Hearing Authority

LAFAYETTE HEARING AUTHORITY March 18, 2014 The Lafayette Hearing Authority met on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers of Lafayette City Hall. Present were: Cindy Murray and Gary Henriott Absent: Ron Shriner Jacque Chosnek, 1st Deputy Attorney, was also present. Mr. Henriott called the meeting to order. MINUTES Mrs. Murray moved for approval of the September 24, 2013 minutes. Mr. Henriott seconded. Motion Carried. NEW BUSINESS Order to Comply and Notice to Appear at Demolition Hearing- 424 Central Street Scott Dieterle, Engineering Office, stated that the house and shed are owned by Richard and Evangeline Hill and Mr. Dieterle has had no contact with them since the original letter was sent. The property is currently unoccupied/vacant for the past couple of years. Both structures have deteriorated over time and need demolished. Mr. Dieterle recommended affirming the demolition. Mr. Dieterle stated that the shingles are deteriorating, aluminum fascia is falling off, exposed exterior wood is rotting, holes in the siding and the shed is deteriorated. Jacque Chosnek, 1st Deputy Attorney, stated that the owners have filed for bankruptcy protection and abandoned the property and surrendered it back as part of the bankruptcy process. The mortgage company was also provided service of the hearing today. Mr. Henriott moved to affirm the order for demolition. Mrs. Murray seconded. Motion Carried. Order to Comply and Notice to Appear at Demolition Hearing-113 Walnut Street Mr. Dieterle stated that the house is owned by Teresa Cox. Mr. Dieterle stated that he has spoken and met with Ms. Cox on several occasions. Ms. Cox knew that there were major issues with the structure and during the last meeting she handed her keys over to Mr. Dieterle surrendering her home over because she has no money to fix it up and has another place to live. Mr. Dieterle stated that the roof is sagging; the shingles are deteriorating and there are foundation issues throughout the entire structure. Mrs. Chosnek stated that they served notice to the property by certified mail on January 30, 2014 and there is a mortgage on this property with Wells Fargo Bank. Timothy Black, Fewell & Hannoy, P.C., stated that the sale of the house was schedule and then cancelled as a result of finding out about the condition of the property. Mr. Black stated that the foreclosure is cancelled the bank will charge off the loan. Mayor Roswarski’s concern is how the city will recover the cost of demolition if the foreclosure is cancelled. Mrs. Chosnek stated that the city will perform the work and will certify the costs to be put on the property tax roll. Mrs. Murray moved to affirm the order of demolition. Mr. Henriott seconded. Motion Carried. Updates There are four houses that are getting ready to bid: 63 Rostone Circle, 1408 S. 19th Street, 507 S. 1st Street and 1329 Central Street. 1205 Kossuth Street- Mr. Dieterle spoke with the owner two weeks ago and is having financial issues but is striving for a possible mid-April 2014 completion date and ready for occupancy. Devon Plaza-Mr. Dieterle stated that the plans have been sent to the state for approval. The owners are going to rebuild. UNSAFE STRUCTURES REPORT March 18, 2014 424 Central Ave P Property owner: Richard & Evangeline Hill Initial contact: None HOUSE AND SHED Shingles are starting to deteriorate Aluminum fascia missing in areas Exposed exterior wood starting to deteriorate Exterior door starting to deteriorate Vent missing causing hole in exterior of house Foundation starting to deteriorate Several holes in siding Lot overgrown with vegetation Shed deteriorated and needs demolished Last contact: No contact since original letter Taxes Current: No $4925.93, City liens- $1269 Fees- $120 Recommendation: Demolition 113 Walnut St Property owner: Teresa Cox Initial contact: January 13, 2012 HOUSE The City of Lafayette Engineering Department believes this property poses an unsafe environment to the public and is unfit for human occupancy. This property will be presented to the Lafayette Hearing Authority with an order for demolition. Roof is sagging thru-out Shingles have deteriorated Chimneys are leaning and deteriorating Fascia and soffit are rotting Dormers are deteriorating and missing windows Window trim is deteriorating Siding missing in areas Several windows broken Foundation has deteriorated Last contact: February 8, 1012 Taxes Current: Yes Recommendation: Demolition Time: 9:51 a.m. Gary Henriott s/s Gary Henriott Minutes prepared by Mindy Miller, 1st Deputy Clerk A digital audio recording of this meeting is available in the Lafayette City Clerk’s Office.