I. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner G. Thomas Gray called to order the regular scheduled meeting of the Unsafe Building & Hearing Authority at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in the Council Chambers of Martinsville City Hall.
II. ROLL CALL
Commissioner Gray conducted the roll call. The following were present: G. Thomas Gray, Board
Commissioner; Dwayne Metcalf, Board Commissioner; Mike Lanam, Board Commissioner; Dale Coffey, City Attorney; Bob Strader, Building Inspector; Isaac Tumey, Code Enforcement Officer; Charlie Fraker, City Fire Marshall, Mae Cooper, Administrative Assistant to the Building Inspector; Mac Dunn, City Superintendent; Kenny Costin, Mayor
III. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
The minutes from the March 17, 2021 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Metcalf and seconded by Commissioner Lanam. Motion passed 3 – 0.
IV. PUBLIC SIGN IN DISCUSSION
No one from the public signed in.
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- 60 N. Mulberry St and 940 S. Main St: Owners Frank and Sadie Crouch were not present at the meeting. Inspector Strader reported cleanup of the properties are progressing slowly; repairs have not been made either properties. Utilities at the Main Street property has not been on in several years. The Mulberry Street property has water utility turned on but shows minimal usage. The houses appear structural sound; however, repairs are needed. There is gutter board and soffit hanging down on the north end of the house on Main Street, and there is some windows that are covered with cardboard. The addition on the west end of the Mulberry Street house is collapsing. Both Inspector Strader and Officer Tumey are in communication with the owners. Debris from the yard and inside the house is being put in a dumpster that was recently placed at the Mulberry Street property. The Commissioners will monitor the houses for ninety days.
- 960 E. Nutter St: Inspector Strader has spoken with the owner. He offered her some assistance by a volunteer group to help with the needed repairs. She did not want the help. Inspector Strader reminded her of the request to attend tonight’s meeting. She stated she was not going to attend. He asked if there was someone who could come and represent her at the meeting. She stated she did not have anyone. The main structure to the north has dormers that are damaged. It appears this area is taking on water. A motion was made by Commissioner Gray to have Inspector Strader contact the owner and ask for permission to inspect the inside of the house; if permission is denied, Inspector Strader will contact Attorney Coffey to petition the court for an administrative warrant to inspect. Commissioner Lanam seconded the motion. Motion passed 3 – 0
- 960 S. Crawford: The owner has removed the garage. Off the list.
- 1340 S. Catherine St: The garage has been removed. Off the list.
- 1009 S. Ohio St: Inspector Strader met the owner at the property. The owner agreed to have the needed repairs completed in sixty days.
- 1360 Harriet St: Inspector Strader stated no repairs have been made from a list given to the owner several months ago. He reported the west side of the house is a big concern. The roof has a low pitch; another tarp has been added to cover a large hole to keep water from getting inside the structure. There is now a tent in the back yard and there are people living in the house. Commissioner Gray asked if this was an unsafe house. Inspector Strader stated the house has holes in it. What would be considered the main bedroom has a hole in the ceiling big enough to crawl through. There are light fixtures are hanging from the ceiling by wires. Commissioner Lanam made a motion to have Attorney Coffey send the owner a 10-demolition letter. Commissioner Gray seconded the motion. Motion passed 3 – 0.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
- 590 E. South St: The shed behind house has broken windows and overgrown vegetation. Tabled until the August 18th
- 749 Morton Ave: A new roof is being put on the building. Inspector Strader will monitor the progress.
- 459 W. Morgan St: Police have been called to the property on more than one occasion. The house is standing open, and it has been reported that people are going in and out of it. There are broken windows and there is an electrical issue on the back porch. Inspector Strader will have the power turned off. A 10-day certified letter will be sent to the bank and any heirs to the deceased owner requesting the house to be boarded up.
- 960 S. Colfax St: The tin roof is peeling away from the barn/garage. The lean-to attached to the building is collapsing. Inspector Strader will contact the owner. Tabled until the May meeting.
- 390 N. Jefferson St: There was no response to the request made to owner to attend tonight’s meeting. No progress has been made on the needed repairs. A motion was made by Commissioner Gray to have Attorney Coffey obtain an administrative warrant to allow contractors inside the home for the purpose of estimating the cost to repair and submitting bids to be opened at either the May or June meeting, and to notify the owners that any costs paid by the City will placed on their property taxes for collection. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Metcalf. Motion passed 3 – 0.
- 389 N. Main St: Inspector Strader spoke with the new owner regarding removing the trash and debris from inside the building. The owner plans to begin remodeling as soon as permits are issued.
- 810 E. Jackson St: The is overgrown vegetation and the structure appears to have some issues. Inspector Strader and Officer Tumey will investigate.
- 139 S. Marion St: Officer Tumey spoke with the owner about the condition of the property and yard. He will contact the owner for permission to inspect the interior of the building.
- 990 E. Washington St: The house has been sold. The new owner plans to submit a remodel permit application soon.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Lanam and was seconded by Commissioner Metcalf to adjourn the motion. Motion passed 3 – 0.
