HomeMy Public PortalAbout08.15.2023 SM Minutes FinalSpecial Magistrate Hearing Minutes
August 15, 2023
5:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
1 Call to Order
Special Magistrate S. Taylor called the Hearing to order at 6:00 p.m.
2 Administration of oath to staff/ Respondents /Witnesses
Special Magistrate S. Taylor stated that he would swear in all participants before the presentation of each
case instead of at the beginning of this meeting.
3 Red Light Hearing
There were no red-light hearings.
4 Code Enforcement Hearings
4.1. Case 22-1399
Special Magistrate S. Taylor opened 22-1399 for 1069 Gordon Street stating the owners listed
are Walter Harris and Sarah Lee. The representatives of the owners were present. Special
Magistrate S. Taylor then asked Code Enforcement Officer Lawson to present the case.
Code Enforcement Officer D. Lawson presented the case and requested that Exhibits 1 and 1 a be
entered into as evidence.
Special Magistrate S. Taylor accepted Exhibit 1 and 1 a into the record and asked the owners if they
would like to speak.
The representatives of the owners spoke on their behalf concerning the violations against the
property and requested an extension of six (6) months to bring the property into compliance.
Special Magistrate S. Taylor reviewed the findings presented and found that the property was in
violation with the evidence presented.
Special Magistrate S. Taylor stated that unfortunately this has been ongoing since August of 2022
and ordered that in three months, ninety (90) days the owners will need to bring the property into
compliance. If not, a $250 a day fine will be assessed with an annual interest of 6.77%. There will
not be a cost for this hearing.
4.2. Case 23-700
Special Magistrate S. Taylor opened Case #23-700 stating that the owner is Grant Thomas of the
property located at 255 McArthur Street, Crestview. He noted that Mr. Thomas, the owner, was in
attendance.
Code Enforcement Officer M. Tatom presented the violations concerning the property at 255
McArthur Street. She requested that Exhibit 3 be entered into the record.
Special Magistrate S. Taylor accepted Exhibit 3 into the record.
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Special Magistrate S. Taylor reviewed the findings presented.
Mr. Thomas spoke on his behalf.
Mr. Holloway, the city attorney, asked Mr. Thomas questions concerning the violations on the
property.
There was a considerable amount of time used to review the violations.
Code Enforcement Officer Tatom made recommendations for this violation as follows: the cost of
tonight's hearing, a fine in the amount of $5000.00, as the city's Public Services Director is ready
to move and repair the property to which the fine is the amount of the city's incurred cost.
Mr. Holloway, the city attorney stated that because it is a safety issue with the violation, we are
prepared to move and fix it.
Special Magistrate S. Taylor stated that there is a continued violation of chapter 38 section 18 and
chapter 90 section 110. This case is not just city but county and stated it will take an amount of time
to correct. Special Magistrate S. Taylor upheld the recommendation from the Code Enforcement
Officer that a fine should be imposed up to the amount of $5000.00 to include the cost of tonight's
hearing of $250.00 so that the city can repair the sewage issue. If the cost of the repair goes over the
amount of $5000.00 that amount will be added to the lien of the property. He ordered sixty (60)
days for this violation to come into compliance. Mr. Taylor suggested to Mr. Thomas to cooperate
with the different agencies (city, state, county).
5 Adrournment
Special Magistrate S. Taylor adjourned the Hearing at 6:49 p.m.
Minus submitted by,
/1
/ Nataslha S. Peac `k, Deputy City Clerk
Prop4 Notice havin been duly given