Hearing Authority

LAFAYETTE HEARING AUTHORITY September 9, 2014 The Lafayette Hearing Authority met on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers of Lafayette City Hall. Present were: Gary Henriott and Ron Shriner Absent: Cindy Murray Jacque Chosnek, 1st Deputy Attorney, was also present. Mr. Shriner called the meeting to order. MINUTES Mr. Henriott moved for approval of the July 8, 2014 minutes. Mr. Shriner seconded. Motion Carried. OLD BUSINESS Continuation of Hearing regarding 617 New York Street Scott Dieterle, Engineering, stated that he spoke with Maureen Woods, works at TLS Unlimited, who has purchased the property through tax sale. The deed has been recorded; taxes have been paid and are current. Mr. Dieterle stated that the neighbor is helping keep the lawn trimmed along with the house secure. Mrs. Woods is currently trying to find a new owner and selling the property. Mr. Dieterle recommended continuing this until next meeting. Mrs. Chosnek recommended continuing this to allow the current owner time to find someone to sell it to and fix it up. Mr. Henriott moved to continue this order. Mr. Shriner seconded. Motion Carried. NEW BUSINESS Order to Comply and Notice to Appear at Demolition Hearing-1821 N. 16th Street Mr. Dieterle stated that there was a fire that occurred last September 2013 and just got clearance a few months ago from the Fire Department from the pending investigation. Mr. Dieterle stated that there is major fire damage throughout and is in bad shape. Debris from the fire was placed out in that yard and nothing has been cleaned up. Mr. Dieterle stated that with the current condition of the house his recommendation would be to demolish the house. Belinda Bernard, current owner, stated that she was residing in the residence the time of the fire. Ms. Bernard stated that she has not received an update for the investigation from the Fire Department. Ms. Bernard stated that she has not received anything from All State since three weeks after the fire and is waiting to hear back on whether they will be taking the claim. Ms. Bernard stated that Bank of America is no longer the mortgage holder and believes that the new mortgage holder is Selene Finance. Mr. Shriner explained to Ms. Bernard that this Board gets involved when a property has a safety issue and has a duty to make it safe through the possibility of demolition. Ms. Bernard stated that the house is secure and there piles of debris laying in the yard. Ms. Bernard stated that if All State does not take the claim she would not be able to rehabilitate that structure. Mrs. Chosnek stated that at the time of the title work Bank of America was still listed mortgage holder. Discussion ensued. Mr. Henriott moved to affirm the order for demolition. Mr. Shriner seconded. Motion Carried. UNSAFE STRUCTURES REPORT September 9, 2014 1821 N 16th St P Property owner: Belinda Bernard Initial contact: None HOUSE A major fire occurred on 9/6/13 Shingles are deteriorated Fascia is rotted and burnt thru-out Several windows missing or broken Front door missing Interior and exterior wood charred or burnt House poses a potential hazard to the neighborhood in this condition Last contact: No contact since original letter Taxes Current: No $71.20 Recommendation: Demolition Time: 9:49 a.m. Ron Shriner s/s President Minutes prepared by Mindy Miller, 1st Deputy Clerk A digital audio recording of this meeting is available in the Lafayette City Clerk’s Office.