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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOIG No. 23-10 Closing MemorandumGolden Dreams Condominium OwnersJoseph M. Centorino, Inspector General MEMORANDUM To : From: Joseph Centorino, Inspector General Dylan Hughes, Investigator Date: Re : July 11, 2023 Closing Memorandum, Complaints regarding Golden Dreams Condominium Owners, 65- 75 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach OIG No. 23-10 Between October 2022 and February 2023, the OIG received numerous complaints from Ms. Kristina Vega of 65 Washington Avenue, Apartment 20, Miami Beach (Golden Dreams Condominium). Ms. Vega also provided these complaints to the City of Miami Beach administration, the City Commission, the Miami Beach Police Department, and various State agencies, including the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Attorney General's office. Ms. Vega's complaints alleged multiple criminal violations , building permit violations, and code compliance violations at the premises of the Golden Dreams Condominiums by owners of various of the twenty-six-unit condominium . The OIG referred each of the complaints to the respective department heads in which the violations were alleged and were advised by each department that they would be reviewed and addressed. The OIG maintained communication with each department on the progress of their reviews and actions. The following is a summary, by Department, of allegations and the actions taken. At this time, there is no further action required by the Office of the Inspector General. Miami Beach Police Department The complaints alleging criminal activity were referred to Chief Clements of the Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD). Chief Clements advised that the issues identified in the complaints would be addressed and informed the OIG that Police Commander A.J. Prieto would be the contact person. Ms. Vega alleged that the online reporting method for reporting incidents did not accept her complaints and that the police department refused to take her information and accept her evidence of alleged criminal violations. The online police reporting system is not designed to accept the level of criminal allegations that Ms. Vega was making. On December 23, 2022, Commander Prieto informed the OIG by email that, MBPD Economic Crimes Detectives have met with Ms. Vega in person to discuss her concerns. Additionally, they spoke with both her and a DBPR investigator as recently as yesterday. DBPR has advised our detectives that, even after multiple requests, Ms. Vega has not provided any evidentiary documentation regarding her claims and has not returned their messages. Page 1 of 3 On January 4, 2023, Detective Jeanette Quijano sent an email to Ms. Vega as a follow-up to the meeting that she and Detective Rene Pimentel had with Ms. Vega on December 20, 2022. In the email Detective Quijano stated, When we met, you had a broad range of complaints/ concerns ranging from HOA violations to include misappropriation of funds, denial of insurance documents, forgery, your neighbors identify(sic) being used to purchase homes and obtain loans, your neighbors engaging in drug sales and escort business. I advised you that we would be able to assist you and I provided you with my business card along with a sworn written statement form. I requested that you contact me directly, go to the police station or call the Miami Beach Police Dept. non-emergency number in order to have the sworn written statement notarized and an offense incident report can be completed in order to be able to investigate further; I have not heard from you as of yet and I just wanted to make sure that we can assist you with all of your concerns. Commander Prieto informed the OIG that the MBPD has exhausted all resources in dealing with the allegations brought by Ms. Vega. On January 4, 2023, Criminal Investigations Major Enrique Doce sent an email to the command staff of the MBPD and leadership of the Criminal Investigations Division that stated, Our CID team has been in contact with this resident and have looked into every a/legation she has made. We have determined through extensive investigatory work that she is perceiving things differently than they actually are. The HOA fraud investigations' were sent to the proper investigatory agencies and they have closed the a/legations out as unfounded. She will continue to seek further agencies for another response. She is still very functional but her reality is not what is actually going on. Building Department The complaints alleging permitting and building code violations were referred to Ana Salgueiro, Building Official, and Department Director. Ms. Vega alleged that the required forty-year recertification inspection of the building was incorrect. She alleged that because the building has two physical addresses, 65 and 75 Washington Avenue that there are two physical buildings and only one was inspected. On November 22, 2022, Ms. Salgueiro provided the OIG with an email that stated, The building recertification is a county requirement from MDC 8-11 (f). The engineer or architect provides a report on the buildings structural and electrical systems based on a visual inspection. We the city review the report and issue the recertification when certain criteria are indicated. Attached is our letter of certification. The property appraiser shown 65 and 75 as the same parcel. The report submitted referenced 65 and was submitted for the recertification on the 75 Washington address. There is no reference folio on the property appraiser site. Ms. Salgueiro spoke with Jose Subero of Sugil Engineering, Inc., who verified that the inspection was for the entire building, 65 and 75 Washington Avenue. Ms. Salgueiro provided the OIG with a copy of the Letter of Recertification dated September 3, 2021 (attached) and a copy of the Inspection report dated August 23, 2021, signed by Jose Subero of Sugil Engineering, Inc. (attached). Page 2 of 3 Ms. Vega also alleged that unpermitted work on several units was being done at the Golden Dreams condominium. On November 17, 2022, Building Code Compliance Officer Joshua Goehring responded to Golden Dreams Condominium to investigate the allegations. As a result, a violation for unpermitted work was issued to unit# 8 owner Arik Azulay. Building Access notices were posted on units 5, 8, 9, 11, 15, and 22. Follow-up contact continues until inspections can be completed and violations issued if necessary. Any non-compliance issues will be referred to the Special Magistrate for additional actions if necessary. Code Compliance Department The complaints alleging violations of the Miami Beach Code were referred to Code Compliance Director Hernan Cardena. Ms. Vega 's complaints alleged numerous code violations including illegal short-term rental activity, commercial use of the property, illegal tree cutting , and businesses operating without a license. The Code Compliance Department conducted an internal investigation and provided a copy of the report dated March 28, 2023 (attached). In addition, they provided a letter to Ms. Vega informing her of the results of their investigation (attached). The investigation conducted by Code Compliance found no evidence of illegal short-term rental activity, commercial use, or any businesses operating without a license. They did discover that the Golden Dreams Condominium Association did not have a valid Business Tax Receipt. Code violation# CC2022-1284 was issued on April 6, 2022, and a second violation #CC2022-14329 was issued for continual non-compliance. As of March 9, 2023, the violation was remedied and BTR013573-02-2023 was issued. The report addresses Ms . Vega's concerns, and other than the violation addressed above, they have found no other violations. OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, City of Miami Beach 1130 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Tel : 305 .673.7020 • Hotline: 786.897.1111 Email : CityofMiamiBeachOIG@miamibeachfl.gov Website: www.mbinspectorgeneral.com GOLDEN DREAMS CONDOMINIUM LETTER OF RECERTIFICATION Building Department 40YR2001799 RECERTIFICATION 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd Floor Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 673-7610 Ext. 6868 LETTER OF 40/50 YR OR OLDER BUILDING RECERTIFICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ORDINANCE SECTION 8-11(f) 09-03-2021 GOLDEN DREAMS CONDO, INC 2655 LEJEUNE RD, #902 CORAL GABLES, FL 33134 RE: 75 WASHINGTON AVE, MASTER Parcel #: 0242031820001 Activity #: 40YR2001799 Dear Owner: This department has received the structural and electrical reports dated 08/23/2021 stating that an Architect/Engineer has examined the above referenced building and that he/she recommends it is structurally and electrically safe for its continued occupancy. Based on acceptance of this report, we hereby grant this LETTER OF RECERTIFICATION for the above subject premises in accordance with Metropolitan Miami-Dade County Ordinance No. Section 8-11 (f). For the certification due in 2020. The expiration date, 03/01/2030, of this approval as stated in said Ordinances, is 10 years from 2020. Again, based on the year of completion of the building or structure. This recertification letter does not exclude the building from subsequent inspections as deemed necessary by the Building Official. As a routine matter, and in order to avoid possible misunderstanding, nothing in this letter should be construed directly, or indirectly, as a guarantee of the safety of any portion of the structure. However, based on the terms stated in the Ordinance Section 8-11 (f), continued occupancy of the building will be permitted in accordance with the minimum procedural guidelines for recertification A/E structural report on file with this office. Sincerely, Ana M. Salgueiro, PE Building Official GOLDEN DREAMS CONDOMINIUM RECERTIFICATION REPORT Electric Engineer Sugil Engineering Inc PO Box 41-4121 Miami Beach, FL 33141 (941) 223-6457 August 23, 2021 City of Miami Beach Miami Beach Building Department Building Re-certification Section 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd Floor Miami Beach, FL 33139 Re: Building Re-Certification Address: 65 Washington Ave Parcel # : 02-4203-182-0001 (Reference) Permit # : 40YR2001799 Attn: Building Director We have inspected (structural & electrical) the building located at 65 Washington Ave . In accordance with Miami Dade County Code Section 8-11(f) As a routine matter, in order to avoid possible misunderstanding, nothing in this report should guarantee for any portion of the structure. To the best of my knowledge and ability, this report represents an accurate appraisal of the present condition of the building based upon careful evaluation of observed conditions, to the extent reasonably possible The report does not exclude conclusions concerning the adequacy of the components nor can we be responsible for any underlying defects that may arise in future. In accepting the report, clients agree to be bound by the condition of the inspection. The inspection consisted of a visual examination of the structure. No destructive of environmental testing was performed. We conclude from this inspection that the above building is structurally and electrically safe for the specified use and continued occupancy. As part of their regular compliance efforts, of the City of Miami Beach (Building Department) our inspection may be repeated at their request. Sincerely Sugil Engineering Inc Printed copies of this document are not considered signed and Jose Subero sealed. Authentication code President must be verified on any SuEng40Y@gmail.com electronic copies - MIAMI BEACH Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ MINIMUM INSPECTION PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING RECERTIFICATION STRUCTURAL INSPECTION COMMENCED INSPECTION MADE BY: Jose R Subero Date: PRINT NAME: Jose R Subero INSPECTION COMPLETED TITLE: President Date: ADDRESS: PO Box 41-4121 Miami Beach, FL 33141 E-MAIL: SuEng40Y@gmail.com Description of Structure: a. Name of title Golden Dreams Condominium Association Inc 8/12/2021 8/16/2021 Printed copies of this document are not considered signed and sealed. Authentication code must be verified on any electronic copies b. Street address 65 Washington Ave c. Legal description GOLDEN DREAMS CONDO OCEAN BEACH FL SUB PB 2-38 LOTS 18 & 19 BLK 10 F K A GOLDEN DREAMS CO-OP INC FOLIO 02 4203 091 0010 THRU 0260 PARENT FOLIO 02 4203 003 1400 d. Owner's name Golden Dreams Condominium Association Inc e. Owner's mailing address: 2655 Le Juene Rd Ste 902 Coral Gables, FL 33134 E-Mail Addresses: acorrada@corradacpa.com f. Folio Number of Property on which Building is Located: 02-4203-182-0001 (Reference) g. Building Code Occupancy Classification h. Present use 0407 Residential i. General description, type of construction, size, number of stories, and special features. Two-story buildings, Concrete block exterior. 6502 Commercial Adjusted Area : 22,150 Sq.Ft (+/-) Lot Size 13,150 Sq.Ft (+/-) Living Units: 26 Year Built 1960 Addition Comments: MIAMI BEACH Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ j. Additions to original structure: None Visible 2. Present Condition of Structure: a. General alignment (note good, fair, poor, explain if significant) 1. Bulging None Observed 2. Settlement None Observed 3. Defections None Observed 4. Expansion None Observed 5. Contraction None Observed b. Portions showing distress (note, beams, columns, structural walls, floors, roofs, other) None Observed c. Surface conditions - describe general conditions of finishes, noting cracking, spalling, peeling, signs of moisture penetration & stains. Fair d. Cracks - note location in significant members. Identify crack size as HAIRLINE if barely discernible; FINE if less than 1 mm in width: MEDIUM if between 1 and 2 mm in width; WIDE if over 2 mm. Hairline cracking in masonry walls. No cracks were observed in significant members Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ e. General extent of deterioration - cracking or spalling of concrete or masonry; oxidation of metals; rot or borer attack in wood. Fair f. Previous patching or repairs Minor repairs. Fair g. Nature of present loading - indicate residential, commercial, other stimate magnitude. Residential 3. Inspections: a. Date of notice of required inspection b. Date(s) of actual inspection c. Name and qualification of individual submitting inspection report: Jose R Subero, PE # 72361 MIAMI BEACH 5/19/2020 8/12/2021 d. Description of any laboratory or other formal testing, if required, rather than manual or visual procedures. Not Required e. Structural repair - note appropriate line: 1. None required X 2. Required (describe and indicate acceptance) 4. Supporting data: a. X sheets written data b. 2 photographs c. 1 drawings or sketches Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ 5. Masonry Bearing Walls - indicate good, fair, poor on appropriate lines: a. Concrete masonry units Fair b. Clay tile or terra cotta units N/A c. Reinforced concrete tie columns No Visible d. Reinforced concrete tie beams No Visible e. Lintels No Visible f. Other type bond beams No Visible MIAMI BEACH g. Masonry finishes - exterior: 1. Stucco Fair 2. Veneer N/A 3. Paint only Fair 4. Other (describe) N/A h. Masonry finishes - interior: 1. Vapor barrier N/A 2. Furring and plaster Fair 3. Paneling N/A 4. Paint only Fair 5. Other (describe) N/A i. Cracks: 1. Location - note beams, columns, other No cracks observed in beams or columns 2. Description N/A MIAMI BEACH j. Spalling: 1. Location - note beams, columns, other 2. Description N/A Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ No spalling observed in beams or columns k. Rebar corrosion - check appropriate line: 1. None visible X 2. Minor - patching will suffice 3. Significant - but patching will suffice 4. Significant - structural repairs required (describe) None l. Samples chipped out for examination in spall areas: 1. No X 2. Yes - describe color texture, aggregate, general quality 6. Floor and Roof Systems: a. Roof: 1. Describe (flat, slope, type roofing, type roof deck, condition) Flat Flat w/asphalt membrane. Fair 2. Note water tanks, cooling towers, air conditioning equipment, signs, other heavy equipment and condition of supports: None 3. Note types of drains and scuppers and condition: Gutter and Down-Spouts . Fair MIAMI BEACH Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ b. Floor system(s): 1. Describe (type of system framing, material, spans, condition) Concrete slab w/ Tile Fair c. Inspection - note exposed areas available for inspection, and where it was found necessary to open ceilings, etc. for inspection of typical framing members. N/A 7. Steel Framing Systems: a. Description N/A b. Exposed Steel - describe condition of paint & degree of corrosion: N/A c. Concrete or other fireproofing - note any cracking or spalling, and note where any covering was removed for inspection N/A d. Elevator sheaves beams & connections, and machine floor beams - note condition: N/A Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ 8. Concrete Framing Systems: a. Full description of structural system CBS construction w/ reinforced concrete columns and beams b. Cracking: 1. Not significant X MIAMI BEACH 2. Location and description of members affected and type cracking N/A c. General condition: No structural deficiencies were observed. Good d. Rebar corrosion - check appropriate line: 1. None visible X 2. Location and description of members affected and type cracking N/A 3. Significant but patching will suffice N/A 4. Significant - structural repairs required (describe) N/A e. Samples chipped out in spall areas: 1. No. X 2. Yes describe color, texture, aggregate, general quality: Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL MIAMI BEACH Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ 9. Windows: a. Type (Wood, steel, aluminum, jalousie, single hung, double hung, casement, awning, piv-oted, fixed, other) Aluminum -Awning - Jalousie and Vinyl -Hung Fair b. Anchorage - type & condition of fasteners and latches: Screws. Fair c. Sealants - type & condition of perimeter sealants & at mullions: Fair d. Interior seals - type & condition at operable vents: Caulking. Fair e. General condition: Fair 10. Wood Framing: a. Type - fully describe if mill construction, light construction, major spans, trusses: Not Observed b. Note metal fittings i.e., angles, plates, bolts, split pintles, pintles, other, and note condition: Not Observed c. Joints - note if well fitted and still closed: Not Observed d. Drainage - note accumulations of moisture: No moisture was observed e. Ventilation - note any concealed spaces not ventilated: Ventilation opening along soffits f. Note any concealed spaces opened for inspection: None 65 Washington Ave Front View SUGIL ENGINEERING, INC Printed copies of this document PO Box 41-4121 are not considered signed and Miami Beach, FL 33141 sealed. Authentication code must be verified on any electronic copies Rear View 65 Washington Ave SUGIL ENGINEERING, INC PO Box 41-4121 Miami Beach, FL 33141 - MIAMI BEACH Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ MINIMUM INSPECTION PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING RECERTIFICATION ELECTRICAL INSPECTION COMMENCED INSPECTION MADE BY: Date: PRINT NAME: Jose Subero INSPECTION COMPLETED TITLE: President Date ADDRESS: PO Box 41-4121 Miami Beach, FL 33141 E-MAIL: SuEng40Y@gmail.com 1. DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE: a. Name of title b. Street address c. Legal description GOLDEN DREAMS CO-OP INC FOLIO 02 4203 091 0010 THRU 0260 PARENT FOLIO 02 4203 003 1400 d. Owner's name e. Owner's mailing address: 2655 Le Juene Rd Ste 902 Coral Gables, FL 33134 E-Mail Addresses acorrada@corradacpa.com Jose Subero Printed copies of this document are not considered signed and sealed. Authentication code must be verified on any electronic copies 8/12/2021 8/16/2021 Golden Dreams Condominium Association Inc Golden Dreams Condominium Association Inc GOLDEN DREAMS CONDO OCEAN BEACH FL SUB PB 2-38 LOTS 18 & 19 BLK 10 F K A 65 Washington Ave f. Folio Number of Property on which Building is Located: 02-4203-182-0001 (Reference) g. Building Code Occupancy Classification 6502 Commercial h. Present use 0407 Residential i. General description, type of construction, size, number of stories, and special features. Two-story buildings, Concrete block exterior. Adjusted Area : 22,150 Sq.Ft (+/-) Lot Size 13,150 Sq.Ft (+/-) Living Units: 26 Year Built 1960 Additional Comments: MIAMI BEACH Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ 2. ELECTRIC SERVICE: 1. SIZE, AMPERAGE: ( See comments ) FUSES: ( X ) BREAKER: ( ) 2. PHASE: 3Phase ( ): 1Phase ( X ): 3. CONDITION: GOOD ( ) FAIR ( X ): NEEDS REPAIR ( ) 4. COMMENTS: 3. METER AND ELECTRIC ROOMS: 1. CLEARANCES: GOOD ( ): FAIR ( X ): REQUIRES CORRECTION ( ) 2. COMMENTS: 4. GUTTERS: 1. LOCATION: GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) 2. Taps and Fill: 3. COMMENTS: 5. ELECTRICAL PANELS: LOCATION a.PANEL #( 2 ): Hall Located Rear. GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) There are 2 Mains: 2(400 AMP/Each) No comments. b.PANEL #( 5): Hall GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) c.PANEL #( 11 ): Hall d.PANEL #(19): Hall GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ e.PANEL #(25): Hall f. COMMENTS: 6. BRANCH CIRCUITS: 1. IDENTIFIED: YES ( X ): MUST BE IDENTIFIED ( ) 2. CONDUCTORS: GOOD ( X ) DETERIORATED ( ): MUST BE REPLACED ( ) 3. COMMENTS: MIAMI BEACH No comments. No comments. GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) 7. GROUNDING OF SERVICE : GROUNDING OF SERVICE : GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) COMMENTS: No comments. 8. GROUNDING OF EQUIPMENT: GROUNDING OF EQUIPMENT: COMMENTS: 9. CONDUIT RACEWAYS: No comments. GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) CONDUIT RACEWAY'S CONDITION: COMMENTS: No comments. GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ 10. CONDUCTOR AND CABLES: CONDUCTOR AND CABLES' CONDITION: COMMENTS: 11. TYPES OF WIRING METHODS: CONDITION: CONDUIT RACEWAYS: RIGID: GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) No comments. GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) MIAMI BEACH CONDUIT PVC: GOOD ( ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) NM CABLE: GOOD ( ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) BX CABLE: GOOD ( ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) 12. CONDUCTORS: CONDUCTORS' CONDITION: GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) COMMENTS: No comments. 13. EMERGENCY LIGHTING: EMERGENCY LIGHTING'S CONDITION: GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) COMMENTS: No comments. Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ 14. BLDG. EGRESS ILLUMINATION: a. GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) b. COMMENTS: 15. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM: a. GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) b. COMMENTS: MIAMI BEACH No comments. No comments. 16. SMOKE DETECTORS: a. GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) b. COMMENTS: No comments. 17. EXIT LIGHTS: a. GOOD ( X ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) b. COMMENTS: No comments. 18. EMERGENCY GENERATOR: a. GOOD ( ): REPAIRS REQUIRED ( ) b. COMMENTS: N/A. Emergency generator is not required Building Department 1700 Convention Center Drive, 2nd FL Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Telephone: 305-673-7610 http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/building/ 19. WIRING IN OPEN OR UNDER COVER PARKING GARAGE AREAS: a. GOOD ( X ): REQUIRE ADDITIONAL ILLUMINATION ( ) b. COMMENTS: MIAMI BEACH No comments. 