2014-10-13 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

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Councilmember Earp moved to purchase Standard Microsoft Office 2013 instead of Professional Microsoft Office 2013. Councilmember Leonard seconded. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers Engelken, Moser, Zemanek, Clausen, Kaminski, Earp, Leonard and Martin Nays: None Absent: None 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ASSOCIATED ORDINANCES (a) Public hearing to receive comments regarding condemnation of eight (8) substandard buildings — R. Davidson Deputy Building Official Russell Davidson presented a summary and advised Council the homeowner of 3322 Clarksville has established a plan of action for the property, and he has received a voluntary consent to demolish property at 316 N. 51 Street. Mr. Davidson stated the City has five voluntary consents to demolish, and they are expected to be demolished this week. The public hearing was opened at 6:54 p.m. Rufina Lopez's son addressed Council on her behalf in regards to 119 S. Carroll St., and advised she is in the process of obtaining estimates for foundation repair to determine whether the home is repairable. Her son did not state his name while addressing Council. Mayor Rigby questioned how much time is needed. The son responded two months. Mayor Rigby asked if the work can be completed in sixty days. The son responded yes if the foundation is fine to proceed with repairing the home; if not, they will sign a voluntary consent to demolish the home. Councilmember Zemanek asked whether the home is on a concrete foundation or pier and beam. The son responded pier and beam Gilbert Diaz, 500 W. Main, addressed Council and advised he has been trying to repair the structure for three years and seven months and has not been able to obtain a permit from the City to begin repairs. Mr. Diaz informed he has been fined for not making repairs, was told the building will be demolished; and he feels it is unfair. In addition, Mr. Diaz requested Council review the plans and advised it will take two weeks for architectural designs and another three weeks for structural engineers. Councilmember Zemanek asked Mr. Diaz who told him the structure will be destroyed. Mr. Diaz responded the previous owner, owner of Kings BBQ. Councilmember Zemanek asked Mr. Diaz if the City is continually denying his permits. Mr. Diaz responded yes. Councilmember Zemanek requested City Manager Corby Alexander address Mr. Diaz's claim. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the initial permit was denied due to repairs being 50 percent more than the value of structure and requested the Inspections Department to provide information of any other permits being denied. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens informed the City has not received any permits or reviewable drawings and has requested the owners come into the City for permits. Councilmember Zemanek questioned when the rear of the building was demolished and the current HCAD value of the building. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the rear of the building was demolished three months ago. Mr. Diaz advised Council he can get the building up to code. Councilmember Zemanek commented to Mr. Diaz, he has two concerns. One, the City telling him not to get a permit; and two, what is the reason for taking this long. Mr. Diaz responded he can get the building up to code. Page 4 of 10 October 13, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes