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, November 17, 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; Bob Strader, Building Inspector; Dale Coffey, Board Attorney; Mae Cooper, Administrative Assistant to the Building Inspector; Gary Oakes, City Planner; Mac Dunn, City Superintendent; Kenny Costin, Mayor (Commissioner Mike Lanam and Code Enforcement Officer Isaac Tumey were absent)
III. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
The minutes from the October 20, 2021 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Metcalf and seconded by Commissioner Gray. Motion passed 2 – 0
IV. PUBLIC SIGN IN DISCUSSION
The following signed in to speak: Frank Crouch; Cecelia Krefft
60 N. Mulberry St: Owner-Frank Crouch: Mr. Crouch stated he and his wife have been ill and have not been able to address the unsafe structure in the back of the house. Commissioner Gray reminded Mr. Crouch that the problem with the structure has been discussed for at least a couple of years. Lester Martin, a handyman and friend of Mr. Crouch spoke. He stated he could get a dumpster and remove the structure. Commissioner Metcalf asked if, by removing the structure, would it compromise the main structure of the home. Mr. Martin stated it would not. Mr. Martin also stated there is no foundation under the structure. Inspector Strader stated it would be more cost effective to remove the structure than to construct rafters and add a pitch roof. He also confirmed there is no foundation under the structure. Commissioner Gray asked Mr. Martin if the structure was salvageable or should it be removed. Mr. Martin said the structure should come down. The Commissioners agreed to give Mr. Crouch sixty days to remove the structure.
190 W. Harrison St: Owner-Cecelia Krefft: Ms. Krefft stated she tried to hire a contractor make the needed repairs but was not successful. She is trying to sell the property. Inspector Strader stated he and Ms. Krefft had recently discussed the issues regarding both structures. There is a hole in the roof on the west side of the structure that used to be a restaurant and grocery store. The front porch is pulling away from the main building. The brick is pulling away from the front entryway of the building and the ceiling is also pulling away from the building. Also, the home on the east side of the property has soffit missing in at least two locations. The Commissioners agreed to give Ms. Krefft sixty days to make progress on the needed repairs.
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) 371 W. Douglas St: Inspector Strader reported there was no response from the letter sent to the owner. The electricity has been turned off and the meter was pulled. Removed from the list.
B) 365 W. Harrison St: Removed from the list.
C) 377 W. Pike St: There is a tree limb laying on top the roof of an outbuilding in the back of the property. The Commissioners will monitor.
D) 690 S. Home Ave: The mini barn on the property has been taken down. It is laying in the yard, but it is no longer in danger of collapsing. A “thank you” letter will be sent to the owner. Removed from the list.
E) 459 W. Morgan St: The property was on the County’s property tax sale list. Attorney Coffey will investigate.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A) 1415 Cross St: There is overgrown vegetation, and the gutters are full of debris. The property appears to be abandoned. Code Enforcement Officer Ike Tumey will investigate.
B) 1279 E. Jackson St: The property tax sale redemption period expired in October. Attorney Coffey will investigate.
C) 590 E. South St: The shed in the rear of the property has no doors or windows and is unsafe. The foundation on the north side of the house has failed; there is no support under the exterior wall and is unstable. Commissioner Metcalf made a motion to have Attorney Coffey send to the owner a 10-day demolition order to remove the shed and a letter requesting the house be removed or repaired as soon as possible. Commissioner Gray seconded the motion.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Metcalf and seconded by Commissioner Gray.
Motion passed 2 – 0.
Minutes submitted by Mae Cooper, Administrative Assistant to the Building Inspector