20. OPEN OR UNDERCOVER PARKING GARAGE AREAS AND EGRESS ILLUMINATION: a. GOOD ( X ): REQUIRE ADDITIONAL ILLUMINATION ( ) b. COMMENTS: 21. SWIMMING POOL WIRING: a. GOOD ( ): REQUIRES REPAIR ( ) b. COMMENTS: 22. WIRING TO MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT: a. GOOD ( ): REQUIRES REPAIR ( ) b. COMMENTS: N/A. This is not swimming pool in this property. N/A. This is not mechanical equipment. No comments. 23. GENERAL ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: No additional comments 1.9 LIGHTING OVERSPILL IN SECTION 33-4.1 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH PARKING LOT ILLUMINATION STANDARDS IN CHAPTER 8C-3 OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY Date 8/20/2021 Case No. 40YR2001799 Property Address: 65 Washington Ave, Sq Ft: 22,150 Sq.Ft (+/-) Folio: 02-4203-182-0001 (Reference) Building Description: 0407 Residential 1 I am a Florida registered professional engineer or architect with an active license. 2 On at 10:45 PM. I measured the level of illumination in the parking lot(s) serving the above referenced building. 3 1.9 foot candle Minimum 1.0 foot candle Maximum to Minimum ratio 1.9 : 1 4 standards for the occupancy classification of the building as established in Section 8C-3 of the Jose Subero (Print Name) Printed copies of this document are not considered signed and sealed. Authentication code must be verified on any electronic copies The level of illumination provided in the parking lot ■ meets □ does not meet the minimum 8/19/2021 Maximum Code of Miami-Dade County. Signature and Seal Engineer or Architect                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH PARKING LOT GUARDRAILS REQUIREMENTS IN CHAPTER 8C OF THE CODE OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY DATE: 8/20/2021 Re: Case: 40YR2001799 Property Address: 65 Washington Ave, Sq Ft: 22,150 Sq.Ft (+/-) Building Description: 0407 Residential The undersigned states the following: I am a Florida registered professional engineer or architect with an active license. On 8/12/2021 , I inspected the parking lots servicing the above referenced building for compliance with Section 8C-6 and determined the following (check only one): ■ The parking lot(s) is not adjacent to or abutting a canal, lake or other body of water. □ The parking lot(s) is adjacent to or abutting a canal, lake or other body of water and vehicles are protected by a guardrail that complies with Section 8C-6 of the Miami-Dade County Code □ The parking lot(s) is adjacent to or abutting a canal, lake or other body of water and parked vehicles are not protected by a guardrail that complies with Section 8C-6 of the Miami-Dade County Code. I have advised the property owner that he/she must obtain a permit for the installation of the guardrail and obtain all required inspection approvals to avoid enforcement action. Printed copies of this document are not considered signed and sealed. Authentication code must be verified on any electronic copies Jose Subero Signature and Seal (Print Name) GOLDEN DREAMS CONDOMINIUM CODE COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATIVE REPORT MIAMI BEACH CODE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT TO : Hernan D. Cardena, Esq . Director VIA: Tom Curitore Assistant Code Compliance Director FROM: Silvia M. Escobar Administrative Services Manager DATE: March 28 , 2023 SUBJECT: IR-2022-0005, Kristina Vega Complaint at 65-75 Washington Avenue INCIDENT DATE: November 18, 2022 STAFF INVOLVED: Code Compliance Officer (CCO) Mindy Blanco and Geraldo Guerrero INCIDENT LOCATION: 65 Washington Avenue ALLEGATIONS: Kristina Vega • Commercial Use of Property • Transient rental accommodations operating without a visible Business Tax Receipt. • Certificates of Registration and Certificates of Use Properly • of Certificates of Use e.g. records in Division of Corporations, Declaration of Condominium documents, the Certificate of Insurance • Building renovations and permit issues INVESTIGATION: • On November 18, 2022 at 2:08PM Code Compliance received an email complaint from the Inspector General's Office concerning Kristina Vega's complaint. • On November 16, 2022 Code Compliance received an email complaint at webmaster@miamibeachfl.gov. o The complaint was assigned to CCO Mindy Blanco on November 16, 2022. o Ms. Vega listed the following complaints. ❖ Commercial business operating out of the units ❖ Major renovations in un its 5, 8,9, 10, 11 , 15 and 22 ❖ Fake Insurance certificates o CCO Blanco contacted Mrs. Vega via email on November 16, 2022 and requested her address and phone number, per Senate Bill 60 Code Compliance is required to have the name and address of the complainant. ~ Page l of 5 MIAMI BEACH o Ms. Vega responded on 11/16/2022 with her address and the following complaints: ❖ Money laundering scheme and Insurance ring activity (she is reporting to higher authorities) ❖ Fraudulent Permits for 40-year certification o CCO Blanco along with CCO Guerrero conducted a site inspection for businesses operating without a license (salon, spa, medical professionals). They conducted interviews with three residents from units 8, 14 and 19. In addition, they remained in the area to watch for any illegal activity. They did not find any evidence of illegal use. The Condo association (Golden Dreams Condo INC) was issued a second offense CC2022-14329 for no valid business tax receipt. o CCO Blanco conducted an internet search and found no evidence of commercial use or the property being illegally advertised . The activity for permits, construction activity, and certificate of use are not under the purview Code Compliance. The matter was referred to the Building Department and Building Department inspected on the same day as Code Compliance. The Building Department issued violation #BVC22000970 to unit# 8 for work without permits. The email from the Building department is attached dated 11/28/2022. o Ms . Vega responded inquiring why the property owner was not fined for the tree cutting. CCO Blanco informed Ms. Vega these issues were referred to the Building Department and the Urban Forestry Department. There was no evidence of tree cutting when CCO Blanco conducted her inspection. o Ms . Vega then sent an email on 11/18/2022 to the Inspector General's Office, CCO Mindy Blanco and CCO Geraldo Guerrero asking the following: ❖ This is a request to audit the City of Miami Beach Code Compliance Department on how the reports on : 1. fraudulent permits 2. fraudulent insurance certificates 3. residential premises used for commercial uses 4. persons providing professional services without license 5. contractors renovating residential premises without permits are handled • On November 29, 2022 I met with CCO Blanco to discuss how the complaint was handled. CCO Blanco conducted an online investigation for short-term rental and commercial activity. CCO Blanco and CCO Guerrero conducted their site inspection and found no evidence of any illegal activity. The property was clean and quiet at the time of the inspection. CCO Blanco did not observed any activity or traffic. The property also did not have any construction material visible throughout the courtyard or outside of any unit. ~ Page 2 of 5 MIAMI BEACH • CCO Blanco also contacted the Building Department to investigate the illegal construction. While she was on site the building inspector arrived to conduct his inspection. • On 11/29/2022 I emailed Ms. Vega asking for a number to discuss her concerns and to date she has not responded. • On 01/10/2023 CCO Blanco returned to 65-75 Washington Avenue and found no evidence of any commercial or illegal activity in units 8 and 11 . • On 01/10/2023 I emailed Ms . Vega asking for a number to discuss her concerns and to date she has not responded . • On 01/10/2023 I contacted Police Officer Deborah Martineau regarding any information they received from Ms. Vega. She sent me two emails dated 12/12/2022. The emails are attached. • On 01/11/2023 I spoke to Detective Quijano and she informed me she had met with Ms. Vega in December at her unit. Ms . Vega had many concerns that pertained to other departments and agencies. Detective Quijano communicated to Ms. Vega to send an email with her concerns so they could be investigated by the proper department or agency. Detective Quijano has reached out to Ms. Vega on several occasions to follow up on their conversation and Ms . Vega to date has not responded to Detective Quijano request. Detective Quijano stated there has been a complaint filed with internal affairs. • On 02/22/2023 I received and email from the Inspector General's office. Attached was an email from Ms. Vega stating that at her Condo 11/22/2023 board meeting they stated Code Compliance was bill ing fines to their building that belonged to another building. She also stated the following: o Owners of 65 and 75 Wash ington Ave condos need to pay for the permits, licenses for the unrelated building located at 81 Washington Ave/ 230 1 ST ❖ 65-75 Washington Avenue -Reference Folio 02-4203-182-0001 . All violations issued to Golden Dreams Condominium Association Inc, have been paid . There are no open violations open for Code Compliance currently. ❖ 81 Washington Avenue -There is no folio for this address. Avenue. ❖ 230 1S1 Street -Owner 81 Washington Avenue LLC, Folio# 02- 4203-003-1410. No Code Compliance violations issued to this folio . o Business Tax Receipts are issued to the dissolved companies and cancelled parcels , containing the synthetic identities in the application (even though it violates section 817.568 of Florida Statutes: Criminal use of personal identification information) ❖ Two violations have been issued to Golden Dreams Condominium ~ Page 3 of 5 MIAMI BEACH Association Inc for failing to have an active business tax receipt. ► 04/06/2022 CC2022-12824 1st Offense $1000.00. The violation had been paid . ► 11/16/2022 CC2022-14329 2nd Offense $500.00. The violation had been paid. ❖ Code Compliance did not cite Golden Dreams Inc. Code Compliance cited Golden Dreams Condominium Association Inc which has an active SunBiz. The principal address is 65 Washington Avenue. Currently Golden Dreams Condominium Association Inc, 65-75 Washington Avenue, Folio 02-4203-182-0001 has no busines tax receipt. ❖ Golden Dreams Condominium Association Inc has an active Business Tax Receipt# BTR013573-02-2023 obtained on 03/09/2023. ❖ RL-03000941 has the contact as Golden Dream Inc from 2017. This is entered by the Finance e department when the condo applies for the business tax receipt obtained on 03/09/2023. ❖ 65-75 Washington Ave LLC -The Sunbiz list the principal address as 420 S Dixie Highway 2nd floor. CONCLUSION / FINDINGS: After viewing the Body Worn Camera footage and reviewing the EnerGov enterprise system I found the following: • Commercial Use of Property o There was no evidence during the investigation that provided any evidence of commercial use. • Transient rental accommodations operating without visible Business Tax Receipt. o There was no evidence during the investigation that provided any evidence of transient use. • Certificates of Registration and Certificates of Use. o This is not under Code Compliance's purview. This was referred to the Building department (certificate of occupancy) and Planning Department (certificate of use). Planning Department stated they are reviewing the certificate of use application. • The supplementary sources are used to detecUverify violations of Certificates of Use e.g. records in Division of Corporations, Declaration of Condominium documents, the Certificate of Insurance. o This is not under Code Compliance's purview. Ms. Vega never responded to my email to obtain further clarification to refer her to the right agency. • Building renovations and permit issues. )v Page 4 of 5 MIAMI BEACH o This is not under Code Compliance's purview. CCO Blanco contacted the Building Department. Ms. Vega was informed by email it was a Building department issue. CCO Goehring, from the Building Department inspected for building issues. The Building department issued violation #BVC22000970 to unit# 8 for work without permits. The email from the Building department is attached dated 11/28/2022. ATTACHMENTS: • Email Complaint from the Inspector General dated 11/18/2022 • Email from CCO Mindy Blanco 11/18/2022 • Email from Assistant Director Curitore dated 11/28/2022 • Email from Joshua Goehring Building Code Compliance Officer, Building Department dated 11/28/2022 • Emails from Officer Deborah Martineau dated 12/15/2022 • Email from Dylan Hughes dated 02/22/2023 • Copy of Property Appraiser to Folio 02-4203-182-0001 65-75 Washington Avenue • Copy of Sunbiz Golden Dreams Condominium Association Inc • Copy of Sunbiz 65-75-Washington Avenue LLC • Copy of Golden Dreams Condominium Association Inc active Business Tax Receipt 3 -2~L3 1vg.~"''r\--".......,rrft'anager Date ) ,,,z.._,f---l-J DISAPPROVE \ homas Curitore, Assistant Director Date 8 03 2.$:. 1023 @ DISAPPROVE ~ o, Esq., Director Date ¥ Page 5 of 5 MIAMI BEACH From: Centorino. Joseph To: Hughes. Dylan Subject: FW: Request to OIG Re: Oty d Miami Beach Contact Form -kristinavega555@gmail.com Date: Friday, November 18, 2022 8:03:43 AM Joseph :Jvl. Centorino Inspector General Office of the Inspector General 1130 Washington Ave ., 6th Floor Miami Beach, FL 33139 Tel. 305-673-7020 I Fax: 305-587-2401 I Hotline: 786- 897-1111 JosephCentorino@miamibeachfl.gov www mbiospectorgeneral com This message contains information which may be an AUDIT or INVESTIGATION WORKING PAPER and/or may be confidential, privileged, or otherwise exempt from open records per State of Florida Statutes -Section 119.0713(2)(b). Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not use, copy, or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL BEFORE RELEASING THIS E-MAIL IN RESPONSE TO A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message. From: Kristin a Vega <kristinavega555@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 18, 2022 7:05 AM To: Blanco, Mindy <MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl .gov>; Guerrero, Gerardo <GerardoGuerrero@miamibeachfl.gov>; City of Miami Beach OIG <CityofMiamiBeachOIG@miamibeachfl .gov> Subject: Request to OIG Re: City of Miam i Beach Contact Form -kristinavega555@gmail.com [ THIS MESSAGE COMES FROM AN EXTERNAL EMAIL • USE CAUTION WHEN REPLYING AND OPENING LINKS OR ATTACHMENTS J Dear Joseph Centorino, This is a request to audit the City of Miami Beach Code Compliance Department on how the reports on : 1. fraudulent permits, 2. fraudulent insurance certificates, 3. residential prem ises used for commercial uses, 4. persons providing professional services without license, 5. contractors renovating resident ial premises without permits, are handled . I read that one of the main functions of the City Code Compliance department is to detect and combat the prohibited commercial uses of residential premises. I reported this in April and the City Code Compliance allowed the businesses to operate in our Condominium only fining us 1000 dol for no business tax receipts. The businesses continued operating and I filed another complaint. Please see below the reponses fron the code compliance. Please see On Thu, Nov 17, 2022, 7:27 PM Blanco, Mindy <MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl.gov> wrote: Mrs. Vega, That is a question for the building department and Urban Forestry Department. It is not a Code Compliance issue. Please reach out to the Bu ilding Dept. For that inquiry at +l (305) 673-7610 Kindest Regards, Mindy Blanco, Code Compliance Officer II Code Compliance Department 1680 Meridian Ave-Suite #602, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Tel: 305-673-7000 Ext 22144 Fax 786-394-2428/ MindyBla nco@miamibeachfl.gov On Nov 17, 2022, at 7:06 PM, Kristina Vega <kristinayega555@gmail com > wrote: (THIS MESSAGE COMES FROM AN EXTERNAL EMAIL -USE CAUTION WHEN REPLYING AND OPENING LINKS OR ATTACHMENTS] Why they were not fined for not having permits for all renovations they did and tree cutting? On Thu, Nov 17, 2022, 8:37 AM Blanco, Mindy <MindyBlanco@miam ibeachfl.gov> wrote : Good Morning, Thank you for providing the information as requested A site inspection was conducted and the property received a Notice of violation for not having an active City of Miami Beach business tax receipt for the fiscal year YR2023. Case: CC2022-14329 The Building Code Department also conducted a site inspection. However, I do not know what was the result as that is not my department but you can reach out to them if you choose to. Kindest Regards, M indy Blanco, Code Compliance Officer II Code Compliance Department 1680 Meridian Avenue , Suite 602, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Lobby Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 8:30AM -12:00PM and l :00PM -4:30PM (C losed Mo nday) Building Access Code: Dial 602 Tel: 305-673-7000 Ext. 22144 MindyB!anco@miamibeachft gov MB magazine I .Mfili I MBRadio l 670AM I E-subscribe to News & More Twitter· MiamiBeachNew s I Facebook· CityofMiami Beach I YouTube· CityofMiamiBeach CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any attachments are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information that may be exempt from public disclosures. Any unauthorized review. use. disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you received this message in error. please contact the sender (vio emoil. fox or phone) and then destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. From: Kristina Vega <kristinayega555@gmail com> Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 6:37 PM To: Blanco, Mindy <MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl gov> Cc: Guerrero, Gerardo <GerardoGuerrero@miamibeachfl gov> Subject: Re : FW: City of M iami Beach Contact Form -kristinayega555@gmail.com [ THIS MESSAGE COMES FROM AN EXTERNAL EMAIL -USE CAUTION WHEN REPLYING ANO OPENING LINKS OR ATTACHMENTS] Hel lo, My address is 65 Washington ave apt 20,Miami Beach, FL 33139. Phone number 305-244-5095. However, the property address for Golden Dreams Condominium goes under both 65 and 75 Washington ave and this numbering is a part of wider fraud scheme that involves real estate money laundering that has been going on for decades. Condominium's license on Department of Business and Professiona l Regulation, Condominium's declaration only shows 65 Washington ave. Building 75 Washington ave was fraudulently introduced in 90s, after the cooperative was converted to Condominium. Then on multiple occasions when apartment was sold, the apartment address was changed from 65 to 75 Washington ave and vice versa . Often landlords wou ld register some business or corporation in Florida Division of Corporations on one address, and tell the tenant to use different address. This happened to me, when I was renting apartment 7 under 75 Washington ave while the deed was shown under 65 Washington ave. Then I moved to apartment 20, rented it under 65 Washin gton ave, wh ile my landlord was assessing ad va lorem taxes under 75 Wash ington ave. When I bought this unit from her in 2017, she told me to enter number 75 in my mortgage application with the year built 2000 wh ile her original deed showed 65 Washi ngton ave, year built 1960. Unit 19 had several of businesses registered under both 65 and 75 Washington ave and deeds changed numbers, too. I am working on submitting the complaint on this to other authorities, and already involved the Inspector Genera l on fraudulent 40 year old certification permit. After looking at the permits for our Condominium on Miami Beach website, I found several fraudulent permits for 40 year old certification (permit was only given for 65 Wash in gton ave building, not 75 Wash ington ave). On 2015-2017 the board falsified one of the elderly owner's name (Dariela Aranasova instead of Dan iela Atanasova) and used it to obtain hotel license when Condominiu m's governing documents prohibit commercial use. Then Condominium's president Isa bel Fine used th is fraudulent permit to advertise the building for sale as approved hotel loca tion, and sold the building 75 Washington ave to developer Arik Azulay. Now she advertises building 75 Wash in gton as office space for lease, signing as representative of landlord. I have screenshots of everything. Arik Azulay then used the co nstruction, engineering, renovation businesses employees to remodel the units and placed them for sale with 300k increase in value per studio apartment. Then he bought other units from board members owned units in bu il din g 65 Wa shi ngton ave but have not recorded the deeds on property appraisal office to renovate them first with renters insurance. He rented some of his units to escort girls, medical professiona ls, allowed landscape business to operate in uni t 11, or short term rentals placing 4 people in a stud io. The fact that none of those 8 remodeled apartments had permits for this work and that the construction materials, old furniture, and paint containers were left open -= outside for months, even during storms and hurricanes, and that numerous code compliance officers and police officers I spoke to, did not take any action -implies the corruption is a probable reason for such indifference. For the past 5 months, I have been sending emails with videos and pictures of evidence to condohelp@miam ibeach email, police officers Deborah Martineau and Laurel Firtel but they ignored all of this. We involved the Ombudsman, and things did not change. ----llf1'('"1':w-:-;'.;orst thing is that we already incurred numerous code violations and fines for extermination and overflown garbage, yet, the board still did not exterm inate the bu ilding, and decided to cu t a pa lm tree inside of our garden, aga in without permit. The property manager has never been seen doing any type of work, the t reasuret Marta Trueba is performing his work, and she has no license for that. In addition, she notarized 92 year old owner Isidor Okner's deed with the wrong address. Another elderly owner Vicente Gonzalez was kidnapped in March, I called po lice. Things are very strange, and this situation is worsening every day. I tried to complain to Attorney Genera l and FBI but due to my thick Ukrainian accent they couldn 't understand the severity of this situation. The reason why the rema ining of the board members and property manager are so ind ifferent is that they are acting as intermediaries for Arik Azulay's money laundering scheme, plus they do not live here and don't get to fee l the burden of al l of these code violations and illegally operated businesses. Some of the board's rental units tenants served time in prison, some of their dogs leave feces in garden on multiple occasions. The board hired homeless people to clean the build ing, 2 of them died, last one being on April 1st. After that, they did not hire a clean ing person so we are left here helpless. I am very sad for the elderly owners here, who cannot fight t his, plus we are charged for these contractors services as part of maintenance fees. Again, it is ve ry strange how both Deborah Martineau who visited the property and saw dead rats around, and Lauren Firtel who saw the videos and pictures, cou ld not help us. The insurance certificate I saw is fake, the number listed there never answers or calls back after voicemail, the signature looks forged . The bank statements that the board provided me are also forged . I will be submitting the complaint on this money la undering scheme and insurance ring activity to higher authorities. But it should not be so complicated to stop this when so many laws are being broken and the senior owners are suffering... Kristina Vega On Wed, Nov 16, 2022, 9:33 AM Blanco, M indy <MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl.gov> wrote: Good Morning Mrs. Vega, Can you please provide me with your address and contact phone number for this complaint so that way we may respond and document the compla int accurately. As per Senate Bill 60 (see attached) that Governor Ron Desantis signed into law. We are required to obtain a name and address to accept a compliant. If you could provide this information, we