Clermont Code Enforcement meeting Transcript 3-16-26

18:15 March 16th, uh 2026 code enforcement meeting. Um like to start out with the pledge of allegiance. Could all stand for that, please?
18:28 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
18:36 under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
18:47 I believe we have a swearing in of a new member.
18:50 We do. Yes, sir. We have a new member joining us uh this evening. Even though you do have to take an oath, it's fairly um informal. So, you can remain seated.
18:58 Um do I have your name right? It's Miss Deborah Valier. Valier. Valier. Valier.
19:04 Valier. Even better. All right. So, if you would please raise your right hand.
19:08 I repeat after me. I I state your name. Deborah Valier.
19:13 A citizen of the United States of America.
19:15 A citizen of the United States of America and resident in the city of Claremont. and resident in the city of Claremont.
19:21 being appointed to the code enforcement board being appointed to the code enforcement board for the city of Claremont for the city of Claremont. do hereby so
19:29 solemnly swear or affirm do hereby solemnly swear and affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America
19:37 that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America the laws of the state of Florida the laws of the state of Florida and the charter and ordinances of the
19:45 city of Claremont and the charter and ordinances of the city of Claremont that I am duly qualified to serve that I am duly qualified to serve
19:53 under the constitution of the state of Florida under the constitution of the state of Florida and and the charter for the city of Claremont.
19:59 and the charter for the city of Claremont.
20:01 And that I will well and faithfully perform And that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of the board on which I'm about to enter.
20:10 The duties of the board on which I'm about to enter. So help me God. Help me guide.
20:14 All right. Thank you. And if you could sign that document and the clerk will then notarize it and you may proceed. Mr. Chairman.
20:22 Thank you, councillor. Um, I'm looking for a Has everyone had a chance to review the minutes from the last meeting?
20:30 Could I get a motion to approve said minutes? I'll make the motion to approve. Second.
20:38 Second. All in favor?
20:41 I I motion passes. All right. Uh, opening statement here.
20:51 Uh, welcome to the March 16th, 2026 City of Claremont Code Enforcement Board Meeting. Before we begin, I would like
20:58 to advise everyone about the procedures that govern appearances before this board. This meeting is open to the public under Florida's government in the
21:06 sunshine law and is being recorded on YouTube. The code enforcement board is acting in a quasi judicial capacity when considering individual cases. However,
21:17 every effort will be made to hear all persons having relevant evidence or argument to offer in accordance with the rules for such proceedings. We ask that
21:26 each pre person who speaks before the code enforcement board sign the sign-in sheet located at the table up front.
21:33 After the opening remarks, all those in who intend to speak today will be sworn in or affirmed. When asked if a respondent is present for your case,
21:43 please come up to the podium. All proceedings before this board are electronically recorded. Please speak directly into the microphone at the podium and state your name, address,
21:53 name, and address clearly for the record. Additionally, please limit your comments to only information relating to
22:00 the case being presented. The city of Claremont has the b the burden of proving a violation exists. The city
22:08 presents their case and then the respondent presents their ca theirs.
22:13 Once all cases where respondents are present have been heard, the board will then hear the remaining cases. Each
22:20 party may question witness witnesses offered on behalf of the other party.
22:25 Additionally, the board members and their attorney may question those appearing before the board.
22:32 This board will make its decision based upon the evidence and testimony presented by both parties. The board's role is to determine if a violation
22:39 exists and if so, in most cases, set a date for the violation to be corrected and set a fine if compliance is not met.
22:48 It is not the board's role to advise you on a specific method or act that you can take to come into compliance.
22:57 The code enforcement board is appointed by the city of Claremont to review all alleged violations of the city of Claremont's code of ordinances fairly and objectively.
23:07 Its members are volunteers and not employees of the city. The board's authority is limited to determining if a violation of the code exists. It does
23:16 not have the authority to change the code or ordinances.
23:19 Although you may have evidence, argument or circumstances that could justify being excused excused from compliance with the applicable code, you are
23:28 advised that this board does not have the authority to grant you an excuse.
23:33 Such an excuse is commonly referred to as a variance or ex or or exception and may be granted through other procedures such as an application to the city, but
23:42 not by this code enforcement board. To avoid interference with cases being presented to this board, all cell phones are be turned off or silenced while in the chambers. Thank you.
23:57 All right. And this time, it's my responsibility to swear in the members of city staff who will be testifying.
24:03 And if you're here to talk about a case where you're a respondent or you plan to give testimony in one of the cases, I do need to swear you in as well. You don't
24:11 have to stand, but if you could raise your right hand um from where you're seated.
24:18 Do you swear or affirm the testimony you're about to give in these proceedings will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
24:25 Thank you. And if for any reason you didn't swear in, but you later then want to testify, just please let me know.
24:30 I'll try to keep an eye on folks and we'll swear you in before you speak. Thank you.
24:43 Good evening. My name is Avery Dian. I'm the assistant city attorney. I'm just going to go over the agenda for tonight.
24:48 Um, first we have item one, case number C25010024.
24:56 Uh, respondent Quanhang and Zing Wang. Uh, property address 240 Edgewood Drive.
25:03 Um, we will not be calling up for hearing item two or three tonight. So,
25:08 the next item would be item four, case number 2600000031, uh, respondent Sunshine Properties LLC.
25:17 Property address um 831 Oakley Severe Drive. Uh, next will be item five, case number 26004.
25:29 um respondent culp trust and property address 1919 Sunset Lane.
25:35 After that will be item six, case number 2500144,
25:42 respondent Dudes Family Trust, property address 1948, Mooring Court. And finally, item seven, case number 2500196,
25:53 uh, respondent American Residential Leasing Company LLC and property address, uh, 1260 Northridge Boulevard.
26:27 Good evening, code enforcement board Joshua Cortez for the city of Claremont code enforcement. Uh, this is case number C2501-000024.
26:38 This is a reduction of fine for Quanhang and Zin Wang.
26:44 The property is 240 Edgewood Drive.
26:50 This is the previous uh finding of facts from the code enforcement board.
26:58 This is the respondents reduction request packet that they filled out.
27:09 This is the hearing notice that was sent to the respondent.
27:16 The code enforcement board hearing initially took place on January 27th,
27:20 2025. The property was in compliance October 6th, 2025. The total days in
27:26 violation was 257 days. The total fine owed is 20,500.
27:33 The staff recommendation in this case is to reduce the fine by 80% down to 4,100 to be paid within 30 days or the fine
27:41 will revert back to the original amount owed. I have nothing further if you have any questions for me and the respondent is here in this case.
27:56 Okay. If the respondent's here and wishes to provide testimony,
28:02 we just ask you please state your name for the record. Yeah. Um, hi. Um, good evening border.
28:08 Um, so my name is Huan. I'm the property owner of the 240 edge drive at
28:15 Claremont, uh, Florida. So um I want to start by uh sincerely apologizing for
28:22 the delay of the repairing for this uh property. Um so the the the issue is that we were never intend to delaying
28:31 any of the repairs in the beginnings. Um we have uh always activities working on
28:38 the repairs for all the structure wise and all the small stuff on the listed on the items and then all the all the uh
28:47 and then all the required work has now been um all completed and then the
28:54 reason um the the reason all the rep uh for the delay was the extreme um the
29:02 family uh financial hardship uh as I have provided um the evidence to brought
29:09 it up. So our families um has a very limited incomes both my wife and I. So I
29:18 have um provided with both of us W2 income. If you I want to share uh is
29:25 that please I can do you have how many copies do you have?
29:29 So, for the income wise, I have three copies. No, I have one copy.
29:37 If you'd like to give that to the board, we'll have to make some copies. So, afterwards,
29:41 does do those documents have your social security number or anything like that on there? Yeah. No. Okay.
29:48 Um, so we would we would have to they do become public records once you give them to the board. um the the city would have
29:56 to um redact and black out your social security number, things of that nature.
30:03 If you wanted you're under oath, so if you want to discuss the income issues,
30:08 you can. Um I would when you give them to the board, we the city keeps them. So it's up to you. If you want to introduce them into evidence, you can.
