Public Health & Housing Committee

APPROVED PUBLIC HEALTH and HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday August 7th, 2013 Members: Alderman Gabby Rujawitz – Chairman Alderman Ken Kinsella Alderman Jim Musgrove Alderman Joe Hayden Alderman Bob White Tricia Tialdo Staff: Robert Sabo Roger Barfield Guests: Michael Hagberg Alderwoman Janet Schmidt Rick Schmidt Jacqueline Lee Treasurer Dean Hardt Alderman Rujawitz called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Instructions in case of an emergency, fire/weather, were given. On roll call of members all were present. Alderman Kinsella made a motion to approve the June 5th, 2013 minutes, second by Tialdo. All present voted AYE. Motion passed. Comments from guests; Michael Hagberg commented that there is a house on S. 7th St. that burnt over a year ago and the outside has been remodeled but is still on the City’s demolition list. He stated that this house should be removed from the demolition. Mr. Hagberg also commented that in the Meredith Home discussion in the September 19th minutes it mentioned private donations and not taxpayer money was to be used in the demolition. He is against the $400,000 budgeted from the City for demolition and if Mr. Cook wants to make this park he should pay for the demolition and park and set up a trust fund for its maintenance. Alderman White asked if there was a City review on the S 7th St. demolition process. Housing Director Bob Sabo related that in the last court hearing the owner was given an extension for the required repairs and another hearing will be scheduled for review. New Business; Opening of bids for the sale of City owned properties of 515/517 S 17th. Only one bid was received and it was submitted by Kurt Rujawitz , who bid $53,000 for the property of 517 S 17th St. Alderman Kinsella made a motion to accept the bid second by Alderman Hayden. On roll call all members voted Aye with the exception of Chairman Rujawitz who abstained. Motion passed. Housing Director Sabo reported to the Committee that invitations to bid for the asbestos removal and demolition of the former Meredith Home 16 S Illinois Ave were advertised on August the 4th, 2013 in the Belleville News Democrat newspaper. The bids are be opened on Friday August 30th and then presented to the appropriate committees for approval. The anticipated time line; HH Committee on September 4th , Finance September 9th and City Council on September 16th. If approved the abatement of asbestos was planned for the month of October and the demolition for the month of November. Discussion followed and Alderman Hayden inquired as to who approved the bid advertisement. Director Sabo responded that the Mayor authorized the process and added that in previous demolition proceedings it was only presented to the H&H Committee after the bids were received and opened. Alderman Hayden commented that he believes that the invitation to bid should first be approved by the H&H Committee prior to being advertised. He also stated that during his campaign for Mayor no one in any ward asked that the Meredith Home be torn down and in fact it was the opposite feeling that this building should be utilized. Alderman Hayden advised that he is aware of the agreement with Mr.Cook for a memorial park to honor his daughter at this site but believes that the times have changed and that a different location such as the old Belleville pool area should be offered to the Cook family. Alderman Hayden concluded by saying that it would be a drastic mistake to tear the Meredith Home down. Alderwoman Schmidt agreed that tearing down the Meredith Home would be a mistake. She added that back in the agreement on 09-19-12 the Cook family agreed to assist in the demolition cost and asked if they have. That question could not be answered. Alderman White questioned the legal stand point of the agreement with the Cook family as to if we were committed to the demolition or if there was an alternate option. Alderman Kinsella related that the Cook family has already written a check for $500,000 and the City would go back on their word. He related that on advertisement of the property there was no interest mainly due to the fact that there is no parking available. Alderman Hayden related that he has received numerous complaints from citizens on nuisance animals in neighborhoods and inquired as to the need of resources to handle this situation. Director Sabo advised that the Housing department will supply traps to citizens with these type of complaints and will pick up after an animal is captured. Alderman Hayden suggested the purchase of more traps to provide to the public, which was agreed upon to do. Alderman Hayden brought up the Crime Free Housing Ordinance update and was wondering if this will be brought to the Housing committee for discussion. It was not known at this time. A motion was made by Alderman Hayden and second by Alderman Kinsella to have Director Sabo and Committee member Tricia Tialdo investigate the possibility of selling the property of 515 S 17th St. through a real estate agent. They will report their findings back to the committee. A motion was made by to adjourn by Alderman Kinsella and second by Alderman Hayden. All members voted Aye. Meeting was adjourned.