will address your complaint at 65 Washington Ave . Kindest Regards, Mindy Blanco, Code Compliance Officer II Code Compliance Department 1680 Meridian Avenue , Suite 602, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Lobby Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 8:30AM -12:00PM and 1 :00PM -4:30PM (Closed Monday) Building Access Code: Dial 602 Tel: 305-673-7000 Ext. 22144 MindyBlanco@miamibeachf) gov MB magazine I MBTV I MB Radio 1670AM I E-subscribe to News & More Tw itter· MiamiBeachNews I Facebook· CityofMiami Beach I YouTube· CityofMiamiBeac h CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any attachments are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information that may be exempt from public disclosures. Any unauthorized review. use. disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you received this message in error, please contact the sender (via email, fax or phone) and then destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. From: webmaster@miamibeachfl gov Date: November 16, 2022 at 7:01:18 AM EST To: "Curitore, Thomas" <ThomasCurjtore@miam ibeachfl gov> Subject: City of Miami Beach Contact Form : kristinavega555@gmail.com Reply-To: kristinavegaSSS@gmail com [ THIS MESSAGE COMES FROM AN EXTERNAL EMAI L -USE CAUTION WHEN REPLYING AND OPENING LINKS OR ATTACHMENTS ) From: Kristina Vega Email: kristinavegaSSS@gmail com Message : There are severa l business professionals operating spa salon ,medica l services, marketing agencies In the non profit Condominium building Golden Dreams located at 65-75 Washington ave - all without certificates of use and certificates of occupancy and business tax receipts. Also, units 5, 8,9, 10, 11, 15, 22 just underwent major renovations totall ing wel l above 20, 000 dol each without permits. These were done by the contractors hired by the owners Marta Trueba, Arik Azu lay and Lior Raviv, operating under 65-75 Washington ave LLC and 75 Wash ington ave 12a LLC. Their cont ractors left renovation materials and furniture in parking lot. Property manager has ignored all t he ema ils. The insu rance certificates I was provided with by these businesses are fake. Please obta in the correct certificate and email it to me. Kristina Vega ThomasCuritore@m iamibeachf! gay Th is e-mail was sent from a contact form on City of Miami Beach Website Escobar, Silvia From: Cardena, Hernan Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2022 2:50 PM To: Curitore, Thomas; Escobar, Silvia Cc: Cardena, Hernan Subject: RE: Complaints RE Kristina Vega Please start an IR. Thanks. HC MIAMIBEACH Hernan D. Cardeno, Esq. Director CODE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT. ISO9001 Certified 1680 Meridian Avenue Suite 602, Miami Beach. FL 33139 E-Mail: HernanCardeno@miamibeachfl.gov Lobby Hours: Tuesday -Friday, 8:30AM -12:00PM and 1 :00PM -4:30PM (Closed Monday) Building Access Code: Dial 602 Tel. 305.673.7776 Ext. 27077 We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live. work and play in our vibrant. tropical. historic community. From: Cardena, Hernan Sent: Friday, November 18, 2022 12:05 PM To: Curitore, Thomas <ThomasCuritore@miamibeachfl.gov> Subject: Fwd: Complaints RE Kristina Vega Tom C, Please get me the information on our investigation of the initial complaint before I respond to the OIG. Thanks. HC Begin forwarded message: From: "Hughes, Dylan" <DylanHughes@miamibeachfl.gov> Date: November 18, 2022 at 11:56:27 AM EST To: "Cardena, Hernan" <HernanCardeno@m iamibeachfl.gov> Cc: "Centorino, Joseph" <JosephCentorino@miamibeachfl.gov> Subject: Complaints RE Kristina Vega Mr. Cardena, 1 The OIG has received complaints (attached) by way of email (krstinavega555gmail.com) from Ms. Kristina Vega, 65 Washington Avenue Apartment 20, Golden Dreams Condominiums requesting the audit of Code Compliance Department's Procedures used to detect prohibited commercial uses of residential premises. As well as the processes used to detect prohibited commercial uses of residential premises and transient rental accommodations operating without visible Business Tax Receipt. In addition, the complainant states that the audit needs to verify whether Code Compliance's field force is handling the inspection and enforcement of Certificates of Registration and Certificates of Use properly; and whether the supplementary sources are used to detect/verify violations of Certificates of Use e.g. records in Division of Corporations, Declaration of Condominium documents, the Certificate of Insurance. (ema il dated 11-2-22) Ms. Vega alleges that "Present use of the building was falsely listed as "Residential Premises" only, but the building is utilized as an office space, landscaping business, marketing agency, and a motel for short term rentals -all of them without the Certificate of Use and Business Tax Receipts . The building located at 75 Washington Ave is being sold by President Isabel Fine as an office space . Unit 11 is used for Landscaping Business by "Tree of Knowledge Landscaping LLC with EIN Number 86-1863266, as per Division of Corporations. Unit 8 is used for marketing agency named "Gordana Z". Board members Arik Azulay and Lior Raviv are using their units as short-term rentals: Some of the units are occupied as 4 people per studio apartment, thus violating Florida Building Code for the permitted occupancy size. Here is the video from unit 15 former tenant:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAmEmAV4cKo&ab channel=Kristina. He found the ad of the rental on Facebook Marketplace and rented it as a short-term rental in February -April, 2022 together with other 3 guys that he only met at the time of the rental. They paid 750 dol each or 3000 dol per studio unit while the unit was listed as 1900 dol/month in the listing GFLR #F10317119 (https://www.compass.com/listing/75-washington-aven ue-unit-15-m ia m ibeach-fl- 33139/1036530693120804569/)." In an email dated 11-18-22 Ms. Vega requests that an audit be conducted regarding 1. fraudulent permits, 2. fraudulent insurance certificates, 3. residential premises used for commercial uses, 4. persons providing professional services without license, and 5. contractors renovating residential premises without permits, are handled. The email states, " I read that one of the main functions of the City Code Compliance department is to detect and combat the prohibited commercial uses of residential premises. I reported this in April and the City Code Compliance allowed the businesses to operate in our Condominium only fining us 1000 dol for no business tax receipts. The businesses continued operating and I filed another complaint." One of your Compliance Officers, Ms. Mindy Blanco responded to Ms. Vega (see attached email). Please review the attached emails regarding the areas within the prevue of your authority. The OIG has not initiated any action regarding the complaints. We are in the process of vetting the information to determine its validity and credibility to recommend a course of action if any to the Inspector General. would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you or one of your representatives regarding this matter. 2 1JyCan :J-fugfies Investigator Office of the Inspector General 1130 Wash ington Ave ., 6th Floo r Miami Beach, FL 33139 Tel. 305-673-7000 ext. 26651 I Fa x: 305-587 -2401 Hotline: 786-897-1111 dylanhughes@miamibeachfl.gov www.miamibeachfl.gov This message contains information which may be an AUDIT or INVESTIGATION WORKING PAPER and/or may be confidential, privileged, or otherwise exempt from open records per State of Florida Statutes -Section 119.0713{2}(b). Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not use, copy, or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL BEFORE RELEASING THIS E­ MAIL IN RESPONSE TO A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message. 3 Tel: 305-673-7000 Ext. 22144 MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl.gov MB magazine I MBTV I MBRadio l 670AM I E-subscribe to News & More Twitter: MiamiBeachNews I Facebook: CityofMiami Beach I YouTube: CityofMiamiBeach CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any attachments ore for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information that may be exempt from public disclosures. Any unauthorized review. use. disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you received this message in error. please contact the sender (via email. fax or phone) ond then destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. From: Kristina Vega <kristinavega555@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 6:37 PM To: Blanco, Mindy <M indyB lanco@miamibeachfl.gov> Cc: Guerrero, Gerardo <GerardoGuerrero@miamibeachfl.gov> Subject: Re: FW: City of Miami Beach Contact Form -kristinavega555@gmail.com [ THIS MESSAGE COMES FROM AN EXTERNAL EMAIL -USE CAUTION WHEN REPLYING ANO OPENING LINKS OR ATTACHMENTS] Hello, My address is 65 Washington ave apt 20,Miami Beach, FL 33139. Phone number 305- 244-5095. However, the property address for Golden Dreams Condominium goes under both 65 and 75 Washington ave and this numbering is a part of wider fraud scheme that involves real estate money laundering that has been going on for decades. Condominium's license on Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Condominium's declaration only shows 65 Washington ave. Building 75 Washington ave was fraudulently introduced in 90s, after the cooperative was converted to Condominium. Then on multiple occasions when apartment was sold , the apartment 4 address was changed from 65 to 75 Washington ave and vice versa. Often landlords would register some business or corporation in Florida Division of Corporations on one address, and tell the tenant to use different address. This happened to me, when I was renting apartment 7 under 75 Washington ave while the deed was shown under 65 Washington ave. Then I moved to apartment 20, rented it under 65 Washington ave, while my landlord was assessing ad valorem taxes under 75 Washington ave. When I bought this unit from her in 2017, she told me to enter number 75 in my mortgage application with the year built 2000 while her original deed showed 65 Washington ave, year built 1960. Unit 19 had several of businesses registered under both 65 and 75 Washington ave and deeds changed numbers, too. I am working on submitting the complaint on this to other authorities, and already involved the Inspector General on fraudulent 40 year old certification permit. After looking at the permits for our Condominium on Miami Beach website, I found several fraudulent permits for 40 year old certification (permit was only given for 65 Washington ave building, not 75 Washington ave). On 2015-2017 the board falsified one of the elderly owner's name (Dariela Aranasova instead of Daniela Atanasova) and used it to obtain hotel license when Condominium's governing documents prohibit commercial use. Then Condominium's president Isabel Fine used this fraudulent permit to advertise the building for sale as approved hotel location, and sold the building 75 Washington ave to developer Arik Azulay. Now she advertises building 75 Washington as office space for lease, signing as representative of landlord. I have screenshots of everything. Arik Azulay then used the construction, engineering, renovation businesses employees to remodel the units and placed them for sale with 300k increase in value per studio apartment. Then he bought other units from board members owned units in building 65 Washington ave but have not recorded the deeds on property appraisal office to renovate them first with renters insurance. He rented some of his units to escort girls, medical professionals, allowed landscape business to operate in unit 11, or short term rentals placing 4 people in a studio. The fact that none of those 8 remodeled apartments had permits for this work and that the construction materials, old furniture, and paint containers were left open outside for months, even during storms and hurricanes, and that numerous code compliance officers and police officers I spoke to, did not take any action -implies the corruption is a probable reason for such indifference. For the past 5 months, I have been sending emails with videos and pictures of evidence to condohelp@miamibeach email, police officers Deborah Martineau and Laurel Firtel but they ignored all of this. We involved the Ombudsman, and things did not change. The worst thing is that we already incurred numerous code violations and fines for extermination and overflown garbage, yet, the board still did not exterminate the building, and decided to cut a palm tree inside of our garden, again without permit. 