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<br />13.C. COMMISSIONER SANDRA L. BOWDEN – REQUEST FOR <br />INDEPENDENT OUTSIDE COUNSEL REVIEW OF THE <br />LEWIS BARTON CASE <br /> <br />Commissioner Bowden requested that independent outside counsel be hired to <br />review the violations and other issues regarding the oceanside home of Lewis Barton. She wanted <br />a second opinion with options and believed that an attorney who specializes in this type of work <br />should be brought in to thoroughly analyze this problem because it has gone on too long and has <br />devalued the neighborhood. <br />Commissioner Wheeler had seen the subject property; had spoken with County <br />Attorney Collins who had told him that he felt comfortable in handling this matter; and <br />Commissioner Wheeler doubted that hiring an outside attorney would help solve the problem. <br />At the request of Commissioners, County Attorney Collins gave background <br />information that dated back about 8 years and an update on Mr. Barton’s house matters including <br />information that Mr. Barton’s property is currently in a foreclosure action by the lender. He <br />explained that if the lender is successful, the County’s code enforcement lien would be the first to <br />be paid off. The successful bidder at the foreclosure sale would have to follow through with the <br />demolition and repair of the property. County Attorney Collins was not certain what could be <br />gained by retaining an attorney. <br />Commissioner Bowden listed various concerns with the current condition of the <br />property and she wanted more than one opinion. <br />Commissioner Davis posed a question to staff as to what the County Commission <br />could do to help resolve the problem and where would be the best allocation of taxpayer dollars. <br />Community Development Director Bob Keating explained in detail the several <br />issues now pending including the status of the demolition permit, the semi trailer, and the <br />construction trailer. <br />December 6, 2005 45 <br /> <br />