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

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City Manager Corby Alexander advised the current HCAD improvements valuation is $42,539.00, approximately $46,000.00 is the value of the land, with a total of $88,464.00 for land and improvements. Councilmember Moser questioned Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens when the Zoning Board of Adjustment ruled the building can be saved and whether plans were brought into the City. Mr. Tietjens responded the ruling was in 2012; and according to staff, the City has not seen a draft set of plans. Councilmember Clausen questioned Mr. Diaz according to the plans he passed out to Council, which part of the building does he plan to save; and which part will be demolished. Mr. Diaz responded he will tear out the back portion and build 22 feet backwards, with all of the building the same level. Mr. Diaz advised if Council wants improving to 50% of the value of the building, he can comply; and he can also build something nice, as well. Diana Diaz, 500 W. Main, addressed Council and advised that in the beginning of the process they met with two City Inspectors and were given a list of items to be done in order to proceed with the building. Ms. Diaz advised the property has been surveyed, tested for asbestos, and the property taxes are paid. She feels it has been an unfair battle with three City permits being denied. Councilmember Zemanek questioned Ms. Diaz if she recalls coming before City Council a year ago and being asked to demolish the rear of the building. Ms. Diaz responded yes, and the rear of the building has been demolished. Councilmember Zemanek questioned how many times in the last calendar year has she come into the City to request permits. Mr. Diaz informed he met with the City Manager's Office about two months ago and requested a permit be issued. In addition, Mr. Diaz advised he had a permit application at the time but did not turn it into the Inspections Department. Councilmember Zemanek advised Mr. Diaz a permit application must be submitted to the City in order for a permit to be issued. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens requested to provide information that was secured during the meeting. Mr. Tietjens advised there are three permit applications on file that were denied prior to the 2012 City Council Meeting or the Planning and Zoning's 50 percent ruling. Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia, addressed Council and spoke in favor of the Diaz's being granted a permit. Randy Cernosek, 303 S. Iowa St., addressed Council and requested he be allowed 30 days to repair the carport structure. Councilmember Clausen questioned Mr. Cernosek why did it take this action to get him to begin repairs. Mr. Cernosek responded he has not worked on the carport recently but requests 30 days to get the carport repaired. The public hearing closed at 7:31 p.m. The public hearing was re -opened at 7:32 p.m. to allow additional comments from the public. Milton Perales, addressed Council on behalf of his parent's home at 3322 Clarksville. Mr. Perales advised his parents purchased the property over a year ago knowing there are issues. Mr. Perales provided Council a list of plans with the back garage and kitchen cabinets demolished. Mr. Perales advised it will take 60 days to bring the property up to code, and estimated the garage can take up to 4 months. The public hearing closed at 7:43 p.m. Page 5 of 10 October 13, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes