Town could settle Armstrong suit this week

The town and resident James Armstrong could enter into a settlement agreement this week.

Mayor Jim Brown has set a special Longboat Key Town Commission meeting to immediately follow the commission’s 2 p.m. Thursday, April 19 regular workshop in which the commission will consider the settlement agreement that Armstrong signed last week.

The commission authorized Town Attorney David Persson to file a lawsuit against Armstrong in December 2010. The lawsuit stemmed from the Longboat Key Code Enforcement Board’s finding that Armstrong violated the law when he performed work on his home in the 2900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive. The board voted to fine Armstrong $50 a day until he brought his property into compliance and require him to pay $2,117.50 in administrative costs.

The town sought access to Armstrong’s home in order to enforce its codes. Armstrong filed two appeals that were dismissed by the Second District Court of Appeals.

According to the agreement, the firm of M.T. Causley Inc. will perform an independent inspection of Armstrong’s home and report back to the town. The agreement states that the town will accept $650 for the daily fines accumulated through the case and place a non-bearing interest lien on Armstrong’s house in the amount of $2,117.50 for administrative costs.

For more information, pick up an April 19 issue of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].