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Magistrate reduces $131,000 in cumulative fines to $12,500 after mitigation requests
Summary
After extended mitigation arguments, Special Magistrate Doug Macibbon cut two of Shamila Sopnandan’s largest fines—reducing a $61,000 van fine to $10,000 and a $70,000 miscellaneous‑items fine to $2,500—both payable by Feb. 11, 2026; several smaller mitigation requests were denied.
A consolidated mitigation hearing for multiple cases tied to properties owned by Shamila (Shimala) Sopnandan ended with partial reductions on two very large fines and denial or limited relief on numerous smaller assessments.
Sopnandan told the magistrate she had been acting under severe personal strain after her husband’s cancer diagnosis and death and that many violations dated back while family matters were being handled. "My husband used to take care of my property… he passed away from cancer," she said, asking the magistrate to consider reductions.
The village did not oppose reductions for the two largest items but resisted blanket cuts given the history of repeat violations. After hearing the village’s mitigation numbers, the magistrate ruled as follows: - $61,000 (van/disabled‑vehicle case) reduced to $10,000, payable by Feb. 11, 2026. - $70,000 (miscellaneous items/garbage and repeat violations) reduced to $2,500, payable by Feb. 11, 2026.
The magistrate made clear this was a one‑time discretion: if the reduced amounts are not paid by the deadline, the original large assessments will be restored and remain liens on the property. The magistrate said he was "leaning towards" the village’s mitigation numbers but ultimately crafted reductions he called proportionate to demonstrated hardship.
Other smaller mitigation requests from the same owner were denied because the administrative cost of processing reductions would exceed the fine amounts or because the underlying violations were significant (for example, parking in front of hydrants or repeat nuisances). The magistrate repeatedly advised Sopnandan—and all attendees—to call code enforcement for reinspection once an item is fixed, and to keep written documentation of contractor or utility contacts.
What to watch: Orders reflecting these mitigation decisions will be mailed; the village will accept payment through its standard channels and confirm closure after receipt. The magistrate stressed that once an order is entered and paid, further mitigation requests on the same charges generally will not be permitted.
