Dangerous Buildings

DANGEROUS BUILDINGS HEARING MINUTES November 10, 2020 1:00 P.M. CITY HALL 10 N. DIVISION STREET COMMISSION CHAMBERS 3RD FLOOR – ROOM 301 BATTLE CREEK MI 49014 1. Call to Order: 1:02 pm 2. Roll Call: Carman Hamilton 3. Staff Members Present: Don Wilkinson, Building Official; Richard Bolek, Chief Building Official; Jason Francisco, Code Compliance Manager; Angela Hubbard, Secretary 4. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: N/A 5. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Hamilton approved the minutes from the February 12, 2020 meeting. Approved 6. New Business: a. 221 Stringham Rd (House) Homeowner not present. Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated property has multiple violations. This is the older home near the front of the property.In it’ current condition, Mr. Wilkinson recommended affirming the property as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed b. 214 Calhoun St (House) Homeowner, Anthony Martuge, present. Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated the property was heavily damaged by fire and was condemned. In its current condition, Mr. Wilkinson recommended affirming the property as a Dangerous Building. Homeowner, Anthiny Martuge, has applied for an electrical permit to have power restored. Mr. Wilkinson affirmed that the property is still condemned and will work with the homeowner as long as progress continues. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Buildings Hearing November 16, 2020 Page 2 of 5 Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed c. 42 Whittier (House) Homeowner not present. Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated that property was heavily damaged by fire. He has been in contact with owner, and they are looking into demolishing the home. Mr. Wilkinson stated that in its current condition he recommend affirming the property as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted 30 days to bring into compliance. Affirmed d. 60 Graves (House) Homeowner Noah Clark present Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated that the violations are from a police call, and that the property was contaminated with animal feces. Mr. Wilkinson stated that in its current condition he recommend affirming the property as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Clark stated the property has been completely gutted, but has not pulled permits yet as the house needed cleaning. Mr. Wilkinson instructed the owner to contact the office for a safety inspection. Mr. Wilkinson stated again, in its current state, he recommend the property by affirmed as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed e. 63 Merritt House) Homeowner Ebbin Brown present Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated that the property was heavily damaged by fire. He stated that in its current condition, he recommend affirming it as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Brown stated that their intent was to bring the property back into compliance. He has been getting estimates. Mr. Wilkinson stated that the City will continue to work with the owner as long as progress is being made. Mr. Hamilton Dangerous Buildings Hearing November 16, 2020 Page 3 of 5 affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed f. 178 Harris (House) Homeowner Cindy Wilkinson present Don Wilkinson stated that the violations were found during a police call. He stated the property is unsanitary and unfit for human occupancy. He stated that in its current condition, he recommend affirming it as a Dangerous Building. Cindy Wilkinson stated that she is a senior citizen and has no money to fix the property. She is trying to lose the house. Mr. Wilkinson stated that she needs to demo, sell, or fix the property. Richard Bolek, Chief Building Official, suggested that Ms. Wilkinson reach out to a Realtor. He also recommended she reach out to Scott Parker and the Minor Home Repair Program. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed g. 132 Lafayette (House) Property owner not present. Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated the home was damaged by fire and that in its current condition, he recommend the property being affirmed as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed h. 199 Highland Ave (House) Homeowner not present. Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated the property was heavily damaged by fire. He recommended the property be affirmed as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building as granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed i. 75 Frisbie (House) Homeowner not present Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated the property was heavily damaged by fire, and recommended in its Dangerous Buildings Hearing November 16, 2020 Page 4 of 5 current condition it be affirmed as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed j. 223 Winter St (House) Property owner Todd Dovey from RADC Inc present Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated that the property has outstanding code violations. He stated that in its current condition, he recommend affirming it as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Dovey stated that he is trying to get the utilities disconnected so that the house can be demolished. He stated the garage would be left and a new house would be built in its place. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed k. 124 Greenwood (House) Homeowner not present Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated that the property was damaged by fire. There has been no contact by owner. He recommends in its current condition is be affirmed as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed l. 54 Keith Dr (House) Homeowner not present Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated the property was damaged by fire. There has been no contact by the owner. He recommends in its current condition is be affirmed as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed m. 193 Oneita St (House) Homeowner not present Don Wilkinson, Building Inspector, stated the property has been vacant since 2011. The property has been Dangerous Buildings Hearing November 16, 2020 Page 5 of 5 gutted and there is no work progressing. All permits have been closed. He recommends in its current condition is be affirmed as a Dangerous Building. Mr. Hamilton affirmed the property as a Dangerous Building and granted thirty days to bring into compliance. Affirmed 7. Public Comments: none 8. Board and Staff Members Comments: none 9. Adjournment: 1:34pm 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