Homestead City Council Tackles Complex Code Violations and Community Standards

The Homestead City Council meeting focused on a series of code violation cases, with attention given to ensuring compliance with safety and maintenance standards across the city. The council addressed issues ranging from traffic management and improper garbage disposal to the 40-year recertification of properties. Several cases highlighted the challenges of balancing municipal regulations with individual compliance and community impact.

15:18The most prominent case involved Monopoly Plumbing, Inc., which faced a citation for non-compliance with a permit condition related to traffic management at a construction site. The violation, recorded on March 26, 2025, revolved around the failure to implement proper Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans, which included lacking necessary signage and flag personnel. Mina Samadi, the assistant director of public works, testified about the chaotic traffic conditions caused by the contractor’s larger excavation equipment, which blocked roads near City Hall and a Miami-Dade County school. Samadi highlighted the contractor’s repeated failure to adhere to safety protocols despite attempts at communication.

Monopoly Plumbing’s President, Lazro, argued that AT&T’s simultaneous work on the road closure led to the disruption, not his company’s actions. The special master emphasized that the permit required flag personnel regardless of other activities on site. The council imposed a fine of $1,000 and an additional $80 administrative fee.

01:18:08The meeting also addressed a recurring issue of improper garbage disposal, exemplified by cases involving both residents and property management companies. Several properties, including those managed by WGH LLC and Viking Investment Group, faced citations for improper waste management. The council stressed the owner’s responsibility to comply with city codes and extended compliance periods in several cases, imposing administrative fees to address ongoing violations.

A notable discussion emerged concerning a property managed by an unidentified owner, where tenant complaints of severe plumbing issues and mold were raised. The tenant, Tiana Bennett, detailed the dire living conditions, exacerbated by garbage disposal issues, which led to health concerns for her children. The magistrate mandated a five-day deadline for the owner to resolve the plumbing concerns, highlighting the urgency of addressing such health hazards.

57:07The council also reviewed multiple cases concerning the 40-year recertification requirement, a process ensuring older buildings meet safety and structural standards. Property owners, including representatives from Jonah Homesac and Movement Christian Cultural, sought extensions to comply with the recertification process. The council granted extensions typically ranging from 60 to 90 days, contingent upon periodic updates and securing safety certifications from engineers.

11:28In another significant case, Rahima Rak and Rahman LLC were cited for repeat violations involving open alcohol consumption and illegal gambling machines at their property. Although the owner had previously complied by paying fines and removing the machines, the council expressed concerns about continued tenant activities. The council warned of potential severe consequences if violations persisted, emphasizing the owner’s accountability for tenant behavior.

02:43:48The meeting concluded with discussions on additional civil citation cases, focusing on ongoing issues of property maintenance and adherence to city codes. The council reviewed cases of non-permitted work and public nuisance violations, granting extensions and imposing administrative fees to encourage compliance.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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