Special Magistrate Erica Aiello presided over the hearing, adjudicating a series of code enforcement cases. Aiello emphasized her impartiality and outlined her role in accordance with Chapter 162 Florida Statutes and the City Code of Ordinances. The agenda was amended to include a lien reduction case for 400 47th Avenue by Pete Derer, Code Enforcement Manager.

A notable case involved Pingpong Partners LLC, who were progressing towards obtaining a permit for a dumpster enclosure but remained non-compliant. The city representative, Luis Cruz, outlined the situation, and the respondent’s representative agreed with the city’s request for a continuance, which Aiello granted.

In another significant ruling, Aiello determined fines for April Elliot and David Rybarik, who had not shown progress on a required dumpster enclosure. Despite contacting Cruz twice, they were absent from the hearing, leading Aiello to impose a fine of $250 per day from the hearing date until compliance, in addition to administrative costs.

The case against Gabby 2022 LLC saw a permit obtained after the deadline, with fines of $250 per day proposed by the city from the date of the deadline until the permit issuance. The respondent’s contractor cited delays due to a former code compliance officer’s unresponsiveness. Acknowledging smoother progress since his involvement, Aiello noted the request for a waiver of fines but did not immediately rule on it.

A property on Casablanca Avenue, owned by Jesse Head, faced fines for advertising and conducting unauthorized short-term rentals. The city recommended a fine of $500 per rental instance, which the Magistrate imposed along with administrative costs.

Steven D. Lower’s property was another focal point, cited for permit requirements and unsightly conditions. The unfinished bathroom remodel had led to water leakage issues. The property owner presented his case, citing contractor issues and intent to hire a new one to complete the work. Aiello took his situation into consideration but found a violation of Section 98-65, concerning unsightly conditions, and allotted 45 days to secure the necessary permit.

Further discussions included a case against Philip Parsons and Suzanne L. Lambot, where Lambot contested a violation for overgrown vegetation, arguing that the area was city right-of-way. After some debate and a recess, the city withdrew the case acknowledging the absence of a right-of-way permit record.

The meeting also addressed lien reduction cases. Kesh Bakarian’s fines were reduced to 10% of the total plus administrative costs, while 3503 Gulf Boulevard Holdings LLC’s fines were reduced to 25% following an appeal citing immediate compliance post-violation notice.

Another lien reduction involved a property previously owned by Ms. Jordan, with fines totaling $42,500. The new owner had taken steps towards compliance, and the title company representative advocated for a significant reduction due to the sale price and financial burden. The Special Magistrate agreed to reduce the lien to 10% of the fines plus administrative costs, with a shortened payment deadline.