§ 2-147. Creation of special masters.

(a)

Special master candidates are selected by the city council and have the authority to hold hearings, assess fines, and order mitigation for violations of codes, as provided herein.

(b)

Special master shall be attorneys at law, licensed to practice in Florida, and possess outstanding reputations for civic pride, interest, integrity, responsibility, and business or professional ability. Applications for special master shall be filed with the city administrator pursuant to notice, published from time to time in a newspaper of general circulation. The city council shall select a pool of candidates from the applications timely filed with the city administrator on the basis of experience or interest in code enforcement. Upon 30 days' written notice, the city council shall have the authority to remove special master candidates from the pool with or without cause.

(c)

From the pool of candidates selected by the city council, the city council shall appoint special masters to hear cases.

(1)

Appointments shall be made for a term of one year.

(2)

Any special master may be reappointed at the discretion of the city council. There shall be no limit on the number of reappointments that may be given to an individual special master; provided, however, that a determination as to removal or re-appointment must be made for each special master at the end of each one year term. At any time during the appointed term, the city council shall have authority to remove special masters with or without cause, upon 30 days' written notice.

(3)

If any special master elects to voluntarily resign his or her term appointment prior to the expiration of his or her term, he or she shall provide 30 days' written notice to the city administrator.

(4)

If a special master is terminated prior to the expiration of his or her term or if the city council determines that a special master should not be reappointed, the city council shall appoint a special master from the pool of candidates previously selected by the city council to fill the vacancy. Appointments to fill any vacancy shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(d)

Special masters shall not be city employees, but may be compensated at a rate to be established by resolution of the city council. In addition, special masters may be reimbursed for such travel, mileage, and per diem expenses as may be authorized by the city council.

(e)

The city marshal shall provide clerical and administrative personnel, as may be reasonably required by special masters for the proper performance of their duties.

(f)

Special masters shall have the following powers:

(1)

Adopt rules for the conduct of its hearings.

(2)

Subpoena alleged violators and witnesses to its hearing. Subpoenas may be served by the sheriff of the county or police department of the municipality.

(3)

Subpoena evidence to its hearings.

(4)

Take testimony under oath.

(5)

Issue orders having the force of law to command whatever steps are necessary to bring a violation into compliance.

(Ord. No. 911, § 71-3, 7-6-2004)