HomeMy Public PortalAbout06-11-1987 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY OF THE
CITY OF RICHMOND,INDIANA, JUNE 11,1987
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The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Richmond, Indiana, met in regular session June 11, 1987 at
the hour of 9:00 A.M. in the Municipal Building in said City. Ms. Silberstein presided with Mr. Brown and Mr.
3 Willis in attendance. Absent: None. The following business was had to-wit:
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5 UNSAFE BUILDING HEARINGS
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7 1107 Sheridan Street and 1111 Sheridan Street
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9 Mr. Bronston requested the Unsafe Building Hearings be postponed to the end of the Agenda to allow more time
10 for the property owners to appear.
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12 APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 4.1987
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14 Mr. Willis moved to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as prepared, seconded by Mr. Brown and on
15 unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
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17 APPROVAL OF CLAIMS FOR PAYMENT
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19 Mr. Brown moved to approve claims for payment in the amount of 636,436.21, seconded by Mr. Willis and on
20 unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
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22 TABLED ITEMS
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24 Burning of Properties for Fire Department Training
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26 Ms. Silberstein announced the request to burn properties at 602 and 604 North 12th and 120 S.W.3rd had been
27 tabled to receive public input. No comment has been received to date.
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29 Chief Don Trotter stated he has not received approval from the Air Pollution Control Board as of yet and they will
30 require all persons within 500 feet be notified.
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32 Ms. Silberstein asked what the Board's procedure should be and Chief Trotter stated they could not burn without
33 state approval.
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35 Ms. Silberstein asked if the Chief would rather have tentative approval from the Board or wait to act when the
36 state gives their recommendation.
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38 Chief Trotter stated he would like tentative approval since indications received from the stated are they will not
39 approve all three burnings.
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41 Ms. Silberstein noted that the address on SW 3rd was 102 and not 103.
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43 Mr. Brown asked if 602 and 604 North 12th were next to each other and would they need to be treated as
44 separate properties and Chief Trotter indicated they would.
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46 Ms. Silberstein recommended the Board tentatively approve the burning request subject to state approval and a
47 signed acknowledgment of the property owners giving permission to burn along with assurances on the clean up
48 of the properties within two weeks of the burning.
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50 Mr. Dennis Bronston commented that 602 North 12th was under an Unsafe Building Order and 604 was about to
51 be dealt with as an unsafe building.
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53 Mr. Brown moved to tentatively approve the burning of properties located at 602-604 North 12th Street and 102
54 S.W. 3rd for Fire Department training, subject to approval by the State Air Pollution Control Board and written
55 permission of the property owners and assurances of the property owners that the premises will be cleaned up
56 within two weeks,seconded by Mr.Willis and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
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58 PUBLIC REQUESTS AND COMMENTS
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61 Use of Public Right of Way for Painting of Odd Fellows Building
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63 Mr. Roy Gabbard, 1125 Ridge Street, requested permission from the Board of Public Works and Safety to set
64 scaffolding on the sidewalk around the Odd Fellows Building for purposes of painting the structure. He explainec
65 the scaffolding would be roped off for safety and the bottom would be screened in for safety. Mr.Gabbard
Board of Works Minutes Cont'd
June 11, 1987
Page 2
1 explained they had a million dollar liability and damage policy and would only be using the sidewalk and
2 promenade area.
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4 Mr. Willis asked if the public would still move around the scaffolding and Mr. Gabbard said they could and they
5 would also post signs regarding the painting. He added they would like to complete the project prior to Rose
6 Festival.
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8 Ms. Silberstein requested a copy of the insurance be filed with the City and Mr. Gabbard presented the Board a
9 copy.
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11 Mr. Willis moved to approve the placement of a temporary scaffolding at 8th and Promenade fronting the Odd
12 Fellows Building for the purpose of painting the building, seconded by Mr. Brown and on unanimous voice vote
13 the motion was carried.
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15 Mr. Harold Rothmeyer informed the Board they were trying to keep the structure looking as the original did and
16 Mr.Willis commended them for their dedication to the structure.
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18 Intersection of 7th and Promenade-Downtown Merchants Request
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20 Ms. Silberstein read the following request from Ms. Jeanne Hoffman, Executive Director of the Downtown
21 Merchants:
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23 The Merchants Association has had several complaints about the traffic on Seventh and Promenade.
24 We feel there is a need to stop traffic at that intersection. At the present time there is no stop sign,
25 crosswalk, or light at this location. We have had some near misses reported to us and feel this
26 intersection needs some attention.
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28 Thank you for giving this traffic problem your attention. Please advise us to your ruling.
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31 Lt. Marshall Smith of the Traffic Division stated he agreed there was a pedestrian traffic problem at this
32 intersection. He stated he has thought about a stop sign at both 6th and 7th Streets to assist pedestrian traffic.
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34 Mr. Willis asked if 8th and 9th Streets were the only signalized intersections downtown and Lt. Smith indicated
35 they are.
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37 Mr. Willis asked if they would be able to warrant a sign and Lt. Smith stated that stop signs are not to control
38 speed or pedestrian traffic. He said he needed to speak with Capt. Williams and they will try to increase the
39 safety aspect of the intersection. He said with the loading zones in the area, it makes pedestrian vision at the
40 intersection very difficult.
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42 Mr. Brown requested the intersection be better marked and Ms. Silberstein suggested a pedestrian crosswalk
43 could be marked that traffic stops when pedestrians are crossing.
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45 Mr. Willis said the markings could indicated vehicles would yield to pedestrians.
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47 Mr. Brown asked if there were time limits on the loading zones and Lt. Smith stated they were 15 minutes.
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49 Lt.Smith requested the item be tabled for more consideration.
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51 Mr. Willis moved to request a study be performed by the Traffic Division of the Police Department on pedestrian
52 .safety at the intersection of 7th and Promenade and a report be made to the Board on June 25, 1987,seconded
53 by Mr. Brown and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
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55 DEPARTMENT REQUESTS AND COMMENTS
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57 POLICE DEPARTMENT
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59 femoval of Parking in the 1000 Block of North 19th Street
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61 The following request was received from the Traffic Safety Division, Captain Williams:
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63 Our division has received complaints that the portion of North 19th Street from North J, on the south,to
64 Maple Drive, on the north, is too narrow to allow traffic to pass through when parked vehicles are
65 present on both sides of the roadway.
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Board of Works Minutes Cont'd
June 11, 1987
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1 Our investigation found that the roadway is sixteen feet nine inches wide. A standard parking space
2 requires a width of eight feet. All of the properties in this areas, but one, has off street parking
3 available. From the findings of the investigation we are requesting that parking be removed from the
4 east side of North 19th Street from North J, north to Maple Drive. The one property without off street
5 parking will not be affected by the no parking zone as it is located on the west side of the street.
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7 Mr. Brown asked if this had been discussed with the residents is the area and Lt. Smith said he was not aware of
8 any discussion with the residents.
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10 Ms.Silberstein commented there is only eight foot of roadway remaining when cars are parked on both sides.
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12 Lt. Smith commented that some of the vehicles try to pull off of the street into yard space available whenever
13 possible.
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15 Mr. Willis stated that 19th Street is a major thoroughfare to get traffic into the neighborhood and also for
16 emergency vehicles.
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18 Ms. Silberstein added the Board does like to have residential input, but since this is such a short span with an
19 urgent need,she felt the Board could act immediately.
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21 Mr.Willis moved to approve the removal of parking on the east side of North 19th Street from J Street to Maple
22 Drive effective with the posting of signs, seconded by Mr. Brown and on unanimous voice vote the motion was
23 carried.
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25 PLANNING PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
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27 Set Date for Unsafe Building Hearings at 1413 North B and 214 North 13th
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29 Mr. Brown moved to set July 16,1987 at 9:00 AM as the date and time for Unsafe Building Hearings on properties
30 located at 1413 North B Street and 214 North 13th Street,seconded by Mr.Willis and on unanimous voice vote
31 the motion was carried.
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33 Curb Cut Petition-505 S.W.5th Street
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35 The Curb Cut Petition of P &J Excavating for Charles and Rhonda Brown for a driveway and curb cut at 505
36 S.W.5th Street was presented for action.
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38 Traffic Division, Planning Department and Engineering all approved the request.
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40 Mr. Willis moved to approve the Driveway and Curb Cut Petition for Charles and Rhonda Brown on property
41 located at 505 S.W.5th Street, seconded by Mr.Brown and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
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43 Update on Unsafe Building at 1109 Parry Street
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45 Mr. Bronston informed the Board that the Planning Office had received a letter from Mr. David Dilley, owner of the
46 property at 1109 Parry Street in regards to another issue. He said Mr. Dilley stated he had been hospitalized for
47 a long period of time. Mr. Bronston said he had been unable to make contact with Mr. Dilley during the Unsafe
48 Building proceedings, but now feels that he needs to try and make contact with him before demolition of the
49 property at 1109 Parry Street.
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51 Mr.Willis stated he felt it should not be torn down before Mr. Dilley informs the Board of his desires.