30:16 That's fine. I still this all this is um personal information. I don't I don't care to share all the record to you guys.
30:23 Right. Yeah. I don't think you want to do that. U but you're free to talk why don't you just share talk to them about it rather than introducing the records.
30:31 Okay. So um so I have um I have my uh W2 income last year for $26,000 a years and
30:41 my wife have a W2 income of total of around 30 to 36,000 a year for the W2 on the last years.
30:50 Okay. So um So, so in in uh in fact like um to finish the the the the final parts of
30:59 the repairs uh we had to even borrow some money from from uh from our family
31:05 members or friends to um to to to finish like the repairing parts. But I would
31:12 say uh all the all the works that all the work that requires has been all completed and then it should be u
31:21 checked by Joshua I believe. So um and then the other thing is that we're also raising two young children's right now
31:29 and then one of our one of my daughters um is also qualified for the
31:36 California's Medicaid which is the um That's this is a card that uh the government have been issued which is is
31:45 qualified for the the lower income families that for the kids insurance. So
31:50 um so the 20,000 fine will be a um a devastating
31:57 blow to our families. So, so we're here to um kindly request for the full amount
32:07 of a deduction of the fine so that we can take care of our keys and then to be
32:13 in the future u repairs we can try to repair everything on time before any citations and any notice. Yeah. And thank you for considering these cases.
32:26 Then if if you would like to I can pass through all the all the documents. No, I just keep an eye on it. Okay. Yeah,
32:34 that's that's all that's all I have today. And then I have all the pictures shows uh all the things is been it's been completed.
32:44 Is there anything else? I've got a question. Uh just to clarify,
32:50 this was a rental property with a tenant, correct? This was not Yes, that's correct. Okay.
32:57 So, you don't actually you don't occupy this is not an owner occupied property, correct? No, I own this property. You don't occupy it, though? No, I don't.
33:06 Okay. Thank you. And then, Mr. Cortez,
33:09 um, all repairs completed to code satisfaction. Yes.
33:17 Trying to remember this one because it I was here for this one. This is the finding of facts from that case. And I
33:25 don't have any photographs, but if you recall this case, there were a lot of code sections that were cited. Um, you can see them listed down there below
33:32 under section two. Um, there was quite a few. Um,
33:38 the the the home needed quite a bit of work. Okay. Thank you.
33:46 Oops. The tenant brought this one in, right? Yes. Okay. Now I remember this one. Okay.
33:53 Anyone else have any questions, comments?
34:07 No. Uh, I live at I live at California.
34:10 I just came here uh this morning due to the bad weather. I have to stop to Tampa and then drive out of it.
34:27 That didn't work. Okay, I'll make a motion.
34:33 Thank you. In case number uh C2501-00004,
34:41 I move that the existing fine be reduced to the amount of $4,100 with the stipulation that the reduced
34:49 fine be paid to the city of Claremont on or before April 16th, 2026.
34:57 Failure to pay this total reduced fine will result in the fine reverting to its original amount of $20,500.
35:09 Second. All in favor?
35:13 I I chair votes I. Motion passes 5.
35:22 Um, I don't really I know you didn't catch the last part.
35:27 Um, so a motion was passed and uh approved that the fine will be reduced to the staff recommendation amount of
35:35 $4,100 and which would be due in 30 days. It can be 100%.
35:42 The the board made a motion and it passed.
35:46 Okay. But um if if the only 100 that is going to be the amount to for the fine,
35:51 is there a long-term payment that we can apply for or is there something we can uh do it to to pay it for for the final?
36:04 Maybe go to a lending authority, maybe a bank or a credit union.
36:08 Hold on. Let's I'm gonna let council council comment. So, the the board's motion that passed gave you 30 days until April 16th. Um, then that was the
36:17 the recommendation. Um, I'll just ask the city if they'd like the board to reconsider that, if they're comfortable with 30 days.
36:25 What is what is a what's a number that or a time that is comfortable for you?
36:35 Uh, I would like to have a full 100%
36:38 reduction on but that That is not an option. I will say uh give us like six
36:46 months if that is possible. So we can have time to So you're asking for 180 days in lie of the 30 days.
36:57 That is possible. Okay. How does the board feel about that?
37:03 If you feel so accordingly, you may.
37:08 I would probably I would probably feel better at maybe 120 days would seem something more amicable that kind of
37:18 gives him a little bit more time but not the full six months.
37:32 That's correct. Yes.
37:37 Okay. I will amend my motion uh to change the date that the amount is due
37:46 uh by July 16th, 2026 instead of the March uh April 16th,
37:55 2026.
37:57 So you have until July 16, 2026 to pay $4,100.
38:06 Second. All in favor? I. Chair votes I as well. Motion passes.
38:16 That's it. Thank you. Thank you. And you'll get that order in the mail.
38:41 Okay.
38:56 Okay, we're going to move to item four. This is uh case number 26-000031,
39:06 Sunshine Properties LLC 831 Oakley Sver Drive.
39:13 Uh, this is a repeat violation is the code section references,
39:26 the location,
39:33 uh, the case summary. Again, this is a repeat violation. Uh, this was an in-house complaint from our fire fire department.
39:40 The notice of violation and hearing was posted on February 4th, 2026. Notices were also handd delivered to staff.
39:49 The compliance status as of today's hearing is that the property is not in compliance.
39:55 This is the affidavit of posting.
40:02 This was the previous finding of facts from the initial case.
40:10 This is the notice of violation and notice to appear in this case.
40:23 This was an email that we received from Amber Butler, fire inspector,
40:28 uh, advising that the fire department was called out to a possible structure fire, that the units were unable to access the property from both access points due to a malfunctioning gate.
40:40 This is a photograph that was taken uh while the fire department was on scene.
40:47 Uh this is a quick video showing the gate that is not functioning as intended uh with the fire and emergency vehicles
40:56 um staging as they could not exit properly. This is a picture of the posted notice.
41:05 The posted notice photograph taken on February 4th.
41:14 This is a video showing that the emergency entrance, the click to enter system we call it, um is not functioning as intended, not opening uh on command.
41:27 The red flashing light indicates that the receiver is receiving the signal from the uh radio system that our first
41:35 responders use uh but the gate is not uh opening.
41:41 This is an email from the fire inspector, Amber Butler, um on the 5th,
41:46 advising that the gate was made operable again.
41:53 Uh this is an email from Thomas Bennett,
41:56 battalion chief. uh he was the uh scene commander uh for when the fire
42:02 department responded, which is what brought this issue to uh the city's attention.
42:11 And uh I'll leave this up for just a moment so you can read what the battalion chief had to say about the response.
42:38 Okay,
42:45 this was a video taken this morning showing that the uh gate is not
42:52 functioning as intended. The click to enter system is again it's receiving the transmission from the radio but it's not opening.
43:00 So a photo of the gate uh stuck in this partially a jar position.
43:10 The staff recommendation in this case is to find the respondent is in violations of the section stated. further order to assess a fine of $500 for one day the
43:19 property was in violation on February 4th, 2026 and to assess a daily fine of $500 starting again today, March 16th, and
43:28 continuing every day the property remains in violation.
43:32 I have nothing further. The uh fire inspector, Amber Butler, is here to provide testimony. Um, and the respondent is also here.
43:44 If the board has any questions for myself or fire department staff, I have a question. If I remember correctly, we gave there was a whole list of things
43:53 that needed to be repaired on the the at the last meeting in September and we gave time and and the gate was part of
44:02 the issue then, right? And along with the locking door and um some other things. So, I assume the other things
44:09 have been fixed and and it's just still the gate is the issue. Correct. Okay. Thank you.
44:16 Does this property have a Knox box on it? Does. Okay.
44:22 And do they not have a keys or an extra gate key card in said no box? They have the fail uh the keys inside,
44:29 but they did not operate. Okay. Thank you.
44:37 And just to clarify, when that last case was brought to the code enforcement board, they did fully come into compliance, uh just to be clear, this
44:46 was a reoccurrence um of one of the particular violations uh that was only discovered once the fire department was was responding to a possible structure fire.
