HomeMy WebLinkAbout05261982The Sebastian Construction Board
Special Hearing, May 26, 1982
Howard & Carol Carswell vs. Camino Royale, Inc.
RE: LOt 23, Block 492, Sebastian Highlands Unit 915
Hearing called to order by Chairman Ed Paluch at 4:15 p.m.
Present: Ed Paluch, Greg Palmer, John Calmes, Don Langlois, Chris Kirrie,
Huston Tripp.
Letter of complaint from Howard and Carol Carswell read by Building Official,
Arthur Mayer. Copy attached.
Ed Paluch informed the Board that a certified letter was sent to Bernard L.
Bookstein, the qualifier on record for Camino Royale, Inc., requesting his
appearance at this hearing. Letter read by Arthur Mayer. Copy attached.
Mr, Bookstein's reply was read by Mayer. Cop~es attached.
Paluch questioned Mayer about events leading up to the transfer of permits from
William DeCarlo to Bernard Bookstein. Mayer read authorization from DeCarlo.
He then read letter of resignation from DeCarlo.
Mayer was questioned by Chris Kirtle as to the chronological order of events. It
was clarified that we received notification of resignation on October 18. We
mailed a letter to DeCarlo on October 27. He answered on November 11. Copies
attached. Mayer then informed Tony Guadragino, the supervisor for Camino Royale,
Inc., that he would need a new qualifier for the corporation. Guadragino then
brought in another letter of authorization from Bernard L. B66kstein accepting
responsibility for the permits on LOt 15, Block 218, Sebastian Highlands Unit #8;
LOt 23, Block 492, Sebastian Highlands Unit #15; LOt 56, Block 176, Sebastian
Highlands Unit 96; and any future building permits.
Mayer informed the Board that the Department of Professional Regulations is
pursuing William DeCarlo as well as Bernard Bookstein.
Kirrie question~'d'Whether the DPR has taken any action against ~ither man. Mayer
explained the procedure for an investigation. Paluch informed the'Board that
he had spoken to Mrs. Bookstein after receipt of the letter from her husband.
He advised"her that her husband or counsel should be at this hearing. It was
verified that no one representing Mr. Bookstein had attended. Paluah, after
talking to Mrs. Bookstein, then called Tom McAndrews with the DPR. McAndrews
had also received the original copies of the correspondence from Mr. Bookstein.
Paluch questioned McAndrews about the possibility of immediate action by the
state against Bookstein's license. McAndrews indicated that since the DPR
had documented evidence of violations against the state licensing laws, he felt
sure the state would take immediate action. But, McAndrews explained that the
evidence would have to be reviewed by their attorney for a definite ruling.
The violations are: 1. Qualifier must be a member of the corporation;
2. Aiding and abetting an unlicensed contractor; 3. Denial of responsibility
for the permits.
The Sebastian Construction Board
Special Hearing, May 26, 1982
Page 2
The Board then heard from Rene Van-deVoorde, the attorney for Howard & Carol
Carswell. He confirmed that the letter received from the Carswells was correct.
He had some other correspondence concerning other outstanding debts, but, at this
time, no other liens had been filed against the Carswell property. Calmes
questioned whether releases of l~ens had been required by Rene and~he bank
before the draws were released. Howard Carswell said the contract signed with
the bank didf. call for releases but did not know if they had them. Rene explained
that he had requested copies from the bank but had not received them at this
time. It was verified that all money WaR paid to Camino Royale, Inc.
There was a lengthy discussion about the facts presented and-the power given to
the Board by the City of Sebastian's Licensing Law.
It was pointed out tO<%the Board that the house started by Camino Royale, Inc. on
Lot 26, Block 104, Sebastian Highlands Unit #2, had been stopped by the owners and
their attorney because they had already received notices of liens.
There was much discussion on the penalty to be imposed on each of the contractors.
Motion by Huston Tripp: William DeCarlo, License #CGC105996, have license
suspended in the City of Sebastian until all liens are paid and all matters are
settled on permits pulled under his ticket. Bernard Bookstein, License %CBC003161,
be revoked based on evidence received that he is in violation of the state statute,
"Aiding and abetting an unlicensed contractor".
Seconded by John Calmes.
Motion amended by Huston Tripp to also reco~nend to the-state, that they also
suspend and revoke these licenses. Also, upon the advise of our city.attorney,
that the maximum administrative fine be imposed against both.
Seconded by Palmer.
A~endment carried.
Motion carried.
Mayer then informed the Board that he had received a phone call from Tony
Guadragino this afternoon before the hearing. Tony told Mayer that he would
be willing to offer a solution to the unpaid bills. Camino Royale, Inc. has a
model ho~e on Lot 15, Block 218, Sebastian Highlands Unit ~8, which is mortgage
free. Tony is to receive 50% of the profit.when the house is sold. Tony,is
willing to sign notes to all sub-contractors to be paid upon the sale of this
house. Mayer stated that he had seen a letter signed by Deno Belcastro to
Tony that they would split the profit at the time of sale. Tony was to stop
by Mayer's office on Thursday to discuss this possibility.
Motion by Tripp to adjourn.
Seconded by Palmer. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.