Item R1
Memorandum
To: Richard Collins, County Attorney
From: Bob Shillinger, Asst. County Attorney
Date: November 12, 2004
Re: November 2004 CAY litigation report
NEW CASES FILED AGAINST THE COUNTY
In re: Marie Charles EEOC 150-2005-00083
EEOC Miami Date Filed: 10/15/04
Allegations of civil rights violation due to discrimination on national origin.
Community Services/Transportation
Status:
Investigated in house. Response submitted 11/12/04.
Next Activity:
Await reply by EEOC.
TIme:
11.0
Costs:
15.00
Kev West Bank v. K. tJlcLeod. Monroe County. et al. CA K 04-1163
Circuit Court 16th Judge: Vernon Date Filed: 11/1/04
Mortgage foreclosure case against Kutina R. McLeod where County holds a
junior lien/mortgage.
Housing Authority
Status:
Awaiting service. Will be assigned to CAY staff.
Next Activity: Responsive pleading due 20 days after service. May file
cross complaint to enforce County's interest.
TIme:
.1
Costs:
0.00
CASES CLOSED WITHIN LAST MONTH
D&,J Industries v. Monroe County CA P 99-543
Circuit Court 16th Judge Garcia Date Filed: 10/12/99
Cert. review of the BOCC's decision to award contract for roofing contract for the
Marathon Government Annex to another bidder.
Public Works
Status:
Closed,
Next Activity:
Closed.
TIme: 34.4 hours Costs: unknown
~ . \
GENERAL LITIGATION
Clav. Robert L~ John & Li Chiuna Movant v. Monroe County CA M 04-05
Circuit Court 16 Judge: Jones Date Flled:01/05/04
Mandamus Petition to release building permits for 2 properties on Big Pine or
alternatively seek damages for inverse condemnation. Mayor served 1/8/04;
amended petition adding two additional owners filed 2/314.
Growth Management.
Status:
Court approved settlement agreement.
Next Activity:
TIme: 3.3
Awaiting dismissal by Petitioners.
Costs:
None
Drewing. Janice v. James Roberts as County Administrator CA K 04-686
Circuit Court 16th Judge: Jones Date Filed: 6/25/04
Mandamus action seeking hearing in personnel dispute between plaintiff and her
supervisor Louis Latorre. Community Affairs/Social Services
Status:
Court denied writ of mandamus w/o hearing.
Next Activity:
Move for attorney's fees, if no appeal.
TIme:
17.0
Costs:
0.00
Elegant Kitchen~ & Baths. Inc. et al v. MC Contractor's Board CA M 03-312
Circuit Court 16 Judge: Jones Date Filed: 10/3012003
Appeal from Contractor's Examining Board of a violation for aiding and abetting
an unlicensed contractor. ACA Mercado is handling this case.
Growth Management
Status:
County prevailed; Court affirmed Contractor's Board's decision.
Next Activity:
Close file if no appeal taken by opposition within 30 days.
TIme:
17.0
Costs: 0.00
2
Evans. Brian v. Monroe County O4-CIV-10033..JLj(
U.S.Dist.,S.D.Fla. (Key West) Judge: King Date Filed: 5/8/04
Civil action against the County, and others, arising from actions of Sheriff's office
in publicizing the rescission of a warrant it had obtained for his arrest. MCSO
Current Status: Dismissed. County's motion for sanctions pending.
Next Activity: Hearing on motion for attomey's fees and costs TBA.
Time: 7.0
Costs:
0.00
Evans. Brian v. Monroe County. et al. CIV S 04-1042 LRH
U.S. D.C. Nevada Judge: Date Flied: 7/28104
Same allegations as Evans v. Monroe County, et aC04-CIV-1 0033-JlK, see
above, where County is seeking sanctions against Evans for vexatious and
frivolous litigation. MCSO
Current Status: Court granted County's motion to dismiss 11/1/04.
Next Activity: Move for fees, if no appeal.
Time: 1.7 Costs: 0.00
Florida Kevs Citizens Coalition v. State & Monroe County DOAH 04-2756
DOAH Judge: Carolyn Holifield Date Filed: 08/05104
Administrative Rule challenge to agreement with State to fund purchases of
environmentally sensitive lands, provide permits for workforce housing, etc.
Growth Management
Current Status: Trial.
Next Activity: Trial continues 11/15-19/04.
Time: 111.4
Costs: TBA
Fees:TBA
Harris. Steven & Lourdes Soellman v. Monroe County CA P 04-178
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: Garcia Date Filed: 4114104
This is a quiet title action involving road abandonment in Key largo. BOCC had
resolved to abandon Oceana Road in February of 1965 but the process was not
completed. Mayor served on 4/23/04. Public Works
Status:
Settlement agreement approved by BOCC 7/14/04.
Next Activity:
Execute agreement and submit to court for approval.
Time: 7.6
Costs:
none
3
,Hiaas. Ervin v. Value Adjustment Board of Monroe County CA K 04-430
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: Payne Date Filed: 4120/04
Action for injunctive relief against the VAS seeking to restore tax roll to just value
and to enjoin VAS from misapplying law in future valuations. VAB
Status:
VAS reviewing proposed rules of procedure.
Next Activity:
Higgs to dismiss suit iflwhen rules of procedure adopted.
Time:
16.2
Costs:
$76.00
Hinote Construction v. Monroe County CA P 03..344
Circuit Court (16th) Judge Garcia Date Filed: 6/18/2003
Civil Rights action arising out of a denial by the Planning Commission of a
transfer of commercial square footage to the proposed Walgreen's in Key Largo.
Growth Management.
Current Status: Plaintiffs dismissed 10/12/04.
Next Activity: Exchange releases, move for fees against intervenor?
Time: 25.0 hours
Costs: $50.46
McCov. Kimberl~& .JaCk v. Monroe County CA P 04-62
Circuit Court (16 ) Judge: Garcia Date Filed: 2/13104
Slip and fall injury case on Indian Avenue, Tavernier, a County road. CAY acting
as co-counsel with carrier's counsel. Public Works
Status:
Noticed for trial.
Next Activity:
Trial to be set.
Time: 3.7
Costs:
100.00
M.E.R.S..lnc. v. K. Hardv & Monroe County CA P 04-334
Circuit Court 16th Judge Garcia Date Filed: 7/14104
Mortgage foreclosure action against a person whom the County has a $100.00
code enforcement lien against.
Growth Management/Code Enforcement
Current Status: Complaint amended.
Next Activity: none.
Time:
.8
Costs:
0.00
4
Monroe County v. Mark Fraleiah CAP 03-647
Circuit Court (18th) Judge: Garcia Date Filed: 12/8/3
Ejectment action against owner of structures located on County right-of-way.
Public Works.
Current Status: OF Answer's to interrogatories overdue.
Next Activity: Move to compel answers.
Time: 14.8
Costs: NONE
Neuman. Kenneth v. Monroe County CA K 04-663
Circuit Court 16th Judge: Jones Date Filed: 6121/04
Action for damages and to compel County to issue building permits for property
on Big Pine. County settled similar suit in April. Mayor served 6/25104.
Growth Management
Status: Case referred to outside counsel Johnson, Anselmo due to
potential coverage for civil rights damages.
Next Activity:
Depositions to be set.
Time:
5.8
Costs:
0.00
~M~rina. Inc. v. Monroe County CA K 02-561
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: Payne Date Filed: May 2002
Cert. Petition appeal from denial of rezoning on Geiger Key Marina.
Growth Management
Current Status: County filed response on 5/17/04.
Next Activity: Final hearing set for 12122/04.
Time: 16.1 hour Costs:
none to date
5
Smart Plannina & Growth Coalition v. Monroe County CA P 04-8
Circuit Court 16th Judge: Payne Date Filed: 1/13104
Certiorari Petition and Declaratory Judgment act alleging that County's
settlement with Hinote Construction, Inc. is inconsistent with compo plan.
Growth Management
<k
Status:
Dismissed by court 9/9/04; order filed w/ clerk 9/27/04.
Next Activity: Seek attorney's fees & costs.
Time: 26.5 Costs:
Tuttle. David. Peter Rosasco & Harlev Evans v. Monroe County CAM 04-243
Circuit Court 16th Judge: Payne Date Filed: 6/30104
Action for damages and to compel County to issue building permits for property
on Big Pine. County settled similar suit in April. Growth Management
Status:
Settled; 3 of 4 releases issued.
Next Activity:
Time:
Dismissal if DCA doesn't object to permits.
2.9
Costs:
0.00
POTENTIAL CASES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FILED
Llovd Good v. Monroe County CA K 04 ____
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: Date Filed:
On 11/24/03, the County was served with notice of a claim under the Bert J.
Harris Act regarding two parcels of property owned by Lloyd Good.
Growth Management.
Current Status: Statutory Notice provided to Dept. of Legal Affairs on 12/9/3.
Next Activity: Deadline for responding extended to November 2004.
Time: 2.1 hours
Costs:
$5.56
6
Monroe County v. Florida Detroit Diesel SC K 04 TBA
County Court (Sm. Claims) Judge:
Collection action seeking reimbursement for $4,905.00 in clean up costs
associated with improperly installed machinery.
Fleet management/Risk Management
Current Status: Demand letter sent.
Next Activity: Seek BaCC approval in December if no payment made.
Time: 8.1 Costs: 0.00
State of Florida v. Monroe County TBA
Circuit Court (TBA) Judge: Date Filed:
Threatened litigation against the County by the AG's Medicaid Fraud unit.
Public Safety
Status:
AG's office reviewing file.
Next Activity: Await AAG supervisor's review of file.
Time: 4.1 Costs:
T~A v. Monroe County Aviation Department 2004 FLL 0048
TSA Admin. Hearing ALJ: TBA Date Filed: 511812004
KWIA received notice of proposed civil penalty ($10,000) to be levied against
KWIA for security incident self reported by KWIA.
Key West International Airport
Status: Being handled in house by ACA Mercado
Next Activity:
Time: 3.0
Negotiations.
Costs: 0.00
TSA v. Monroe County Aviation Department 2004 FLL 0049
TSA Admin. Hearing ALJ: TBA Date Filed: 5/1812004
KWIA received notice of proposed civil penalty ($10,000) to be levied against
KWIA for security incident self reported by KWIA.
Key West International Airport
Status: Being handled in house by ACA Mercado
Next Activity: Negotiations ongoing.
Time: 5.5
Costs: 0.00
7
TSA v. Monroe County Aviation Department 2004 FLL 0050
TSA Admin. Hearing AU: TBA Date Filed: 6/25/2004
KWIA received notice of proposed civil penalty ($10,000) to be levied against
KWIA for security incident self reported by KWIA.
Key West International Airport
Status: Being handled in house by ACA Mercado
Next Activity: Negotiations ongoing.
Time: 5.5
Costs: 0.00
TSA v. Monroe County Aviation Department 2004 FLL 0051
TSA Admin. Hearing AU: TBA Date Filed: 6/25/2004
KWIA received notice of proposed civil penalty ($10,000) to be levied against
KWIA for security incident self reported by KWIA.
Key West International Airport
Status: Being handled in house by ACA Mercado
Next Activity:
Negotiations ongoing.
Time: 3.0
Costs: 0.00
TSA v. Monroe County Aviation Department 2004 FLL 0054
TSA Admin. Hearing ALJ: TBA Date Filed: 6/25/2004
KWIA received notice of proposed civil penalty ($10,000) to be levied against
KWIA for security incident self reported by KWIA.
Key West International Airport
Status: Being handled in house by ACA Mercado
Next Activity:
Negotiations ongoing.
Time: 3.0
Costs: 0.00
8
ARTICLE V APPEALS
Monroe County Bail Bonds Y. State ex rei. Monroe County CF K 03-765
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: Date Filed: 80/03
This is an appeal of a County Court decision to deny a bail bondsman's motion to
set aside a bond forfeiture. Bond amount is $2500.00. Lower Court case is
styled State v. James Thomas Hastings, 2003 MM 1845 K.
Current Status: Court dismissed appeal on 6/3/04.
Next Activity:
Proceed to judgment in County Court case.
Costs: none to date
TIme: .7 hour
Monroe County Bail Bonds v. State ex rei. Monroe County CF K 03-754
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: Date Filed: 80/03
This is an appeal of a County Court decision to deny a bail bondsman's motion to
set aside a bond forfeiture. Bond amount is $10,000.00. Lower Court case is
styled State v. David Paul Saunders, 2002 MM 2083 K.
Current Status: County's brief filed.
Next Activity: Await court's decision.
TIme: 8.8 hour Costs: none to date
CODE ENFORCEMENT APPEALS
Decker.liarrv v. Monroe County
Circuit Court 16th Judge Payne
This is an appeal of a code enforcement OSTDS case.
Current Status: Court reinstated appeal. Brief done.
CA K 01-1252
Date Filed: 10/5/01
Next Activity: Awaiting decision.
TIme: 18.8hours Costs: none
9
Eads. Barbara v. Monroe County CAP 03-117
Circuit Court 16th Judge Garcia Date Filed: 2127/03
This is a code enforcement appeal of the special master's order finding the Lowe
House to be in unsafe condition and setting forth a compliance schedule.
Status:
Appeal stayed pending review by HPC.
Next Activity: Status check 12/1/04.
TIme: 3.6 hours Costs: none
Fuchs. Walburaa v. Monroe County
Circuit Court (16th) Judge Vernon
This is a code enforcement appeal of an OSTDS case.
CA K 01-1251
Date Filed: 10/5101
Current Status: The County's brief filed.
Next Activity:
Await Court's decision.
TIme: 11.5 hours Costs: none
Stevenson. MK v. Monroe County CA K 02-257
Circuit Court 16th Judge Payne Filed: 2126/02
Appeal of a finding that Caribbean Village storage sign was an off premises sign.
Current Status: Judge Payne affirmed most of Special Master's order.
Stevenson appealing that decision to Third DCA. Cross appeal filed.
Next Activity: See below.
TIme: 31.0 hours Costs: none
Stevenson. MK v. Monroe County 3004-1715
Third DCA Judges: TBA Filed: 6/20/04
Appeal of Judge Payne's ruling upholding majority of Code Enforcement Special
Master's decision regarding Caribbean Village storage sign.
Current Status: Appellant granted extension by 3d DCA to file initial brief.
Next Activity: Appellant's brief due 11/21/04.
TIme: .8 hours (this appeal only) Costs: none
10
Turner. Marcia v. Monroe County CA P 04-329
Circuit Court 1Sth Judge: Garcia Date Filed: 7/8/04
Appeal of order entered by Code Enforcement Special Master
Growth Management/Code Enforcement
Status:
Motion to dismiss appeal filed.
Next Activity:
Hearing set for 12/15/04.
TIme:
2.6
Costs:
0.00
CODE ENFORCEMENT FORECLOSURES/COLLECTIONS
Monroe County v. Mario Alfonso CA K 03-1458
Circuit Court (1Sth) Judge: (none yet) Date Filed: 12/08103
Code enforcement foreclosure action authorized by the eacc on 6/18/03.
Fine fixed at $91,450.00.
Current Status: Settled.
Next Activity: Exchange releases.
TIme: 23.6 hour
Costs: $151.70
Monroe County v. Holly Grace Blandeaux SC K 04- TBA
Small Claims Judge: TBA Date Filed: TBA
Code enforcement collection action authorized by eacc on 7/14/04.
Fine is fixed at $584.88.
Current Status: Demand letter returned unclaimed, complaint drafted.
Next Activity: File suit in small claims court.
TIme: 2.4 Costs: 0.00
11
Monroe County v. Patricia Cambo. et al CA K 04 578
Circuit Court (16111) Judge: Payne Date Filed: 5/27/04
Action authorized by the eocc 12/17/3. Fine fixed at $62,800.00. Three
defendants: MIM Joel Rogers, current owners; Patricia M. Cambo, violatorlformer
owner.
Current Status: Property compliant after 418 days.
Next Activity: Discovery; negotiations
Time: 11.4 hour
Costs: $0.00
Monroe County v. Marcos Caso CA K 04
Circuit Court (16111) Judge: Date Filed:
Code enforcement lien foreclosure action authorized by eocc on 4/21/04. Fine
was $18,200.00 on that date and accruing at $100.00 per day.
Current Status: Owner working towards compliance.
Next Activity: Tickled for 11/1/4 for status on compliance.
Time: .6 hours
Costs: $0.00
~onroe County v. Dirk Damrau CA K 03 (TBA)
Circuit Court (1601) Judge: (none yet) Date Flied:
Code enforcement foreclosure action authorized by the eocc 6/18/03. Fine was
$169,900.00 as of 7/18/03 and accruing at $200.00 per day.
Current Status: Compliance achieved.
Next Activity: Negotiate settlement.
Time: 1.6 hour
Costs: none to date
Monroe County v. William L. Davis CA P 04-1'1
Circuit Court (16111) Judge: Garcia Date Filed: 4115104
Action to collect $29,500.00 code enforcement fine from former owner of property
who fraudulently sold property to innocent owner. OF in Federal prison.
Current Status: Default entered October 19, 2004.
Next Activity: Motion for Final Judgment.
Time: 4.2 hour
Costs:
$21.00
12
~onroe County v. Reinaldo DelGado & Lourdes Nunez CA P 04 TBA
County Court (Civil) Judge: Ptomey Date Filed: TBA
Collection action authorized by BOCC on 6/16/04. Fine set at $6600.00.
Current Status: Researching issues raised by owners re: timely compliance.
Next Activity: Present request to release lien October meeting.
TIme: 2.0
Costs:
0.00
Monroe County v. Dan Gleason SC P 03 - 165
Small Claims Court Judge: Ptomey Date Filed: 8/5103
Small claims action for a money judgment to collect $520.00 in unpaid cocle
enforcement fines and costs authorized by the BOCC in April of 2003.
Current Status: Final judgment registered wI Dept. of State.
Next Activity: Continue wI enforcement proceedings.
Time: 9.5 hours
Costs: $65.92
Monroe County v. Marshall Golnick CC t<.04-TBA
County Court Judge: TBA Date Filed: TBA
Collection action authorized by BOCC on 6/16/04. Fine set at $11,300.00.
Current Status: Demand letter pending
Next Activity: Title search.
TIme:
6.5
Costs: 0.00
Monroe County v. Jack HaGODian. CA P 03-5~9
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: GARCIA Date Filed: 10/1/03
Code enforcement collection action authorized by BOCC on 8/20103. Fine was
$203,100.00 as of 9/30/03 and accruing at $250.00 per day.
Current Status: County filed Motion for Summary Judgment.
Next Activity: Motion for summary judgment hearing, TBA.
Time: 9.1
Costs:
$20.00.
13
Monroe County v. Dorothy Hough CA P 03 (TBA)
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: Date Filed:
Code enforcement collection action authorized by BOCC on 9/17/03. As of
9125/3 lien valued at $25,050.00 and accruing at $50.00 per day.
Current Status: Owner's ATF permit waiting to be issued.
Next Activity: Negotiating wI owner.
TIme: 1.0
Costs:
none
Monroe County v. James Jeanauenat CA P 04 -----------
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: Date Flied:
Code Enforcement collection action authorized by BOCC on 4/21/04. As of that
date, the fine was $136,100.00 and accruing at $500.00 per day.
Current Status: Negotiating with owner.
Next Activity: Status check 11/1/04.
TIme: .7
Costs:
none
Monroe County v. Chris Johnson CA K 03-1173
Circuit Court (1601) Judge: Payne Date Flied: 10nlO3
Code enforcement foreclosure action that was authorized by the BOCC 7/15/03.
$12,000.00 per day since 2/21/03.
Current Status: County owns property; deficiency judgment in the amount of
$3,828,514.80. Judgment filed wI Dept. of State.
Next Activity:
Attempt to enforce judgment; clean up property.
TIme: 16.6 hours
Costs: $389.00
Monroe County v. Key Largo Ocean Resorts Cooo.lnc. CA P 96-260
Circuit Court (16th) Judge Garcia Date Filed: 5/20/96
This is an action to foreclose a code enforcement lien.
Current Status: Complete development agreement application submitted
5/12/04. In review by Growth Management.
Next Activity:
Status report due 1/1105.
Time: 36.6 hours
Costs: $340.00
14
Monroe County v. Pedro Liz (Bakerv)
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: Date Filed:
Code enforcement collection action authorized by BOCC on 7/17/03 when fine
was $1191900.00 and accruing at $200.00 per day.
CA K 03 (TBA)
Current Status: Owner working towards compliance.
Next Activity: Status review 10/1104.
TIme: 1.0
Costs:
none
Monroe County v. Pedro Liz {Trailer) CA K 03 (TBA)
Circuit Court (16ffi) Judge: Date Filed:
Code enforcement collection action authorized by BOCC on 9/17/03. As of
9/25/3 lien valued at $133,300.00 & accruing at $200 per day.
Current Status: Owner working towards compliance.
Next Activity: Status review 9/1/04.
TIme: .5
Costs:
none
Monroe County v. LilX Marks CA K 03-1152
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: Jones Date Filed: 10/213
Two code enforcement collection actions authorized by BOCC on 8/20103 and
12/27/03. As of 5126/041 fines totaled $537,950.00 and accruing at $750/day.
Current Status: OF answered first amended complaint.
Next Activity: Discovery.
TIme: 4.0
Costs:
$20.00
15
Monroe County v. Arthur Mehr
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: (none yet) Date Filed:
Code enforcement foreclosure action that was authorized by the sacc 6/18/03.
Fine had reached $28,380 on 7/18/03 and continues to accrue at $20 per day.
(TBA)
Current Status: Negotiating w/ owner.
Next Activity: Status review 10/1/4.
Time: 2.1 hour
Costs: $150.00
Monroe County v. Safe Harbor Marine Railway COI'D.
Circuit Court (1Sth) Judge: (none yet) Date Filed:
Code enforcement foreclosure action that was authorized by the sacc 6/18/03.
As of 1/1/4, lien totaled $106,700.00.
CA K 03 fTBA)
Current Status: Title search pending.
Next Activity:
Status review 10/1/04.
Time: 1.5 hour
Costs: none to date
Monroe County v. Joseph Sutton CA K 03 (TBA)
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: (none yet) Date Filed:
Code enforcement foreclosure action that was authorized by the sacc 6/18/03.
Fine was approximately $18,000.00 when compliance achieved.
Current Status: Property in compliance. Negotiating with owner.
Next Activity:
Status review 10/1/04.
Time: 1.5 hour
Costs: none
Monroe County v. Gertrude Waters CA M 03 l'T,BA)
Circuit Court (16th) Judge: Date Filed:
Code enforcement collection action authorized by BaCC on 9/17/03. As of
9/2513 lien valued at $79,300.00.
Current Status: Board approved settlement.
Next Activity: Execute agreement; receive cheek, release lien.
Time: 2.9 Costs:
$100.00
16