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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC agreement Amend 2017/2018 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL AND PROPERTY REGISTRATION CHAMPIONS CORP. This Agreement is made as of this .ho._.. day of , 2017 by and between Property Registration Champions Corp., a Florida Corporatid and a Community Champions Company (thereinafter"PRC"), with offices at 2725 Center Place, Melbourne, Florida 32940, and the City of Cape Canaveral, a Florida municipal corporation, with an address at 105 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 ("City$$). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, due to an overwhelming number of mortgage foreclosures on vacant buildings and real property that are in violation of the Cape Canaveral Code of Ordinances, the care of neglected lawns and exterior maintenance of structures is becoming a health and welfare issue in the City of Cape Canaveral; and WHEREAS, in order to promptly and efficiently address the issues related to the maintenance of foreclosed vacant buildings and real property; the Cape Canaveral City Council adopted Ordinance 07-2012 ("the Ordinance"); and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Ordinance the City desires to enter into this Agreement with PRC in order to provide services authorized pursuant to Ordinance 07- 2012, to register real property that is in default (hereinafter "Foreclosed Property") so that the City can properly address violations of the City's property maintenance codes; and WHEREAS, PRG will also provide an electronic registration process that is cost- free and revenue-generating for the City, NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and for other valuable consideration received, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows: 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are deemed to be trite and accurate and are frilly incorporated herein by this reference. 2. PRC Responsibilities ("Municipal Services"). City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 2 of 13 A. PRC shall proactively contact those mortgagees that, on or after the date that this Agreement is approved by the Cape Canaveral City Council, file a public notice of default, lis pendens, foreclosure action, or take title to real property via foreclosure or other any legal means, and will provide such mortgagees with copies of the Ordinance as well as information regarding the website for electronic registration as set forth here in B. PRC shall provide the means for electronic registration of foreclosed properties within the City. PRC agrees to provide a website for the registration of each Foreclosed Property in order to enable compliance with the Ordinance. The website will direct registrants to the City's website, and further direct traffic, via a hyperlink, to www.ProChamps.com. The website at www.ProChamps.com will allow mortgagees and/or responsible parties to register property to comply with the Ordinance. C. PRC shall investigate, report, or take corrective measures monthly to update property status of all Foreclosed Property electronically registered and in compliance with applicable City ordinances. D. PRC shall pay for all expenses related to registration of all Foreclosed Property,and all administrative costs and feesrelated thereto. E. PRC shall charge an annual fee of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) per applicant to register all mortgagees that are required to comply with Ordinance 07-2012 ("Registration Fee"). PRC shall retain fifty percent (50%) of the Registration Fee in consideration of the services provided and remit the balance to the City. PRC shall forward payment of the City's portion of the Registration Fee to the City's Finance Department no later than the 1 Sth day of each month during the Term of this Agreement. F. PRC shall execute the City's website link agreement and meet all City IT security, and anti-viral requirements. 3. indemnification and Hold Harmless. For all Municipal Services performed pursuant to this Agreement, PRC agrees to the fullest extent permitted by law, to indemnify and hold harmless the City, its employees, attorneys and officers, from and against all claims, losses, damages,personal injuries(including but not limited to death),or liability(including reasonable attorney's fees), directly or indirectly arising from, or out of the following: (a) the acts, errors, omissions, intentional or otherwise, arising out of or resulting from PRC's and its employees, partners, contractors, and agents performance of the Municipal Services and work being City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 3 of 13 performed under this Agreement and (b) PRC's, and its employees, partners, contractors, and agents failure to comply with the provisions of any federal, state,or local laws, ordinance, or regulations applicable to PRC's and its employees, partners, contractors, and agents performance under this Agreement. The indemnification provided above shall obligate PRC to defend at its own expense or to provide for such defense, at the option of the City, of any and all claims of liability and all suits and actions of every name and description that may be brought against the City or its employees and officers which may result from the Municipal Services performed under this Agreement whether the Municipal Services are performed by the PRC, its employees, contractors, partners and agents or anyone directly or indirectly employed by PRC. In all events, the City shall be permitted to choose legal counsel of its sole choice, the fees for which shall be reasonable and subject to and included with the indemnification provided herein. 4. Term.This Agreement will terminate one(1)year from the date it is executed by the City("Term"). In addition,the parties may agree to renew this Agreement on an annual basis for additional one-year terms through the execution of a written amendment to this Agreement signed by both pai 1 ies. 5. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by either Party with or without cause, immediately upon thirty(30) calendar days written notice. Upon termination by City, PRC shall cease all work performed and forward to the City any Registration Fees owed to the City. In the event of termination of this Agreement, any reports, records, documents,forms, and other data and documents prepared by PRC whether finished or unfinished shall be delivered by PRC to the City Manager within seven (7) business days of termination of this Agreement by either party. Any compensation due to PRC shall be withheld until all documents are received as provided herein. 6. Agreement Documents. City Ordinance 07-2012 is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by this reference. 7. Insurance. PRC shall provide and maintain in force at all times during the Agreement with the City, such insurance, including Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability Insurance, Comprehensive General Liability Insurance, Automobile Liability Insurance and Errors and Omissions Insurance as rwill assure to City the protection contained in the foregoing indemnification undertaken by PRC. City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 4 of 13 A. General Liability Insurance: PRC shall purchase and maintain, at its own expense,such general liability insurance to cover claims for damages because of bodily injury or death of any person or property damage arising in any way out of the programs, functions, and services performed by PRC and its authorized contractors under this Agreement. The insurance shall have minimum limits of coverage of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence combined single limit for bodily injury liability and propertydamage liability. B. Workers' Compensation insurance of not less than the statutory limits with $100,000 Employers Liability. C. Business Auto Liability coverage is to include bodily injury and property damage arising out of operation, maintenance or use of any auto, including owned, non-owned and hired automobiles and employee non-ownership with limits of not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. D. Errors and Omissions Insurance limits of liability provided by such policy shall be no less than $1,000,000.00 to assure City the indemnification specified herein. E. All insurance coverage shall be insurer(s) approved by the City Manager and licensed by the state of Florida to engage in business of writing of insurance. The City shall be named on the foregoing insurance policies as "additional insured." PRC shall cause its insurance carriers to furnish insurance certificates and endorsements specifying the types and amounts of coverage and effect pursuant hereto, the expiration date on such policies, and the statement that no insurance under such policies will be cancelled without thirty (30) days prior written notice to the City in compliance with other provisions of this Agreement. PRC shall be solely responsible to pay any deductible, if any, relating to any claim made against the insurance coverages and policies provided under this Agreement. If the City has any objection to the coverage afforded by or other provision of the insurance required to be purchased and maintained by PRC in accordance with this paragraph on the basis of its not complying with the Agreement. the City shall notify PRC in writing thereof within thirty (30) days of the date of delivery of such certificates and endorsements to the City. For all programs, functions, and services permitted and occurring under this Agreement, including any and all programs, functions, and services provided and performed by PRC and by authorized City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 5 of 13 contractors, PRC shall continuously maintain such insurance in the amount, type, and quality as required by this Agreement. 8. Confidential Information. A. Confidential Information shall mean non-public information of a party to this Agreement which the City is not required by the Florida Public Records Act, Ch. 119, Florida Statutes, to publicly disclose for inspection and copying. Confidential Information of PRC includes its proprietary software and algorithms, methods, techniques, and processes revealed by the Software that constitute a trade secret as defined in Section 812.081, Florida Statutes, and as provided for in Sections 815.04(3) and 815.045, Florida Statutes. Confidential Information does not include information that: (1) is or becomes known to the public without fault or breach of the receiving party; (2) the disclosing party regularly discloses to third parties without restriction on disclosure;or(3)the receiving party obtains from a third party without restriction on disclosure and without breach of a written non-disclosure obligation. Further,the parties agree that Confidential Information does not include data stored within the PROs proprietary software or any input and/or output sensory displays of or from the proprietary software. B. Each party agrees to keep confidential and not disclose to any third party, and to use only for purposes of performing or as otherwise permitted under this Agreement, any Confidential Information. 