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cases with attorney representation ahead of others on the agenda. The CEB is taking this matter <br />under advisement. <br />, Mr. Zimmermann <br />Secondly was concerned had to do with fines and reduction of <br />fines and circumstances why fines might be reduced. He recalled a case against a homeowner’s <br />association (HOA) that had accumulated a fine of $58,000 without the members of the HOA <br />knowing that it was accumulating because the builder and the developer (as the original <br />representatives of the HOA) kept coming to the CEB meetings as the HOA’s representatives. In <br />that instance, the CEB “reduced” it to administrative costs. He spoke of reduction in fines for <br />some offenses so they do not accumulate to such a great amount that prompts a request to reduce it <br />so much. He had restructured his thoughts on fine reductions. <br />Commissioner Lowther’s issue was that such a long time passes before something is <br />done and that might cause repeat offenders to take advantage of the current system. He thought if <br />the fines were increased initially that it might get someone’s attention more quickly. He also <br />thought that fines for repeat offenders should be greater. He brought this to the Board to make <br />them aware and hoped that staff could come up with something to make the process better. <br />Mr. Zimmermann <br /> did not know if there is any action the County can take beyond <br />imposing the fine and having the fine continue. In many instances, tenants put their landlord at <br />risk or people dump in a vacant lot leaving it to the owner to clean it. <br />Environmental Planning & Code Enforcement Chief Roland DeBlois advised that <br />over $90,000 in fines has been collected in the past year. Many fines have been paid to obtain clear <br />titles on properties that have been bought and sold. Staff’s main focus is to achieve compliance <br />achieved. He explained a mechanism for repeat. He also explained there are unique mitigating <br />circumstances on every case. The real concern is those who have an opportunity to comply but do <br />not see a lien on the property as enough motivation. In those cases, the CEB tends to be less lenient <br />on fine reduction and issues. Another issue is the County cannot foreclose on Homestead <br />Properties. Our liens are against real and personal property; we have never gone against personal <br />property. We have always relied on the real estate, but there is an opportunity if there is a blatant <br />situation to go after personal property. It might make an impact. There have been occasions where <br />March 7, 2006 <br />37 <br /> <br />