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53 Ms. Silberstein recommended that Mr. Bronston proceed with making contact and hold the Order in abeyance
54 until he can determine the situation.
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56 Mr. Bronston stated that Mr. Dilley has cooperated in the past.
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58 Release of Mortgage-Ole North Chapel
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60 Mr. Dooley informed the Board that Mrs.VanMiddlesworth,owner of the Ole North Chapel has had an additional
61 historic loan approved by the Revolving Loan Fund in the amount of 38,000.00. He said she also desires to use
62 private long term financing on the project with the City taking a second mortgage position and the private
63 financial institution taking first position.
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65 Ms.Silberstein asked if the equity value would support the second position and Mr. Dooley stated the equity was
, _4)
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Board of Works Minutes Cont'd
June 11, 1987
Page 4
1 there and the loan also provides incentive for historic rehabilitation. He stated the City Attorney felt that a
2 release document would better suit the situation that subordinating our mortgage position.
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4 Ms.Silberstein commented she would like to see the second mortgage signed at the same time as the release of
5 the first mortgage since there will be no actual payment on the loan.
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7 Mr.Willis moved to execute the Release of Mortgage on the Ole North Chapel simultaneous with the execution of
8 the second mortgage by Mrs. Van Middlesworth, seconded by Mr. Brown and on unanimous voice vote the
9 motion was carried.
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11 Ms. Silberstein commented a date would need to be established to execute the documents.
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13 Set Date for Inoperable Vehicle Hearings
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15 Mr. Brown moved to set July 2, 1987 at 9:00 AM as the date and time for Inoperable Vehicle Hearings on
16 nuisances located at 231/231 1/2 NW J Street, 458 SW 3rd Street and 304 SW E Street, seconded by Mr.Willis
17 and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
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19 PUBLIC WORKS
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21 Set Date for Cold Emulsion Projects
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23 Mr. Willis requested the Board to set July 9th to receive bids on slurry seal , ralumac and crack seal projects
24 through out the City.
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26 Mr. Brown moved to set July 9, 1987 to receive bids on slurry seal, ralumac and crack seal projects per
27 specifications, seconded by Mr. Willis and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
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29 Mr. Willis explained he was bidding these projects now in order be able to complete the projects prior to any
30 chances of bad weather and he would not allow them to be done after Labor Day since they were so weather
31 sensitive.
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33 BOARD OF WORKS MISCELLANEOUS
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35 Termination of Parking Lot Lease by West End
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37 Ms. Silberstein stated that the City had been officially notified by West End Federal Savings Bank they desired
38 to terminate the lease with the City of Richmond on a parking lot area south of Elder Beerman. She said they
39 desired to terminate the lease in order to use the area for Automatic Teller Machines. She said they are
40 requesting some final word on the termination and there is a ninety day response period.
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42 Ms. Silberstein requested formal input with conditions be established in order the Board could agree and make
43 response.
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45 Mr. Brown moved to request a list of conditions from the City on the termination of the lease between the City of
46 Richmond and West End Federal Savings Bank on parking lot space before the Board takes final action,
47 seconded by Mr.Willis and on unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
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49 CONTINUATION OF UNSAFE BUILDING HEARINGS
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51 1107 Sheridan Street
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53 Ms. Silberstein opened a continued hearing on an unsafe structure located at 1107 Sheridan Street. She said
54 Proof of Notification had previously been established.
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56 The Clerk administered the oath to give testimony to Mr. Bronston.
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58 Mr. Bronston informed the Board the Planning Department, Fire Inspector and Mervin Sheets, owner of record,
59 inspected the premises on June 3, 1987. He said it has been vacant two years, has trash and debris in the
60 interior, electrical system needs repaired and updated and the roof if off in the rear portion and a rear porch
61 needs to be removed. Mr. Bronston added there is an outhouse that needs to be removed and debris outside
62 that needs to be cleaned up.
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64 Mr. Bronston recommended to the Board that is the owner was serious about repairs he would allow six months.
65 He indicated the owner was not present at the hearing, but did say he wanted to repair the dwelling at the
Board of Works Minutes Cont'd
June 11, 1987
Page 5
1 inspection.
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3 Ms. Silberstein asked if the costs of repairs would exceed the the value and Mr. Bronston stated Mr. Sheets was
4 in a position to do some of the repairs himself, but would have to contract the electrical system.
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6 Mr.Willis stated he would like to see some accomplishments within thirty days and a schedule followed.
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8 Ms. Silberstein commented the debris needs to be removed immediately and the order could include deadlines.