5 The property manager has never been seen doing any type of work, the treasuret Marta Trueba is performing his work, and she has no license for that. In addition, she notarized 92 year old owner Isidor Okner's deed with the wrong address. Another elderly owner Vicente Gonzalez was kidnapped in March, I called police. Things are very strange, and this situation is worsening every day. I tried to complain to Attorney General and FBI but due to my thick Ukrainian accent they couldn't understand the severity of this situation. The reason why the remaining of the board members and property manager are so indifferent is that they are acting as intermediaries for Arik Azulay's money laundering scheme, plus they do not live here and don't get to feel the burden of all of these code violations and illegally operated businesses. Some of the board's rental units tenants served time in prison, some of their dogs leave feces in garden on multiple occasions. The board hired homeless people to clean the building, 2 of them died, last one being on April 1st. After that, they did not hire a cleaning person so we are left here helpless. I am very sad for the elderly owners here, who cannot fight this, plus we are charged for these contractors services as part of maintenance fees. Again, it is very strange how both Deborah Martineau who visited the property and saw dead rats around, and Lauren Firtel who saw the videos and pictures, could not help us. The insurance certificate I saw is fake, the number listed there never answers or calls back after voicemail, the signature looks forged. The bank statements that the board provided me are also forged. I will be submitting the complaint on this money laundering scheme and insurance ring activity to higher authorities. But it should not be so complicated to stop this when so many laws are being broken and the senior owners are suffering... Kristina Vega On Wed, Nov 16, 2022, 9:33 AM Blanco, Mindy <MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl.gov> wrote : Good Morning Mrs. Vega, Can you please provide me with your address and contact phone number for this complaint so that way we may respond and document the complaint accurately. 6 As per Senate Bill 60 (see attached) that Governor Ron Desantis signed into law. We are required to obtain a name and address to accept a compliant. If you could provide this information, we will address your complaint at 65 Washington Ave. Kindest Regards, Mindy Blanco, Code Compliance OHicer JI Code Compliance Department 1680 Meridian Avenue , Suite 602, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Lobby Hours: Tuesday -Friday, 8:30AM -12:00PM and l :OOPM - 4:30PM (Closed Monday) Building Access Code: Dial 602 Tel: 305-673-7000 Ext. 22144 MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl.gov MB magazine I MBTV I MBRadio l 670AM I E-subscribe to News & More Twitter: MiamiBeachNews I Facebook: CityofMiami Beac h I YouTube: CityofMiamiBeach CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any attachments are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information that may be exempt from public disclosures. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you received this message in error, please contact the sender (via email, fax or phone) and then destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. From: webmaster@miamibeachfl.gov Date: November 16, 2022 at 7:01:18 AM EST To: "Curitore, Thomas" <ThomasCuritore@miamibeachfl.gov> Subject: City of Miami Beach Contact Form : kristinavega555@gmail.com Reply-To: kristinavega555@gmail.com 7 [ THIS MESSAGE COMES FROM AN EXTERNAL EMAIL-USE CAUTION WHEN REPLYING AND OPENING LINKS OR ATTACHMENTS] From: Kristina Vega Email: kristinavega555@gmail.com Message: There are several business professionals operating spa salon,medical services, marketing agencies In the non profit Condominium building Golden Dreams located at 65-75 Washington ave -all without certificates of use and certificates of occupancy and business tax receipts. Also, units 5, 8,9, 10, 11, 15, 22 just underwent major renovations totalling well above 20,000 dol each without permits. These were done by the contractors hired by the owners Marta Trueba, Arik Azulay and Liar Raviv, operating under 65-75 Washington ave LLC and 75 Washington ave 12a LLC. Their contractors left renovation materials and furniture in parking lot. Property manager has ignored all the emails. The insurance certificates I was provided with by these businesses are fake. Please obtain the correct certificate and email it to me. Kristina Vega ThomasCuritore@miamibeachfl.gov This e-mail was sent from a contact form on City of Miami Beach Website 8 Escobar, Silvia From: Curitore, Thomas Sent: Monday, November 28, 2022 8:38 AM To: Escobar, Silvia Subject: FW: City of Miami Beach Contact Form -kristinavega555@gmail.com MIAMIBEACH Tom Curitore Assistant Director CODE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT ISO 9001 Certified 1680 Meridian Avenue Suite 602 Miami Beach, FL 33139 Office: 305.673.7000 Ext. 26684 E-Mail: tcuritore@miamibeachfl.gov Lobby Hours: Tuesday -Friday, 8:30AM -12:00PM and l :OOPM -4:30PM {Closed Monday) Building Access Code: Dial 602 We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. From: Curitore, Thomas Sent: Friday, November 18, 2022 12:15 PM To: Cardeno, Hernan <HernanCardeno@miamibeachfl.gov> Subject: FW: City of Miami Beach Contact Form -kristinavega5S5@gmail.com FYI MIAMIBEACH Tom Curitore Assistant Director CODE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT ISO 9001 Certified 1680 Meridian Avenue Suite 602 Miami Beach , FL 33139 Office: 305.673. 7000 Ext. 26684 E-Mail: tcuritore@miamibeachfl.gov Lobby Hours: Tuesday -Friday, 8:30AM -12:00PM and 1:00PM -4:30PM {Closed Monday) Building Access Code: Dial 602 We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. 1 From: Blanco, Mindy <MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl.gov> Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 12:42 PM To: Curitore, Thomas <ThomasCuritore@miamibeachfl.gov> Cc: Villar, Manny <MannyVillar@miamibeachfl.gov>; Thomas, Rianne <RianneThomas@miamibeachfl .gov> Subject: Fwd : City of Miami Beach Contact Form -kristinavega555@gmail.com Tom, PCCO Guerrero and I conducted a site inspection due to a complaint that was submitted for businesses operating without a license (salon, spa, medical professionals) out of 65. Washington Ave and also for construction activity without permits. Site inspection and interviews with 3 residents from Unit (8,14,19) did not return with any valid results. However, on 4/6/2022 the property did receive a 1st offense Notice of Violation for operating a condo without a business tax receipt for Yr2022 which is in Fine Owed status. A second offense notice of violation was issued for operating a condo without a BTR for Yr2023. PCCO Guerrero and I remained parked across from the building until 12:30 PM and did not observed any activity or traffic. The property also did not have any construction material visible throughout the court yard or outside of any unit. When we concluded the investigation, Building Code Officer -Josh Goehring arrived to inspect the property. Case:CC2022-14329 Kindest Regards, Mindy Blanco, Code Compliance Officer II Code Compliance Department 1680 Meridian Ave-Suite #602, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Tel: 305-673-7000 Ext. 22144 Fax 786-394-2428/ MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl.gov From: Blanco, Mindy <MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl.gov> Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 9:53 AM To: Curitore, Thomas <ThomasCuritore@miamibeachfl.gov> Subject: FW: City of Miami Beach Contact Form -kristinavega555@gmail.com Tom, I have researched the internet & Energov -There is nothing on line that suggests commercial activity or businesses are operating out of that building. More so, we do not have the specifics on what units are conducting "business" . Thee­ mail complaint simply implies work without permits in those units. I am awaiting for the reply to conduct a site inspection. I have already reached out to Finance Dept to inquire as to whether or not they have an active BTR as a Condo for now until she provides the details needed to file the complaint. 2 Kindest Regards, AIA Mindy Blanco., Code Compliance Officer II Code Compliance Department 1680 Meridian Avenue , Suite 602, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Lobby Hours: Tuesday -Friday. 8:30AM -12:00PM and 1:OOPM -4:30PM {Closed Monday) Building Access Code: Dial 602 Tel: 305-673-7000 Ext. 22144 MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl.gov MB magazine I MBTV I MBRadio 1670AM I E-subscribe to News & More Twitter: MiamiBeachNews I Facebook: CityofMiami Beach I YouTube: CityofMiamiBeach CONFIDENTIALITY NOTIC E: This message and any attachments are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information that may be exempt from public disclosures. Any unauthorized review. use. disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you received this message in error, please contact the sender (via email. fax or phone) and then destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. From: Blanco, Mindy Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 9:53 AM To: kristinavega555@gmail.com Subject: FW: City of Miami Beach Contact Form -kristinavega555@gmail.com Good Morning Mrs. Vega, Can you please provide me with your address and contact phone number for this complaint so that way we may respond, document the complaint accurately and provide a follow up call about the results of the investigation? As per Senate Bill 60 (see attached) that Governor Ron Desantis signed into law. We are required to obtain a name and address to accept a compliant. If you could provide this information, we will address your complaint at 65 Washington Ave. Kindest Regards, /\AIAMI Mindy Blanco., Code Compliance OHicer II Code Compliance Department 1680 Meridian Avenue , Suite 602, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Lobby Hours: Tuesday -Friday, 8:30AM -12:00PM and 1 :OOPM -4:30PM {Closed Monday) Building Access Code: Dial 602 Tel: 305-673-7000 Ext. 22144 MindyBlanco@miamibeachfl.gov MB magazine I MBTV I MBRadio 1670AM I E-subscribe to News & More Twitter: MiamiBeachNews I Facebook: CityofMiami Beach I YouTube: CityofMiamiBeach 3 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any attachments are far the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information that may be exempt from public disclosures. Any unauthorized review, use. disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you received this message in error. please contact the sender (via email. fax or phone) and then destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. From: webmaster@miamibeachfl.gov Date: November 16, 2022 at 7:01:18 AM EST To: "Curitore, Thomas" <ThomasCuritore@miamibeachfl.gov> Subject: City of Miami Beach Contact Form -kristinavega555@gmail.com Reply-To: kristinavega555@gmail.com [ THIS MESSAGE COMES FROM AN EXTERNAL EMAIL-USE CAUTION WHEN REPLYING AND OPENING LINKS OR ATTACHMENTS] From: Kristina Vega Email: kristinavega555@gmail.com Message: There are several business professionals operating spa salon,medical services, marketing agencies In the