Findings Of Fact Petitioner, Grove Isle, Ltd. is the developer of a 510 unit three-tower condominium project on an island now known as Grove Isle in Biscayne Bay. As part of the project Grove Isle plans to construct a ninety slip pleasure boat marina on the west side of the island. Since its inception, the project has been in litigation between the parties to this Proceeding. See Bayshore Homeowners Association, Inc., et al v. DER, DOAH Case No. 79-2186, 79-2324 and 79-2354; State ex rel. Gardner v. Sailboat Key, Inc., 295 So.2d 658 (Fla. 3rd D.C.A. 1974); Doheny vs. Sailboat Key, Inc., 306 So.2d 616 (Fla. 3rd D.C.A. 1974); Bayshore Homeowners Association, Inc. v. Ferre, Case No. 80-101-AP (Circuit Court, Appellate Division, Dade County, September 16, 1980). Petitioners Doheny and Filer have their residences near the site of the proposed marina. In the past they have used the waters in and around this site for fishing, boating and swimming. If the marina is constructed their use of the waters in the immediate area of the marina could be limited somewhat. While Petitioner Jaffer does not live in the immediate area of the marina, he also uses the waters of Biscayne Bay around Grove Isle for recreation. The project could have some minimal impact on his use of those waters. The protesting organizations: Bayshore Homeowners Association, Inc., Coconut Grove Civil Club, Tigertail Association, and the Tropical Audubon Society, Inc. all have members who use the waters of Biscayne Bay in the area of the project for nature study or recreation. The use of these waters by their members could be diminished in some degree if the marina is constructed. That portion of Grove Isle from which the marina will project is owned by Grove Isle Club, Inc., an entity created to operate the recreational facilities appurtenant to the Grove Isle Condominium. The Club is an integral part of the Grove Isle condominium project. Membership in the Club is mandatory for unit owners. It is the plan of Grove Isle, Ltd. that after the marina is constructed the individual wet-slips will be sold to only condominium owners. Grove Isle, Ltd. expects to realize a onetime profit from the sale of each slip. The slips would therefore not produce a periodic or reoccurring income to the developer. In the recent past, DNR has interpreted its rules relating to submerged land leases not to require a lease for the construction of a marina over submerged state lands if the marina will not generate a regular income. Evidence of this practice dates back to June 8, 1978. On March 29, 1979, Grove Isle applied to DNR for a state lease of the submerged lands over which the proposed marina would be constructed. By a letter of April 4, 1979, from Daniel S. Meisen, Administrator, Operations Section, Bureau of State Lands, the Department informed Grove Isle that a lease would not be required. The full text of the letter follows: April 4, 1979 Ms. Pat Bourguin Post, Buckley, Schub and Jernigan, Inc. 7500 Northwest 52nd Street Miami, Florida 33166 Dear Ms. Bourguin: Martin Margulies A review of the above referenced application has aided us in determining that a lease will not be required although the submerged bottom lands are state-owned. Submerged land leases are not re- quired for private docks or non-income producing facilities. Your $150.00 refund is being processed and will be forwarded to you within the next two months. If we can be of further assistance in this matter, please contact Laura Lewallen of this office. Sincerely, Daniel S. Meisen Administrator Operations Section Bureau of State Lands DSM/11m cc: DER West Palm Beach Health Department The State of Florida owns the submerged lands to the west of Grove Isle over which the marina would be constructed. Beginning in the fall of 1979 and continuing through the spring of 1980, there was a string of correspondence between DNR, Mr. Doheny and Grove Isle. This was its basic pattern. Mr. Doheny would write to DNR with some information indicating in his opinion that the proposed marina would not be private in nature, that is, persons other than condominium owners might be able to use the wet-slips. In response to Mr. Doheny's letter DNR would then query Grove Isle requesting assurances that the marina would be private. At least three of these inquiries, April 26, 1979; October 26, 1979; and February 12, 1980, appear in the record. Grove Isle then responded with letters indicating in various ways that the marina would not be income producing. It is apparent from some of the correspondence that there were also oral communications among the parties. The contents of these communications do not appear in the record. Finally on March 13, 1980, Mr. Doheny wrote to DNR on behalf of the Homeowner Petitioners to express his disagreement with the Department's position previously expressed in correspondence dating back to April 4, 1979, that if the proposed marina is limited to only condominium owners and does not produce direct income then it does not require a lease. Mr. Dean on behalf of Dr. Gissendaner replied to Mr. Doheny on March 24, 1980, by reiterating the Department's consistent position on this project. The text of the letter fellow's: March 24, 1980 David A. Doheny, Esquire 1111 South Bayshore Drive Miami, Florida 33131 Re: Grove Isle Marina Dear David: Dr. Gissendanner asked that I respond to your letter dated March 13, 1980 regarding Grove Isle Marina. Attached his a copy of the affidavit executed by Grove Isle, Ltd. and the subsequent letter to Grove Isle, Ltd. from the Department of Natural Resources. It is the position of the Department of Natural Resources that where a condominium marina will derive no income from the rental or lease of boat slips and furthermore, where all slips will be used exclusively by the condominium unit purchasers that the marina is not a commercial/industrial docking facility requiring a lease from the Trustees pursuant to Rule 16C-12.14, F.A.C. and Chapter 253.03, F.S. (1979). This position is based on the proposition that riparian rights attached to a single condominium unit purchaser as do riparian rights for a single family lot owner who likewise is exempt from a submerged land lease. Sincerely, Henry Dean Assistant Department Attorney Division of State Lands HD/le Enclosures cc: Elton J. Gissendanner Richard P. Ludington On May 3, 1979, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund passed a resolution which states in pertinent part that: Where the Trustees have title, by either deed of conveyance or sovereignty pursuant to 1 and/or 2 above, and where any person has requested an environmental or other permit and where the Trustees neither by statute nor rule must give permission for the use involved in the permit, the Execu- tive Director is authorized to indicate, by letter or otherwise, said circumstances and that no action by the Trustees is necessary for the said use; . . . Subsequently Mr. Jaffer, the Homeowners and Mr. Filer filed their petitions for administrative hearings on April 2, 1980, 4/ April 9, 1980, and April 21, 1980, respectively. DNR's position concerning a lease requirement was well known to all of the Petitioners by at least January 2 and 3, 1980, the date of the final hearing on the related DER cases for the instant project. 5/
Recommendation For the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Department of Natural Resources issue a final order dismissing the petitions in Case Nos. 80-670, 80-768, and 80-815. DONE and RECOMMENDED this 11th day of December, 1980, in Tallahassee, Florida. MICHAEL PEARCE DODSON Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 101, Collins Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 11th day of December, 1980.
