2015-10-26 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council minutes

Browse Search

desirable complex at that time. She spoke in favor of demolishing the substandard buildings due to the deplorable living conditions. Mike McNeely, 302 S. 11th St., addressed Council and spoke in favor of allowing Ms. Rector and her family additional time to repair the substandard buildings. Suzanne Mitcham, 1026 S. 61 St., addressed Council and advised her daughter and family live at the apartments and do not have the means to relocate if the apartment complex is demolished. She stated she will help with the renovation by calling repair people and weeding out undesirables. Chuck Rosa, 812 S. Virginia, addressed Council and spoke in opposition of demolishing the substandard buildings, and suggested Council use economic development money to repair the apartments. Dana Miracle, 330 Bayside Dr., addressed Council and advised she is a resident of the apartment complex and requested time to repair the substandard buildings, because she does not have the finances to relocate. There being no additional public comments, the public hearing closed at 6:41 p.m. Deputy Building Official R. Davidson spoke and advised all property owners are encouraged to bring plans to repair buildings and informed the issues at the apartment complex did not occur overnight. In addition Mr. Davidson advised of fire hazards and unsecured units. Councilmember Kaminski asked how many people are living at the apartment complex. Mr. Davidson advised there are 4 occupied units if the lady who spoke tonight is correct. Councilmember Martin expressed concern for all the residents who reside at the apartment complex and asked City Manager Corby Alexander if there are state law provisions that allow a City to help with relocation assistance. Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins advised there is state provisions that a City can assist displaced residents. Councilmember Martin moved to approve an Ordinance condemning substandard buildings consisting of 4 multi-family apartment buildings and 1 laundromat building, all located at 330 Bayside Dr., La Porte. Councilmember Leonard seconded. Councilmember Zemanek questioned Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins whether state law refers to monetary assistance for citizens. Mr. Askins responded yes; and if that's the direction council wishes togo h suggests it be in the motion. Councilmember Zemanek said he would like for Councilmember Martin to make an amendment to his motion, or he would like to make an amendment to the motion to include this monetary assistance for these families. Councilmember Martin amended his original motion to include that the City engage with any active residents in finding relocation assistance. Councilmember Leonard seconded the motion as amended. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Rigby, Councilmembers J. Martin, Clausen, Kaminski, Earp, K. Martin, Leonard and Zemanek Nays: None Absent: Councilmember Engelken Corby Alexander stated this assistance could be made within 45 days or less. Prior to council action, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins read the caption of Ordinance 2015-3608: AN ORDINANCE DECLARING BUILDINGS LOCATED AT SOUTH PORTION OF LOT SEVEN (7), AND ALL OF LOTS EIGHT (8), NINE (9), AND TEN (10), BLOCK 1 REPLAT OF BAYSIDE TERRACE LA PORTE, Page 3 of 6 October 26, 2015, Council Meeting Minutes