9, Public Records. Pursuant to Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes and other applicable public records laws, PRC agrees that any records, documents, transactions, writings, papers, letters, computerized information and programs, maps, books, audio or video tapes, films, photographs, data processing software, writings or other material(s), regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, of PRC related, directly or indirectly, to the services provided to the City under this Agreement and made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by the City, may be deemed to be a public record, whether in the possession or control of the City or the PRC. Said records, documents,transactions,writings,papers,letters,computerized information and programs,maps, books, audio or video tapes, films, photographs, data processing software, writings or other material(s), regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission of PRC are subject to the provisions of Chapter 119, Florida Statutcs, and may not be destroyed without the specific written approval of the City's designated custodian of public records. City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 6 of 13 IF THE PRC HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE PRC'S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS, THE CITY CLERK, AT (321) 868-1220, m.goforth@cityofeapecanaveral.org, P.O. Box 326, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920. PRC is required to and agrees to comply with public records laws, PRC shall keep and maintain all public records required by the City to perform the services as agreed to herein. PRC shall provide the City, upon request from the City Clerk, copies of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided by law. PRC shall ensure that public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the Agreement term. Upon completion of the Agreement, PRC shall transfer to the City,at no cost,all public records in possession of the PRC,provided the transfer is requested in writing by the City Clerk. Upon such transfer, PRC shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. However, if the contractor keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the contract, the PRC shall continue to keep and maintain the public records upon completion of the Agreement and shall meet all applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to the City, upon request from the City Clerk, in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of the City. Should the City not possess public records relating to this Agreement which are requested to be inspected or copied by the City or any other person, the City shall immediately notify PRC of the request and the PRC shall then provide such records to the City or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time. If the PRC does not comply with a public records request, the City may enforce this Section to the extent permitted by law. PRC acknowledges that if the PRC does not provide the public records to the City within a reasonable time, the PRC may be subject to penalties under Section 119.10, Florida Statutes. The PRC acknowledges that if a civil action is filed against the PRC to compel production of public records relating to this Agreement, the court may assess and award against PRC the reasonable costs of enforcement, including reasonable attorney fees if the court determines that PRC unlawfully refused to comply with the public records request within a reasonable time; and at least S business days before filing the action, the plaintiff provided written notice of the public records request, including a statement that the PRC has not complicd with the request, to the City and to PRC. A notice complies with this section if it is sent to the City's custodian of public records and to PRC at PRC's address listed on its contract with the City or to PRC's registered agent. Such notices must be sent by City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 7 of 13 common carrier delivery service or by registered, Global Express Guaranteed, or certified mail, with postage or shipping paid by the sender and with evidence of delivery, which may be in an electronic format. PRC shall not liable for the reasonable costs of enforcement if PRC complies with a public records request within 8 business days after the notice is sent. All public records in connection with this Agreement shall,at any and all reasonable times during the normal business hours of the PRC,be open and freely exhibited to the City for the purpose of examination, audit, or otherwise. Failure by PRC to grant such public access and comply with public records laws and/or requests shall be grounds for immediate unilateral cancellation of this Agreement by the City upon delivery of a written notice of cancellation. If the PRC fails to comply with this Section, and the City must enforce this Section, or the City suffers a third party award of attorney's fees and/or damages for violating Chapter 119, Florida Statutes,due to PRC's failure to comply with this Section, the City shall collect from PRC prevailing party attorney's fees and costs, and any damages incurred by the City, for enforcing this Section against PRC. And, if applicable, the City shall also be entitled to reimbursement of all attorneys' fees and damages which the City had to pay a third party because of the PRC's failure to comply with this Section. The City agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the PRC, its employees, attorneys and officers, from and against all claims, losses, damages, or liability (including reasonable attorney's fees), directly or indirectly arising from, or out of the City's failure to produce to a requestor public records which the PRC timely provided to the City for production to such requestor in response to a request to inspect or copy public records relating to this Agreement. The terms and conditions set forth in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement. 10. Audit and Inspection. A. All PRC's records with respect to any matters covered by this Agreement shall be made available to the City, at any time during normal business hours, as often as the City deems necessary,to audit,examine,and make excerpts or transcripts of all relevant data in order to determine PRC's compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Any deficiencies noted in audit reports must be fully cleared by PRC within thirty (30) days after receipt by PRC. Failure of PRC to comply with the above audit requirements will constitute a material breach of this Agreement and may result,at the sole discretion of the City, in the termination of this Agreement. Any incomplete or incorrect entry in PRC's records shall be a basis for the City's disallowance and recovery of any payment upon such entry. B. In addition, PRC shall respond to the reasonable inquiries of any successor companies and allow such successor companies to receive records relating to City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 8 of 13 matters of continuing significance to the City. In addition, PRC shall provide a complete copy of all records to the City, prior to any final payment, in accordance with this Agreement. 