Findings Of Fact Upon consideration of the Joint Prehearing Stipulation, the following relevant facts are found: At all times material hereto, Pinnacle Port Community Association (hereinafter referred to as PPCA) has been a not- for-profit corporation created under Chapter 617 Florida Statutes, and was the association, as defined in Section 718.103(2), Florida Statutes, which operated the four separate condominiums which together constitute the Pinnacle Port Resort. The Pinnacle Port Resort is located in Bay County, Florida and consists of four separate residential condominiums, identified as Phases I-A, I-B, I-C, I-D, and together these condominiums have a combined total of 408 units. Although each of the above condominiums was created by a separate recorded declaration of condominium, the declarations are, in all respects material to this proceeding and for all time periods relevant hereto, identical to the declaration for Phase I-B received into evidence as Joint Exhibit I. The Pinnacle Port Condominiums are located on a pie- shaped parcel of property which is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the south and there is a large lake, known as Lake Powell, located a short distance to the north of the condominium property. Immediately to the west of the condominium property, on land owned by a third party, Avondale Mills Corporation, there is a narrow channel, known as Phillips Inlet, that connects the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Powell. Because of fluctuating water levels in the channel and tidal action which regularly causes some shifting of sand around the channel, the current inlet does not provide trustworthy year round navigation for use by recreational boats between Lake Powell and the Gulf of Mexico. During 1983, several individuals owning land adjacent to Lake Powell, including Avondale Mills Corporation and certain unit owners at Pinnacle Port, decided to work together to investigate the possibility of stabilizing the inlet in order to provide a year round navigable channel between Lake Powell and the Gulf of Mexico. In March of 1984, the above land owners formed a not- for-profit corporation, known as Lake Powell Improvement Corporation, and through individual financial contributions by the members of this corporation began developing plans and conducting studies on the feasibility of stabilizing the Phillips Inlet. In May of 1984, the board of directors of Respondent adopted a resolution supporting the efforts of the Lake Powell Improvement Corporation and a non-binding straw vote of Pinnacle Port unit owners was conducted by the board of directors. The results of this vote were 232 votes in favor, 32 votes opposed, 6 votes requesting additional information and 138 unit owners did not respond. A true and correct copy of the correspondence which was sent to unit owners and representative samples of ballots returned from unit owners was received into evidence as Joint Exhibit 3. On or about August 11, 1984, at a meeting of the Respondent association, a majority of the voting interests present at the meeting for each of the four Pinnacle Port Condominiums approved a resolution "to participate in the stabilization of Phillips Inlet at the cost of no more than an average of $700.00 per unit." The resolution, which would authorize assessments in a total amount of $285,600.00, was passed by a vote of 179 votes in favor, of which 108 votes were by proxy; 81 votes against, of which 36 votes were by proxy; and 2 abstentions. The association is comprised of 408 members entitled to vote, in person or by proxy, and at least 205 members must be present, in person or by proxy, at a meeting of the association to satisfy quorum requirements. As part of the above resolution, the unit owners were advised that up to 50% of the proposed assessment would be used to obtain governmental permits required prior to beginning construction activities to stabilize the inlet and 50% of the assessments collected, plus any remaining funds collected previously for permitting purposes, would be used later for construction of the stabilized inlet if the governmental permits were granted. Based on the August 1984 resolution, the association has assessed as a common expense approximately $142,000.00 from unit owners and has contributed approximately $110,792.00 of these funds to the Lake Powell Improvement Corporation. In addition, the association is currently holding approximately $14,823.00 as interest on the funds collected for the Phillips Inlet projects. The Respondent has no written or formal agreement with Lake Powell Improvement Corporation. The funds were contributed to that corporation with the understanding that they would be used to conduct environmental and engineering studies and take other similar steps to obtain governmental permits which are necessary as a prerequisite to constructing the stabilized inlet. Respondent alleges that all of the funds spent have either been paid to Lake Powell Improvement Corporation or to third parties performing professional services for that corporation and that these funds have in fact been used to conduct environmental studies and to take other steps to obtain the necessary governmental permits. The Petitioner and the Intervenors do not dispute this statement in this proceeding. If the necessary governmental permits can be obtained, Lake Powell Improvement Corporation intends to dredge a new channel adjacent to the existing channel at Phillips Inlet and located on property owned exclusively by Avondale Mills Inc. The exact location of the proposed channel on the Avondale Mills property has not yet been determined. The Respondent expects the channel to be located approximately as shown on the maps included in the joint-application filed with the various agencies which have jurisdiction to issue the necessary permits. A true and correct copy of this joint application was received into evidence as Joint Exhibit 2. In order to complete the proposed channel, it will be essential that permits be obtained from the Florida, Department of Natural Resources and the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Although Lake Powell Improvement Corporation filed a joint application with both the above agencies in October of 1985, the permits have neither been granted nor denied. At the time of the August 1984 resolution, and continuing to the present, the property upon which the stabilized --inlet is proposed to be constructed was not a common element for -any of the Pinnacle Port Condominiums and the Respondent-Association does not have any contractual or property interest, existing or contingent, in this property. Although no agreement has previously been entered into between the members of Lake Powell Improvement Corporation concerning the future maintenance of the proposed channel, it is contemplated that an agreement will be entered into prior to the actual construction of the channel. The Respondent further contemplates contributing up to one third of the cost of maintenance, contingent upon unit owner approval, through further assessments against the unit owners. If the governmental permits applied for are granted and the inlet is constructed and maintained to a depth and width as proposed in the permit applications, the Pinnacle Port unit owners and their guests with boats, either docked at the Respondent's pier or launched at the boat ramp in Lake Powell, will have convenient access to the Gulf of Mexico. There are no existing boat ramps, piers, or docks located along the Gulf of Mexico or Pinnacle Port property. The Pinnacle Port condominiums have a rental program which advertises and rents owner's units on both a short and long term basis for owners who so desire. At the present time, 240 units participate in this rental program and an unknown number of additional owners occasionally rent their units independently. Based on the evidence produced at the hearing and the testimony of Randall Clark Chandler, the following finding of fact is made: Although it is reasonable to expect that the planned stabilization of Phillips Inlet would provide recreational benefit to some unit owners and might help to make the units at the resort more marketable, factors affecting the relative costs and benefits of the project (such as, whether necessary governmental permits are granted; the amount of future assessments which will be imposed against units to pay for construction and maintenance costs of the inlet; the possible imposition of restrictions or restrictive convenants on the use of the inlet or the adjoining lands; the effect of the inlet on water quality; and future market conditions are speculative at this time and make it impossible to quantify the value of the stabilization project or even to conclude that the project will clearly or substantially benefit unit owners.
Recommendation Based upon the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law recited herein, it is RECOMMENDED that: (1) Respondent immediately cease and desist any further collection of assessments based on the August, 1984 resolution at issue herein and immediately obtain and refund to unit owners, on a pro rata basis, any monies in its possession which were previously collected under this assessment; (2) Respondent refund, on a pro rata basis, all interest on the funds previously collected for the Phillips Inlet project and; (3) Respondent, in the future, strictly comply with the provisions of Chapter 718, Florida Statutes and any future violations of the statutes at issue here shall be considered as a basis for aggravating civil penalties should administrative action be necessary in the future. Respectfully submitted and entered this 20th day of October, 1986, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. WILLIAM R. CAVE, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 20th day of October, 1986. COPIES FURNISHED: Richard Coats, Director Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes Department of Business Regulation The Johns Building 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32301 James Rearney, Secretary Department of Business Regulation The Johns Building 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32301 John C. Courtney, Esq. Deputy General Counsel Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32301-1927 Michael Reichman, Esq. Post Office Box 4 Monticello, FL 32344 Marshall Conrad, Esq. Post Office Box 39 Tallahassee, FL 32302 APPENDIX The following constitutes my specific rulings pursuant to Section 120.59(2), Florida Statutes, on all of the Proposed Findings of Fact submitted by the parties in this case. Rulings on Proposed Findings of Fact Submitted by the Petitioner 1.-3. Adopted in Findings of Fact 1-3. 4. Rejected as immaterial and irrelevant. 5.-21. Adopted in Findings of Fact 4-19. 21. Adopted in Finding of Fact 20. Rulings on Proposed Findings of Fact Submitted by the Respondent 1.-19. Adopted in Findings of Fact 1-19. 20. Rejected as not comporting to the substantial competent evidence in the record. The Intervenors submitted a "Recommended Order" which adopted the Findings of Fact submitted by the Respondent in its Proposed Findings of Fact.
Findings Of Fact Based upon the pleadings and responses thereto, an Order imposing sanctions for Respondent's failure to submit discovery as required by the undersigned dated October 15, 1986 and the entire record compiled herein, I hereby make the following relevant factual findings. Respondent is the developer of a condominium known as La Residence. As Presently developed, La Residence consists of sixty units. La Residence is located in Boca Raton, Florida. Respondent failed to meet the completion date for the subsequent phases of La Residence as is described in the declaration of condominium of La Residence. According to the Declaration of Condominiums for La Residence, the scheduled dates listed for construction of the subsequent phases of La Residence were June, 1982 for phase II; February, 1983 for phase III, and November, 1983 for phase IV. Amendments to the Declaration of Condominium of La Residence were recorded on June 30, 1981, March 22, 1982 and August 2, 1984. Respondent did not furnish the Division with copies of the above-referred amendments. Additionally, Respondent failed to provide purchasers of units within La Residence, copies of the above-referred amendments. Respondent failed to hold annual members meeting for the years 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984. Respondent failed to call a members meeting to allow non-developer unit owners to elect a director after fifteen percent of the available units had been conveyed. Respondent failed to mail to unit owners, copies of the proposed annual budget for the years 1982, 1983, and 1984. Respondent failed to include the statutory reserves and the proposed annual budget as required for the years 1982, 1983 and 1984. Respondent failed to fund reserve accounts for the years 1982, 1983 and 1984. Respondent failed to provide unit owners with financial reports for fiscal years 1982, 1983 and 1984. Respondent failed to pay the developer's share of assessments due to be paid by the developer after June 30, 1982. The Declaration of Condominium for La Residence was recorded in the public records of Palm Beach County in 1981. Control of the Condominium Association was turned over to non-developer unit owners on February 16, 1985. No "turnover report" was prepared by a certified public accountant nor was such a report ever furnished to the Condominium Association by Respondent. Respondent has not provided the Condominium Association copies of all canceled checks and bank statements for the time period dating from the recordation in 1981 to January 31 1984. Respondent, or a representative on its behalf, did not appear at the hearing to refute or otherwise contest the alleged violations set forth in the Notice to Show Cause filed herein.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions, of a Law, it is hereby RECOMMENDED Respondent pay to the Division, within thirty (30) days of issuance of the Division's Final Order, a civil penalty in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). Respondent secure the services of an independent certified public accountant who shall review the condominium records and submit a turnover review in accordance with the provisions of Section 718.301(4)(c), Florida Statutes (1985) and rule 7B-23.03(4)(5) and (6), Florida Administrative Code. Within thirty days of the Division's Final Order, it is recommended that the Division issue guidelines to Respondent to ensure that the condominium records are reviewed in accordance with the above-referenced statutory and rule provisions. Provided that monies are found to be due and owing the association based on the review, Respondent shall be directed to remit such amounts to La Residence of Boca Del Mar Condominium Association. Recommended this 23rd day of March, 1987, in Tallahassee, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 23rd day of March, 1987.
Findings Of Fact The following findings of fact are made upon the stipulation of the parties in the Prehearing Stipulation and in the course of the hearing: Respondents are developers of a condominium as defined by Section 718.103(14), Florida Statutes. Respondents are developers of The Somerset, a condominium located in Naples, Florida. The declaration of condominium for The Somerset was recorded in the public records of Collier County on or about August 27, 1979. No turnover review as prescribed by Section 718.301(4)(c), Florida Statutes (1985), was provided by the developer to the association within 60 days after the date of transfer of control of the association to non-developer unit owners, or has yet been provided to the association. On or about January 29, 1985, unit owners other than the developer had elected a majority of the members of the board of administration for The Somerset condominium. Letters of annual financial reports of actual receipts and expenditures were not furnished to unit owners following the end of the calendar years 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984. No vote of the unit owners was taken to waive reserve accounts for capital expenditures and deferred maintenance for each of the years 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984. The following findings of fact are made upon the evidence adduced at hearing. The turnover review and report mandated by Section 718.301(4)(c), Florida Statutes, must be prepared by a certified public accountant. Respondents sought the necessary review from the firm of Rogers, Hill and Moon, which had done the association's accounting prior to the turnover. However, Rogers- Hill was unable to perform the review in the required time. Respondents consulted with two other accounting firms, but neither could provide the turnover report. Respondents suggested to the President of the association that they would pay $1,000 to the association in lieu of the turnover report. The association accepted the offer. Respondents paid $1,000 to the association and gave the association all of Respondents' books, ledgers and receipts. Respondents did not promulgate and mail to unit owners proposed budgets of common expenses for the fiscal years 1982, 1983 and 1984. Respondents guaranteed that the assessments for common expenses imposed upon each unit owner would not exceed $75.00 per month from the date of recording the declaration of condominium until the date of turnover of control of the association. There were no meetings of unit owners of The Somerset condominium until time of the turnover. According to the original proposed budget, the items designated as reserve items were roof replacement, resurfacing, and painting. While Respondents maintain that they properly waived the funding of the reserve account for 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984, the only evidence offered to support their testimony is the minutes of the annual meeting for each year. However, the credibility of these documents is suspect. The minutes were admittedly all prepared by Respondents in 1985, well after the supposed annual meetings. For the years 1982, 1983 and 1984, David Davis II was a director. His name appears on the minutes as offered by Respondents. Yet, Davis says he did not attend an annual director's meeting in those 3 years. Davis also says that he never attended a director's meeting at which the funding of reserves was waived. In fact, Davis never attended a director's meeting at which a proposed budget was adopted. The minutes are inherently unreliable because they were created much later in time and appear to directly conflict with the testimony of Davis. The minutes are also self-serving. Accordingly, it is found that Respondents did not properly waive the funding of the reserve account for the years 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1984. Respondents never disclosed to the unit owners that reserves were not funded. The reserve liability is $8,890.00, calculated at $8.75 per month per unit in Phase I (eight units) from August 31, 1979, and in Phase II (12 units) from November 13, 1981, plus all twenty units for the first quarter of 1985. The original budget allocates $8.75 of the assessments to reserves and the original documents (Section 8.2) specify that assessments are to be paid quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Since the turnover occurred on January 29, 1985, the assessments for the first quarter had already been paid to Respondents. Respondents expended money for reserve-type expenses. Their Exhibit 5 shows reserve-type expenditures totalling $8,164.78. However, certain of these expenditures do not qualify as reserve-type expenses and must be excluded. Specifically, payments of $485.00 to David Chalfant for repairs to leaking windows, of $560.00 to Roy Hutchinson for repairs to doors which rotted out from the rain, and of $470 Bayside Sandblasting to repair steel doors and to sandblast stains on the sidewalk, are not reserve items (roof replacement, resurfacing and painting). Therefore, Respondents established that they paid $6,649.78 for reserve-type expenses. Petitioner argues that other items should be eliminated because they are not reserve-type expenses or because they were paid after turnover. These arguments are rejected and it is found that $6,649.78 for reserve-type expenses is accurate and should be offset against the reserve liability. Respondents owe the Association $2,240.22 in reserve funds. Paragraph 8.3 of the declaration of condominium for The Somerset provides: The Board shall, in accordance with Bylaws of the Association, establish an annual budget in advance for each fiscal year, which shall correspond to the calendar year, which shall estimate all expenses for the forthcoming year required for the proper operation, management and maintenance of the condominium. . . . Upon adoption of each annual budget by the Board, copies thereof shall be delivered to each unit owner, and the assessment for each year shall be based upon such budget. . . The unit owners were not notified of any Board of Directors meeting at which a proposed annual budget would be considered or adopted. Further no unit owner received copies of proposed annual budgets, except for the budget set forth in the prospectus with the original condominium documents. In fact, no formal meeting of the Board was held to adopt an annual budget.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Business Regulation, Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominium and Mobile Homes, enter a Final Order and therein order Respondents to take the following actions: Obtain and furnish to the Association a turnover review as required by Section 718.301(4)(c), Florida Statutes (1985). Pay to the Association the sum of $2,240.22 for Respondents' liability for reserves. Pay to the Petitioner a civil penalty of $5,000.00, pursuant to Section 718.501(1)(d)4, Florida Statutes. DONE and ORDERED this 10th day of December, 1986, in Tallahassee, Florida. DIANE K. KIESLING Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 10th day of December, 1986.
Findings Of Fact For purposes of the Motions to Dismiss filed by Agrico and the Department, the following findings of fact are based upon the pleadings in this case, matters to which the parties have stipulated, and DOAH Case Number 86-3618, as well as final agency action resulting therefrom: On or about August 26, 1986, Petitioners filed with the Department a petition for formal administrative proceeding which challenged the dredge and fill permit that the Department intended to issue to Agrico. The Department transmitted this matter to the Division of Administrative Hearings for hearing, and it was assigned to the undersigned Hearing Officer as DOAH Case Number 86- 3618. Petitioners relied upon Sections 120.57(1) and 403.412(5), Florida Statutes, to "initiate" DOAH Case Number 86-3618 as is clearly set forth in paragraph 20 of their Petition filed in that case. In their Motion for Fees and Costs at paragraph 3, Petitioners further allege, and thereby concede, that they "initiated the above styled proceeding (DOAH Case Number 86-3618)." A final hearing was scheduled to begin on April 28, 1987 in DOAH Case Number 86-3618. However by letter to the Department dated March 2, 1987, Agrico voluntarily withdrew its application for a dredge and fill permit which was the subject of that case. Thereafter, a telephone conference call was held on March 17, 1987, following which an Order Closing File was filed in DOAH Case Number 86-3618 on that same date, and jurisdiction was relinquished to the Department. The Final Order in Case Number 86-3618 was entered by the Department on May 18, 1987 which states: Upon consideration, it is ORDERED that the withdrawal of permit application number 53-1093999 is GRANTED with prejudice to further Department consideration of the application, but without prejudice to the future submission of another dredge and fill application covering the same tract of land covered by application number 53-1093999. The withdrawal of permit application number 53-1093999 divests the Department of jurisdiction to proceed with consideration of (Booker Creek and Manasota's) petition. Humana of Florida, Inc., v. Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, 500 So.2d 186 (Fla. 1st DCA 1986). Accordingly, the above-captioned case (DOAH Case Number 86-3618) is DISMISSED as moot. On July 16, 1987, Petitioners timely filed their Motion for Fees and Costs which was assigned to the undersigned Hearing Officer and given DOAH Case Number 87-3007F. Petitioners are each incorporated as not-for-profit corporations within the State of Florida, with principal off ices in Florida, and each having less than twenty-five full time employees, as well as a net worth of not more than two million dollars.
The Issue Whether Respondent, Lake Bentley Shores, Inc. (Respondent), engaged in unlawful housing discrimination in violation of the Florida Fair Housing Act.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner is a female who, at all times material to the allegations of this case, resided in a first floor condominium, Unit A-3, in Lake Bentley Shores. The legal owner of Unit A-3, Lake Bentley Shores, is Jose Anglada (Mr. Anglada). Mr. Anglada employed CDC Properties of Central Florida, LLC (CDC), to manage his unit. CDC was responsible for the day- to-day management of the unit and collected rent payments due to the unit owner. In contrast, A1A Property Management (A1A) was the on-site property manager for the Lake Bentley Shores condominium community. The Lake Bentley Shores condominium community was governed by Respondent, a condominium association organized under the laws of Florida. In addition to retaining a management firm to address the daily workings of the condominium property, Respondent also retained U. S. Security Associates, Inc. to provide night-time security services for the condominium community. The security company reported to A1A daily regarding security issues. At all times material to the allegations of this case, U. S. Security Associates, Inc. employed Mr. Goodkind and assigned him to the Lake Bentley Shores condominium property. Mr. Goodkind was not Respondent’s employee. Mr. Goodkind was not A1A’s employee. Mr. Goodkind was not CDC’s employee. All leasing arrangements between Petitioner and the Unit A-3 owner were handled by CDC. Any complaints regarding the unit were to be made to CDC. Petitioner never filed a written complaint to Respondent regarding the offensive or inappropriate behavior toward her committed by Mr. Goodkind. On January 10, 2012, Petitioner made a verbal complaint to Steve Allen, A1A’s on-site manager, regarding Mr. Goodkind’s alleged sexual harassment toward Petitioner. Mr. Allen took action to notify U. S. Security Associates, Inc. Mr. Goodkind was immediately removed from the Lake Bentley Shores assignment. Thereafter, Petitioner made no written or verbal complaints regarding sexual harassment to Respondent, A1A, or CDC. Lake Bentley Shores comprises of 160 condominium units. Some of the units, like Unit A-3, share a wall with a utility/storage closet. Such closets house water heaters. Water heaters must be inspected regularly to assure no leakage. Historically, leaking water heaters were a maintenance issue at the condominium property. Although Respondent has rules and regulations regarding resident conduct on the Lake Bentley Shores property, it delegates the routine operation of the condominium property to A1A. At all times material to the allegations of this case, A1A directed U. S. Security Associates, Inc. (through its night-time security employee) to assure noise levels during the night-time hours were appropriate, to regularly “walk” the Lake Bentley Shores property to assure the safety of residents, and to observe and report any suspicious activity. Included in the areas to “walk” were the utility/storage closets previously described. Thus, it was common for Mr. Goodkind to enter the closets, walk around the buildings, observe the parking areas, and to listen for noises to assure the tranquility of the property. Excessive noise from any unit was not acceptable. Prior to the allegations of this case, Mr. Goodkind worked as a security guard at the Lake Bentley Shores property for approximately four years. During that time he established himself as a conscientious enforcer of the noise regulations, he kept a log of vehicles entering and exiting the property, and made efforts to reduce vandalism or theft. Mr. Goodkind did not sexually harass Petitioner. At no time did Mr. Goodkind peer into Petitioner’s windows, peep through any hole, or follow Petitioner except in the manner appropriate for the performance of his routine duties as a security officer. Mr. Goodkind did, however, confront a resident or guest of Unit A-3 to seek reduction in the noise level emanating from the unit. CDC initiated eviction proceedings against Petitioner due to failure to pay rent and damage to Unit A-3. Respondent had no involvement in the eviction. A1A had no involvement with or connection to the eviction other than a report made to CDC that gave notice of a broken window visible from the exterior of the unit. Petitioner eventually moved out of Unit A-3 after reaching an agreement with CDC. Petitioner presented no credible evidence that Mr. Goodkind harassed her in any manner. Mr. Goodkind did not interfere with Petitioner’s enjoyment of her residence. Petitioner presented no credible evidence that Respondent harassed her in any manner or suffered any damages as a result of such alleged behavior. Respondent did not interfere with Petitioner’s enjoyment of her residence. Petitioner presented no credible evidence that A1A as Respondent’s agent harassed her in any manner. A1A did not interfere with Petitioner’s enjoyment of her residence.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Florida Commission Human Relations issue a final order finding no cause for an unlawful housing practice as alleged by Petitioner, and dismissing her complaint. DONE AND ENTERED this 28th day of March, 2013, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S J. D. PARRISH Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 28th day of March, 2013. COPIES FURNISHED: Richard L. Bradford, Esquire Bradford and Bradford, P.A. Suite 196 150 East Bloomingdale Avenue Brandon, Florida 33511 Denise Crawford, Agency Clerk Florida Commission on Human Relations Suite 100 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 William E. Roberts, Esquire GrayRobinson, P.A. One Lake Morton Drive Post Office Box 3 Lakeland, Florida 33802 Cheyanne Costilla, Interim General Counsel Florida Commission on Human Relations 2009 Apalachee Parkway, Suite 100 Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Mark Miller, Esquire GrayRobinson, P.A. One Lake Morton Drive Post Office Box 3 Lakeland, Florida 33802
The Issue The issues are whether Respondents are guilty of the following: (a) breach of fiduciary relationship in violation of Section 718.111(1)(a), Florida Statutes; (b) failure to respond in writing to written inquiries in violation of Section 718.112(2)(a)2., Florida Statutes; (c) failure to properly notice a meeting in which regular assessments were discussed in violation of Section 718.112(2)(c), Florida Statutes; (d) failure to proportionately excuse payment of common expenses for all units owners after doing so for one unit owner in violation of Section 718.116(9)(a), Florida Statutes; and (e) willfully and knowingly violating Chapter 718, Florida Statutes, in violation of Section 718.501(d)(4), Florida Statutes.
