, sir? Okay. Go ahead. If you'd like to make a motion, I'd like to make a
motion. I'm moving. Case number. 25-0800000543 to find the respondent, Michael Kirkwood, in violation of the City of Tarpon
Springs Code of Ordinances 6-64, decimal eight and 141 decimal zero one for property located at 135 North Ring Avenue, and to
assess a fine of $250 per day beginning August 1st. 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 order. A second that seconded.
Okay, okay. Yes. Go on. You got a second. All right okay. So vote on it, Mr. Paul. Yes. Mr.
Paul, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Can you hear me? Yes. Thank you sir. Mr. Dumas. Yes, Mr. Stephan?
Yes, Mr. Ogle? Yes. I miss Archer. Yes. Mr. I aye, motion carries sir. Okay. So just.
Pardon. Yeah. Our attorney is going to sum this up for you. So in essence, you need to contact the city probably immediately to discuss what you need to do so
that they can find you in compliance by the end of this month so that no fine will start. If you're not in compliance, you don't contact the city. Satisfy them. A fine
of $250 per day will start August 1st, and will continue until compliance is achieved,
right. Okay. Thank you. Welcome. So we have no affidavits of non compliance, no affidavits of compliance, no consent
affidavits. I think the only thing we have now is the approval of minutes. We have one and two. Chair I just wanted to show you guys real quick. The
last meeting the board issued us an order to clear a property on Castle Works. I just wanted to show you guys a quick before and after of it, just so you can kind of see the outcome of your
order. Is this the one that made WFLA? Yes. Okay. Now these before pictures honestly, don't even do it justice. This is just some of the pictures we've had
of it. Yeah. And then that's what it looks like now. Great. That was and that's I want to thank our public works guys.
James Marco, all their crews, their guys were out there and put in a ton of work over two days. And I want to thank them for all their hard work. But that's what the property looks
like now. And that's all I got for you. And all the other issues have been resolved with regards to the residents or the residents. That's still an
ongoing thing to ask. Okay, so for the approval of minutes. We
have 12th December, 9th January, 13th February and 13th March.
There. Voice vote on approval. All in favor? Aye, aye. Okay. See any public comments other than I'm sorry I missed you guys
last code enforcement. I actually was diagnosed with walking pneumonia, but I was told I looked pretty good for somebody with it, but. But I figured I wouldn't share that with you. You know, I'd like to
make a comment on the record, sir. I was a former member of this board, and I also served as the chairman of this board. And I have to say that having been
away, I moved away from Tarpon Springs because of my wife. I've come back. I've been back about a year now. And I have to say that I can see immediately that
this board is the way it works is so much more improved than it had been. And I think that the intent and the purpose of the board has been elevated. As far as it's not necessarily a
revenue source, it's a source to make the city a better place. And I commend the city, the attorney that that is here, and I commend the board and the
chairman for the actions. And I think that I couldn't have made a better choice than to volunteer to come back on this board, because I think that it's doing excellent work. I noticed
that we had as many and Becky may remember, we had as many as 25, 30 cases. And I think this is much, much more efficient to
get people to do what they need to do so that we have a better city. And it doesn't have to be a us versus them type of an operation. So I commend everybody, gentlemen, and I
commend the code enforcement officer who I told you during a telephone conversation. That's how I felt. So I don't want I didn't want to be redundant. But anyway, that's all I have to
say. I'm glad to be back. We appreciate you being back. And as as our counsel can tell you point blank. And even our code enforcement board officer, the goal is not to penalize. The
goal is just to coerce and to, you know, getting things the way they should be. If people would follow the rules, we wouldn't need this board. But unfortunately, human nature is
what can I get away with? But it's always good. And this, our code enforcement officer, definitely goes out of his way to keep the minutia off the
table. It's, you know, it's the kiss. Keep it simple, Sergeant. Resolve it at the lowest possible level. And this way it doesn't get up here and doesn't waste our time or homeowners
time. But thank you very much. And with that being said, in fact, mentioned about the elections for or just if it's okay, we'll put it on the next
okay, next agenda, we'll we'll put on election of chair and vice chair. Okay. And I think that's it. The next code Enforcement Board hearing will
be held on 14th August at 2 p.m. So this hearing is adjourned.
Very good.