44:59 Can I also add something too? Uh when we were in response to that structure fire um several times Commandment requested keys and we were not able to get them.
45:11 They actually have to force that lock and I'm assuming you guys just used the fire truck and forced the gate to get in. This last time they did not force the gate.
45:22 They went through the other side and they had to back up through. So they had about eight or nine trucks in there and they just maneuvered it.
45:30 So if the gate was functional, you wouldn't have the logistics issue of trying to get through the the property. Correct. Thank you.
45:48 Good evening. My name is Karen. Um I'm the owner's representative for the lofts at South Lake at 831 Oakley Seaver Drive in Claremont, Florida.
45:56 Miss Karen, could you give your last name for the record? Edinger. I'm so sorry. Kurt Edinger.
46:01 Um I, as you know, I stood before you and heard this case before. We've gotten fully compliant. Um we were made aware
46:08 of this issue from the incident of the stated potential uh structure fire. For clarity, the call was due to us turning
46:17 on the heat and the burning smell coming from turning on the heat for the first time. Um we're unsure on why it was presumed a structure fire immediately.
46:27 Um, going back to the situation about the keys,
46:32 everybody but me was asked for the keys until the very end. Um, I provided the key at the very end, but they had already broken the door at that point.
46:41 There are multiple keys to everything in the building. It's 144 units. We have access control. We have um
46:50 tech rooms. We have uh the fire rooms in the back. So, there's bound to be many,
46:57 many keys to a building with five floors, uh, roof access. Um, nobody forced anybody to give keys. I gave keys
47:07 out willingly, especially to the public areas where I had some questions about providing keys was when we were trying to gain access to everybody's apartment.
47:18 Um, that I have to am legally obligated to notify people of those things,
47:22 whether it be email, phone call, or a notice on the door. Um, in the situation of an emergency, we can make exceptions,
47:28 but I have to communicate. So, that was the only push back that was given in this situation by any means. When we're going back to the situation about the gate, immediately when I was notified,
47:39 which was the day following that the incident, I want to make clear that both Amber or Amber and the fire marshall
47:46 head were standing right next to me during the situation and could have verbally communicated, hey, the gate's not working. I could have been working
47:53 on it faster if the concern is genuinely safety of both myself, the residents, and the fire department.
48:01 My my outlook on it is yes, absolutely document it in every way possible and
48:08 serve that to me. But in the case of trying to make sure that everybody is safe, I would like to think that as a
48:15 resident myself at this property that the priority would be safety and getting it resolved as soon as possible. Despite being notified the following day at 300
48:24 p.m. instead of first thing in the morning, I had a vendor out the following day um to make the repair within 24 hours. Um, I had the vendor
48:33 make a phone call to the fire department to test it. Um, because we don't have the technology in order to test it. It's on a radio frequency that they have. So,
48:43 we have to coordinate that. Um, Amber came out around I think it was 5 to 6 p.m. tested it in full compliance. Since
48:51 then, absolutely nothing has been used for it. There's been no calls that have been made. Nobody's going in and out.
48:57 There's no way for me to know that the gate is not operational or not or at any given time. There's nothing that we have to test that. Um, when I was made aware
49:06 this morning right before here, because it was I guess they inspect it right before the hearing, um, I was just given an email stating that we're in
49:13 non-compliance. Immediately I responded to that and said, "Okay, what is not working? Is the gate not opening at all?
49:21 Is it staying open for only a certain period of time?" Um, genuinely just trying to get an answer. I already called the vendor out to come take a
49:29 look at it. Um, obviously they couldn't come today because we're here and they can't be there to test it. Um, so I scheduled it for tomorrow. Um,
49:39 again, my stance on this is they responded to many other things within that email thread except trying to find
49:46 a resolution to this problem. I was not asking them to find me a resolution. I was not asking them to find me a vendor.
49:53 I was simply asking what what happened when they were there. They provided pictures during this hearing, something that I did not receive, not even a verbal explanation.
50:02 I asked if I could be on site or present during these inspections. The response was that I was trying to get special
50:10 treatment by getting notified when these inspections were happening, which was not anything that I stated within those
50:17 emails. Not looking for preferential treatment. I'm not looking for anything to not be documented the way it is here.
50:24 What I'm looking for is a resolution. We have a shared goal of safety. Um, and with that being said, if I'm asking these questions and I'm asking you to be
50:32 present so I could witness what's going on so I could effectively make this work and make it fixed. I have a vendor coming on site tomorrow to meet with
50:40 Amber at 10:00 a.m. Despite the lack of information that I do have, I've still been getting these repairs done very quickly.
50:49 Um, I saw in the gate there's a keypad there. Does that I'm assuming that keypad opens the gate as well.
50:55 It does not. No. So you have the click to enter and then the keypad from my understanding they're not connected.
51:01 But the keypad doesn't work to open the gate at all.
51:04 We don't use that gate for any of Right. That's the emergency access gate.
51:07 So what I'm saying though is there's a keypad on it. So that keypad does absolutely nothing from my understanding. No. For my knowledge. No. Okay.
51:16 Because that could be a way for you to test the function of the gate. Well, also they said there was a card, right? That also didn't work.
51:22 Well, that's the card would be to get in the building. Yeah, the card. Could they test it with a card?
51:26 No. No. There's no card reader. That's a separate thing. There's no card read the gate. The card read the key card is just to access the building. Then that seems very problematic that you
51:34 can't test the gate. Like that shouldn't be up to the city to test. It should be the owner testing the gate. Make sure it works. I mean, not waiting till there's a fire to test the gate.
51:42 My point is I can't test it without them being there. So when they inspect it and they can't come to the office to even
51:49 make me aware that they're there to inspect it, I find that a problem. Especially when the priority is safety,
51:56 I want to be able to get it fixed. And if I'm present, I could see exactly what's happening and get it fixed today would be the goal. If they were here
52:04 this morning, I could have had the vendor on site and meet them before we even attended this meeting. They stated
52:12 that they're here this morning. I'm unsure of what time. I didn't get an email until the afternoon. So, these are the things that I'm running into where it's I'm getting it fixed as quickly as
52:21 possible, but it would be easier if we work together on these items in my opinion.
52:27 I also want to add um upon further um research on my own doing um the click to enter gate does actually inside of the
52:37 box have a test button. I'm not certain about her specific brand that she has,
52:42 but there it's mostly in there to where they can press the button to test it. It has a certain bank when I was reading into it. Um, it stores and it holds that
52:51 frequency, that same frequency that we use when we test it on our radios. So,
52:59 obviously, you guys aren't required to notify anyone that you're going to do an inspection because a fire doesn't notify anyone when there's a fire. Correct. So,
53:07 it always has to be ready.
53:09 Um, going forward, wouldn't it be in your best interest to come up with some way for a routine maintenance plan to make sure that this that's already something that we're,
53:19 you know, is tested on a monthly basis.
53:22 That's already something we're putting into effect. I have a company bidding it out. Um, my ask was not to be made aware in advance of when they're coming. I'm
53:31 saying when they get to the property to inspect, which this is a standard across the board in any other instance for inspections with the city for a business
53:39 license, for anything else of just notifying us, hey, I'm here for it. And then it would be my at my discretion to either tag along and take a look or not.
53:50 That's that was my request.
53:54 The vendor who conducted the repair, is he from the company that installed the gate or is he
54:01 He is not. So, the property was built in 2019. I was not a part of that project,
54:07 nor was our owner. Um, we purchased the property back in, I believe, 2020 if I'm not mistaken. Um, so I don't know the
54:16 companies that did the the main access work. I know the uh manufacturer of the gate, but they don't do any physical repairs.
54:23 So, is this guy certified to work on gates or is it okay?
54:27 It's Insight Security is the company and they have been incredible. So, yeah.
54:31 And he gave you some type of a certificate indicating the gate was repaired and functioning.
54:36 I do have the invoice with all of his notes and everything like that. I could get it printed and submitted if you'd like.
54:41 And you reported that to the I guess I don't know, code enforcement or the fire department. I mean, I didn't provide them the invoice, but Amber was on site
54:49 while the vendor was on site, and they tested it together. Oh,
54:53 okay. So, it was working at point, correct?