Findings Of Fact Ocean Gate is a unit-owner controlled condominium located in St. Augustine, Florida. A three-member board of directors governs Ocean Gate. However, Article V of Ocean Gate's Articles of Incorporation states as follows in relevant part: This corporation shall have three (3) directors initially. Thereafter, the number of directors may be increased from time to time in the manner provided by the Bylaws, but shall never be fewer than three. Ocean Gate's original developer was Robert Laurence/Ocean Gate Development, Inc. On or about June 16, 1999, the developer recorded Ocean Gate's Declaration of Condominium in the official record book 1417, page 1932, of the public records of St. Johns County, Florida. At that time, Ocean Gate's directors, as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation, were Roger W. McClain, Leslie Gallagher, and Robert J.L. Laurence. The property at issue includes two buildings (2.1 and 2.2) containing a total of 10 units. Units 600, 604, 608, 612, 616, and 620 are located in Ocean Gate's 2.1 building. Units 605, 609, 613, and 617 are located in Ocean Gate's 2.2 building. On June 16, 1999, the following deeds were recorded in the official record book of St. Johns County, Florida: (a) unit 600 to Mr. and Mrs. Grissom (later sold to the Mr. Barrow/Flag Development Corporation); (b) unit 604 to Mr. and Mrs. McNeely; (c) unit 608 to Dr. and Mrs. Blankenship; (d) unit 612 to Mr. and Mrs. Klinehoffer; (e) unit 616 to Mr. and Mrs. Pittman (later sold to Mr. and Mrs. Weaver); and (f) unit 620 to Mr. and Mrs. Carabetta. The unit owners in the 2.1 building had to lend the developer funds to complete the construction of their units. Even so, these unit owners had to foreclose on that loan and spend additional funds to complete the construction on their units. On or about July 1, 1999, Ocean Gate issued a Notice of Owners Meeting. The meeting was scheduled for July 17, 1999. The agenda attached to the notice included the following: (a) call to order; (b) establish a quorum; (c) waiver of 60-day notice; (d) introduction of May Management Services, Inc. (May Management); (e) official approval of management contract; (f) discussion of board members; (g) discussion of contract; and (h) adjournment. Ocean Gate held its first unit owners' meeting on July 17, 1999. Mr. Klinehoffer, Mr. and Mrs. Pittman, Dr. and Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. and Mrs. McNeely, Mr. Grissom, and Mr. and Mrs. Carabetta attended the meeting. The developer did not attend the meeting. During the July 17, 1999, meeting, the unit owners accepted the resignation of Les R. Gallagher, as a director, and elected the following directors/officers: Mr. Grissom, president; Mr. Kleinhoffer, vice president; and Mrs. Pittman, secretary/treasurer. The representative of May Management announced that the developer had turned over $8,308.44 to the unit owners. Ocean Gate conducted a unit owners meeting on December 4, 1999. Mr. Grissom and Dr. Blankenship attended the meeting. Mrs. Pittman attended by proxy. A representative of the developer was also in attendance. During the meeting, the unit owners approved Ocean Gate's 2000 operating budget. On or about January 14, 2000, Mrs. Pittman resigned as a director and secretary/treasurer. A unit owners meeting took place on January 29, 2000. Mr. Grissom, Dr. and Mrs. Blankenship, Mr. Carabetta, Mr. and Mrs. McNeely, and Mr. Weaver were in attendance. In a notice dated March 22, 2000, Ocean Gate scheduled a unit owners meeting for April 15, 2000. The agenda included the following: (a) call to order; (b) establish a quorum; (c) approval of minutes of January 29, 2000; (d) financial report; (e) old business (release of lien payment for John M. Williams); (f) new business, including election of director; (g) date of next meeting; and (h) adjournment. During the meeting, Mr. Weaver was elected to fill a vacancy on Ocean Gate's board of directors. The Carabettas' unit, which is located in the 2.1 building, is the largest unit on the property. Mr. Carabetta refused to pay some of Ocean Gate's assessments because he did not believe Ocean Gate was properly maintaining his unit. In time, he filed at least one lawsuit against Ocean Gate and its board of directors. He also filed defamation and discrimination lawsuits against some of the unit owners in their individual capacities. Mr. Carabetta testified at hearing that Ocean Gate failed to maintain his unit while expending funds to maintain the units of the Weavers, the Blankenships, the McNeelys, and the Klinehoffers. There is no persuasive evidence that the directors of Ocean Gate improperly refused to pay for maintenance/repair of the common elements in the 2.1 building, including the limited common elements directly affecting Mr. Carabetta's unit. The 2.2 building was the subject of a foreclosure suit. It was sold on the courthouse steps to Flag Development Corporation on June 13, 2000. Pursuant to that sale, Flag Development Corporation also bought two additional condominium developments, Ocean Gate Phase II and Ocean Gate Phase III, which are not a part of the property at issue here. The record contains a Certificate of Title conveying real and personal property to Flag Development Corporation. The certificate refers to a description of real and personal property, "Exhibit A," which is not attached to the copy of the certificate in the record. John Williams and Mr. Barrow are business associates affiliated with Flag Development Corporation. After receiving title to the 2.2 building, their company did nothing more than clean up the property. They did no construction, maintenance, or repair work. In two letters, Jones & Pellicer, Inc., civil engineers and land surveyors, responded to Mr. Weaver's request for a survey to determine the square footage for each unit. The first letter dated May 31, 2000, referred to the survey of units 600, 604, 608, 612, 616, and 620 in the 2.1 building. The second letter dated July 31, 2000, referred to the survey of units 605, 609, 613, and 617 in the 2.2 building. According to the letters, the surveys determined the square footage for each unit using the floor area, as defined by Section 4.7-Unit Boundaries "A" and "B" in the Ocean Gate Declaration of Condominium. Mr. Walters purchased the four units in Ocean Gate's 2.2 building from John Williams/Flag Development Corporation in late July or early August 2000. The purchase price was approximately one million dollars. The record contains a copy of the corporate warranty deed conveying the 2.2 building to Mr. Walters. The deed states that the transfer of title is "subject to taxes for the current year, covenants, restrictions, and easements of record, if any." The attachments to the deed describing the property include Schedule A, Exhibit A, and Exhibit A Continued. The document identified as Exhibit A Continued, and which appears to be signed by the original developer, is not legible. When Mr. Walters bought the four units, the 2.2 building had a roof, windows, walls, and doors from which the square footage of each unit could be determined. The building was about 45 percent complete but not sufficiently complete to qualify any of the units in the building for a certificate of occupancy. Mr. Walters hired a contractor to complete the construction on his units. The construction, which involved a considerable sum of money, included work on the common elements and the interior of the units. There were liens on the 2.2 building for Ocean Gate's assessments when Mr. Walters purchased his four units. Mr. Walters refused to pay any past or ongoing assessments on his four units. In turn, Ocean Gate refused to expend any funds to maintain or repair the 2.2 building. Ocean Gate continued to impose assessments on all unit owners, including Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta. Ocean Gate also had to impose special assessments on some unit owners to make up the shortfall when Mr. Walters and/or Mr. Carabetta refused to pay their regular assessments. On October 17, 2000, Ocean Gate filed a Revised Claim of Lien against Mr. Walters for unpaid assessments and late charges. The Revised Claim of Lien alleged that Mr. Walters owed Ocean Gate a balance of $20,983.42. In a letter dated October 18, 2000, Ocean Gate advised Mr. Walters that a foreclosure suit would be instituted if he did not pay the assessments and charges. Early in 2001, Ocean Gate filed a Complaint seeking foreclosure of the liens against Mr. Walters in Case No. CA-01- 85, in the Circuit Court, Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for St. Johns County, Florida. On or about March 1, 2001, Mr. Walters filed a Motion to Dismiss in Case No. CA-01-85, in the Circuit Court, Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for St. Johns County, Florida. Mr. Walters took the position that he was not obliged to pay condominium assessment until a certificate of occupancy was issued and that the original developer had never relinquished control of Ocean Gate. Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta together owned over 51 percent of the total square footage in all units. Therefore, they controlled a majority of Ocean Gate's voting interests, which are directly proportional to the square footage in each unit. Specifically, Mr. Walters controlled a total of 36.207 percent of the membership voting interests and Mr. Carabetta controlled a total of 15.990 percent of the membership voting interests. Mr. Weaver was Ocean Gate's president in September 2001. Mr. McNeely and Mr. Klinehoffer were also directors/officers. All three of the directors were named as defendants in one or more of Mr. Carabetta's lawsuits. On or about September 26, 2001, Mr. Weaver issued the second notice of Ocean Gate's annual meeting of unit owners. The notice included the following agenda items: (a) roll call; (b) reading of minutes of last meeting; (c) reports of officers; (d) election of directors; (e) unfinished business; (f) original resolutions and new business; and (g) adjournment. The annual meeting of Ocean Gate's unit owners took place on October 27, 2001. During the meeting Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta, in concert with one additional unit owner, used their majority voting interests to elect themselves as directors. Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta received 64 percent of the votes. Dr. Blankenship, receiving 84.69 percent of the votes, became Ocean Gate's third director and "acting" president. After the election of the directors, Mr. Walters expressed his frustration about the liens on his property and the pending foreclosure action involving at that time approximately $50,000 in assessments and interest. In an effort to resolve the conflict, Dr. Blankenship proposed the following as a global concept: Homer Barrow and the newly elected Ocean Gate Phase I Condo Association Board will attempt to satisfy the concerns of the Carabetta's [sic] with regard to correction of deficiencies on their unit. The Carabettas will dismiss all lawsuits and complaints against other unit owners and boards and pay overdue assessments. Richard Walters will contribute $10,000 to the Phase I Association as final settlement of lien/foreclosure action. Unit owners will end foreclosure action against Richard Walters and forgive existing liens against Richard Walters. It is understood that the above action and commitments are interdependent and sequential in the order listed above. Minutes of Meeting of the Unit Owners, October 27, 2001. Mr. Walters initially objected to paying the $10,000. However, John Williams persuaded Mr. Walters to join in the proposed agreement. After Dr. Blankenship's motion regarding the proposed agreement was seconded, the unit owners who were present at the October 27, 2001, meeting verbally approved the proposed agreement. The unit owners never reduced the proposed agreement to writing. They never signed a copy of the minutes containing the proposed agreement. Mr. Klinehoffer was the only unit owner who was not present at the meeting. Mr. Klinehoffer had not given Mr. Weaver or any other unit owner his proxy to vote in favor of a settlement of the pending litigation against Mr. Walters. More importantly, the consideration of assessments and a settlement agreement regarding the foreclosure suit were not included as agenda items in the notice of the unit owners' meeting. On November 17, 2001, Ocean Gate's directors held another meeting. They elected the following officers: Dr. Blankenship, president; Mr. Walters, vice-president; and Mr. Carabetta, secretary/treasurer. During the November 17, 2001, meeting, Mr. Walters wanted to discuss implementing the proposed settlement agreement from the October 27, 2001, unit owners' meeting. In other words, Mr. Walters wanted Ocean Gate to drop the foreclosure suit against him in exchange for $10,000. However, the minority unit owners asserted that Mr. Carabetta had not dropped his lawsuits against Ocean Gate and the other unit owners in the 2.1 building. Mr. Weaver took the position that the proposed settlement agreement was not valid unless it was implemented sequentially beginning with coming to terms with Mr. Carabetta and Mr. Carabetta dropping all of his lawsuits. Mr. McNeely asserted that he would not agree to participate in the global agreement. Mr. Klinehoffer stated that he did not agree to the global agreement and specifically objected to any change in Mr. Walters' assessment responsibilities or liabilities. On December 10, 2001, Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta conducted a board of directors meeting. A facsimile transmission had been sent to Dr. Blankenship as notice of the meeting, but he was out of town and had no actual prior knowledge about the meeting or its agenda. The notice for the December 10, 2001, board of directors meeting was posted on Ocean Gate's property 48 hours in advance of the meeting. The agenda attached to the notice made reference to a non-specific item identified as "approval of resolutions" without reference to the subject matter and without mention of assessments or settlement agreements. During the December 10, 2001, board of directors meeting, Mr. Walters proposed a resolution to allow him to pay $10,000 in lieu of his past due assessments, to release the liens on his four units, and to dismiss the foreclosure action. After Mr. Walters proposed the resolution, Mr. Carabetta provided a second and voted to pass the resolution. Mr. Weaver and Mr. McNeely protested that Mr. Walters could not vote due to a conflict of interest and that without Mr. Walters' vote, the board of directors did not have a quorum. Mr. Walters then recused himself. Next Mr. Weaver contacted Dr. Blankenship by telephone. However, on faulty advice from Mr. Carabetta's personal attorney, Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta refused to let Dr. Blankenship vote on the resolution. Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta also refused to let Ocean Gate's attorney, Roseanne Perrine, participate in the meeting by telephone. Before the meeting adjourned, Mr. Walters declared that the resolution had passed and the matter was closed based on Mr. Carabetta's sole affirmative vote. Next, Mr. Walters proposed that Ocean Gate terminate its contract with May Management. Mr. Walters then introduced a representative of Coastal Realty and Property Management, Inc. (Coastal). Over Mr. Weaver's objections, Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta voted to replace May Management with Coastal. The greater weight of the evidence indicates that May Management was a reputable company with no major complaints from the unit owners. In a letter dated December 11, 2001, Ms. Perrine reminded Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta that her firm represented Ocean Gate in the foreclosure action against Mr. Walters. She claimed that the resolution passed on December 10, 2001, was invalid. She asserted that she would withdraw as counsel of record if requested to dismiss the lawsuit based on the December 10, 2001, resolution. In a letter dated December 12, 2001, Mr. Carabatta enclosed a copy of a check made payable to Ocean Gate in the amount of $8,062.54. According to the letter, the check represented the amount of Mr. Carabetta's assessments though year 2001. The letter stated that the check had been delivered to Coastal for deposit into an operating account for Ocean Gate. Finally, the letter demanded that May Management stop all foreclosure proceedings against Mr. Carabetta and release the lien of record against his property. On December 12, 2001, Mr. Carabetta authorized Coastal to open new bank accounts for Ocean Gate using his check as an initial deposit. Dr. Blankenship wrote a letter dated December 13, 2001, to Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta. In the letter, Mr. Blankenship objected to the lack of notice regarding the December 10, 2001, board of directors meeting and its agenda. Dr. Blankenship's letter complained that he had not been allowed to vote when he was called during the meeting. On or about December 16, 2001, the Circuit Court Judge in Case No.: CA-01-85, in the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for St. Johns County, Florida, entered an Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Defendants Motion to Dismiss. The order states as follows in pertinent part: Third, the Defendants assert the Plaintiff is without standing to assess maintenance fees, file liens, or foreclose any lien because the developer never turned over control of the association to the unit owners pursuant to Article 8.5 of the Declaration of Condominium of Ocean Gate Phase I, A Condominium. Nothing contained in Article 8.5 of the Declaration supports the Defendant's assertion. The Association was given the authority to assess fees in Paragraph 7 of the Declaration, not Article 8.5. Paragraph 7 states: Assessments. To provide the funds necessary for proper operation and maintenance of the Condominium, the Phase I Association has been granted the right to make, levy, and collect Assessments and Special Assessments against all Unit Owners and Units. Fourth, the Defendants' assert the condominium association had no authority to charge condominium fees since the buildings have not yet been completed, nor have certificates of occupancy been issued. According to Ris Investment Group, Inc. v. Dep't of Business and Professional Regulation, 695 So. 2d 357 (Fla. 4th DCA 1997), the question before the Court is whether, in accordance with the Declaration, the term "unit" was intended to encompass raw land and/or condominiums which had not yet been purchased, or just land upon which the condominium units had already been built and/or purchased. A review of the pertinent portion of the Declaration is necessary to answer the foregoing questions. Paragraph 7 of the Declarations states: Assessments. To provide the funds necessary for proper operation and maintenance of the Condominium, the Phase I Association has been granted the right to make, levy, and collect Assessments and Special Assessments against all Unit Owners and Units. Paragraph 3 of the Declaration states: Definitions. ‘Unit’ means a part of the Condominium Property, which is to be subject to exclusive private ownership as defined in the Condominium Act. ‘Condominium Property’ means the parcel of real property described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto, together with all improvements built or to be built thereon, and the easements and rights appurtenant thereto. A