Special Magistrate Ron Brown convened a City of Palatka code-enforcement hearing on Nov. 18, 2025, to hear Case 25009, a matter involving a life estate tied to property listed at 800 North 20th Street. Brown identified himself as an attorney appointed by the city commission to preside over the proceedings and said the hearing is not a formal court of law but must follow "the basic notions of fairness and due process."

Brown emphasized the standard for evidence: testimony must be "reliable and substantial and competent," meaning information that would allow a reasonable person to reach a reasonable conclusion. He said the hearing would follow the published agenda but that staff would accommodate attendees by adjusting the order of matters when necessary.

Before testimony on the case began, Brown administered the customary oath to city personnel who would testify. "Do you solemnly swear or affirm the testimony you shall give today shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" he asked; three city employees identified in the record as Miss Lowe, Miss Dreyer and Mister Bartelli answered in the affirmative. The magistrate said the preliminary remarks would be included in the record for any case heard.

Brown then called Case 25009, describing it as a first appearance before the special magistrate and asking whether anyone representing the life estate of William Hardy was present. An attendee who did not identify themself on the record reported having checked the county property-appraiser site and provided ownership information: "Clarence Hall 800 North 20th Street," the speaker said, and named a Brent Banteria Cooper and Cooper Hall LLC as associated entries; they also said an "heirs property" entry shares the same postal address. That speaker spoke from the audience while the hearing staff worked to get a microphone in place.

No formal motions or votes were recorded in the transcript excerpt provided. The magistrate confirmed the presence of the parties and oriented those present to the process; the transcript ends before the hearing record shows sworn testimony on the specifics of the code-enforcement allegations or any decision.

Next steps recorded in the excerpt: the hearing will proceed under oath with testimony from city witnesses and attendees; any further scheduling, evidence admission, or disposition for Case 25009 is not included in the supplied transcript segments.