Rodney Davis, chairman of the City of Hopkinsville Code Ordinance Enforcement Board, said the board found that the city had met its burden of proof and declared the duplex at 147 North McPherson an unsafe structure.

The decision followed testimony and photographs from Code Officer Mark DeArmond, who said a police-assisted search-warrant inspection on Dec. 18 found nine people inside and documented ‘‘raw sewage’’ in the crawlspace, broken and boarded windows, holes in ceilings, exposed wiring, evidence of rodent infestation and drug paraphernalia. DeArmond said the condition met unsafe-structure criteria in the city’s property maintenance code and cited Appendix A of that code.

‘‘PBA records show, that, 147 North McPherson is owned by Timothy Vandiver of Crofton, Kentucky,’’ DeArmond said while outlining the inspection history and presenting interior and exterior photographs. He told the board the water service had been off since August 2025, gas service had been off for years, and photos showed extensive sanitation and fire-safety hazards.

Owner Timothy Vandiver spoke at the hearing. ‘‘I’ve rented it to just 2 people… I didn’t know it was 9 people in there,’’ Vandiver said, adding he had tried to patch windows and the roof and had previously attempted to sell the property. Vandiver’s brother, Allen Vandiver, testified that the owner had not consistently screened tenants and urged the owner to verify utility hookups when new tenants move in.

Hopkinsville Fire Chief Rick Stevens told the board that boarded or blocked entries create delays and ‘‘obviously is a delay… and a serious issue, especially with people inside,’’ in responding to fires or other emergencies.

After closing the hearing, a board member moved that ‘‘the city has met the burden of proof and a violation does exist.’’ That motion passed by voice vote. In subsequent deliberations the board debated remedies, with one motion to assess the maximum fine, add the administrative fee and abate the property and an amendment that would give the owner time to act. The board adopted the amendment and then approved the amended motion by roll-call vote. The board assessed the maximum fine, added a $200 administrative fee, and allowed the owner 45 days to present a written work plan and 90 days to complete the work; if those conditions are not met the city may proceed with abatement.

The board cited its discretion under the local ordinance to order abatement or to allow up to 90 days for repairs. The owner signed paperwork at the meeting and was given copies of the order.

The board’s formal order includes the finding of violation, assessment of the administrative fee, and the 45/90-day schedule; it also notifies the owner of appeal rights to the Christian District Court.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the owner completed paperwork and the chair closed deliberations.