review of Exhibit ‘A’ and ‘A-1’ reveals that the term "Condominium Property" refers to the entire condominium complex, not just one unit. Reading the pertinent portions of the Declaration, in toto, it appears as though the parties intended that the Association could assess fees from "units" which encompass any portion of the condominium property, whether improvements have been built or are to be built thereon. Accordingly the Defendant's assertion is without merit and the Motion to Dismiss in this regard is denied. Around the first of January 2002, Mr. Walters tendered a check to Ocean Gate in the amount of $10,000. The front side of Mr. Walter's check, number 652, indicates that it was for association dues in full through December 31, 2001. The backside of the check states, "Endorsement of this instrument constitutes payment in full for association dues on 605, 609, 613, and 617, Mediterranean Way, thru December 31, 2001." There is no evidence that the $10,000 check was deposited to Ocean Gate's bank account. After the December 2001 meeting, the Weavers, McNeelys, Klinehoffers, and Blankenships sent numerous letters by certified mail to Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta. The letters protested the manner in which Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta had conducted the December 10, 2001, and subsequent meetings, demanding that they remove themselves as directors, and inquiring about many other matters relating to the operation and management of Ocean Gate. Many of the letters specifically requested Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta to respond in writing within 30 days as required by Section 718.112(2)(a)2., Florida Statutes. Mr. Carabetta responded to one of the complaint letters. All subsequent complaint letters were referred to Alan Scott, Esquire. Mr. Scott did not provide a written response to the letters unless specifically directed to do so by Mr. Walters and/or Mr. Carabetta. Mr. Scott responded to one complaint letter. On or about January 24, 2002, Mr. Scott, writing on behalf of Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta, sent a letter to Dr. Blankenship and May Management. The letter stated that a majority of Ocean Gate's voting interests (Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta) had entered into written agreements to remove Dr. Blankenship from his position as a director. On January 29, 2002, Mr. Carabetta filed a Notice of Voluntary Dismissal without Prejudice in one of his lawsuits naming Ocean Gate as defendant. That case was Case No. CA01-858 in the Circuit Court, Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for St. Johns County, Florida. Competent evidence indicates the Mr. Carabetta dismissed all of his lawsuits against his neighbors after the December 2001 meeting. Ocean Gate's directors issued a notice dated February 4, 2002. The notice indicated that the directors would meet on February 7, 2002. The agenda for that meeting included the following: (a) call to order; (b) roll call; (c) appointment of new director; (d) fill officer vacancies; (e) consider discharge of association attorneys and appointment of new association legal counsel; (f) consider discharge of May Management and appointment of Coastal; and (g) consider change of association mailing address and resident agent. During the directors' meeting on February 7, 2002, Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta appointed Mr. Barrow as a director. The directors then elected Mr. Walters as president, Mr. Barrow as vice-president, with Mr. Carabetta retaining his office as secretary/treasurer. Next, the directors voted to make the following changes: (a) to fire May Management and hire Coastal as Ocean Gate's management company; (b) to discharge Ms. Perrine and retain Mr. Scott as Ocean Gate's attorney; and (c) to update the corporate report data showing Mr. Scott as registered agent. In a letter dated February 8, 2002, Mr. Klinehoffer, Mr. Weaver, Mr. McNeely, and Dr. Blankenship advised Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta that the February 7, 2002, directors' meeting had not been properly noticed. The letter alleged that the notice had not been posted on the property 48 hours in advance of the meeting and that none of the minority unit owners had received notice by fax, phone, or letter. By letter dated March 1, 2002, Mr. Walters, Mr. Carabetta and Mr. Barrows advised Ms. Perrine's law firm that her services as counsel for Ocean Gate were terminated. The letter directed Mr. Perrine to turn over her foreclosure file to Mr. Scott, who would replace her as counsel for Ocean Gate. By letter dated March 25, 2002, the minority unit owners objected to the termination of Ms. Perrine as Ocean Gate's attorney. During an April 10, 2002, directors' meeting, Mr. Carabetta and Mr. Barrows voted to accept Mr. Walters' payment of $10,000 in satisfaction of his past due assessments, penalties and interest. Thereafter, Mr. Walters tendered his check for $10,000 on the same day that Ocean Gate's new attorney, Mr. Scott, dismissed the foreclosure suit against Mr. Walters. In a letter dated April 17, 2002, Mr. Weaver protested the actions taken by Mr. Walters, Mr. Carabetta, and Mr. Barrows during the April 10, 2002, directors' meeting. Additionally, the minority unit owners continued to send Mr. Walters, Mr. Carabetta, and Mr. Barrow letters complaining about various problems in the management of Ocean Gate and requesting a response within 30 days. The minority unit owners did not receive any responses to these letters. In a letter dated April 17, 2002, Petitioner's investigator, Eurkie McLemore, advised Mr. Walters about the complaints filed against him and Mr. Carabetta by the minority unit owners. Ms. McLemore requested a response to the allegations by April 30, 2002. The letter contained the following warning: Please note that if you as a MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICER OF THE ASSOCIATION fail to respond to this letter, or if another complaint is received, the Division will pursue an enforcement resolution, which may result in civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. Therefore, you are urged to respond appropriately to this warning letter and to use your best efforts to comply with sections 718.111(1)(a), 718.116(9)(a), 718.112(2)(c), 718.112(2)(a)2., Florida Statutes, now and in the future. By letter dated April 30, 2002, Ocean Gate's attorney, Mr. Scott, responded to Ms. McLemore's letter. According to the letter, Mr. Walters and Mr. Carabetta denied the allegations and did not indicate that any corrective action would be taken. In June 2002 Ocean Gate's directors authorized Mr. Scott, as Ocean Gate's counsel, to file a voluntary dismissal with prejudice in the foreclosure suit against Mr. Walters. Mr. Walters sold his units at an on-site auction in July 2002. Mr. Walters executed warranty deeds for the three successful bidders in August 2002. As of January 31, 2002, Mr. Walters owed Ocean Gate past-due assessments plus interest in the amount of $62,943.56. The accrued interest on that amount as of June 16, 2003, was $15,767.36. Mr. Walters paid his quarterly assessments at the end of March and June 2002. He also paid Ocean Gate $10,000 when the foreclosure suit was dismissed in June 2002. Therefore, the total amount that Mr. Walters owed Ocean Gate as of June 16, 2003, was $68,710.92 During the hearing, Mr. Walters presented evidence that he was entitled to an offset for his expense in maintaining and repairing the 2.2 building. However, the evidence presented is insufficient to determine whether Mr. Walters' expenses were related to maintenance and repair of common elements. The greater weight of the evidence indicates that Mr. Walters is not entitled to an offset.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED: That Petitioner issue a final order imposing a civil penalty on Respondents in the amount of $10,000 each and requiring Mr. Walters to make restitution to Ocean Gate in the amount of $68,710.92 plus interest on this amount from June 16, 2003, until the date payment is made. DONE AND ENTERED this 8th day of August, 2003, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S SUZANNE F. HOOD Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 8th day of August, 2003. COPIES FURNISHED: John B. Bamberg, Esquire Post Office Box 2210 St. Augustine, Florida 32085 Joseph S. Garwood, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street, Suite 60 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202 Ross Fleetwood, Division Director Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums, and Mobile Homes Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0892 Hardy L. Roberts, III, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2202