non profit Condominium building Golden Dreams located at 65-75 Washington ave -all without certificates of use and certificates of occupancy and business tax receipts. Also, units 5, 8,9, 10, 11, 15, 22 just underwent major renovations totalling well above 20, 000 dol each without permits. These were done by the contractors hired by the owners Marta Trueba, Arik Azulay and Liar Raviv, operating under 65-75 Washington ave LLC and 75 Washington ave 12a LLC. Their contractors left renovation materials and furniture in parking lot. Property manager has ignored all the emails. The insurance certificates I was provided with by these businesses are fake . Please obtain the correct certificate and email it to me. Kristina Vega ThomasCuritore@miamibeachfl.gov This e-mail was sent from a contact form on City of Miami Beach Website 4 Escobar, Silvia From: Goehring, Joshua Sent: Monday, November 28, 2022 1 :47 PM To: Escobar, Silvia Subject: 65-75 Washington Av Good afternoon Silvia, The Building Department responded to a complaint of several units having been renovated on site at 65-75 Washington Av without permits. Unit #'s 5 & 8 have been inspected so far. Violation has been issued to unit# 8 (BVC22000970) for interior remodel without permits, and we are awaiting confirmation for unit# 5. Building Access violations have been posted for the remaining five units to gain access into the units to inspect them . Thank you, JG MIAMI BEACH Joshua Goehring, Building Code Compliance Officer BUILDING DEPARTMENT 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Tel: 305-673-7610 ext. 26229 / JoshuaGoehrinq@miamibeachfl.gov ~ Please do not print this e-mail unless necessary. We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. KS Please use these e-mails for the following requests: Buildinginfo@miamibeachfl.gov (For general bu ilding questions-include permit number if available) Buildingcontractor@miamibeachfl.gov (For contractor registration/insurance related matters-include permit number and license number if available} Buildinginspection@miamibeachfl.gov (For Inspection related matters-include permit number if available) Buildingviolations@miamibeachfl.gov (For violation related matters) Building40yr@miamibeachfl.gov (For 40yr + recertification matters) For up to the minute detailed information on your application status, visit our CSS website at: https:lleservices.miamibeachfl.gov/EnerGovProd/Se/fServicel#lhome WWW.MIAMIBEACHFL.GOV/ONLINEPERMITS https:/lwww. m iamibeachfl. gov /city-hall/building/ https:l/secure.miamibeachfl.gov/paymentsl https:llsecure. miamibeachfl. gov/inspectionroutes/ 1 Escobar, Silvia From: Cardena, Hernan Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 10:18 AM To: Escobar, Silvia Cc: Curitore, Thomas Subject: FW: Complaints RE Kristina Vega Attachments: 23 -02-22_VEGA_COMPLAINT RE BUILDING PERMITS AND POLICE REPORTS.pdf Please review and let me know. Thanks. HC MIAMIBEACH Hernan D. Cardeno, Esq. Director CODE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT, ISO9001 Certified 1680 Meridian Avenue Suite 602. Miami Beach. FL 33139 E-Mail: HernanCardeno@miamibeachfl.gov Lobby Hours: Tuesday -Friday, 8:30AM -12:00PM and 1 :OOPM - 4:30PM (C losed Monday) Building Access Code: Dial 602 Tel. 305.673.7776 Ext. 27077 We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. From: Hughes, Dylan <DylanHughes@miamibeachfl.gov> Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 9:59 AM To: Cardeno, Hernan <HernanCardeno@miamibeachfl.gov> Subject: RE : Complaints RE Kristina Vega Good morning Hernan, I hope all is well with you. I am following up with you on case no. IR-2022-0005 regarding Kristina Vega . In addition I have attached the most recent complaint from Ms. Vega, that have allegations that may or may not have been addressed in your internal review. Some of the allegations in the attached complaint refer to the Building Department and some relate to Code Compliance. Please take a look at the allegations that refer to your department and let me know. Thank you for your assistance. 1Jyfan :Jfuglies Investigator Office of the Inspector General 1130 Washington Ave ., 6th Floor Miami Beach, FL 33139 Tel. 305-673-7000 ext. 26651 I Fa x: 305-587-2401 Hotline: 786-897-1111 dylanhughes@miamibeachfl.gov www.miamibeachfl.gov This message contains information which may be an AUDIT or INVESTIGATION WORKING PAPER and/or may be confidential, privileged, or otherwise exempt from open records per State of Florida Statutes -Section 119.0713(2)(b). Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not use, copy, or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL BEFORE RELEASING THIS E­ MAIL IN RESPONSE TO A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message. From: Cardena, Hernan <HernanCardeno@miamibeachfl.gov> Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2022 3:33 PM To: Hughes, Dylan <DylanHughes@miamibeachfl.gov> Subject: RE : Complaints RE Kristina Vega Good afternoon Dylan, All good-hope you and yours had a great Christmas, as well. With respect to the Kristina Vega concerns, I have our Internal Review (case no. IR-2022-0005) on my desk for review. Once I go over the draft findings, we will finalize and I will send over a completed copy of the file. This will probably occur after the NYE holiday. Thanks. Hernan MIAMIBEACH Hernan D. Cardena, Esq. Director CODE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT, 1509001 Certified 1680 Meridian Avenue Suite 602, Miami Beach, FL 33139 E-Mail: HernanCardeno@miamibeachfl.gov Lobby Hours: Tuesday -Friday, 8:30AM -12:00PM and l :OOPM -4:30PM (Closed Monday) Building Access Code: Dial 602 Tel. 305.673.7776 Ext. 27077 We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. From: Hughes, Dylan <DylanHughes@miamibeachfl .gov> Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2022 8:34 AM 2 To: Cardena, Hernan <HernanCardeno@miamibeachfl.gov> Subject: RE: Complaints RE Kristina Vega Good morning Hernan, I hope you had a wonderful holiday. During our meeting on November 23, 2022, you advised me that you would have your staff look into the information in the below email thread and prepare a synopsis report for me. I am just following up on the status of that. I appreciate your assistance. Thank you. VyCan :Jfuglies Investigator Office of the Inspector General 1130 Washington Ave., 6th Floor Miami Beach, FL 33139 Tel. 305-673-7000 ext. 26651 I Fax: 305-587-2401 Hotline: 786-897-1111 dylanhughes@miamibeachfl.gov www.miamibeachfl.gov This message contains information which may be an AUDIT or INVESTIGATION WORKING PAPER and/or may be confidential, privileged, or otherwise exempt from open records per State of Florida Statutes -Section 119.0713(2)(b). Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee}, you may not use, copy, or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL BEFORE RELEASING THIS E­ MAIL IN RESPONSE TO A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message. From: Hughes, Dylan Sent: Friday, November 18, 2022 11:56 AM To: Cardena, Hernan <HernanCardeno@miamibeachfl.gov> Cc: Centorino, Joseph <JosephCentorino@miamibeachfl.gov> Subject: Complaints RE Kristina Vega Mr. Cardena, The OIG has received complaints (attached) by way of email (krstinavegaSSSgmail.com) from Ms. Kristina Vega, 65 Washington Avenue Apartment 20, Golden Dreams Condominiums requesting the audit of Code Compliance Department's Procedures used to detect prohibited commercial uses of residential premises. As well as the processes used to detect prohibited commercial uses of residential premises and transient rental accommodations operating without visible Business Tax Receipt. In addition, the complainant states that the audit needs to verify whether Code Compliance's field force is handling the inspection and enforcement of Certificates of Registration and Certificates of Use properly; and whether the supplementary sources are used to detect/verify violations of Certificates of Use e.g. records in Division of Corporations, Declaration of Condominium documents, the Certificate of Insurance. (email dated 11-2-22) 3 Ms. Vega alleges that "Present use of the building was falsely listed as "Residential Premises" only, but the building is utilized as an office space, landscaping business, marketing agency, and a motel for short term rentals -all of them without the Certificate of Use and Business Tax Receipts. The building located at 75 Washington Ave is being sold by President Isabel Fine as an office space. Unit 11 is used for Landscaping Business by "Tree of Knowledge Landscaping LLC with EIN Number 86-1863266, as per Division of Corporations. Unit 8 is used for marketing agency named "Gordana Z". Board members Arik Azulay and Lior Raviv are using their units as short-term rentals: Some of the units are occupied as 4 people per studio apartment, thus violating Florida Building Code for the permitted occupancy size. Here is the video from unit 15 former tenant:https:ljwww.youtube.com/watch?v=AAmEmAV4cKo&ab channel=Kristina. He found the ad of the rental on Facebook Marketplace and rented it as a short-term rental in February -April, 2022 together with other 3 guys that he only met at the time of the rental. They paid 750 dol each or 3000 dol per studio unit while the unit was listed as 1900 dol/month in the listing GFLR #Fl0317119 (https://www.compass.com/listing/75-washington­ avenue-unit-15-miamibeach-fl-33139/1036530693120804569/)." In an email dated 11-18-22 Ms. Vega requests that an audit be conducted regarding 1. fraudulent permits, 2. fraudulent insurance certificates, 3. residential premises used for commercial uses, 4. persons providing professional services without license, and 5. contractors renovating residential premises without permits, are handled. The email states, " I read that one of the main functions of the City Code Compliance department is to detect and combat the prohibited commercial uses of residential premises. I reported this in April and the City Code Compliance allowed the businesses to operate in our Condominium only fining us 1000 dol for no business tax receipts. The businesses continued operating and I filed another complaint." One of your Compliance Officers, Ms. Mindy Blanco responded to Ms. Vega (see attached email). Please review the attached emails regarding the areas within the prevue of your authority. The OIG has not initiated any action regarding the complaints. We are in the process of vetting the information to determine its validity and credibility to recommend a course of action if any to the Inspector General. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you or one of your representatives regarding this matter. Vyfan J-fuglies Investigator Office of the Inspector General 1130 Washington Ave., 6th Floor Miami Beach, FL 33139 Tel. 305-673-7000 ext. 26651 I Fax : 305-587-2401 Hotline: 786-897-1111 dylanhughes@miamibeachfl.gov www.miam ibeachfl .gov This message contains information which may be an AUDIT or INVESTIGATION WORKING PAPER and/or may be confidential, privileged, or otherwise exempt from open records per State of Florida Statutes -Section 119.0713(2)(b). Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive for the addressee), you may not use, copy, or disclose to anyone the message or any information contained in the message. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL BEFORE RELEASING THIS E­ MAIL IN RESPONSE TO A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST. If you have received the message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message. 