54:56 And the intention tomorrow is for them both to be there at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.
55:01 The only reason why I didn't schedule it today is because we will be here today. So, essentially, we failed another test. Yeah. Unexpected.
55:09 Yeah. Yeah. Well, what keeps happening is that the repairs seem to be temporary and not a permanent solution. It just keeps reoccurring.
55:20 So, I'm not I'm not certain because I'm not the gentleman who is fixing it. But,
55:25 um I'm I'm sure they'll be able to diagnose that and figure it out.
55:31 I mean, as for anything with anything electrical, anything can happen at any given time. I mean, we all know our phones malfunction on a daily basis.
55:38 Yes, we could do of maintenance, which is something that we are already in progress with getting into a contract with the same company. Um, but I mean,
55:47 things like this happen all the time.
55:48 The items that are were on our original code enforcement where things that I could guarantee you 50 other properties
55:55 in Claremont are dealing with access control is extremely finicky. If our internet goes out, it could affect certain things within the building. So
56:03 these kind of items reoccurring are not I I feel like are uncommon when it comes to electric components.
56:12 I I can appreciate what you're saying,
56:14 but when it's access control, when there's lives at stake, I think that um a little bit more investigation of the gate should be access control doors, just for clarity,
56:24 if the access control is not working, it reverts back to a door that remains unlocked.
56:30 Um, but as for the gate, maybe you can um have your company re-evaluate the whole system so that there is an area
56:39 where you can test it yourself weekly and make sure it's working. Yeah, that was the intention tomorrow.
56:55 Anyone else have any other questions?
57:04 Somebody would like to make a motion.
57:15 I believe if you have your uh uh motion sheet in front of you, it's uh number six.
57:29 6. No, just six. I'll make the motion.
57:42 Based on testimony and evidence presented in case 26-000031,
57:52 I move to find that the respondent is in violation of City of Claremont's code of ordinances as listed in notice of violation filed in the matter that I
58:00 have considered one the gravity of the violation, two any actions by the violator to correct the violation, and
58:09 three any previous violations by the violator. I further moved that these violations constitute a repeat violation
58:17 of the prior order of this board dated September 15th, 2025.
58:26 I move to order the respondent correct the repeat violation on or before March 16th was the recommended, right?
58:34 Yes.
58:36 So, in this case, we'd be asking for repeat fines for the one day they were in violation on February 4th. Uh, and
58:43 then again to have to assess a fine of $500 beginning today and continuing until the property uh comes into compliance.
58:50 I believe his question was about the date for them to come back into compliance and was that today or tomorrow?
58:58 Uh, today their recommendation says March 16th. Okay.
59:02 Okay. So to I move to order the respondent correct the repeat violation on or before
59:09 March 16th and refrain from repeating the violation thereafter. If the respondent does not
59:17 comply with this order, a fine of $500 will be imposed for each day the violation is repeated after March 17th.
59:37 Yeah. So, I think we're asking for uh $500 for the day that it was not in compliance and then since it was is not
59:45 in compliance today, I think that the rest of your motion. Does that make sense?
59:49 I don't think he was done with this motion, but he was Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah. I'm so sorry.
59:55 Yeah. So repeated after March 17th, the fine shall acrue from the date of violation is repeated until the date it is
1:00:04 corrected as observed and documented by the code enforcement inspector. The respondent is further ordered to contact code enforcement
1:00:12 inspector to arrange an inspection of the property to verify compliance with this order. Due the repeat violation, I further move to impose a one-time fine
1:00:21 in the amount of $500 for the repeat violation.
1:00:33 Looking for a second. I second. All in favor?
1:00:38 I I chair votes I. Motion passes. Thank you.
1:01:30 Uh, good evening board. Andrew Snograph, City of Claremont Code Enforcement.
1:01:38 working here. All right. This is case number uh 26-00004.
1:01:45 It's for 1919 Sunset Lane.
1:01:48 Uh the city code sections are 1853 subsection 23 and 11, 1854, 1855, and 1892.
1:02:02 This is the location of the property via Lake County Property Appraiser.
1:02:08 Uh this is the case summary, a quick case summary. Notice of violation was sent January 8th. Uh notice of hearing was sent out February 4th and the
1:02:17 compliance status as of today's hearing is the property is not in compliance.
1:02:23 It's the notice of violation with the USPS tracking stating that it was received on January 12th.
1:02:33 This is the notice to appear with the USPS tracking stating that it was received on February 9th.
1:02:44 This is uh the outside of the property in December of 2025.
1:02:49 As you see the accumulation there in the carport and outside of the carport in the front yard.
1:02:56 This is January 13, 2026.
1:03:03 This is uh January 26. The front of the property does look cleaned up. Um accumulation is still present under the carport. As I say, this is January 26th
1:03:12 of this year. This is February 2nd of this year. February 25th of this year.
1:03:29 So this is from February or I'm sorry, this is from May of 2022.
1:03:33 Um there have been multiple cases on this property throughout the years. It will come into compliance and then go back out of compliance. I'm just showing this uh this property. This is from 2022
1:03:42 showing this property has a lot of accumulation outside ongoing for years.
1:03:49 This is July of 2023, November of 2023,
1:03:58 December of 23, January of 24. See the mattress stayed out there since November of 23,
1:04:07 February 1st, 2024. February 27th, 2024,
1:04:18 29th,
1:04:22 and this is back to January of this year. This is March 5th of this year.
1:04:32 in March 5th of this year.
1:04:44 Uh this is March 11th of this year. This is the first time I was able to gain access to the side and the rear of the property. Um police department called us
1:04:53 out during a search warrant that was initiated on the property and uh we were able to gain access with uh tenants there.
1:05:02 So, this is the sideyard under the carport. This is the backyard.
1:05:14 This is a um notice that I posted on the front door basically stating it's an unsafe structure due to the uh fire department or I'm sorry the police
1:05:23 department and uh one of our building inspectors trying to gain access through the house and uh just due to some hoarding egress issues. They could not access different parts of the property.
1:05:34 They had to climb over things to get into different rooms.
1:05:42 This is March 16th, 2026. That's as of today. As you can see, the boat was removed.
1:05:48 The boat was not uh not located on the property that I could see whenever I went by today.
1:05:59 You see they are cleaning up some things out front here.
1:06:05 So, quick case summary. Cases were cases were opened on this in May of 2022,
1:06:10 closed in August of 22, opened again in February of 23, closed in August of 23.
1:06:16 It's never been brought to the board before. Um, this case was opened in October of 23. Discussion about the nuisance abatement board uh began.
1:06:25 That's whenever our code enforcement board was going to be the nuisance abatement board. Uh there was created in May of 24. The case remained open, but
1:06:33 code enforcement was placed on standby due to another agency having priority.
1:06:38 Uh case was closed in April of 2025. It was not brought into compliance, but it was closed out due to the other agency having priorities.
1:06:48 Newest case was opened in January of 26. Um all cases have been complaint driven.
1:06:54 Uh, the only contact I've got from the owner regarding this property since 2023
1:07:01 was um on February 25th, I received an email from the owner asking to reschedule the hearing date um due to he had some medical issues, had a surgery,
1:07:11 and he wanted to recover.
1:07:13 Um, I did advise him that we could not reschedule the hearing date. I have not had any contact with him since that.
1:07:22 This is the fourth case in four years.
1:07:24 Uh the property does get cleaned up. It appears in compliance and then returns to the same state as it was before.
1:07:32 So staff recommendation is to find the respondent violations of the section stated to assess a fine of $250 per day for every day the property remains in violation after March 26th, 2026th.
1:07:43 Uh, as I said, the property is not in compliance at this time and there are several other violations that
1:07:50 um resulted in a second case being opened on this property. It's a health,
1:07:54 safety, welfare case opened on the property.
1:08:00 What is the code for the carport itself?
1:08:05 Does that fall under under roof structure storage facility or does that does code enforcement still
1:08:14 see that as outside storage for anything that would be in the carport?