11. Provision of Services is a Private Undertaking. With regard to any and all Municipal Services performed hereunder, it is specifically understood and agreed to by and between the parties hereto that the contractual relationship between the City and PRC is such that PRC is an independent contractor and not an agent of the City. PRC, its members, employees, contractors, partners, agents, and their employees are independent contractors and not employees of the City. Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted to establish any relationship other than that of an independent contractor, between the City and PRC, its members, contractors, partners, employees, or agents, during or after the performance of the Municipal Services under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be construed as creating any joint employment relationship between PRC and the City and the City will not be liable for any obligation incurred by PRC, including but not limited to unpaid minimum wages and/or overtime premiums. 12. Notices Whenever any party desires to give notice unto any other party, it must be given by written notice, sent by registered United States mail, with return receipt requested, hand delivery or facsimile transmission with receipt of delivery, addressed to the party for whom it is intended and the remaining party, at the places last specified, and the places for giving of notice shall remain such until they shall have been changed by written notice in compliance with the provisions of this section. Notice shall be deemed to have been given upon receipt. For the present, PRC and the City designate the fallowing as the respective places for giving of notice: City: City of Cape Canaveral 105 Polk Avenue Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 Attention: City Manager (321) 868-1220 City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 9 of 13 Copy To: Anthony A Garganese, City Attorney Garganese, Weiss & D'Agresta, P.A. 111 North Orange Avenue, Suite 2000 P.O. Box 2873 Orlando, Florida 32801 (407) 425- 9566 PRC: Thomas R.Darnell, Vice President 2725 Center Place Melbourne, FL 32940 (321) 421-6639 13. Assignment.This Agreement,or any interest herein,shall not be assigned,transferred or otherwise encumbered, under any circumstances, by PRC without the prior written consent of City. 14. Amendment. It is further agreed that no modification, amendment or alteration in the terms or conditions contained herein shall be effective unless contained in a written document executed with the same formality and of equal dignity herewith. 15. Contingent Fees. The parties acknowledge that Geoffrey B. Sluggett & Associates, Relationship Manager, Independent Contractor and Consultant of PRC, will receive a fee or a commission, to be paid by PRC, as a result of the parties executing this Agreement. The City shall not be responsible for payment of any fee(s)to Geoffrey B. Sluggett& Associates. Geoffrey B. Sluggett&Associates is not a full-time employee of PRC and performs services for others. 16. Binding Authority. Each person signing this Agreement on behalf of either party individually warrants that he or she has full legal power to execute this Agreement on behalf of the party for whom he or she is signing, and to bind and obligate such party with respect to all provisions contained in this Agreement. 17. Laws and Ordinances. PRC shall observe all laws and ordinances of the City, county, state, federal or other public agencies directly relating to the Municipal Services being conducted pursuant to this Agreement. 18. Equal Employment Opportunity. In the performance of this Agreement, PRC shall not discriminate against any firm, employee or applicant for employment or any other firm or individual in providing services because of sex, age, race, color. religion. ancestry or national origin. City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 10 of 13 19. Waiver. Any failure by City to require strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such provision, and City may subsequently require strict compliance at any time, notwithstanding any prior failure to do so. 20. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or application thereof to any person or situation shall to any extent, be held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, and the application of such provisions to persons or situations other than those as to which it shall have been held invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby, and shall continue in full force and effect, and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by I aw. 21. Choice of Law, Venue. This Agreement has been made and entered into in the State of Florida, County of Brevard. and the laws of the State of Florida shall govern the validity and interpretation of this Agreement and the performance due hereunder. The parties agree that venue shall be exclusively in Brevard County, Florida, for all state court actions or disputes which arise out of or based upon this Agreement, and in Orlando, Florida for all federal court actions or disputes which arise out of or are based upon this Agreement. 22. Attorney's Fees. Except as otherwise provided by law, should either party bring an action to enforce any of the terms of this Agreement, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses of such action including,but not limited to,reasonable attorney's fees,whether at settlement, trial or on appeal. 23. Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire and integrated agreement between the City and the PRC and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations or agreements, either written or oral. 24. Sovereign Immunity, The City intends to avail itself of the benefits of Section 768.26, Florida Statutes and any other statutes and common law governing sovereign immunity to the fullest extent possible. Neither this provision nor any other provision of this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of the City's right to sovereign immunity under Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or other limitations imposed on the City's potential liability under state or federal law. PRC agrees that City shall not be liable under this Agreement for punitive damages or interest for the period before judgment. Further.City shall not be liable for any c=laim or judgment, or portion thereof, to any one person for over two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00), or any claim or judgment, or portion thereof, which, when totaled with all other claims or judgments paid by the State or its agencies and subdivisions arising out of the same incident or occurrence, exceeds three hundred thousand dollars City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 11 of 13 ($300,000.00). Nothing in this Agreement is intended to inure to the benefit of any third party for the purpose of allowing any claim which would otherwise be barred under the doctrine of sovereign immunity or by operation of law. This paragraph shall survive termination of this Agreement. 25. No City Obligation for Funds. No provision in this Agreement shall be construed as requiring the City to provide any funds to PRC. 26. Headings. All headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret or construe its provisions. 27. No Joint Venture. No provision contained herein shall be construed as creating a joint venture between the parties. 28. Professionalism and Standard of Care. PRC shall do, perform and carry out in a professional manner all Municipal Services required to be performed by this Agreement. PRC shall also use the degree of care and skill in performing the Municipal Services that are ordinarily exercised under similar circumstances by reputable members of professional service providers working in the same or similar locality as PRC. 29. Integration. The drafting, execution, and delivery of this Agreement by the parties have been induced by no representations, statements, warranties, or agreements other than those expressed herein. This Agreement embodies the entire understanding of the parties, and there are no further or other agreements or understandings, written or oral, in effect between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof unless expressly referred to herein. IN WITNESS WHEREOF,this Agreement is entered into as of the day and year the last party signs this Agreement as stated below. AT ST: CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL 1 � Y Mia Goforth, City Clerk By: David L. Greene,City Manager Date: y5hgq A7 City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 12 of 13 YITESS: PRC Prin Name: 5 � Y U r Title; C_�4/Er EXEfAtj—)VE,(-)F7FjC � Print Name: 49606 U // �1"r Date: 2,/0,0 ? City of Cape Canaveral Property Registration Agreement Page 13 of 13 EXHIBIT A ORDINANCE NO 07-2012 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, BREYARD COUNTY, FLORIDA; RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF PROPERTIES IN FORECLOSURE; AMENDING CHAPTER 82, BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, OF THE CAPE CANAVERAL CODE OF ORDINANCES BY CREATING A NEW ARTICLE V, REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES IN FORECLOSURE; PROVIDING FOR PURPOSE AND INTENT, DEFINITIONS, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS, SECURITY REQUIREMENTS, PENALTIES, SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY AND OTHER RELATED PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF PRIOR INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS, INCORPORATION INTO THE CODE,SEVERABILITY,AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City is granted the authority under section 2(b), Article VIII, of the State Constitution, to exercise any power for municipal purposes, except when expressly prohibited by law; and WHEREAS,the City Council finds that property subject to a mortgage in default often ends up in situations causing neighborhood blight as a result of lack of adequate monitoring,maintenance and security; and WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the recent wave of foreclosures during the current economic recession has caused a significant increase in properties becoming vacant within the City; and WHEREAS, the abandonment of real property due to foreclosure often results in property } becoming deteriorated and a public nuisance; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that mortgagees have an interest in maintaining real property that is subject to foreclosure proceedings so the property does not become an eyesore to the neighborhood or a public nuisance; and WHEREAS,the City Council further finds that it is in the public interest to address,through code enforcement, the safety, aesthetic, and economic concerns caused by real property in foreclosure; and WHEREAS,the City Council's intent by imposing the registration and other requirements City of Cape Canaveral Ordinance No.07-2012 Page 1 of 9 set forth in this Ordinance,is to decrease the likelihood of vacant real property and real property in foreclosure from becoming public eyesores and public nuisances; and 3 WHEREAS,the City Council also desires to provide a local mechanism to collect and share information regarding foreclosed real properties so these properties can quickly move into the hands of owners who can make productive use of them for the economic well-being of the community;and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida, hereby finds this ordinance to be in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Cape Canaveral. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA,AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are hereby fully incorporated herein by this reference as legislative findings and the intent and purpose of the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral. Section 2. Chapter 82 Code Amendment. Chapter 82,Article V of the Cape Canaveral Code of Ordinances is hereby created and adopted as follows: Chapter 82. BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS * * * ARTICLE V. REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES IN FORECLOSURE Sec. 82-116. Purpose and Intent. Vacant buildings and real property under foreclosure are a major source of blight in commercial and residential neighborhoods,especially when the owner or mortgagee fails to properly maintain said buildings and property.Vacant buildings and real property under foreclosure can also have a negative impact on the local economy. In many cases,real property under foreclosure often suffers from lack of maintenance and becomes neglected during the time it takes a mortgagee to complete the foreclosure process and secure the property. Such blight and negative conditions are hereby declared a public nuisance. It is the purpose and intent of this article to establish registration and maintenance requirements for vacant properties and properties under foreclosure as a mechanism to protect neighborhoods from becoming blighted and nuisances through lack of adequate maintenance and security. City of Cape Canaveral Ordinance No 07-2012 Page 2 of 9 i t t i 1 Sec. 82-117. Definitions. 1 i In construing the provisions of this article, the following definitions shall apply: t Building means any structure approved for occupancy by the city. 3 Default means the mortgagee files a foreclosure action in a court of law or records a /is pendens. I Enforcement officer means any code enforcement officer,law enforcement officer,building official, or fire inspector employed by or contracting with the City of Cape Canaveral authorized to enforce this article. I Evidence of vacancy means any real property condition that independently,or in the context of the totality of the circumstances relevant to the real property, would lead a reasonable person to I believe that the real property is vacant. Such conditions may include,but not be limited to, lack of human occupancy of any building for a long period of time, overgrown or dead vegetation; electricity and other utilities turned off; stagnant swimming pool; accumulation of trash or debris; 1 the absence of window coverings such as curtains,blinds,or shutters;the absence of furnishings or personal items consistent with habitation or occupancy of a building; statements by neighbors, delivery or government agents. i Foreclosed property means real property that is in default. r z Local property manager means an individual property manager, property management company,property maintenance company or similar entity with a current business address and land line telephone number within Brevard,Indian River,Orange,Osceola,Seminole,or Volusia County, designated by the owner or mortgagee responsible for the maintenance of abandoned real property. Owner of record means the person or entity holding recorded title to the real property in & question as reflected in the Official Records of Brevard County, Florida. r Secure manner shall include,but not be limited to,the closure and locking of all windows, doors, gates, garages, and other openings that may allow access to the interior of any building or 1 structure on the real property. In the case of broken windows or doors, securing shall mean replacing the window or door. Temporary boarding of openings may be allowed pending repairs to the extent required by the enforcement officer to address public safety and emergency situations. Vacant means any building that is not lawfully occupied by human beings or inhabited based 1 on the evidence of vacancy. i t City of Cape Canaveral t Ordinance No 07-2012 Page3of9 e i I 1 Sec. 82-118. Registration Requirements. (a) Any mortgagee who holds a mortgage on real property located within the city shall, within ten(10) days of default by the mortgagor of the real property that is the security for the mortgage,register the property with the city. Registration shall be on a form provided by the city and shall include, at a minimum, the following: (1) The mortgagee's name, direct mailing address, e-mail address, contact person, and telephone number; } (2) The address and parcel identification number of the real property that is being foreclosed upon by mortgagee; (3) Whether the property is vacant or occupied during the default period; (4) If the real property is, or becomes, vacant, the name, street address, e-mail k address, and telephone number of the local property manager that will work on the mortgagee's behalf to inspect, maintain, and secure the real property; (5) If a foreclosure complaint involving the real property has been filed in circuit court,or the real property is subject to a bankruptcy proceeding,the style of the case, including, court name, case number, and parties; (6) Express authorization for city employees to enter upon the exterior of the property in the event the property becomes vacant for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this article. (b) At the city's discretion,registration required by this section shall be made on a paper form or electronically. If the city chooses electronic registration, the city may retain the services of a third party to handle the registration requirements, provided the information obtained pursuant to this section is made readily available to the city and accessible pursuant to the public records laws of Florida. (c) Any person or other legal entity that has registered a property under this section shall be required to report any change of information