Dangerous Buildings, Board of Review

BOARD OF REVIEW - DANGEROUS BUILDINGS MINUTES WEDNESDAY MAY 22, 2013 5:30 p.m. Committee members present: Gary Schnip, Alderwoman Sofee Noblick, James Quarto, Andrew Zeeman, Joe East, Building Official Jim Troeger, Richard Caron (arrived at 5:35) 1. Call to Order: Gary Schnip called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. 2. Determination of a Quorum: It was determined that a quorum is present. 3. Acceptance of Minutes. Upon motion by Jim Quarto, seconded by Sofee Noblick, the Board voted unanimously to approve the March 27, 2013 minutes as amended. 4. Communications: None. 5. Blight updates/concerns: a. 17 West Town Street – Owner Wayne Cosentino was invited to the meeting but was unable to attend due to time conflicts so he met with Jim Troeger before the meeting to discuss his intentions and expectations for the property. He had forgotten his end of May commitment. The tarp has changed from blue to grey. He did not make any firm commitment. He stated he thought it would take some time to finish structure work (currently he’s working on the roof). He will try to have the roof shingled by the end of July. The yard makes the property look vacant and sloppy. The removal of shingles doesn’t require a permit so Jim Troeger doesn’t believe a permit has been issued as of yet. Jim Quarto believes that if the Committee lets him off the hook regarding progress he will not do any work. Jim Troeger states we’ve been trying to give him a chance to forego the fines. Today’s talk makes it seem like he isn’t taking this seriously. He asks the committee if he should re- start the fines if he doesn’t start making certain progress. Joe East mentions that after over a year there has been no real progress. Jim Troeger asks what is acceptable progress. Gary Schnip replies that we need to tell him that he has 30 days to have the roof structure done. We want a permit and an inspection to see progress (by June 26th) Joe East reminds the committee that legally he would have 6 months before he has to start working after obtaining a permit. Gary Schnip responds that the blight issues have to be kept up. Sofee Noblick replies that we need to stick to our requests. A stern letter requiring progress. b. 556 East Main Street – They put a piece of fence up. Still somewhat dangerous from top adjoining property (which is also now blighted). The next phase is to get that uphill building demolished. Jim Troeger is going to send a letter to demo the small building. Board of Review – Dangerous Buildings 05/22/2013 Minutes Page 2 c. 146 Wightman Avenue – Gary Schnip says that the house is down to the first floor. The 2 car garage is still up. It’s clean. He’s maintaining the lawn and has cleaned it up. Jim Troeger will see if the fines have been paid. This item is being moved to the watch list. d. 105 Stonington Road (Garage) – The garage is still there. Jim Troeger states there is a permit pending. There is a waiting period for the permit. Progress is possible. e. 34-36 Mckinley – Jim Troeger has no update yet. He will ask Ed Martin. Watch List: f. 24 Harland Place – Jim Troeger states there has been no change. The grass is cut. g. 11 Oak Street – All cleaned up. The City did it. h. 77 Chestnut Street – We did not get the Brownfields grant. We have to do assessment and funding bonds. Gary and Alan are going to try to find out why we didn’t get the grant. Sofee will put it on the Public Works agenda for buttoning up for safety. i. Mt. Pleasant Street – Still the same. Joe East states that no permits have been issued. The property is not maintained. Going to send a letter to repair or demolish and keep the lawn and property clean. j. 492 N. Main Street – There is no change but it’s not worse. k. Lot behind Sturtevant – It’s still there. It needs paint. The signs are still up. It’s always a mess. l. Prentice Street Shed – Gone m. Asylum Street – The roof is on. n. Baltic Street – The tarp is still there. Jim Troeger will try to get more information. o. 27 Sherman Street – Done. 6. Public Comments: Joe East brings up 45-47 Lake Street – Jim Troeger discussed what wants done. He requested fence and cleanup. The owner’s trying to get rid of the property. Jim Troeger will get more info. *Going to get this to the top of the list of blight updates and concerns. Rich Caron brings up Broad Street. In back of the house on Treadway. The garage roof is caved in and the doors are off. It’s wide open. Rich Caron also brings up Otrobando Avenue. The red barn is looking worse. He believes they’re running a repair shop. There’s a zoning issue too. Board of Review – Dangerous Buildings 05/22/2013 Minutes Page 3 Lake Street – it’s a terrible mess. Trash, debris. It’s dangerous. Gary Schnip brings up McKinley Avenue. The back yard is full of firewood. Is the owner selling it? Jim Quarto believes the owner is burning it himself. Jim Troeger believes the Fire Chief is satisfied that it’s ok. He will get the Chief back on it. Gary Schnip also brings up 167 Broadway. Sofee Noblick brings up 370 Asylum and 165 Talman. They’re being auctioned 6/14. The tax auctions that didn’t sell – November. 7. Other: a. RFP for 105 Chestnut – The contract is being looked into at this time. The Council approved the City Manager to send a letter of default to Pancierra and then the City is going to take it. Then we can do an RFP. b. RFP for 9 - 9 ½ Fountain – Waiting for the City – Doing an eviction on 9 then an RFP on 9-9 ½. Jim Troeger and Barry went up. We could get bids on it. The City owns all around. 8. Next meeting – the next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, June 26, 2013. 9. Adjournment: Upon motion of Sofee Noblick, seconded by Jim Quarto, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:33 p.m. Respectfully Submitted By: Christine Averna