11/18/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 18, 1998 BUILDING INSPECTION REPORT, JULIE JEFFREY-SCHWARTZ, TOM • JACKSON • • Kim stated that Ms. Jeffrey -Schwartz is a resident who lives in Oak Brook Peninsula. She has some building code issues regarding her new house that have not been addressed. Kim indicated she has received many calls from Ms. Jeffrey -Schwartz in the last few weeks. The City should have cited builder if the City knew about the violations unless they are more than three (3) years old. Tom Jackson, Building Inspector, went over the policy regarding code violations. A new property owner has six (6) months to take care of any violations after they have moved into the new house. He indicated he received a packet of information from Ms. Jeffrey - Schwartz two (2) months ago. It was his understanding that he was sent this information so that the City would be award of the claim Ms. Jeffery -Schwartz filed against the builder. However, the statute of limitations regarding building code violations is three (3) years. Tom said it was his understanding that Ms. Jeffrey -Schwartz did file a claim against the builder and an agreement was reached. Before Ms. Jeffrey -Schwartz could sign the agreement she discovered another problem with the house. She then declined the settlement. A judge deemed it was a fair settlement. Kim expressed concern about City staff not issuing citations when they were notified of the code violations. She asked that the policy be reviewed. The City's liability does not increase if violations are cited. She also expressed concern regarding taking care of a citizen's needs. If the City was not able to give citations, a letter explaining why should have been sent to the resident. She stated the City should not be part of the lawsuit. If a packet of information is received from a citizen, staff needs to be very clear on what the citizen is asking for. Kim directed staff to see to it that Ms. Jeffrey -Schwartz gets a response to whatever she is asking for. John noted that he does not believe this issue should have been discussed in a public forum. He stated it is the Administrator's job to report to the City Council regarding matters like this. Kim indicated she asked for the issue to be discussed because she wanted closure. Dave stated the issue will be resolved and Council Members will be provided with documentation as to how it was resolved. TOWN CENTER PLANNING UPDATE, BRIAN WESSEL Brian stated the Town Center replanning effort was kicked off last Friday and Saturday. Great progress was made. Brian summarized the "green sheet" regarding the Consideration of Livable Communities Demonstration Account Contract. He stated he will be asking for approval of the contracts outlined in the "green sheet" at the regular Council meeting Monday night.