contained in the registration within ten(10) days of the change. (d) In the event there are several mortgagees with mortgages on the property, the registration,inspection,maintenance,and security requirements imposed by this article shall apply to the mortgagee with the most superior mortgage that has declared the mortgage in default unless the several mortgagees notify the city to the contrary in writing. However, nothing herein shall prevent inferior mortgagees from voluntarily complying with this article after a primary mortgagee registers hereunder. City of Cape Canaveral Ordinance No.07-2012 Page 4 of 9 f 6 I i i i 9 1 3 Sec. 82-119. Registration Fees. f I The City Council shall establish, by resolution, fees for the registration and re-registration requirements required by this article. Said fees shall be based on the reasonable estimated cost of administering the provisions of this article and shall be due and payable at the time of registration 1 or re-registration. The fee schedule may be based on the size and type of property being registered. i Sec. 82-120. Mortgagee Inspection Requirements. If the foreclosed property becomes vacant at any time, the mortgagee shall initiate and maintain on-site inspections of the property at least once every thirty(30)days to verify compliance with this article. Said inspections shall continue until such time as the default is cured, or the mortgagee completes the foreclosure process and the property is sold to a third party either directly by the mortgagee or at a foreclosure sale. Once the property is sold, the mortgagee shall provide the city written proof of the sale in order to be relieved of the requirements of this article. i Sec. 82-121. Maintenance Requirements. € 1 The following maintenance requirements shall apply to properties subject to this article: 1 (a) The property shall be kept free of excessive weeds, overgrown brush, dead vegetation, trash, junk, debris, building materials, any accumulation of newspapers, circulars,flyers,notices(excluding those required by federal,state, or local law),discarded personal items such as furniture, clothing, appliances, printed materials or any other items 1 that give the a pp earance that the property is abandoned or not being pro erl maintained. (b) The property shall be maintained free of graffiti or similar markings by removal or i painting over with an exterior grade paint that matches the color of the exterior of the structure. 1 (c) Yards on developed property shall be regularly landscaped and maintained in good condition pursuant to the property maintenance standards set forth in the City Code. At a minimum, landscaping on developed property shall include, but not be limited to, grass, 1 ground covers,bushes, shrubs,hedges,mulch, or similar plantings which are appropriately designed for residential, commercial, or industrial installation as applicable. Maintenance 1 on developed property shall include,but not be limited to, watering, irrigation, cutting and mowing of required landscape and removal of all trimmings. Undeveloped property that has been cleared shall be maintained in good condition free of excessive weeds,debris,and junk pursuant to the property maintenance standards set forth in the City Code. Property in a natural condition shall be maintained in its natural condition free and clear of debris and junk. 1 (d) Pools and spas shall be regularly kept in working order so that pool and spa water City of Cape Canaveral a Ordinance No.07-2012 Page5of9 4 1 remains free and clear of pollutants and debris. Pools and spas shall comply with the enclosure requirements of the City Code and Florida Building Code. (e) Outdoor play equipment,furnishings,or other accessory structures shall be properly maintained and secured so as not to be accessible to unauthorized persons or not to create an attractive nuisance or safety hazard. S (f) The property shall be regularly monitored for indications of criminal activity on the premises such as use and sale of controlled substances,prostitution,and criminal street gang activity. Any indication of criminal activity shall be reported to the Sheriff's Department 1 at such time it becomes reasonably known. Sec. 82-122. Security Requirements. (a) Buildings and structures subject to this article, and property subject to this article which is required to be enclosed or secured in accordance with law, shall be maintained in 1 a secure manner at all times so as not to be accessible to unauthorized persons. o (b) If a foreclosed property becomes vacant, the mortgagee shall perform, or designate a local property manager to perform on the mortgagee's behalf, on-site inspections of the foreclosed property to verify compliance with the requirements of this article,and any other applicable laws. Said inspections shall occur a minimum of once every thirty(30)calendar days unless an enforcement officer determines,in writing,that more frequent inspections are required to ensure compliance with this article or to prevent a decline of the property, a public or attractive nuisance, or a blight on the surrounding neighborhood. At the written request of the city prior to any inspection required by this article,the person performing the inspection shall be required to schedule the inspection with the city for a date and time certain so that an enforcement officer can meet the person on-site in order to address any compliance issues under this article. z (c) When a foreclosed property becomes vacant, it shall be posted as follows: (1) The posting shall contain the name and telephone number of the local property manager, who shall be accessible at said telephone number 24 hours per day. The posting shall be on white paper 8 1/2 by 11 inches in size and shall be in a } type no smaller than 24 point. tr i (2) The posting shall contain language substantially similar to the following: [ THIS PROPERTY IS MANAGED BY [NAME OF LOCAL PROPERTY MANAGER].TO REPORT PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS,CALL[TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) OF LOCAL PROPERTY MANAGER]. 