(A) The City Council may appoint one or more Special Magistrates who shall have the authority to hold hearings, assess fines against violators of the City's codes and ordinances, reduce fines in whole or in part, and otherwise exercise the powers of a code enforcement board as provided in F.S. Chapter 162, Part I, and to the extent provided in this subchapter.
(B) Special Magistrates shall be an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida for no less than five (5) years. No attorney who has been disciplined by the Florida Bar or a bar of any other jurisdiction shall be appointed as a Special Magistrate. Any other qualifications may be established by resolution of the City Council.
(C) Special Magistrates shall be appointed to a term of two (2) years and may be reappointed by the City Council.
(D) The Special Magistrate shall be compensated at a rate as provided in contract.
(E) A Special Magistrate shall preside over code enforcement matters once a month or more often if necessary. All hearings shall be open to the public.
(F) Minutes and records of hearings before a Special Magistrate shall be kept and maintained by the city in the manner and to the extent required by law. The city shall provide necessary and reasonable clerical and administrative support to enable a Special Magistrate to perform his or her duties. A Special Magistrate shall not be authorized to hire or use the services of any person except those provided by the city to assist in the performance of his or her duties.
(G) A Special Magistrate shall be subject to removal for cause. Failure to attend a hearing for which notice has been given without cause and without the prior notice to the city, shall constitute cause for removal. The city and the Special Magistrate may agree by contract to allow the contract to be terminated for convenience with prior notice.
(Ord. 2022-11, passed 1-20-22)