Dangerous Buildings

DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SPECIAL HEARING MINUTES October 21, 2019 1:00 P.M. CITY HALL 10 N. DIVISION STREET COMMISSION CHAMBERS 3RD FLOOR – ROOM 301 BATTLE CREEK MI 49014 1. Call to Order: 1:01 pm 2. Roll Call: Carman Hamilton 3. Staff Members Present: Don Wilkinson, Building Official; Richard Bolek, Chief Building Official; Angela Hubbard, Secretary 4. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: N/A 5. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Hamilton approved the minutes from the October 9, 2019 meeting. Approved 6. New Business: a. 34 Michigan Ave E (Commercial Building) Issue #EN19-09070 Building Inspector: Don Wilkinson Property owner, Bryant DeBolt, present. Mr. Wilkinson stated the building sustained a partial structural collapse. The building had the top 3 of 6 floors collapse onto the floors below, creating an enormous amount of weight being placed on the lower floors now attempting to hold the load. The roof has lost its structural support due to the load bearing posts collapsing with the floors. A portion of the upper roof is open/collapsed exposing the interior to the elements. The North wall is compromised and has collapsed onto a lower roof section, creating additional weight on the lower roof. The open North wall exposes the building interior and contents to the elements. The exterior stone walls have cracks, causing them to become unstable. The structure is loaded with an overabundance of storage, creating additional loading of the collapsed floors. The collapsed floors, open roof, unstable walls, and Dangerous Buildings Hearing October 9, 2019 Page 2 of 3 overloading has created a safety hazard of the neighboring buildings, parking areas, and roadway. Roadways and parking areas have been closed for safety. Portions of the neighboring structures are currently unusable due to the potential for collapse. Owners have limited access to their buildings due to imminent danger of this structure. There is also concern that an uncontrolled collapse may cause damage to neighboring structures, creating a safety threat to people and property next to the structure. Collapse is imminent, and this is a disruption to the area in general. In its current condition, Mr. Wilkinson recommended affirming the property as a Dangerous Building. Mr. DeBolt stated that his intent is to repair the building as best he can due to its historical nature, and would like the city to assist him an saving it. Mr. DeBolt brought in a handwritten list of items he’d like to do now, as he’s trying to weather proof the structure. Mr. Wilkinson stated the structure needs to be repaired and saved from collapse, and that plans designed by an architect or licensed engineer must be provided. Mr. DeBolt asked if he could bring in a dumpster to clean out the collapsed materials and repair the roof. Mr. Bolek explained that the roof cannot sustain any additional loads. Mr. Wikinson stated that he must stabilize the floors below it before any work can be done, and reiterated that the building is unsafe for anyone to work on or enter. Plans must be submitted by an architect or licensed engineer that include bracing, to prevent further collapse from the bottom up before any work can be done. Mr. DeBolt stated he will hire an architect if that’s what is required. Mr. Bolek stated that Mr. Ross is already familiar with the situation, and will give Mr. DeBolt his contact information if he’d like. When Mr. Wilkinson asked for a timeline, Mr. DeBolt thought he could start this week. Again, Mr. Wilkinson stated that a report and plans are needed before any work can safely be done. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring it into compliance. Affirmed. Dangerous Buildings Hearing October 9, 2019 Page 3 of 3 7. Public Comments: none 8. Board and Staff Members Comments: none 9. Adjournment: 1:14pm The City of Battle Creek will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered in the meeting upon reasonable notice to the City of Battle Creek. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City of Battle Creek by writing or calling the following: Vicki Houser, City Clerk 10 N. Division Street Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 (269) 966-3348/Voice/TDD /adh