1:08:17 It's still outside storage unless it's in a closed garage.
1:08:20 So, it's in a closed garage. Um, and then that other agency you had mentioned that took over the case in 25, is that part of Lake County Department of Health or? Uh,
1:08:29 no, it's a local police department. Okay. Thank you.
1:08:36 I do have um some public that would like to speak and the tenants are here as well.
1:08:44 Yes. If anybody would like to speak on this, please come forward.
1:08:54 And as as you step to the mic, if you were here earlier and were sworn in, uh that's fine. Uh if you weren't, just let me know and I'll swear you in.
1:09:03 If you would just please raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm the testimony you're about to give be the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth? Yes, sir.
1:09:09 Thank you. If you just please state your name and relationship to the property.
1:09:12 Uh my name is Chase Cole and uh I actually live on the property. Um my
1:09:19 father's the owner and uh he wasn't able to be here today so
1:09:29 take his place. Um,
1:09:32 as far as the uh the stuff outside the carport area, like
1:09:40 it's uh it's getting cleaned up right now and uh it should be gone within a week. So, I don't think there's going to
1:09:49 be any other code violations or any issues.
1:09:53 So, you're here just representing the owner. You're not the actual tenant of the property. I am the tenant also.
1:09:58 You're the tenant as well. Okay. Thank you. and uh
1:10:06 um any reason for these continued violations? I mean, we're going back to 2022. We're four years into this and it
1:10:13 seems to be a constant reoccurring issue. Yeah.
1:10:16 That I'm sure a lot of your your neighbors are probably not ecstatic about. Um
1:10:23 most of them uh most of them haven't had big issues, especially my neighbors right next door.
1:10:30 But an issue is an issue whether big or big or small. You know, it's you got to take into consideration who's living around you.
1:10:37 I think uh the biggest reason for a lot of it is u there's a there's a fairly
1:10:44 large homeless community uh down the way and all that area.
1:10:51 Um I was allowing quite a few of them to come like charge their phones and occasionally showers
1:10:59 and stuff at the house and they would bring stuff and leave it there on the carport when they were moving from
1:11:09 location to location. So, I wasn't trying to uh really create any kind of a
1:11:14 mess. The oldest photos uh those were uh that was mostly me. uh I had like a work
1:11:24 area out front and everything and I didn't understand that there was a certain codes that needed to be followed
1:11:30 at that time but uh all that is uh I've been educated.
1:11:39 So were the was were those people showering inside or outside? Inside. Okay.
1:11:50 Does anyone else have any other questions? Thank you.
1:12:03 Is anyone else here to speak on this item?
1:12:10 And just like with the gentleman, if you didn't swear on her Sure. Sorry. Thanks. Good evening. My name is Pat Woodhouse.
1:12:18 I live 2010 Sunset Lane, four houses from this. This started in 22. This is a
1:12:25 This is continuing all the time. We never know when the police are going to be at the door. There was a death on the front lawn two years ago. There was a
1:12:35 SWAT invasion two years ago. SWAT team was just there last Wednesday. Four people were arrested. I have to say
1:12:44 thank you to Claremont PD. Thank you to Andrew because we are constantly calling. There are people roaming into
1:12:52 that house all hours of the day and night. Yes, we know the homeless are showering there and the homeless didn't
1:12:59 bring the stove there. Okay. There is junk put on top of there all the time.
1:13:06 It is It is We have to live there. I'm four doors away. It is the biggest embarrassment. I own three properties on
1:13:14 that street. I pay taxes on three properties. I've had one property for rent for the last four months. And every single prospective tenant said, "What's going on here? It is a junkyard."
1:13:27 The first time Andrew has been able or code enforcement has been able to get in was last week when the police came in and the Andrew's quote was, "The inside
1:13:36 is worse than the outside. It is a fire hazard. There is a tenant next door that is not my tenant with two f four-year-olds. They are petrified.
1:13:48 And now since fe February, there are now three pit bulls living in the house.
1:13:55 Last night at 3:30 in the morning, the pit bulls were on my front porch. We have called Lake County Animal Control.
1:14:02 This morning, she finally sent me a uh link. We have uploaded videos since February of the pitbulls in my yard.
1:14:11 Now, the rest of my yard is gated. We have to have it gated. I have my own animals. And quite frankly, we never know who's roaming the street. There are
1:14:19 several neighbors who would have liked to have been here this evening, but as neighbors go, some people get a little nervous. I'm not nervous. These
1:14:27 ordinances need to be upheld. This property has been a constant nuisance.
1:14:34 The Cobbs who own the property are realtors. I'm a realtor. It is disgusting.
1:14:42 These people don't care.
1:14:44 Typically, if you go by go and look by and Andrew can attest to this, there's a really good chance you'll get the bird.
1:14:50 Okay? They do not care. They are disrespectful. We have lived on the street or I have lived on the street for
1:14:58 16 years. And the last five years after his parents moved out, this has just become an unbearable situation. That
1:15:06 stove sat there through the entire Christmas holidays. Imagine how fun that was for my family to come at Christmas and go, "What the heck is going on
1:15:14 here?" That motor thing that was in there. And then there's constantly bicycles. Somebody comes in on electric bike. Somebody comes in on this. There's been drug problems. And like I said,
1:15:25 someone died of a drug overdose on the front lawn two years ago. We witnessed it.
1:15:32 The property is a nuisance property. It now has a red sticker on it. They are not supposed to be inhabiting it and they are. We see them there all the
1:15:41 time. They're there all night long. The dogs now have become a real problem. When I call Lake County Animal Control,
1:15:48 she said, "Until there's a severe bite,
1:15:52 they cannot take the dogs away. They have to return them." I don't even know if these people own those dogs.
1:15:59 So I we are imploring you to do something about this property. It is
1:16:06 such a blight to a small neighborhood that has been there forever. Drive down my street. You would not put up with
1:16:14 this and you wouldn't let your children ride their bike up the street. We now have children on the street and the neighbors have told us they are afraid
1:16:22 because we never know when the police are going to be called. Police are called constantly.
1:16:27 So we can go back to the records. I believe Andrew has all of the records of when the police have been called. So,
1:16:32 this isn't just, hey, we got a couple of homeless people coming in and dropping off a few things. That's not the case at all. It is an absolute nuisance and
1:16:41 hoarding situation. So, I truly implore you to enforce the fines, enforce the
1:16:48 abatement, and let's get this out of here because it is a if you're if it's a homeless encampment, is aren't there
1:16:56 ordinances against this as well? So, um I know my husband is going to speak next and my neighbors would have liked to
1:17:04 have been here this evening. The two tenants that I have, um I had one has a one-year-old. They won't even let their one-year-old out the front door now because they are afraid of the dogs.
1:17:15 So, I know there's another case coming up in May. We intend to be here. My husband and I have both spoken at the city council meetings twice. I have been on the phone with the mayor,
1:17:26 and I don't know how much further we have to take this, but this is why we're here today. I don't even think 250 a day is enough. This has been going on since
1:17:34 2022. And yes, they are cleaning it up right now. There's been a lot of garbage out there for the past four days. And the only reason is is because he put the
1:17:42 red sticker on the door. But I can guarantee you that within um they get it cleaned up within a couple of months,
1:17:48 we're just going to start seeing all this all over again. That backyard can't possibly be cleaned up. And I I don't have to look at that. But they had to go
1:17:56 into the house and they said it was absolutely disgusting. So it's I believe it's a fire hazard. And I if there's
1:18:03 vermin in there, do we really need to be have to put up with this?
1:18:08 So, I do implore you to please take care of this this time. It's well overdue. Thank you.
1:18:26 Good evening, board. Daryl Woodhouse,
1:18:29 2010 Sunset Lane. Just to basically repeat what my wife said. It has been a problem for years and it does keep reoccurring.
1:18:38 Call code enforcement. They come, they they clean it up a little bit, but it just never stops. It's never stopping.
1:18:46 There's people coming and going. Yes,
1:18:47 the homeless. If you want to help the homeless, I don't think you're helping the homeless. I think you're enabling the homeless.
