Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

DRAFT LAST REVISED 10/3/2008 1:51 PM MINUTES September 24, 2008 REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF REVIEW – DANGEROUS BUILDINGS CONFERENCE ROOM 23 UNION STREET NORWICH, CONNECTICUT AGENDA ITEMS A, B & C – CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, DETERMINATION OF QUORUM: Chairman Gary Schnip called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. Commission Members Present: Gary Schnip, Sofee Noblick, Andrew Zeeman, James Quarto, Richard Caron, and Ed Martin Also Present: Alderman Jonathan Jacaruso, James Troeger, Building Official and Tianne Phoenix Curtis, Recording Secretary A quorum was present and all members present were voting. D. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Upon motion by Richard Caron and second by Sofee Noblick, the Commission voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the August 27, 2008 regular meeting. E. COMMUNICATIONS: The Commission accepted any communications. Jonathan Jacaruso noted the communication relative to the FOI workshop set for 9/29/08 conflicts with the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah and there will be an additional workshop date and time to be determined. All were encouraged to attend. Jim Troeger reported that his request to the City Manager Alan Bergren for a percent of citation fines collected for Blight Enforcement to be designated to cleanup blighted properties had been unanswered. Mr. Troeger stated that an Ordinance had been adopted 9/15/08 for the appropriation of additional funds in the amount of $300,00.00 for the demolition of various unsightly/unsafe buildings, however there was no clear response from the City Manger to designate a fixed permanent percentage. Mr. Troeger presented the Commission with the option of pursuing the topic with additional writings or table the discussion to the next regularly scheduled meeting. After a brief discussion, the Commission agreed to table the discussion to the next regularly scheduled meeting. 1 DRAFT LAST REVISED 10/3/2008 1:51 PM F. BLIGHT UPDATED/CONCERNS 1. 26 Shipping Street Sofee Noblick reported to the Commission that she had met with Assistant City Manager Jennifer Gottlieb, and they had discussed at length the application of grant monies pertaining to Shipping Street. The Commission discussed their short and long term goals of stabilizing the site. Mr. Troeger reported that he had received correspondence dated September 24, 2008 from Ms. Gottlieb requesting the Commission withdraw their CDBG application for $150,000.00 for rehabilitation work in favor of partnering on a $50,000.00 unallocated funds CDBG application for a roof replacement. Mr. Troeger explained that the total funds are available are as follows: $200,000.00 from EPA, $200,000.00 pending from DECD and $40,000.00 from the Sachem Fund. After a thorough review and upon motion by Richard Caron and second by Sofee Noblick, the Commission voted unanimously to withdraw the request for $150,000.00. Upon motion by Sofee Noblick and second by James Quarto, the Commission voted unanimously to support the request for an additional $200,000.00 Brownfield grant from the USDPA. Upon motion by Sofee Noblick and second by Andy Zeeman, the Commission voted unanimously to partner with the $50,000.00 request for unallocated CDBG funds. Gary Schnip agreed to compose a letter to Ms. Gottlieb relative to the Commission’s decisions. 2. 196 Yantic Street (Art Form) James Troeger stated the sofit in question is a safety hazard and needs to be removed. Mr. Troeger will inquire with Comptroller Joe Ruffo as to the availability of demolition funds to complete the removal, as well as getting comment from Malcolm Edgar if necessary. Upon motion by Sofee Noblick and second by James Quarto, the Commission voted unanimously to support the actions proposed by Mr. Troeger. 3. 751 North Main Street James Troeger read his letter to the City Manager dated September 10, 2008 requesting auctioning the $100,000.00+/- tax lien to interested parties. Mr. Troeger stated that he has yet to receive a response to said letter. 4. 62-64 North Main Street Blight Enforcement Officer Ed Martin stated that he would continue to fine and pursue the property owner until a response is received. 2 DRAFT LAST REVISED 10/3/2008 1:51 PM G. Homestead Project Close-out 1. 100 Clinton Avenue-Paul Butcher, Jr. Upon motion by Sofee Noblick and second by Richard Caron, the Commission voted unanimously to suspend the rules to take agenda item “G1” out of order. Mr. Troeger stated to the Commission that the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) has been issued and the contract and agreement must be reviewed before any monies are released. The Commission wished to schedule a walk-through of the property. Members agreed to reconvene at 8:15 am on October 1, 2008 at 100 Clinton Avenue. H. Other: 1. Sachem Fund/Other funding: No discussion was held. 2. Demolition/Blight funds request: No discussion was held. 3. “Turnaki” building East Main Street: Ed Martin stated fines have been paid. Commission requested Mr. Martin enforce the replacement of the existing blue tarp. Mr. Martin concurred. 4. “?” Main Street: Mr. Martin stated the building is being reinforced from the basement up to address the structural issues and that the façade would be done last. 5. Putts Up Dock: Mr. Martin agreed to address the burned structure that has been sitting for over a year. 6. 162 Broad Street: Mr. Martin stated the overgrowth would be cut very soon. 7. 21 Treadway Avenue: Mr. Martin agreed to investigate the reported cans and trash. 8. Corner of Spaulding and Broad Street: Mr. Martin agreed to investigate the reported leaves, debris and garbage. I. Public Comments: None J. Agenda setting for next meeting K. Adjournment 3