A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the case of James B. and Susan R. Harris, whose property on Southeast Eagle Avenue was scrutinized for multiple code violations. According to a county code compliance investigator, the property was littered with trash, debris, and boats improperly placed in the right-of-way. Despite being given numerous opportunities to rectify the situation, the Harris family had not fully complied by the stipulated deadlines. The county’s photographic evidence presented during the hearing supported these claims. However, Mr. Harris contended that the delay in addressing the violations was due to a mix-up with the property address on file, which had not been updated despite attempts to correct it. He also highlighted that the boats on the property were related to his son’s occupation as a commercial fisherman, and some were in the process of repair.

The council emphasized the necessity of adhering to local codes, particularly concerning outdoor storage regulations. The magistrate expressed concerns over the ongoing noncompliance and underscored the potential for significant daily fines if the issues were not resolved promptly. The Harris couple was given until February 27, 2026, to meet compliance requirements, with a proposed fine of $100 per day for any continued violations. Additionally, the county sought reimbursement of $575 for investigative costs.

Another noteworthy discussion centered on Denise Zapeda Geico, who, now using the name Denise Maldonado, was involved in a property maintenance case on Southeast Madrid Street. The violations included overgrowth, a damaged fence, and residual trash. Maldonado explained her lack of awareness regarding the code compliance notification, stating that she only learned of the notice through family members. Despite initial efforts to address the violations, issues remained at the property. The council set a deadline of February 27, 2026, for complete compliance, with a potential fine of $100 per day for any ongoing violations after that date. Maldonado was also required to reimburse the county for investigative costs.

The meeting also addressed a repeat violation case concerning Raymond W. Hoffman, whose property had a history of noncompliance. Although the property was eventually brought into compliance, the council was informed of Hoffman’s repeated infractions, leading to a request for fines totaling $3,250, alongside the reimbursement of investigative costs.

Additionally, the council reviewed Jacqueline M. Graham’s case, which involved a compliance agreement due to trash and overgrown grass on her property. Despite her request for a hearing extension, Graham agreed to a stipulation that required her to achieve compliance by April 15, 2026, with a $100 daily fine for any continued violations thereafter.

The council also processed several requests for fine reductions. Gary Schulman, who had acquired a property with prior violations through a tax deed sale, successfully petitioned for a reduction to zero, given that the surplus payment from the sale exceeded the required threshold. In another case, new property owners offered a payment to resolve fines related to violations by previous owners. The council accepted these terms.