1:18:54 They're It's a drug problem. There's people constantly coming and going for the property. They're on drugs.
1:19:01 Late at night, there's people roaming it all hours of the night. All hours of the night. And I hear this from neighbor after neighbor after neighbor. There's been noise complaints after 10 p.m.
1:19:12 against the property. It that has seemed to have stopped. Actually, the guy dying on the front lawn has seemed to change
1:19:20 the behavior somewhat, but it doesn't stop the trash. So, yes, the trash is a problem. It is a nuisance. I would
1:19:28 implore you to do something about it. We are at our wits end. We've just we've had enough and we don't know where we're
1:19:35 going to go from here. Something's not Thank you.
1:19:47 Do we have anyone else to speak at this time?
1:19:54 My name is Terby. on my road at 1919 Sunset Lane.
1:19:57 Ma'am, I'm sorry. Were you sworn in earlier?
1:20:00 Okay. Would you please raise your right hand? Do you swear or affirm the testimony you're about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? And if you would just state your name for the record.
1:20:10 Okay. Okay. Thank you. Um, and I grew up on that street my whole life. Granted, I live two doors down most of it. And yes,
1:20:18 that has always been a quiet neighborhood. However, the gentleman that died on the lawn was my brother. and he died of a heart attack.
1:20:27 Um he had three in that month. Okay. So that was actually a health problem and we really are cleaning up as much as we
1:20:34 can. Yes, my boyfriend and I both we have 14 and we are working on that.
1:20:40 We've thrown way more away than I think we have in years. Um we would we're really trying to be good neighbors,
1:20:50 family neighbors. We're trying to clean up it. The garden area, the um carport,
1:20:55 the sideyard, everything has been gone through and is being thrown away.
1:21:01 We were trying to correct uh correct everything that is um he informed me that were in violation
1:21:08 of so we are actively working on that.
1:21:16 Thank you very much.
1:21:19 Uh Mr. Mr. Chair, I just have one question for the city. Are you all see seeking a health and safety tag?
1:21:27 No, we're not.
1:21:34 Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion based upon the testimony and evidence presented in case number 26-00004.
1:21:47 I move to find the respondent is in violation of the city of Claremont's code of ordinances as listed in the
1:21:55 notice of violation filed in this matter. I have considered the gravity of the matter of the violation and any
1:22:02 actions by the violator to correct the violation and any previous violations by the violator.
1:22:10 I move to order that the respondent correct this violation hon or before March 26.
1:22:17 In order to correct the violation, the respondent shall take remedial action as set forth in the notice of violation.
1:22:25 If the respondent does not comply with this order, a fine of $500 per day will be imposed for each day the violation continues past March 26.
1:22:36 Excuse me, sir. Our our max fines are 250 per day. This is not a repeat violation.
1:22:41 That's too bad. $250. Then each day the violation continues past March 26th, the
1:22:50 respondent is further ordered to contact code enforcement for the office for compliance and to arrange an inspection
1:22:57 of the property to verify the compliance with this order. A second.
1:23:06 All in favor? I. Chair votes I. Motion passes.
1:23:56 I didn't know they had Yeah. Okay. Joshua Cortez, City of Claremont.
1:24:06 Uh we're going to move down to item six. Uh case number 25-0000144.
1:24:16 Um small typo on the agenda. The address is 1849 Moring Court uh Dutess Family Trust.
1:24:31 The city code sections referenced in this case are section 101 178 development order and development permit
1:24:40 required exceptions. Section 10577 violations enforcement. Section 10578
1:24:48 permit required for modification of grade. Section 10579 grading plans and section 10584 required soil conservation measures.
1:25:02 Section 101 178 uh development order and development permit required except uh exceptions states that no development
1:25:09 activity shall be undertaken unless the activity is authorized by development permit. A development permit shall shall not be issued unless authorized by a
1:25:17 development order reflecting conformance with the requirements of the land development code or unless from a land development order is permissible in accordance with subsection B.
1:25:27 Restoration plan. All violations of this land development code involving the unauthorized removal of trees or vegetation shall require the land owner
1:25:35 to file a restoration plan as outlined in chapter 123 article 3 division 2 subsection B.
1:25:44 Uh 10578 permit required for modification of grade. Grading shall only be permitted as part of the site development and
1:25:52 construction. No grading permit shall be issued without the approved construction plans. 10579 grading plans uh shall be included in the construction plans.
1:26:04 10584 the soil conservation measures shall be taken on all clearing and grading of sites.
1:26:13 This is a screenshot from Lake County Property Appraiser showing the property's location.
1:26:21 This is a GIS aerial imagery showing the property's condition as of uh November to November 29th, 2019. So, what it looked like prior to any development.
1:26:33 Uh case summary. This was an in-house complaint from the superintendent of public services, Paul Ericson. The notice of violation was sent and posted on October 16th, 2025.
1:26:45 There were two separate uh compliance date for two separate orders um October 19th and October 30th. The
1:26:54 notice of hearing was sent and posted January 27th, 2026. The compliance status as of today's hearings that the property is not in compliance.
1:27:04 This is the notice of violation that was sent to the respondent.
1:27:14 This is the notice to appear as well as the affidavit of posting.
1:27:23 This is a screenshot from our permit software uh showing that the permit for a single family home um has not been approved or issued.
1:27:36 Uh this was a photograph taken of the site as of October 16th, 2025
1:27:44 October 16th. This was the posted uh notice of violation as well as the stop work order,
1:27:52 pictures of the property, a picture taken January 14th, 2026,
1:28:02 picture of the notice of hearing, January 27th,
1:28:11 October 18th,
1:28:15 And again, uh, today the conditions of the property.
1:28:19 The staff recommendation in this case is to find the respondent in violation of the section stated and to assess a fine of $150 per day for every day the
1:28:28 property remains in violation after April 15, 2026. Uh, that concludes my testimony. If you have any questions for
1:28:35 me, uh, and I believe the respondent is here in this matter.
1:28:42 Josh, did I read that correctly where it said the permit was denied? Is that what that said at the top?
1:28:49 It may have been explicitly denied. Rejected. Yeah, rejected. Okay.
1:28:55 So, they've applied. They just can't seem to get through the permit process at the city at this time. That's correct. Okay.
1:29:04 Is the respondent here would like to say a few words?
1:29:14 Good evening, code enforcement board members. My name is France Dutess. My wife and I are the owners of the property located at 1849 Moring Court.
1:29:25 Not sure if I should give you guys the long version or the short version, but um I'm going to summarize as best I can.
1:29:31 My wife and I purchased this property in hopes of moving to Claremont to be with our grandchildren and our children. Um,
1:29:38 we entered into a contract with Westmont Homes. Um, actually before I entered into the contract with Westmont Homes,
1:29:45 we secured a construction loan from Region's Bank. There's a long list of people affected here, so I try to again
1:29:51 minimize it. Um, the HOA um we um wanted to be really good neighbors. We started attending meetings. They were very
1:30:00 supportive. It's a very small subdivision with approximately 14 homes.
1:30:04 And um after enter into a contract with West Smart Homes. Um they subsequently
1:30:11 proceeded to draw down $90,000 and initiated construction on the site.
1:30:20 We have not been the only victims along with the residents at the uh Morans of Claremont. Specifically, West Homes has
1:30:28 um failed to secure approval from the HOA at the Morings.
1:30:36 They failed to comply with the architectural standards board requirements. They failed to build the home within a year as required by
1:30:44 regions bank. Um as Mr. Cortez mentioned, they failed to secure a
1:30:51 building permit. Uh proceeded to um initiate substantial construction on the site. Uh tore down the large oak tree
1:30:58 that was there and also failed to comply with their own construction contract. I fail to follow the specs u for the home
1:31:08 that was to be built on the site. This um was not all in conformance. At this time, my wife and I are continuing to pay interest on the outstanding loan.
1:31:19 Our request is that we understand as a property owners, we share some responsibility, but in our opinion,
1:31:27 Westmont Homes has an obligation um to fix this because they created this nightmare. We are simply requesting that
1:31:37 this board consider requesting a Westmart home um take care of the damage that has been done on the site and bring it back into code compliance.
