Commission orders actions on five unsafe properties, grants owners short timelines to respond

The Building and Standards Commission on Jan. 23 authorized staff to pursue demolition or require rehabilitation at five properties after hearing staff reports and owner statements.

The commission’s decisions ranged from ordering bids for demolition to granting limited extension periods for owners to submit rehabilitation plans, secure buildings and provide contractor estimates. Development Services staff presented photos and site conditions for each property and recommended demolition where structures posed immediate hazards.

Commission staff member Susan Davis summarized conditions and past actions on multiple properties, saying, “This structure has been on the substandard list for almost a year,” and for one property recommending demolition: “At this time, the city would recommend demolition.” Those recommendations prompted motions that commissioners approved without recorded opposition.

Most urgent was 312 West Oak Street, where a partial roof collapse last summer led the Building and Standards Commission to grant one prior 30‑day extension. Owner Mr. Flood told the commission he had applied for a grant that was not approved and that he has a contractor ready. The commission authorized staff to take necessary action and approved a motion giving Flood 30 days to submit a written action plan and repair estimates; commissioners also asked for a structural assessment to be provided within one week and said staff should be prepared to pursue demolition if a plan and progress are not shown.

At 909 Campbell Creek the record owner is incarcerated and a power of attorney agent had relinquished responsibility. Development Services reported tree damage and large amounts of tires on the lot and recommended demolition. The commission voted to put the property out for bid for demolition; staff will collect bids and return with a recommendation.

Property owners at 303 East Poplar (Sanchez family) said progress had been limited and that a rehabilitation form previously filed lacked sufficient detail. Myrna Sanchez asked for time for her husband to complete work. Commissioners agreed to permit 90 days for rehabilitation work but required that the houses be secured within seven days (boarded to prevent entry); commissioners said the 90‑day allowance is contingent on visible progress at the follow‑up review.

At 1011 Birch Street the owners requested a 60‑day extension to obtain demolition bids; the commission granted 60 days for the owners to get bids and asked that demolition, if necessary, be completed within that timeframe.

For 1207 East Park — a fire‑damaged structure — a family member attending by Zoom said the out‑of‑town owner had initially sought to pursue a rebuild but faced contractor and personal obstacles. The commission voted to order the city to bid and proceed with demolition; staff will issue a demolition order to the owner and the owner will have the opportunity to respond or obtain permits within the statutory notice period.

Votes at a glance

• 312 West Oak Street (Original Block 51, Lots 1–5): Motion to allow owner Mr. Flood 30 days to submit a detailed action plan and estimates and to require a structural assessment within one week — motion carried.

• 909 Campbell Creek (Jackson Block S, Lot 4): Motion to seek bids for demolition — motion carried.

• 303 East Poplar (Original Block 10, Lots 2B and 11B): Motion to allow the Sanchez family 90 days to rehabilitate, with the property to be secured (boarded) within seven days — motion carried.

• 1011 Birch Street (Samuel G. Wells tract): Motion to grant owners 60 days to obtain demolition bids, with demolition to be completed if required within that period — motion carried.

• 1207 East Park (Mishou Park, Lots 5,6,13): Motion to direct staff to seek bids and order demolition for the fire‑damaged structure; staff to issue demolition order and notify owner — motion carried.

The commission reviewed photos and reports from Development Services showing roof collapse, fallen trees through roofs and unsecured openings. Commissioners repeatedly emphasized the need to secure properties quickly to prevent trespassing and additional deterioration. In the Sanchez case commissioners specified boarding windows and doors within seven days; the Sanchez family agreed they could complete securing in two days and said they would pursue longer‑term repairs within the 90‑day window.

The commission also approved routine meeting business, including the Jan. 23 minutes. With no further items, the commission adjourned.