Code Enforcement Hearing

CODE ENFORCEMENT HEARING MINUTES Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 9:30 AM Historic City Hall, Commission Chambers – 225 East Main Street, Suite 105 www.cityofwauchula.gov CALL TO ORDER Special Magistrate Mitchell called the hearing to order at 9:30 am. Staff present: Code Enforcement Officer Raina Bergens City Clerk Stephanie Camacho ADMINISTER OATH Special Magistrate Mitchell administered the oath to those testifying. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL 1. Minutes for 03/27/25 Code Enforcement Hearing NEW CASES 2. Case # 25-035-L Property Owner: Ediberto Diego Address: 319 N 9th Avenue 3. Case # 25-036-NA Property Owner: Ediberto Digeo Address: 319 N 9th Avenue 4. Case # 25-037-Z Property Owner: Ediberto Diego Address: 319 N 9th Avenue Bergens testified and provided photographic evidence for agenda items 2-4, showing bikes and other items scattered throughout the yard, as well as inoperable vehicles. Bergens also stated the property was being used to operate a business, which was not permitted by the zoning status. No one was present for this case. Special Magistrate Mitchell found a violation did exist and issued a compliance date of June 23, 2025, otherwise a fine would be imposed of $100 per day, per case. 5. Case # 25-041-NA Property Owner: Guadalupe J Garcia  Address: 420 N 9th Avenue This case was in compliance prior to the hearing. 6. Case # 25-044-NA Property Owner: Brandon Hill Address: 417 N 9th Avenue This case was in compliance prior to the hearing. 7. Case # 25-060-M Property Owner: Jubilee Ministries International Inc Address: 131 S 8th Avenue Bergens stated this case was opened 3/4/25. The building had large stained glass windows that were in need of repair, along with some other maintenance issues. Tony Utegaard, a representative from the ministry's corporation, was present and stated he was part of the sister ministry in Tampa. He stated he was contacted by Jubilee Ministries about the disrepair of the building and had met with Bergens regarding the code violations, Kyle Long regarding preservation of the historical buildling, as well as the Hardee County Building Official regarding required permits. Utegaard stated the sister ministry would be funding the repairs and funding had already been approved. Utegaard also state a permite had already been pulled for temporary replacement windows while they have the existing windows restored, and requested additional time. Special Magistrate Mitchell allowed the property owner 45 days (June 11, 2025) for total compliance or to have a permit pulled, otherwise a fine would be imposed of $100 per day. 8. Case # 25-061-L Property Owner: Donnie R Selph & (Est of) Judith L Selph Address: 302 Diana Avenue Bergens testified and provided photographic evidence, stating the case was opened on 3/21/25 regarding lot maintenance. Bergens stated she called and spoke to someone, explaining the violations of tall grass and items that needed to be removed from the yard. Samantha Selph - 302 Diana Ave Wauchula, FL Selph stated she had the power of attorney for her father, Donnie Selph. She stated they've been having an issue with the neighbors throwing trash on the property but the yard had been mowed. Special Magistrate Mitchell found a violation did exist and issued a compliance date of July 11, 2025, otherwise a fine would be imposed of $100 per day. 9. Case # 25-062-NA Property Owner: Donnie Selph & (Est of) Judith L Selph Address: 302 Diana Avenue Bergens testified and provided photographic evidence, stating there was an Explorer and a white truck on the property that were inoperable. Samantha Selph stated someone was working on the vehicles but it was a slow process. Mitchell suggested having the vehicles towed off the property.  Special Magistrate Mitchell found a violation did exist and issued a compliance date of July 11, 2025, otherwise a fine would be imposed of $100 per day. PUBLIC COMMENT / NON-AGENDA ITEMS No additional public comments were presented. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, Special Magistrate Mitchell adjourned the hearing at 9:54 am.