Code Enforcement Hearing

CODE ENFORCEMENT HEARING MINUTES Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM Historic City Hall, Commission Chambers – 225 East Main Street, Suite 105 www.cityofwauchula.gov CALL TO ORDER ADMINISTER OATH Special Magistrate Michell administered the oath to those testifying MINUTES FOR APPROVAL 1. Minutes for 6/26/2025 Code Enforcement Hearing Minutes for 06/26/2025 Code Enforcement Hearing, Special Magistrate Mitchell approved these minutes. NEW CASES 2. 25-101-L Amanda Griffin 326 Heard Bridge Road Bergens presented photographic evidence. Bergens stated backyard rubbish/junk still needs attention. Special Magistrate Mitchell found the property to be in violation and gave a compliance deadline of September 8, 2025 and will impose a $100.00/day fine thereafter until property is in compliance. Amanda Griffin was not present at the time of Special Magistrate Mitchell's ruling. She presented herself before hearing ended to plea her case. She was sworn in under oath. Special Magistrate Mitchell advised her of his ruling. Griffin stated her truck was broke down and was working on removing the trailers. With Special Magistrate Mitchells approval, Bergens also advised Amanda Griffin regarding the construction debris that has been left at roadside will not be picked up by the city and it will also need to be cleaned up. 3. 25-107-Cervantes 318 N 4th Avenue Cruz Enrique Cervantes & Antonio Garcia Garcia Bergens presented photographic evidence. Case was opened on May 28, 2025. Cruz Enrique Cervantes appeared to plea his case. He stated property has been mowed and will make more efforts to keep property in compliance. It was his parents property that passed away and with him living in Wimauma, it's been difficult for him to maintain the property. Special Magistrate Mitchell acknowledged and stated that he is required to maintain upkeep on the property being mowed. Special Magistrate Mitchell stated  the property owner will not be fined for any existing violations, fines, fees or costs. If he comes back or next repeat offense, fines may be imposed at that time. Cruze Enrique Cervantes agreed to comply. 4. 25-116-NA Brenda Brush 312 Illinois Avenue Bergens presented photographic evidence. There are 2 vehicles that are not tagged and are not in working condition. Both vehicles are required to be enclosed. Special Magistrate Mitchell found the property in violation. Set compliance date of September 8, 2025, and will accrue a fine of $100/day ($50.00 per vehicle per day) if property is not in compliance. No one in attendance to plea their case. 5. 25-124-L Felix Antonio Martinez & Alejandra Hernandez Vasquez 804 S 8th Avenue Bergens presented photographic evidence. Alejandra Hernandez Vasquez was present to plea their case. Chrstina Trevino, City of Wauchula Staff was present as translator. Vasquez property has been mowed since last compliance notice. Owner plans to mow every 2 weeks, but mower was broken. Special Magistrate Mitchell did not impose any current fines but will impose future fines for violation if property does not stay in compliance. 6. 25-136- L Renee Lanham 403 Melendy Street Bergens presented photographic evidence. No one was in attendance to make their plea. Case was opened on July 2, 2025. There is still high grass, trash and junk in the yard and needs to be cleaned up. Special Magistrate Mitchell found property to be in violation, grass and assortment of debris in the yard and gives a deadline of September 8, 2025, to be in compliance or property will impose a fine of $100.00/day thereafter. 7. 25-145-NA Wauchula Childcare Center LLC 316 S 11th Avenue This case was in compliance prior to hearing. CERTIFICATION OF FINES / LIENS 8. 24-083-L Michael Meeks 1098 Downing Circle No one in attendance to plea this case. Bergens stated property has been transferred to new ownership and there are prior rulings with ongoing violations for prior rulings. Bergens requested to place a lien on the property until fines are paid. Special Magistrate Mitchell awarded Bergens/Code Enforcement to place lien on the property @ accrual of $100.00/day fine which  totals $18,000.00 (Eighteen Thousand & 00/100 Dollars) from 12/10/2024 to 06/08/2025. PUBLIC COMMENT / NON-AGENDA ITEMS No additional public comments were presented. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, Special Magistrate Mitchell adjourned the hearing @ 10:20am.