The meeting’s most issue involved two substantial cases related to property violations, which resulted in the imposition of hefty daily fines. Case number 2301006 attracted particular attention due to the financial penalties imposed. The property was cited for violations involving vegetation removal without the necessary permits, resulting in a fine of $11,452.50 per day. This figure was determined by a fine schedule attached to the town’s compliance guidelines. Despite prior discussions and promises to submit the required applications that could rectify the violation, no such submissions had been received by the town. The town noted that while permits concerning vegetation removal had been submitted, the required bond had not been produced.

A representative for FERP Holdings, the tenant involved, acknowledged the severity of the fines and their potential impact on the business. They expressed a commitment to resolving the bond issue and suggested the possibility of mitigating the fines, which they considered extraordinarily high. However, the magistrate and town reiterated the importance of compliance and the ongoing nature of the issue, which had persisted for over two years. The magistrate clarified that the fines would continue to accrue until compliance was achieved, with the total fines amounting to $416,500 across multiple cases. The magistrate also emphasized the property owner’s right to seek fine reduction once compliance was achieved but noted that current town code required the fines to remain in place until the violations were resolved.

Another notable case during the meeting involved Lantana Holdings LLC, where the town had filed a notice of non-compliance on September 17. Despite prior discussions, the property remained non-compliant, with the town still seeking a bond that had not been received. The magistrate sought clarity on whether the landlord had met obligations from previous hearings, with the town’s attorney expected to provide further clarification on requested remedies. The property owners had been duly notified of the compliance issues and the hearing, and the magistrate anticipated further input from the attorneys involved, particularly regarding the compliance status of Lantana Holdings LLC. The town’s efforts to enforce compliance were evident as they presented documents for the record, including an affidavit of non-compliance and previous orders regarding stipulated agreements and fines.

The magistrate also addressed a case involving the property on North Road. The town requested a 14-day continuance to allow the removal of remaining RVs on the property. The tenant, Craig Wells, cited weather conditions as a delay factor but agreed that 14 days would suffice to clear the vehicles. The magistrate confirmed that no fines would be imposed if the RVs were removed within the specified timeframe, with the tenant instructed to contact code enforcement officers for re-inspection. The town sought to assess administrative costs of $2,345 related to the case, which were approved by the magistrate to be paid within 30 days.