4 OFFICE OF THE PROPERTY APPRAISER Summary Report Generated On : 2/22/2023 Property Information Folio: 02-4203-1 82-0001 Property Address: Owner REFERENCE ONLY Mailing Address PA Primary Zone 6502 COMMERCIAL Primary Land Use 0000 REFERENCE FOLIO Beds / Baths / Half 0 / 0/0 Floors 0 Living Units 0 Actual Area 0 Sq.Ft Living Area 0 Sq .Ft Adjusted Area 0 Sq .Ft Lot Size 0 Sq .Ft Year Built 0 Taxable Value Information Assessment Information 2022 2021 2020 Year 2022 2021 2020 County Land Value $0 $0 $0 Exemption Value $0 $0 $0 Building Value $0 $0 $0 Taxable Value $0 $0 $0 XF Value $0 $0 $0 School Board Market Value $0 $0 $0 Exemption Value $0 $0 $0 Assessed Value $0 $0 $0 Taxable Value $0 $0 $0 City Benefits Information Benefit !Type I 2022 1 202 1 1 2020 Exemption Value $0 $0 $0 Taxable Value $0 $0 $0 Note: Not all benefits are applicable to all Taxable Values (i. e. County, School Regional Board, City, Regional). Exemption Value $0 $0 $0 Short Legal Description Taxable Value $0 $0 $0 GOLDEN DREAMS CONDO Sales Information OCEAN BEACH FL SUB PB 2-38 LOTS 18 & 19 BLK 10 Previous Sale I Price I OR Book-Page I Qualification Description F K A GOLDEN DREAMS CO-OP INC FOLIO 02 4203 091 0010 THRU 0260 The Office of the Property Appraiser is continually editing and updating the tax roll. This website may not reflect the most current information on record. The Property Appraiser and Miami-Dade County assumes no liability, see full disclaimer and User Agreement at http://www.miamidade.gov/info/disclaimer.asp Version: DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS ..UI'ltWJ , of rg Cop f-J[Jl~_rl'lCJl fJ ll/1 11!fin11I J'' 1 .Jj F ,r• /u vlJ I/,' DeRartment of State / Division of CorRorations I Search Records / Search by Entity Name I Detail by Entity Name Florida Not For Profit Corporation GOLDEN DREAMS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION INC. Filing Information Document Number N04000011970 FEI/EIN Number 59-1440286 Date Filed 12/23/2004 Effective Date 12/23/2004 State FL Status ACTIVE Last Event NAME CHANGE AMENDMENT Event Date Filed 01/31/2005 Event Effective Date NONE Princir1al Address 65 WASHINGTON AVE MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 Changed: 05/02/2011 Mailing Address Blue Leaf Management P. 0 Box 190239 Miami Beach, FL 33119 Changed: 01/20/2023 Registered Agent Name & Address Blue Leaf Management 1688 Meridian Avenue Suite 729 Miami Beach , FL 33139 Name Changed: 01/20/2023 Address Changed : 01/20/2023 Officer/Director Detail Name & Address Title Treasurer TRUEBA, MARTA Blue Leaf Management P. 0 Box 190239 Miami Beach, FL 33119 Title VP RAVIV, LIOR Blue Leaf Management P.O Box 190239 Miami Beach, FL 33119 Title Secretary Azulay, Arik Blue Leaf Management P.O Box 190239 Miami Beach, FL 33119 Title President Fine, Isabel Blue Leaf Management P.O Box 190239 Miami Beach, FL 33119 Title Director Gonzalez , Vincente Blue Leaf Management P. 0 Box 190239 Miami Beach, FL 33119 AnnualReRorts Report Year Filed Date 2022 04/29/2022 2022 09/21/2022 2023 01/20/2023 Document Images 01/20/2023 --ANN UAL REPORT View image in PDF format 09/21 /2022 --AMENDED AN NU AL REPORT View image in PDF format 04/29/2022 --AN NUAL REPORT View image in PDF format 04/28/2021 --ANNUAL REPORT View image in PDF format 06/08/2020 --ANN UAL REPORT View image in PDF format 04/28/2019 --ANNUAL REPORT View image in PDF format 04/30/2018 --ANN UAL REPORT View image in PDF format 04/29/20 17 --AN NUAL REPORT View image in PDF format 04/26/2016 -ANNUAL REPORT 05/01 /2015 -ANNUAL REPORT 04/22/2014 -ANNUAL REPORT 05/01 /2013 •• ANNUAL REPORT 04/27/2012 --ANNUAL REPORT 05/02/2011 •• ANNUAL REPORT 04/22/2010 -ANNUAL REPORT 05/01 /2009 -ANNUAL REPORT 05/01 /2008 --ANNUAL REPORT 01/25/2007 -ANNUAL REPORT 05/06/2006 -ANNUAL REPORT 03/23/2005 •• ANNUAL REPORT 01 /31 /2005 Name Change 12/23/2004 -Domestic Non-Profit View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format View image in PDF format DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS D11cm,, uj CCJJJ ~CJ10-_Tl CJ1 r.:; 1111 1/fic111/ .,tat~ ,,r fl 1r 111 ,, ~,,. /:' llimartment of State / Division of Corgorations / Search Records / ~___.Entlly_l,l__am_e / Detail by Entity Name Florida Limited Liability Company 65-75 WASHINGTON AVE LLC Filing Information Document Number L21000464209 FEI/EIN Number 87-3534381 Date Filed 10/25/2021 Effective Date 10/25/2021 State FL Status ACTIVE Last Event LC NAME CHANGE Event Date Filed 11/10/2021 Event Effective Date NONE PrinciP-al Address 420 S DIXIE HWY. 2ND FLOOR HALLANDALE BEACH, FL 33009 Mailing Address 420 S DIXIE HWY 2ND FLOOR HALLANDALE BEACH, FL 33009 UN Registered Agent Name & Address RAVIV, LIOR 13200 BISCAYNE BAY TER. NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL 33181 Authorized Person(~) Detail Name &Address Title MGR RAVIV, LIOR 13200 BISCAYNE BAY TER. NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL 33181 Title MGR AZULAY, ARIK 19501 NE 22ND AVENUE MIAMI, FL 33180 Annual ReP-orts Report Year Filed Date 2022 01/07/2022 2023 01/20/2023 Document Images 01 /20/2023 -ANNUAL REPORT View image in PDF format 01 /07/2022 --ANNUAL REPORT View image in PDF format 11/10/2021 --LC Name Changg View image in PDF format 10/25/2021 Florida Limited LiabilitY. View image in PDF format-------------' CITY OF MIAMI BEACH CERTIFICATE OF USE, ANNUAL FIRE FEE, AND BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT TRADE NAME: OBA: IN CARE OF: ADDRESS: 1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, Florida 33139-1819 GOLDEN DREAMS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION INC 65 Washington Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139-0000 LICENSE NUMBER: Beginning: Expires: Parcel No: A penalty is imposed for failure to keep this Business Tax Receipt exhibited conspicuously at your place of business. A Business Tax Receipt issued under this article does not waive or supersede other City laws, does not constitute City approval of a particular business activity and does not excuse the licensee from all other laws applicable to the licensee's business. This Receipt may be transferred: A Within 30 days of a bonafide sale, otherwise a complete annual payment is due. B. To another location within the City if proper approvals and the Receipt are obtained prior to opening of the new location. Additional Information Residential condominium with 26 units Storage Locations FROM: CITY OF MIAMI BEACH 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH , FL 33139-1819 TRADE ADDRESS: 65 Washington Ave Code Business Type 95800000 Condo (no state license required) ICoodomm;,m, #Coodos PRESORTED FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTAGE PAID MIAM I BEACH , FL PERMIT No 1525 BTR0 13573-02-2023 03/09/2023 09/30/2023 0242031820001 26 GOLDEN DREAMS CONDOMIN IUM ASSOCIATION INC 65 Washington Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139-0000 GOLDEN DREAMS CONDOMINIUM CODE COMPLIANCE LETTER TO KRISTINA VEGA MIAMI BEACH City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov CODE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT Tel: 305.673.7555 April 21, 2023 Sent via electronic mail only to: Ms. Kristina Vega kristinavega555@gmail.com 65 Washington Avenue Apt. 20 Miami Beach, FL 33139 RE: Formal Complaint of November 16, 2022 / CMB Internal Review Case No. 22-0005 Dear Ms. Vega, Please accept this correspondence in response to issues you have raised in a formal complaint as outlined in your electronic mail of November 16, 2022. As you know, I asked for an internal review of all the issues detailed in your correspondence. After review of report narratives, violations, body worn camera footage, and employee interviews, our investigator determined that several of the concerns you highlighted in your formal complaint are unsubstantiated. On November 16, 2022, we responded to your complaint of illegal short-term rental activity and commercial use and the assessment was carried out in accordance with our Department guidelines. The code officer(s) that responded took the following actions: • Emailed you the day we received your complaint to obtain your address and phone number; • The code officers then proceeded to site inspection and conducted three separate interviews with residents from units 8, 14, and 19. Upon their inspection, they did not find any evidence of illegal use specifically for illegal short-term rental activity, commercial use, or businesses operating without a license ; • The code officers researched the business tax receipt of the condo association, Golden Dreams Condo and found that they did not have a valid business tax receipt; o Code violation# CC2022-12824 (P1 offense) was initially issued to the condo association on April 6, 2022 when a code officer was proactively researching business tax receipts for businesses in the area; o Code violation # CC2022-14329 (2 nd offense) was issued to the condo association since the condo association still did not have an active business tax receipt. ■ The condo association remedied the violation and now has an active business tax receipt as of March 9, 2023 -Business Tax Receipt # BTR013573-02-2023. • The code officers referred the concerns regarding fraudulent permits for 40-year certification and illegal construction activity to the City's Building Department; o The Building Department issued violation # BVC22000970 to unit 8 for conducting work without permits We are committed to providing excellent public seNice and safety to all who live, work, and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community. Page2 Ms. K. Vega CMB CODE IR22-0005 • Code Compliance Officer (CCO) Blanco did not find any evidence of tree cutting when she conducted her inspection, and she informed you that the tree cutting concern was referred to the Building Department and the Urban Forestry Department; • The code officers were interviewed by the Code Compliance Department to review how they addressed the complaints; o On November 29, 2022 CCO Blanco conducted an on line investigation for short­ term rental activity, commercial use, and businesses operating without a license and did not find any evidence of any illegal activity. CCO Blanco and CCO Guerrero then conducted an onsite investigation and at that time, the CCOs did not observe any illegal activity. During their investigation, the CCOs did not observe any construction material throughout the courtyard or outside of any of the units. • Emailed you on November 29, 2022 asking you for your contact number to discuss your concerns and you did not respond; • On January 10, 2023, CCO Blanco returned to the property to investigate and found no evidence of any illegal activity. CCO Blanco emailed you again to discuss your concerns and you did not respond. CCO Blanco then proceeded to contact the Police Department and spoke with Police Officer Deborah Martineau regarding your concerns; • On January 11, 2023, Detective Quijano spoke with CCO Blanco and advised her that you met with Detective Quijano to discuss your concerns. Detective Quijano advised you to send an email with your concerns and it would be forwarded to the appropriate Departments and agencies. Detective Quijano attempted to reach out to you afterwards on several occasions and she has not received a response to her request. Detective Quijano stated there has been a complaint submitted to the Miami Beach Police Internal Affairs Unit. I have asked Silvia Escobar, our Administrative Services Manager, to provide your contact information to the Building Department to keep you abreast of the Special Magistrate hearing dates for the Building violations issued in the event you wish to be heard at the appeal hearing. We find that resident testimony is most compelling at these hearings when the Special Magistrate has an opportunity to hear first-hand of the negative impacts our residents are experiencing and conversely, affecting their quality of life. Additionally, you are welcome to communicate with Silvia for any questions you may have regarding our internal review. In closing, we take all complaints seriously and I hope that our internal review of this matter has demonstrated our full transparency with the end-goal of providing effective and efficient service delivery to our residents. Hernan D. Cardena, Esq. Director Ihde c: Mark Taxis, Assistant City Manager We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work, and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.