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10 Mr. Dan Dooley stated they have not had much success with deadlines on repairs and he felt orders should
11 include the time period for completion of the project and if it is not completed then the order would read to wreck
12 and remove at that time.
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14 Ms. Silberstein stated that without the owner present a schedule could not be established. She asked what
15 would be first priority on repairs and Mr. Dooley said the house should meet the building code within a certain
16 time period.
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18 Mr.Willis indicated he would like to be able to see month by month activity and then allow it to be torn down if the
19 schedule was not followed and to post a bond on the repairs which could be used against the demolition costs.
20 He said the Board must represent they will not tolerate houses that defile the rest of the community.
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22 Ms. Silberstein asked how to modify the order to address Mr. Dooley's concern and Mr. Willis commented he
23 would not oppose affirming the order to wreck and remove and let the owner go to court for any modification.
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25 Ms. Silberstein said they could modify the order to include the wreck and remove within thirty days and add the
26 submission of a repair schedule satisfactory to the Planning Department complying with codes with completion
27 of repairs and Certificate of Occupancy issued within sixty days allowing the order to go either way.
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29 Mr. Brown stated the Board needed a report on the cost of interior repairs and added when owners do not appear,
30 he personally does not like to give extended amounts of time.
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32 Mr. Willis asked if a bond would be counterproductive and Mr. Bronston said bonds can be handled in different
33 ways including letters of credit.
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35 Mr. Dooley said the amount of the bond could be set in a certain range to be an incentive.
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37 Ms. Silberstein suggested they modify the order for immediate removal of debris and the posting of a$3,000.00
38 bond for repairs to be completed within sixty days or dwelling will be wrecked and removed.
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40 Mr. Willis moved to modify the Unsafe Building order on property located at 1107 Sheridan Street to: All debris
41 removed within thirty (30) days of June 11, 1987, cause dwelling and accessory building to be wrecked and
42 removed or the submission of a satisfactory schedule of repairs to bring the dwelling to code with a Certificate of
43 Occupancy issued within six (6) months of June 11, 1987 and repairs to be conditioned on the posting of a
44 performance bond in the amount of$3,000.00,seconded by Mr. Brown and on unanimous voice vote the motion
45 was carried.
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47 Ms. Silberstein requested the record show no one was in attendance to speak for or against the Order on
48 property located at 1107 Sheridan Street.
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50 1111 Sheridan Street
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52 Ms. Silberstein opened a continuation of an Unsafe Building Hearing on property located at 1111 Sheridan
53 Street. She stated Proof of Notification to owner Diane Bates Sheets had been previously established.
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55 Mr. Bronston, still being under oath, informed the Board that an inspection had been made on June 3, 1987 with
56 representatives from Planning and Fire in attendance and accompanied by Mr. Mervin Sheets.
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58 Mr. Bronston indicated the Fire Department was concerned with the debris and litter inside the structure and that
59 the structure had been vacant for a period of ten years. Mr. Bronston said the porch was rotten, windows
60 broken, inadequate plumbing, electrical and heating plants. He said he felt there was no way the structure could
61 be rehabilitated. He said there was also an outbuilding that needed to be removed.
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63 Mr. Bronston informed the Board there was an extension cord from 1107 Sheridan providing electricity to 1111
64 Sheridan. His recommendation was the wrecking and removal of the dwelling and outbuilding.
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.�o
Board of Works Minutes Cont'd
June 11, 1987
Page 6
1 Mr. Brown asked if there were liens against the property and Ms. Silberstein stated the title search indicated a
2 sewer lien and taxes owed for the past five years.
3
•4 Mr. Bronston stated Mr. Sheets indicated he wanted to repair the property and has property authority over
5 accessing property.
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7 Ms. Silberstein said 1111 sounded in a worse condition than 1107 Sheridan.
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9 Mr. Willis expressed his concern with the extension cord between the properties and felt Richmond Power &
10 Light should be notified.
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12 Mr. Brown stated the time of vacancy indicated no interest in the property.
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14 Ms. Silberstein stated she was willing to leave the order as issued to wreck and remove based on the structural
15 condition and records of abandonment.
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17 There was no one speak for or against the order.
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19 Mr.Willis moved to affirm the order to wreck and remove dwelling, accessory building and outhouse and remove
20 all building materials and debris within thirty days of the receipt of the Order, seconded by Mr. Brown and on
21 unanimous voice vote the motion was carried.
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23 ADJOURNMENT
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25 There being no further business,on a motion duly made,seconded and passed the meeting was adjourned.
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32 Susan Silberstein, President
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36 ATTEST:
37 Mary Merchanthouse,City Clerk
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