Unsafe Building & Hearing Authority Meeting Minutes – June 29, 2022

News

I. CALL TO ORDER

Commissioner Dwayne Metcalf called to order the regular scheduled meeting of the Unsafe Building & Hearing Authority at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in the Council Chambers of Martinsville City Hall.

II. ROLL CALL

Commissioner Metcalf conducted the roll call. The following were present: G. Thomas Gray, Board Commissioner (via phone conference); Dwayne Metcalf, Board Commissioner; Mike Lanam, Board Commissioner; Bob Strader, Building Inspector; Dale Coffey, Board Attorney; Mae Cooper, Administrative Assistant to the Building Inspector; Phil Vaught, Code Enforcement Officer; and Mac Dunn, City Superintendent

III. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES

A motion to approve the minutes from the May 24, 2022 meeting was made by Commissioner Lanam and seconded by Commissioner Gray. Motion passed 3 – 0

IV. PUBLIC SIGN IN DISCUSSION

520 W. Douglas St: Wendi Newman, on behalf of owner Shayna Reyes and Ms. Reyes’ daughter Sheila Catron, appeared before the Commissioners. She stated she did not receive the notice to appear at the meeting but received a phone call from Ms. Catron thirty minutes before the meeting began. She said her son and a friend are currently living in the house. She plans to install new windows, Tyvek, and siding. Inspector Strader stressed the importance of installing the siding as soon as the Tyvek is installed. The Commissioners discussed with Ms. Newman about working with Inspector Strader to put together a timeline for completing the repair work. They asked her to come back in 90 days (September 21st meeting) to give an update. Commissioner Metcalf thanked her for coming and speaking with the board.

V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A) 190, 190 ½, 192 W. Harrison St: Commissioner Gray made a motion to rescind the demolition order; Commissioner Lanam seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0
Inspector Strader will compile a list of repairs to be made. Attorney Coffey will issue a repair order to be sent to the owner of the property.

B) 240 Vandalia St: A demolition permit was issued. The house has been torn down and removed. A “thank you” letter will be sent to the owner. Removed from the list.

C) 339 N. Main St: The attached garage has been repaired. A “thank you” letter will be sent to the owner. Removed from the list.

D) 389 N. Main St: Tabled until the August meeting.

E) 520 W. Douglas St: See “Public Discussion”

F) 379 W. Douglas St: The hole in the gable end of the house has been repaired. A “thank you” letter will be sent to the owner. Removed from the list.

G) 400 N. Sycamore St: The fallen tree limb and debris in the backyard has been cleaned up. A “thank you” letter will be sent to the owner. Removed from the list.

H) 880 S. Main St: The broken window glass has been replaced and a new roof has been put on the house. Removed from the list.

I) 289 N. 4th St: The shed in the back of the property has been removed. A “thank you” letter was sent to the owner. Removed from the list.

J) 180 W. Washington St: There was no response to the letter sent to the owner asking him to contact the Building Inspector regarding the issues with the detached garage. Inspector Strader will make contact in person with the owner.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

A) 1305 Ash Ct: Inspector Strader reported the house has windows that are open, and the window air conditioning unit also has an open area around it. Ninety percent of the roof on the house is covered with tarps that are deteriorating; some have blown off the roof and are laying on the ground. There is possible water infiltration. It appears the home is unoccupied. Attorney Coffey will send a letter to the owner.

B) 209 S. Wayne St: The gutter and soffit on the front of the house has collapsed. There is also overgrown vegetation. The property appears to be occupied. A “repair letter” will be sent from the Building Inspector’s office.

C) 489 E. Walnut St: Siding has blown off the gable end of the structure. It is open and exposed to the elements. The Building Inspector’s office will send a “repair letter”.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Lanam and seconded by Commissioner Gray. Motion passed 3 – 0.

Minutes submitted by Mae Cooper, Administrative Assistant to the Building Inspector