MARCO ISLAND — An electric system’s state of disrepair could lead to a Christmas with no lights for up to 32 Island households, city code officials warn.
City Electrical Inspector Bruce Yakola observed what he calls a significant health and safety issue at Marco Villa Condominiums on Tallwood Street.
Yakola said he was inspecting one condo unit in early June when he noticed badly rusted electric equipment.
“A kid could just put their hand up in there and get electrocuted,” Yakola said.
Metering and main disconnect equipment were rusting out and riser conduits were pulling off the wall, he added.
The city code enforcement office notified the Marco Villa Condo board of the violation.
Yakola said the only responses received by the city over the last six months were requests for an extension of time to repair the problem.
Marco Villa Board of Directors did not follow up with the Marco Eagle to share their side of the issue. However, letters from the condo board to Yakola outline some of the problems the condo residents and board members are dealing with.
“Unfortunately a few owners are facing foreclosures in our complex and have fallen far behind in the maintenance fees ... We simply do not have the money on hand to immediately tackle this project,” wrote Peggy Faubion, a Marco Villa board member.
Faubion wrote the memo to Yakola Oct. 8 with a request for time to special assess the owners, which she said would take several weeks or longer.
The electrical problem requires a new system throughout the four building condominium, affecting 32 households in the complex.
The Code Enforcement Board heard the case against Marco Villa Tuesday morning and no one from the condominium appeared before the board.
“No one from the board is present. I guess they haven’t taken this seriously,” said Chairman Jose Granda.
Yakola said he did not know the approximate cost of the needed repairs.
“I try not to ask. I don’t want money to affect my judgement,” Yakola said.
He said the problem of rusting electrical systems is not an uncommon problem, however commonly property owners are able to repair such hazardous electrical concerns promptly.
“These people are having financial problems, but I’m not going to let a kid get hurt,” Yakola said.
The Code Enforcement Board gave the association until Dec. 23 to have all 32 units’ electrical systems repaired.
“Be assured if the work is not done, power to at least the two worst buildings will be shut off,” Yakola said.
Chief Code Enforcement Officer Eric Wardle agreed that prompt correction was needed.
“This is a hazard. This is a life safety issue,” Wardle said.
Work had not begun as of Thursday, however Wardle said permits for the work have been approved.
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Comments » 1
dwertz writes:
Mid September of this year the Marco Villas Association Board received a “Notice of Code Violation”. After receiving the letter, I spoke to Yakola via the phone on a couple of occasions. Mainly to ask for more information on what specific type of work would be needed. In the letter under “Resolution” was a brief statement; “Replace electrical service in all four (4) buildings” period.
None of us on the MVC board are electrical experts and as board members needed to better understand the type of work and/or equipment the City of Marco Island (COM) had referred to in the letter. Otherwise some electrical contractors might take advantage of the situation.
Not knowing many electrical contractors on the island, the decision to find the right contractor for the job would take some time. We asked for the additional time with the COM to seek out a contractor but were met with little or no help in the matter.
As we all know, it’s been a trying time for many condo associations in the State of Florida let alone Marco Island. Many owners (especially in our small complex) have expressed concerns with rising utility costs and with increased maintenance fees and assessments. I know we’re not alone in these trying times. I don’t feel it was fair for Yakola to air the details of our financial status to the citizens of Marco Island in the above article. For him to do so shows his lack of interest in the small communities on Marco Island.
All I can say at this point… to other small condominium associations… is to “watch out” for the City of Marco Island when it comes to any help or assistance.
You’ll be forced to work through any problems or issues you may encounter on your own during the tough times ahead.
Lastly, I would like to state that as a MVC board member, I did not receive any notice of such hearing slated for this Tuesday. I would have gladly hopped on a plane to air my concerns in person. Eric Wardle and Yakola had my phone number, they should have invited me.
Chairman Jose Granda, we are taking this issue very seriously. The job will get done. And we won’t forget how the city sat back and decided to mock us rather than work with us as valid city leaders should. At least where I'm from.
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