02-27-08 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 27, 2008 AVENUE, condominium unit has been inspected by the Fire Marshal and the UNIT #274 Building Official and it has declared as unsafe. Much of the sheetrock within the unit has been removed which, in many cases, serves as the fire barrier required under the building code. There is also an extensive amount of exposed wiring, increasing the fire hazard. The structural integrity of the building has been jeopardized as a header has been removed from one of the windows. The homeowners association has temporarily addressed this issue. The Administrator reported that there is a significant amount of clutter in the unit limiting ingress and egress. Smoke detectors have also been removed. The Administrator reported that electricity has been shut off to the unit to eliminate some of the fire hazard associated with the exposed wiring. A corrective order was posted at the site and mailed to the owner on January 9, 2008. The owner signed the return receipt on February 11"', but has made no contact with the City. The Administrator reported that the City has been working with the homeowners association on this issue. Due to the mortgage on the property, there would be a significant amount of financial risk to the association if they undertook the corrective action needed in this unit. If the City undertakes this work, it is in a much better position to recover costs given the priority that municipal assessments take in relationship to other interests. Keis asked if this situation began when the owner undertook a remodeling project. The City Administrator was not sure and pointed out that the property owner took out no building permits. Allan asked if anyone has been living at the unit. The Administrator reported that it is his understanding the owner travels a great deal, and is not living at the unit at this time. However, the property owner is aware of the process that the City is proposing. The City Administrator estimated the cost of correcting the hazards within this unit at around $10,000 or less. He indicated that the unit would be sheetrocked and taped, wiring would be repaired and/or covered, smoke detectors installed, and the window header replaced. There will be a significant amount of clutter that will have to be moved into storage for the work to occur. Once repairs are made, the Administrator hoped that the items would be moved back to the unit and arranged in such a way as to not impose any ingress/egress risk. The City Attorney reviewed the notice requirements and the actions the City took to serve notice. The Attorney felt that these requirements have been adequately met, and pointed out that the homeowner will still have 13