Better Property Board

Bristol Tennessee Better Property Board Minutes January 26, 2012 Members Present: Staff/Others Present: Herb Barker Karl Cooler Lonnie Barrett Dustin Blackburn Randy Cook Shari Brown Wayne Humphrey Jack Hyder Pamela Offield Members Not Present: The Bristol Tennessee Better Property Board was called to order at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012 by Chairwoman Pamela Offield. Minutes Herb Barker made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 8, 2011, meeting, seconded by Wayne Humphrey. The motion carried unanimously. Preliminary Investigations A. 204 McCray Street Dustin Blackburn stated that he had received complaints about debris and odor coming from the residence. He stated that the roof was almost completely gone from the house. Staff asked that the Better Property Board set a Public Hearing for Demolition as well as Trash and Debris. Wayne Humphrey made a motion to have a Public Hearing on the house at the February 23, 2012 meeting, seconded by Lonnie Barrett. The motion carried unanimously. Wayne Humphrey made a motion to have a Public Hearing for Trash and Debris at the February 23, 2012 meeting, seconded by Lonnie Barrett. The motion carried unanimously. B. 312 Carolina Avenue Dustin Blackburn stated that he had been dealing with the property for two years. He stated that there was debris on the porch and surrounding the house that needed to be removed, as well as, a motorcycle, lawnmower, and trailer. The owner had been working on cleaning up the area but had discontinued doing so. Karl Cooler stated that Code Enforcement had received complaints from the neighbors. Herb Barker made a motion to have a Public Hearing at the February 23, 2012 meeting, seconded by Randy Cook. The motion carried unanimously. Public Hearing A. 930 Hill Street Dustin Blackburn stated that the house had been abandoned in 2009 and that the house had been gutted of wiring and plumbing. There was also some rotting wood and both the porch and roof needed repairs. He stated that the house was open and unsecured. Karl Cooler stated that the staff had not had any success in getting the property cleaned up and repaired by the property owner. Mr. Cooler stated that staff recommended demolition of the house and asked for an Order to Demolish. Amy Landers stated that she and her husband, John Landers, were interested in purchasing the house. She stated that they had submitted a short sale request to the bank. Mr. Cooler stated that with a demolition order staff could begin a process. Randy Cook asked Mr. and Mrs. Landers if they had any idea what it would cost to repair the house. Mrs. Landers stated that they were aware that the cost would be substantial. Herb Barker asked how long it would take them to do the repairs if they were successful in purchasing the house. Ms. Landers stated that they hoped approximately nine months. Karl Cooler asked that the issue be tabled for 30 days to allow Mr. and Mrs. Landers time to pursue buying the house. Randy Cook made a motion to table action on 930 Hill Street until the February 23, 2012 meeting, seconded by Lonnie Barrett. The motion carried unanimously. B. 935 Hill Street Dustin Blackburn stated that the property suffered significant fire damage. He stated that the house was also unsecured. Mr. Blackburn stated that he had spoken with the property owner and was told that she planned to demolish the house. He stated that he had not had any contact with the property owner since that time. Karl Cooler stated that the main structure support was damaged beyond repair. Wayne Humphrey made a motion to issue an Order to Demolish, seconded by Herb Barker. The motion carried unanimously. Trash and Debris A. 237 Grove Park Drive Dustin Blackburn stated that there had been no progress on the debris since the last meeting. Pam Offield asked Mr. Combs if he had done any further cleanup around the house. Mr. Combs stated that he had cleaned up the ditch and some debris on the front porch. Ms. Offield asked about the debris under the carport and the broken window. He stated that he planned to begin work on the house. Karl Cooler stated that Code Enforcement had not seen any progress. Herb Barker asked Mr. Cooler if the City could clean up the debris. Jack Hyder stated that the City could have the property cleaned up. Mr. Cooler stated that staff would have to be available to help the contractor decide what to throw away. Mr. Combs stated that he had purchased about $400.00 in material and would not want to see that material thrown away. Mr. Cooler stated that those items would not be removed from the property. Karl Cooler stated that there was 75% damage on the house according to the Engineer’s report. He stated that he had met with Mr. Combs’ daughter, Ms. Foran, and his son, Brad Combs. He stated that they had indicated that they did not have the money to hire a contractor to repair the house and could only depend on family members to help with repairs. Mr. Cooler stated that he had explained to them that they needed to read the Engineer’s Report. Wayne Humphrey stated that he was concerned that the house could not be repaired because of the damage to the floor joist. Karl Cooler read the Engineer’s Report to the board. Lonnie Barrett asked Mr. Combs if his son or daughter knew about the Better Property Board meeting. Mr. Combs stated that this son had dropped him off for the meeting. Mr. Combs stated that he had thought his son-in-law was going to come to the meeting, but instead his daughter and son had met with Code Enforcement the previous day. Wayne Humphrey stated that the guidance on the repairs to the house would come from the structural engineer’s report and that the cost that would be involved would be astronomical. Wayne Humphrey made a motion to have a Progress Report on the Trash and Debris at the February 23, 2012 meeting, seconded by Herb Barker. The motion carried unanimously. Old Business A. 237 Grove Park Drive Pam Offield asked what the status was on the Demolition Order. Karl Cooler stated that the order was still in effect, but had been stayed. Mr. Cooler suggested to Mr. Combs that he speak with his son and daughter and relay his wishes to them to either demolish or repair the house and ask them to contact him. Herb Barker made a motion to have a Progress Report at the February 23, 2012 meeting, seconded by Wayne Humphrey. The motion carried unanimously. B. 1236 Maryland Avenue Dustin Blackburn stated that he had been in discussion with Mr. Baker, the property owner, about having licensed contractors to do the repairs on the house. He stated that no progress had been done but the house was secure and the property maintained. Dustin Blackburn stated that Mr. Baker was aware that he needed to obtain a permit with the contractor listed. Wayne Humphrey made a motion to have a Progress Report at the February 23, 2012 meeting, seconded by Lonnie Barrett. The motion carried unanimously. C. 328 Pennsylvania Avenue Karl Cooler stated that there had not been any progress. He stated that the property would be before the board at the February 23, 2012 meeting and that staff would try to conduct an interior inspection before that meeting. Other: None There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. ______________________________ Randall Cook Vice-Chairman