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Special magistrate authorizes lien, confirms $2,150 in fines for neglected Palatka property at 215 S. Fourth St.
Summary
A Palatka special magistrate found continuing exterior-code violations at 215 South Fourth Street and authorized placement of a lien and continued daily fines after the city presented photographs showing a missing decorative stair element and three broken or missing windows.
A special magistrate for the City of Palatka on March 17 found continuing code violations at 215 South Fourth Street and authorized placement of a lien on the property and additional fines if the owner does not remedy the defects.
Ron Brown, the attorney appointed by the city commission to serve as special magistrate, opened the hearing and swore city witnesses. Melissa Dryer of Palatka code compliance presented the city's case, saying, “I have Round River Property Management case number 2025 095. This location is 215 Southport Street. I have two violations on it,” and introducing photographs showing a missing corner of a front stair pillar and multiple damaged windows visible from South Fourth Street.
Brown reviewed the city's service and posting efforts. Dryer testified she mailed certified notices to the owner-of-record address on file and posted the property; she said the city received no response to the certified mailing and that the posting affidavit is in the record.
After reviewing the photographs and testimony, Brown said he was satisfied that ‘‘substantial and competent evidence exists to find continuing unabated violations’’ of City Code section 30‑169 (deteriorated or mismatched decorative and structural elements visible from public rights-of-way) and section 30‑171 (broken, cracked or missing windows). The magistrate specifically described a missing decorative element on the front stair and three window defects, and he entered an order permitting a lien on the property.
The order noted that fines already accrued on the property total $2,150 and that additional fines will accrue at the rate of $25 per day for each violation until the defects are corrected or the matter otherwise concludes. The magistrate also confirmed that appeals from special magistrate orders are taken to circuit court and that the appellant bears responsibility for procuring the hearing record.
The record shows the owner of record as Round River Property Management LLC; no representative appeared at the hearing to contest the charges. The magistrate moved on to the next case after entering the order.