Findings Of Fact M. G., Incorporated, a real estate developer in Brevard County, Florida, caused to be constructed The Bello Rio Condominium complex at 255 South Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, Florida. On January 25, 1979, the Chief, Bureau of Condominiums, Department of Business Regulation, State of Florida, advised the attorney for the Developer that, pursuant to Rule 7D-17.05, Florida Administrative Code, the condominium documents submitted for approval for the project in question here had been reviewed and were considered proper for filing, and that the Developer could lawfully close sales contracts on units within the project. Units were sold; and on September 1, 1981, the project was "turned over" by the Developer to the association. At the meeting held for this purpose, several documents were delivered by the Developer to the association's Board of Administration (Board) in the person of Faye Shaffer, a resident of the development. These documents consisted of: Three (3) checks totaling $1,800; The association seal; The original recorded copy of the Declaration; The original copy of the Articles of Incorporation; A condominium insurance policy; A flood insurance renewal declaration; and Certificates of Occupancy for twelve (12) units. All plans and specifications in the hands of the Developer were released to the association's attorney sometime in that general time frame. Further, because there were no common areas covered by warranties, none were available to turn over. Either at the time of turnover or shortly thereafter, during the month of September, 1981, Mrs. Shaffer also received from the Developer five sheets of check ledger paper reflecting the following categories of entries: Date of check; Payee; Check number; Amount of check; Lawn maintenance; Utilities; Insurance; Garbage pickup; Bank service charge; Miscellaneous; and Management fee (10 percent). These ledger sheets were not certified as reviewed by a certified public accountant and constituted the only financial records turned over to the association by the Developer at any time. The accounting and bookkeeping functions for this project were accomplished initially in the offices of the Developer. Thereafter, the Developer retained Guest Realty, Inc., to manage the facility, including the collection of maintenance fees and making payments as required for utilities, etc. During the period of that company's stewardship, all accounting for funds and bank statement reconciliations were handled by Guest Realty, Inc. Any deficiencies resulting between fees collected and expenses paid during that period were made up by the Developer, and Guest Realty, Inc., received a fee of 10 percent of the maintenance fees received for its services. Any bills, receipts, cancelled checks, or other records kept during the period are now in storage; and Mr. Guest, on behalf of Respondent, M. G., Incorporated, will not make the effort to retrieve them unless required to do so by some competent authority.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED: That Respondent be assessed a penalty of $500 under the provisions of Section 718.501(1)(d)4, Florida Statutes (1981) RECOMMENDED this 13th of May, 1983, in Tallahassee, Florida. ARNOLD H. POLLOCK, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 13th day of May, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Helen C. Ellis, Esquire Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 William C. Irvin, Esquire Post Office Box 606 Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931 Mr. Gary R. Rutledge Secretary Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Mr. E. James Kearney Director Division of Florida Land Sales and Condominiums Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 ================================================================= AGENCY FINAL ORDER =================================================================
Findings Of Fact The Division is the administrative agency of this state empowered to ensure that condominium associations comply with the Condominium Act. The Association is the condominium association which manages and operates 12 separate condominiums known as the Pines of Delray, located in Delary Beach, Florida. This case involves a structure placed on the common elements of three of those condominiums: The Pines of Delray condominiums 5, 6, and 11. Condominium 5 has 64 units, 6 has 72 units, and 11 has 96 units. Initially, the 12 condominiums received television under a "Central Television Antenna System Lease" with the Pines of Delray CAT, an agent of the condominium developer. On November 1, 1979, the unit owners of 8 of the 12 condominiums, including condominiums 5, 6 and 11--by vote equal to or in excess of 75 percent of the unit owners in each of the 8 condominiums--voted to cancel or terminate the television system lease pursuant to Section 718.302, Florida Statutes. The leased television equipment was eventually removed by the owner. On February 1, 1982, the Association entered into a written agreement with A-I Quality TV, Inc. d/b/a Denntronics Cable to provide television service for the 12 condominiums. The agreement was authorized by the Association's board of directors; the unit owners were not given an opportunity to vote on the agreement. An addendum to the agreement was entered in December, 1982. The addendum authorized Denntronics to install a satellite receiving station or dish at an unspecified location on the property of the 12 condominiums. The addendum was authorized by the Association's board of directors, but again, a vote of the unit owners was not taken. The Board subsequently selected the site for the receiving dish, centrally locating it on common elements of condominiums 5, 6, and 11, between building no. 65 in condominium 6, no. 25 in condominium 5, and nos. 66 and 110 in condominium 11. On December 24, 1982, Denntronics, with the Board's authorization, entered the premises of the condominiums and cut down four full-grown pine trees on the site to allow construction of a concrete foundation or pad and erection of the satellite dish. The parties stipulate that this cutting of the trees was an alteration of the common elements and that it was not approved by the owners of 75 percent of the condominium units in the affected area. The pertinent declarations of condominiums provide a specific procedure for obtaining approval before altering or improving common elements of the condominium. Article 5.1(b) of each declaration states: 5 MAINTENANCE, ALTERATION AND IMPROVEMENT Responsibility for the maintenance of the condominium property and restrictions upon the alteration and improvement thereof shall be as follows: .1 Common Elements. (b) Alteration and Improvement. After the completion of the improvements included in the common elements which are contemplated in this Declaration, there shall be no alteration nor further improvement of common elements without prior approval, in writing, by record owners of 75 per cent of all apartments. The cost of such alteration or improve ment shall be a common expense and so assessed. After removing the trees, Denntronics poured the concrete pad and attached it to the realty. The pad measures 10 feet by 10 feet, has a depth of 18 inches, and is reinforced with no. 5 grade steel bars. The construction of this pad, as with the tree removal, was not approved or voted on by the condominium owners. Denntronics then anchored the satellite receiving dish to the concrete pad. The dish is approximately 16 feet in diameter, extending 20 to 25 feet in the air. It remains the property of Denntronics since it was only leased to the Association. It is not a fixture since it may be detached and removed from the concrete pad. The cutting of the trees, the construction of the concrete pad, and the erection of the satellite dish altered the common elements. The condition of the real property was changed and the satellite dish affected nearby residents' view and enjoyment of the park-like green space in which it was placed. The replacement of the trees with the concrete pad and satellite dish affected the appearance of the surrounding area. A park-like environment of grass and pine trees surrounds the condominiums; it was this feature which persuaded some residents to originally purchase condominiums at Pines of Delray. Both the name of the condominium and its accompanying description on the condominium documents, "A Condominium in the Woods" emphasize this aesthetic feature of the condominium. As shown by the photographs in evidence, the reinforced concrete pad with satellite dish is an intruding presence in a park- like, pristine area. It is an incongruous, even imposing structure, 1/ and, in the setting in which it was placed, is aesthetically displeasing. 2/ It has adversely affected some residents' enjoyment of the grassy green space and has disturbed the scenic view which they enjoyed from their windows. Some residents now keep their window shades closed or no longer use the park-like surroundings. One resident was so upset by the sudden placement of the structure that she sold her condominium and moved away. Another nearby resident who purchased his unit, in large part, because of its proximity to the park-like green space, would not have purchased it if the pad and satellite dish had been there. Denntronics has a franchise application pending before the City of Delray Beach. If it is granted a franchise, Denntronics will remove the pad and satellite dish, and replace it with underground cable. If Denntronics is not granted a franchise, it intends to maintain and operate the satellite dish at least until June 30, 1987, when the agreement with the Association expires and is up for renewal. If the satellite dish is removed now, however, the Pines of Delray Condominium will not necessarily be without cable television service. Leadership Cable, the only cable T.V. company franchised by the City of Delray Beach, is willing and able to provide cable T.V. reception to the pines of Delray Condominiums.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED: That the Division of Florida Land Sales and Condominiums find the Association guilty of violating Section 718.113(2) and order it to cease and desist from further violations. Further, the order should require the Association to remove the concrete pad and satellite receiving dish within 10 days and restore the affected area, as nearly as possible, to its prior condition. Restoration should include the placing and maintenance of grass sod and at least four healthy trees, aesthetically pleasing and not less than 12 feet in height. DONE and ENTERED this 21st day of June, 1984, in Tallahassee, Florida. R. L. Caleen, Jr. Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 21st day of June, 1984.
