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Commission recommends demolition of dilapidated house at 825 2nd Ave West
Summary
After a hearing Feb. 25, the commission voted 5-0 to accept staff findings that the property at 825 2nd Ave West is a dangerous building and recommended demolition of the house and garage; the owner said the structure is "repairable."
City staff presented the case of a property at 825 2nd Ave West that they say lacks proper water and sewer hookups, has interior conditions unfit for occupancy and shows market-value deterioration. Development Services Director Mark Schneider and the City Attorney’s office told the commission the structure was previously declared dangerous in 2022 and no meaningful repairs have been made.
Owner Edward Wepasnick addressed the commission, saying he had the standing water in the basement addressed “a few days after it flooded,” that he had been unemployed when water was shut off, that he was living with friends, and that the house "is repairable." City staff and the attorney said repeated attempts to contact the owner had failed earlier and that letters had been served. Schneider recommended demolition of the house and garage; Attorney Olson (cited by staff) estimated the demolition timeframe at 30 to 60 days.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Tate Cymbaluk moved to accept the Attorney’s office valuation and recommend demolition under the applicable ordinance; Commissioner James Bervig seconded. The motion carried 5‑0.
Why it matters: The action represents a code-enforcement outcome where the city determined the structure is unsafe for habitation and moved to remove a public-health and safety hazard. The minutes record both staff findings and the owner’s assertion that the house can be repaired.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with demolition procedures per city code and follow timelines recommended by the City Attorney’s office.