1 (3) The posting shall be placed on the interior of a window facing the street to City of Cape Canaveral Ordinance No 07-2012 Page 6 of 9 1, 1 i i 1 1 1 1 i 3 the front of the property so that it is visible from the street,or secured to the exterior of the building/structure facing the street to the front of the property so that it is visible from the street,or if no such area exist,on a stake of sufficient size to support i the posting in a location that is at all times visible from the street to the front of the 1 property but not readily accessible to vandals. Exterior posting shall be constructed of and printed with weather-resistant materials. i Sec. 82-123. Additional Authority of Enforcement Officers; Immunity. 1 (a) Enforcement officers shall have the authority to require the mortgagee and/or owner 1 of record affected by this section to implement additional maintenance and/or security measures including,but not limited to,securing or repairing of any and all doors,windows, 1 or other openings, chaining or pad locking gates, repairing fences and gates, or other s measure as may be reasonably required to prevent a decline of the property, a public or i attractive nuisance, or a blight on the surrounding neighborhood. Temporary boarding of 1 openings may be allowed pending repairs to the extent required by an enforcement officer to address public safety and emergency situations. Said additional requirements shall be I stated in writing and shall have the force of law under this article. 1 1 (b) Any enforcement officer authorized by the city to enforce this article shall be immune from prosecution,civil or criminal,for reasonable good faith entry or trespass upon r any real property while in the discharge of duties imposed by this article. i i Sec. 82-124. Enforcement; Penalties. (a) The provisions of this article may be enforced and penalties imposed on mortgagees and/or owners of record for violations of this article as provided by law. Without limiting the city's right to impose any other penalties as provided by law, or to enforce this article by any other lawful means,a violation of this article shall be deemed a class IV violation for t code enforcement citation purposes. Nothing under this article shall be construed as imposing liability on local property managers acting on a mortgagee's behalf pursuant to this I article. 1 (b) Upon failure of the mortgagee to comply with the maintenance or security requirements under this article, the city manager or designee may take such appropriate action deemed necessary to remedy a maintenance and security failure on property subject to this article. Any such action taken on such premises shall be charged against the real estate upon which 1 the building or structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate. Any such lien shall be superior to all other liens except those of state, county or municipal taxes and shall be on a parity with liens of state, county or municipal taxes. Further, such lien shall bear interest at the maximum rate permitted by state law and costs of collection, and shall i continue to be a lien against the real estate until paid. i i 4 i City of Cape Canaveral Ordinance No.07-2012 Page 7 of 9 1 Sec. 82-125. Supplemental Authority. This article shall be deemed in addition and supplemental to any other provision of law. Section 3. Amendment to Section 2-283. Section 2-283 of the Cape Canaveral Code of Ordinances is hereby amended as follows(underlined type indicates additions and strikeout type indicates deletions, while asterisks (* * *) indicate a deletion from this Ordinance of text existing in section 2-283. It is intended that the text in section 2-283 denoted by the asterisks and set forth in this Ordinance shall remain unchanged from the language existing prior to adoption of this Ordinance): Sec. 2-283. Applicable codes and ordinances; class violations. (a) The following city codes and ordinances may be enforced by civil citation to the Brevard County Court, and are assigned the violation classification enumerated below: * * * (13) Chapter 82, Article V, Registration and Maintenance of Properties in Foreclosure . . . . Class IV. Section 4. Repeal of Prior Inconsistent Ordinances and Resolutions. All prior inconsistent ordinances and resolutions adopted by the City Council,or parts of prior ordinances and resolutions in conflict herewith, are hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict. Section 5. Incorporation Into Code. This Ordinance shall be incorporated into the City Code for the City of Cape Canaveral, and any section or paragraph, number or letter, and any heading may be changed or modified as necessary to effectuate the foregoing. Grammatical, typographical, and like errors may be corrected and additions, alterations, and omissions, not affecting the construction or meaning of this Ordinance and the City Code may be freely made. Section 6. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, word or provision of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, whether for substantive,procedural,or any other reason, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption by the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida. City of Cape Canaveral Ordinance No.07-2012 Page8of9 3 i i I i i i i i I TED by t 'e City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida, this 15th day of 1 May,2 2. n`•. AN'i A L_ ' car. Betty Wa ,Mayor Pro Tern ATtST:- For Against /II sc "~ John Bond g Att. 1 ANG L�14> ty Clerk Bob Hoog Second f Buzz Petsos Motion 1 Rocky Randels Absent d Betty Walsh X s k. I First Reading: April 17,2012 Legal Ad published: April 23,2012 i Second Reading: May 15,2012 1 Approved . . o legal form and sufficiency for the f• • " . se Canaveral only by: • THONY A. GARGANESE,City Attorney i 1 i i r 3 3 1 1 i 1 s I 9 City of Cape Canaveral Ordinance No.07-2012 1 Page 9 of 9 1 t r