Summary Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances addresses Code Enforcement and the Special Magistrate. A Special Magistrate is authorized under Chapter 162 F.S., which allows a municipality to adopt an ordinance giving a special magistrate the authority to hold hearings and assess fines against violators of municipal codes and ordinances. As such, Section 12-20 of the City of Alachua Code Of Ordinances provides for a Special Magistrate to be appointed by the City Commission to hear Code Enforcement violation cases.
The purpose of amending Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances is to revise language related to a term of contract for a Special Magistrate, providing that the "term of contract shall begin on the date the Agreement is approved by the City Commission and fully executed, continue through September 30 of the instant fiscal year and automatically renew for successive two year terms unless terminated by either party upon a thirty day written notice to the other, or terminated earlier by the City Commission for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office."
Additionally, the proposed ordinance provides that the terms "code enforcement officer" and "code inspector" are interchangeable, reorders sections as needed, and clarifies language.
On July 22, 2019, the City Commission voted 5-0 to approve Ordinance 19-32 upon First Reading.
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