1:31:49 I'll be more than happy. You probably can address any questions. I'd like to thank the staff at the city of Claremont, Mr. Cortez has always been
1:31:56 responsive to my phone calls. Assistant manager Matish along with the building team has thank me on the site as well and have all been very supportive. I
1:32:04 just wanted to make sure that I acknowledge them for their support throughout this process. I'm more than happy to address any questions at this point.
1:32:14 Would the board like me to address his request about Westmont homes? Yes,
1:32:18 please. I look I certainly you have a private right of action against Westmont homes and certainly as a city we would love for
1:32:26 you to exercise that right of action against them. Unfortunately under chapter 162 code enforcement applies to the owner of the property which is you.
1:32:36 But what the board can do if they choose is about time for compliance. So the fines in any code enforcement case for
1:32:44 the origination of a case if they find the property is in violation they give you an amount of time to come into compliance and the amount of time is in
1:32:51 their discretion of how much time fines don't begin to acrue until after that date for compliance is met. So one of
1:33:00 the things uh you could ask for is the the recommendation is April 15th.
1:33:06 You could ask for additional amount of time for them to consider. But what they can't do under chapter 162 is apply the order to someone that does not own the
1:33:14 property. If you were a renter to a home, code enforcement board also can't apply an order against the renter. It's only the owner of the property.
1:33:24 Okay. We um kind of initiated a legal um action against Westmont Homes and um they were
1:33:33 issued a demand letter um and they have failed to um they did respond to the demand letter. They have simply failed to negotiate to reimburse us um the 10%
1:33:45 that they withdrew to initiate the these I guess um site improvements on the site. Um,
1:33:54 so I guess try to cut you off a little bit there. That's fine.
1:34:00 Are you going to continue this relationship with this builder? Absolutely not.
1:34:08 Have you engaged a new builder and or architect to complete your drawings to be able to submit for permit?
1:34:18 We have decided at this time that we are no longer interested in living at the Morance of Claremont. Um once we can put this matter behind us, we'll be putting the property up for sale.
1:34:28 So you would still have to bring the property back into compliance. Yes.
1:34:33 So I think that's then the question is right now staff has essentially given you 30 days to uh remediate the property
1:34:43 I guess would be would be what? soding or overseating and removal of silt fence. Plant an oak tree back. Is that
1:34:52 kind of what we're Yeah. So, without getting into too much detail um that I I I can't uh just for a lack of expertise, right? Essentially,
1:35:01 yes. They need to regrade the property to an appropriate standard and then sold it as appropriate. Um and then submit that. Um that'll go through our uh
1:35:09 public services. Likely Paul Ericen would take a look at that himself, the complainant in this case. Would he be able to then coordinate with Mr. Ericson as far as what exactly needs to be done?
1:35:19 Absolutely. Okay.
1:35:21 I would just like to request one I I may um I'm not a contractor by any stretch of the imagination. Um if we can get an
1:35:30 extension as much as possible. I can line up the resources to get this done. How long do you How long do you think? What would you like?
1:35:38 At least 60 days. Well, 90 days to comply, I would say, to make sure it's done because again, um, we have an interest making sure this happens. Um,
1:35:46 we're concerned about the neighbors there. We want to be good stewards of the property as well. And you'd like to sell it? Absolutely.
1:35:55 Okay. Thank you.
1:35:56 Yeah. Thank you. Any more questions for me?
1:36:06 I'd be amicable of the 90 days. Was that June 15th then? April 15th.
1:36:17 Yes. June. Okay. Make a motion.
1:36:25 Yeah. Okay. uh based on the testimony and evidence uh presented in case uh number uh 25-0000144.
1:36:37 Um I move to find that the respondent is in violation of the city of Claremont's code of ordinances as listed in the notice of violation filed in this matter
1:36:45 that I have considered the gravity of the violation and any actions by the violator to correct the violation and any previous violations by the violator.
1:36:53 I move to order that the respondent correct the violation on or before uh June 15, 2026.
1:37:01 In order to correct the violation, the respondent shall take the remedial action as set forth in the notice of violation. If the respondent does not
1:37:08 comply with this order, a fine of $150 will be imposed for each day the violation continues past June 15, 2026.
1:37:18 The respondent is further ordered to contact code enforcement office for compliance and to arrange an inspection of the property to verify compliance with this order.
1:37:31 Second. All in favor? I. Chair votes I. Motion passes.
1:37:41 Thank you.
1:38:08 Okay. Moving to item seven, case number 25-0000196,
1:38:16 American Residential Leasing Company LLC, 1260 Northridge Boulevard.
1:38:23 The code sections referenced in this case are IPMC 1110.2 temporary
1:38:30 safeguards and 3022 graating and drainage.
1:38:36 Uh the temporary safeguards code states uh notwithstanding other provisions of this code whenever in the opinion of the code official there is an imminent danger due due to an unsafe condition
1:38:46 the code official shall order the necessary work to be done including the boarding up of openings to render such structure temporarily safe whether or
1:38:53 not the legal procedure here and described has been instituted. Grading and drainage premises shall be graded and maintained to prevent the erosion of
1:39:01 soil and to accumulate to to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water thereon or within any structure located thereon.
1:39:10 This is a screenshot from property appraiser showing the property's location.
1:39:18 Uh the case summary, this was an in-house complaint from the assistant director of public services, James Mayworm.
1:39:24 Notice of violation was sent December 11th, 2025. The notice of violation compliance date was December 15th and
1:39:32 January 8th for two separate orders. The notice of hearing was sent January 8th uh and both notices were posted on the
1:39:40 property January 8th. The compliance status as of today's hearings of the property is in compliance.
1:39:48 This was the notice of violation that was sent to the respondent up for a moment.
1:40:07 Okay, moving on.
1:40:11 notice to appear and the affidavit of posting.
1:40:19 Uh this was an email that I sent to uh the contact for the respondent uh dated
1:40:26 December 11th uh informing them of the violation and what the city was requesting in this matter.
1:40:41 I'll leave this up for a moment.
1:40:56 Gonna move on.
1:40:59 This is an email from a gentleman named Daniel Dominguez stating, "Thank you. We'll get this taken care of. Dated December 12th.
1:41:10 This is a photograph of the property taken December 11th.
1:41:24 This is basically the ground cover had eroded
1:41:31 away um due to what I suspect is a broken irrigation pipe that burst underground.
1:41:39 And as the water just continued to flow underneath the surface, eventually it took the uh the uh land away with it.
1:41:52 Um the caution tape was put up by our public uh services staff
1:42:02 on January 8th. Uh no temporary safeguard had been put up. Um we requested a temporary safeguard in this
1:42:08 case um due to the fact that um as I mentioned earlier as the email mentioned
1:42:15 um this uh this pit uh was uh up to about 5t deep in some places
1:42:22 and the tenants at this resident uh have children and so to try to prevent the
1:42:29 risk of any child falling into this pit and getting injured I requested that temporary safeguards be put up in this case. Um,
1:42:39 and that was be that was to be completed by December 15th. And the uh respondent in this case failed to comply with that directive.
1:42:51 This was the notice that was posted on the property on January 8th.
1:43:02 Picture taken January 12th. And then on January 27th,
1:43:08 uh contractors had come out to fill the uh the depression, the pit.
1:43:17 And then on February 17th on my next inspection, I observed that they had resolded.
1:43:26 Picture taken today showing the property remains in similar or same condition.
1:43:32 The staff recommendation in this case is to find the respondent was in violations of section stated. Uh and the intent behind that although they are in
1:43:40 compliance is to um try to prevent this from happening in the future and should it happen in the future uh provide code
1:43:49 enforcement the ability to uh act a little bit quicker and more efficiently to engage with the respondent
1:43:56 um and and bring them back as a repeat violator at that time if necessary.
1:44:01 That concludes my testimony. If you have any questions for me and um I believe the respondent is here and tenants are here.
1:44:13 Mr. Chair, do you mind if I ask a question of the city? Yes, please.
