Board reinstates $29,500 in civil penalties and orders lien for 119 East Kingfish

The South Padre Island Substandard Structure Review Board on Jan. 16, 2025 voted to reinstate civil administrative penalties totaling $29,500 for the property at 119 East Kingfish and authorized filing a lien for accrued penalties.

Filiberto Alba, lead building official for the department, told the board that exterior and interior work is underway but incomplete, estimating the project’s progress “between 40 [and] 50%.” Alba said the exterior has initial cement layers but is missing final stucco in places, the front still lacks a garage door and the back lacks a sliding door, and balconies are not yet weatherproofed. Alba also said mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems that were in place earlier have since been finished and meet minimum code requirements, but the property remains missing insulation, sheetrock and final electrical clearances.

Property owner Guadalupe Maldonado told the board workers have returned and that flexible ductwork and straps had been installed; he said remaining work includes insulation, drywall, tile and cabinetry. Maldonado said he declined an offer of $820,000 for the property "at the condition that it was in" about a month and a half earlier.

During discussion, a board member noted the board had given multiple timelines over several years and expressed frustration with the property’s slow progress. The board made a motion to reinstate the previously abated civil penalties in the amount of $29,500 and to have them continue to accrue at $2.50 per day beginning Jan. 16, 2025, until a certificate of occupancy is obtained; the motion also authorized filing a lien for accrued penalties. After a voice vote of "Aye," the motion carried.

Board staff discussed additional enforcement options under the substandard-structure process, including demolition or repair by the city at city expense and filing a lien for costs; staff noted a $50,000 surety tied to property in Santa Rosa that was intended to cover repair costs. The board did not rescind the penalties and indicated they will remain in place until the certificate of occupancy is issued.

The board’s action followed public remarks from a neighbor, Vic Sprecher, who described long-term nuisance and safety concerns at the property and urged stronger enforcement. The board’s motion did not set an alternate completion timeline in the vote; staff reiterated inspections and required permits remain outstanding.