1:44:16 Just for clarification purpose. So, in a normal you're looking for an adjudication that they were in violation, but they've come into compliance. So, you're not looking to
1:44:23 impose a a fine if they don't come into compliance by date certain. You're looking simply for an adjudication under the statute. That's correct. Thank you.
1:44:33 I was going to say that but not very legally.
1:44:43 Hello. Good evening. Uh my name is Daniel Dominguez. I was the guy on the email. Uh I'm the district manager for
1:44:51 uh American Homes for Rent or AMH was the owner of the uh of set property. Um,
1:44:57 as I understand it, once we received the violation,
1:45:01 we sent two or three vendors out there who couldn't figure out what the problem was.
1:45:09 And eventually,
1:45:13 after some time, someone actually was able to figure out that it was the irrigation that was causing this this
1:45:21 erosion or sinkhole, whatever you want to call it.
1:45:24 Um, I think when it comes to the issue of the temporary safeguard,
1:45:30 I think what happened was when a vendor showed up and saw the caution tape around the area, he assumed that that was already done, just didn't take care
1:45:37 of that. Um, but I I really can't answer to that,
1:45:43 but I do know that we tried to get it corrected as soon as possible.
1:45:49 Um, I would also offer new contact information if that property does not
1:45:57 come into compliance or there's another issue with either that property and the other property. Sometimes messages get
1:46:04 sent to people in other offices in another state and then it kind of has this merrygoround and it gets to us kind
1:46:12 of kind of late. Um, and that's it. I don't know if anyone has any questions.
1:46:20 I do have a question, maybe this is for staff and it may help you as well. Um,
1:46:23 when when registering a rental property within the county, do they not have to give the contact information when they do that? No.
1:46:32 Okay. No.
1:46:33 Trying to find a way to get it better contact. So,
1:46:36 no. I know. Um, is is mascot Lake County?
1:46:40 Yes. Yeah. I think I think mascot requires not only that we give contact information but that we also register as
1:46:47 a rental property and pay like a registration fee or something like that.
1:46:51 I I believe Mascot has a rental registration ordinance. Yeah. Right. Right.
1:47:02 Thank you. Thank you. Okay.
1:47:06 So, for the board, for purposes of their motion, there's not in any of the numbers on here, but it's essentially um in your own words, it would be a motion
1:47:13 to find the respondent was in violation um and came into compliance after the date for compliance in the notice and
1:47:21 therefore it's an adjudication only with no fine imposed and that they are currently in compliance. Oh, I'm sorry, ma'am.
1:47:29 My name is Katie Spilker. My husband and I along with our four kids rent this property. We've been faithful tenants for the past couple of years.
1:47:39 We first notified AMH um months before code enforcement got involved.
1:47:51 Sorry. Because my autistic two-year-old fell in the hole.
1:47:59 So they knew about the hole.
1:48:04 They sent company after company after company,
1:48:10 probably about seven different companies out to take a look at this hole.
1:48:17 By the time code enforcement got involved, the hole was so deep when they came out looking at it that they lost a shovel in it.
1:48:29 Now, if that were my son,
1:48:34 then what? We'd be talking about something else.
1:48:40 We pay almost $3,000 a month to live here and we can't use our backyard
1:48:48 and we have family over for the holidays and we can't use our backyard.
1:48:55 And this isn't just one maintenance issue that we've had with this place, but this was dangerous.
1:49:06 This hole at the very bottom of the hill was probably 12 ft deep.
1:49:16 So for them to say that they didn't know about it, they couldn't fix the issue,
1:49:23 it's a bunch of baloney.
1:49:27 They didn't care enough to put up a fence around the hole. Code enforcement did that. Josh has been wonderful.
1:49:35 When they came to fix the hole, their bulldozer mangled the front yard,
1:49:45 damaged all the irrigation pipes, broke the irrigation system, and then left it.
1:49:54 We've since reported that as a maintenance issue several times.
1:49:59 Nothing's been done. So that should tell you their level of concern for their tenants. So that's what I want you to understand.
1:50:09 It this could have been a different situation completely if my son were injured.
1:50:18 Thank you. Thank you for that. We appreciate that.
1:50:27 And for if the property ever does fall out of compliance again or if there's new violations, the adjudication allows
1:50:35 them to bring it back as a repeat or recurring in a prompt manner without having to do the time to come into compliance. Statute allows them to bring
1:50:43 it back immediately with the adjudication. And what was the wording for that again?
1:50:49 Good question. Um it would be a a motion to find um uh the property was in violation um but is currently in
1:50:59 compliance and therefore it is an adjudication under the statute.
1:51:05 I'm sorry I've done it again. Apologize sir.
1:51:08 Hello my name is Douglas Spilker. I am resident at that property. And if that was true about the irrigation system
1:51:16 then why is it still not been taken care of?
1:51:20 We have called them and nothing. They've sent someone over recently that gave them a $6,500 estimate to fix it and we've heard
1:51:29 nothing back since then, which goes back to the original problem. They've had seven seven different companies out to take a look at the problem. They don't
1:51:37 hear the answer they like, they get another company out there. They don't get that answer they like, they get another company out there. And it just
1:51:43 kept going and going. The only time that this had changed is when my neighbor who
1:51:50 works for the uh works for Claremont told me to call up code enforcement. They came out and
1:51:58 that's the only time that anything got done about this. It's been going on.
1:52:01 They were first notified back in August about this and they just kept sending person after person doing nothing about
1:52:08 it. And if it's about the irrigation system, that's a problem. Then why hasn't the irrigation system been fixed yet?
1:52:17 So that's Thank you very much. That's just Thank you.
1:52:27 Please, because I'm I'm not done with you. Yeah, I um of course I wasn't aware of anything in the past other than the
1:52:36 complaints or the violation that was received if I'm not mistaken in November, December.
1:52:43 Um that being said, I will look into this issue with irrigation in the front of
1:52:50 the in the front of the property. I did check very quickly. I do see an open work order that was open very recently
1:52:57 for it. Um, but it's hard for me to track it on my phone to see exactly what state it's in. Um, so I will, you know,
1:53:06 uh, get back with the residents of that home and make sure we push that through immediately.
1:53:12 So, this is for you and maybe any other renter that may be listening on YouTube or catches this or landlord that catches this later.
1:53:21 Take care of your properties. These people pay you good money to live here and then you just shun them off.
1:53:29 That's that's deplorable.
1:53:31 I I I I I wouldn't say that we shoved them off. You did took three months to fix this.
1:53:37 They we a simple a simple irrigation break. It took you three months. All you do is sub out to vendors and you don't address the problem.
1:53:45 We did send the vendors to go and figure out what the problem was. and we rely on the expertise of the of the professionals to give us their opinion.
1:53:57 Thank you.
1:54:09 Do we have anyone else here to speak on this item?
1:54:12 All right. So a motion would be a motion to find that the property was in violation that is currently in compliance and that for purposes of
1:54:20 adjudication you're finding them uh you're you're finding them in violation for purposes of adjudication only.
1:54:25 I'd like to make a motion please.
1:54:27 All right. So based on the testimony and evidence presented in case CB25-0000196.
1:54:41 I move to find that the respondent was in violation and we're adjudicating or wish to move to adjudicate.
1:54:54 Second. All in favor?
1:54:58 I chair votes I. Motion passes. Thank you. That's it.
1:55:11 Yes, please. Mr. Chairman, I move that we adjourn. Second.
1:55:18 All in favor? Before we adjourn? Yes, sir.
1:55:21 Do you have to give an opportunity for public comment that anyone that wishes to speak about a non-aggenda item?
1:55:27 Uh, at this time, I'd like to give a moment for anybody that would like to speak about any item that is not that was not on the agenda.
1:55:37 Okay. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, I move that we adjourn. Second. All in favor?
1:55:46 I. Motion passes. Thank you. No, it's fine. It's fine.
1:56:09 Yes. Thank you.
1:56:28 Good evening. Great job. Thank you, sir.
1:56:32 I vice chair on like so many other boards that you guys have a good month.
1:56:39 Pleasure to meet you. Yes, ma'am. Nice to meet you.
1:56:47 You too.