Condemnation Committee Meeting Minutes


DATE: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
TIME: 3:00 p.m. (3:42 p.m.)
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Jerry Mizell, William Carrell, Nathan Anderson, Charles Barfield, and Robert Midnight, along with Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, Abatement Officer David Koch, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Mr. Gail White, Angie Shelton, Lisa Harris, Jim Hall, Steve Vantreese and Charlotte Anderson.

ROLL CALL
Mizell Present
Carrell Present
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman Nathan Anderson and Second by Alderman Jerry Mizell to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on July 22, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea




Updates on Abatements, Properties turned over for clean up, Condemned Report and Vehicles identified
Committee Chairman Alderman Jerry Mizell and Abatement Officer David Koch provided everyone with copies of the Vehicle Abatements; Property Abatements; and Demo’s as is usually provided at each meeting.

Ordinance in reference to burned out properties that should be boarded up for public safety – at present use (Nuisance) General Regulations
Mr. Abell said that if they are not secured after the 8th day we could have our city guys go in and board them up. He also said that we could start issuing tickets.
The general consensus was that we should issue tickets first in hopes that the owners will take care of the problem without having to have our city employees placed in a situation where they could sustain injury while boarding the property.
Mr. Abell said we can try to make these a priority.


(1900 Simmons Property)
Alderman Jerry Mizell asked for a status report on this property from Attorney Rick Abell.
Mr. Abell said that Mr. Obermark is in the process of getting the paper work done to receive ownership of the property then he will demolish and clear the property.




Save the Massac Theatre – Presentation by Gail White
Lisa Harris told the Committee that as they discussed at the last meeting with the City, the Save the Massac Committee has to have a feasibility study done before they can proceed any further with this project. The study will cost $15,000 to $20,000 and are asking the City to either fund the study or at lease help with the cost if possible.
Mr. Gail White will be doing the study and is present to answer any questions.
Mr. White was asked if he could give a more definite cost for the Study so the City would know just what they are looking to spend if they choose to help with the cost.
Mr. White said yes but needs to know what is needed in the study.
Mr. White was asked if the City did help to pay for the study would they be able to use the study to proceed with demolition of the Theatre or would they have to have another study done if the study turns out that it is not feasible to proceed with restoration of the building.
Mr. White said that the study information would certainly be available to the City as well as to the Save the Massac Group. He said that they would be looking at needs, condition and usage of the building then cost in the study.
Mr. Abell asked Mr. White if there could be grant funds available to help pay for the Study such as with Landmark or National Trust.





Mr. White said yes he felt that would be a good possibility. Then Charlotte Anderson spoke up and said that she has already been in contact with those groups and that funds could very well be available however they would want a firm commitment from the City that they would stay with the project to see it happens. Although they were told the City could probably transfer ownership at some point provided the new owner would continue with the renovation.
Mrs. Anderson stressed that she felt ownership of the theatre should remain with the City and someone be hired to manage it at some point.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by both Alderman Nathan Anderson and William Carrell to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 4:30 p.m.
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea












DATE: Wednesday, July 22, 2009
TIME: 2:00 p.m. (2:20 p.m.)
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Jerry Mizell, William Carrell, Nathan Anderson, Charles Barfield, David McManus, and Robert Midnight, with Alderman David Daugherty absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Police Officer Dave Koch, Lisa Gower, Bruce Cummins, Art Long, Randy Rushing, Kristy Stephenson, Penny Emery, Jim Hambrick, Gail White, Tera Temple, Jim Hall and a number of other citizens.

ROLL CALL
Mizell Present
Carrell Present
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman William Carrell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on May 14, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea



Presentation by Lisa Gower/Committee to Save Old Massac Theatre
Mrs. Gower told the Committee that they have several fund raisers in the works and that she has a large list of people willing to do fund raisers for this project.
She said they should have their 501C3 status in a couple of months.
They plan to rent space in the building when renovated, to the Chamber of Commerce including Angie Shelton’s Office. They intend to install public restrooms, along with a smaller version of the old theater in a section of the building.
Mrs. Gower said that the first thing they need to do is to have a feasibility study done to see if what they proposed to do is feasible or not. The Study will cost $34,600 and they have around $6,000 in their fund at present. Therefore they are asking that the City help fund the study.
Jim Hambrick spoke up and said he wanted to commend the Committee for what they are trying to do with the building and believes they should be able to use tourism funds for their project.
Mr. Abell added that they would qualify for the funds but the only problem is that those funds are low at present as well as the City’s general fund.
Kristy Stephenson asked the Committee if they thought the Save the Theater Committee should go ahead and explore any available grants that might be out there.
The Committee consensus was that yes they should seek any possible grants.
Mr. Gail White who has been working with the Save the Theater Committee was present to answer any questions anyone might have.

Mr. Art Long spoke up and said that he questions the historical landmark part of the building. He said the City has spend a lot of time and money to be able to tear the building down and now this group wants to restore it. He said he would rather see that money spent on the after school program and Spouse Abuse.
Mr. Long did say that he has talked with Mrs. Lisa Gower and they departed friends but do disagree on what should be done with the building and that is ok. He added that he might be persuaded to back off the building if they were to name it after an African American whom he named.
Randy Rushing spoke up and said that part of their objective is to reduce neighborhood tension and bring the community together.
The Condemned buildings Committee are to consider their proposal and let them know something later.

801 Catherine Street – Mr. Frank Trieglaff Property
There are complaints about the lot being used as a storage lot for boats and trailers. It seems that on July 9th there were 8 boats on the property and it is zoned R-4 which does not permit commercial use.
Alderman Mizell said that this is a zoning issue and he has talked with Mr. Abell regarding it.
Mr. Abell said this has been an ongoing issue for Officer Koch and he will be going out and checking the titles on the vehicles to see if they are properly licensed then go from there.

Update on Sale of Property owned by City
The City advertised to sell some property but no one turned in any bids to the Clerk’s Office.
Mayor McDaniel has had a person express interest in one lot that is adjacent to his property. It is not big enough to benefit anyone but an adjacent property owner.

There may be some interest in the Owens Property on 21st Street as well and information is being gathered on those two lots.

200 Lindsey
The house burned at this address and the City has gone in and cleaned up the outside of the property and boarded up the house but the neighbors want something done with the house.
It seems that Mr. Robbins was buying the property on contract for deed from Steve Castleman but walked away from it. The City has a lien on the property for $2,000 and when Officer Koch can locate Mr. Castleman who seems to be avoiding him, he will serve him. Mr. Castleman will then have 15 days to take care of it himself or we will start action if he doesn’t.

304 West 9th Street
Clemar Riley owns this property and at the May 14th meeting Attorney Rick Abell was given permission to go ahead with Rule to Show Cause along with ordinance violation since Mr. Riley has a garden planted on the right of way and blocks the view from the Street on 9th & Pearl Streets.
Mr. Abell said the Rule is pending a court date and may take a couple of months. As for the garden we can treat it as a visibility issue and write Mr. Riley tickets.
Officer Koch was instructed to go ahead and right Mr. Riley tickets.


116 Lindsey
There is an ordinance violation issue with a wood utility building in the front yard.
Mr. Penny Emery said this has been taken care of already. They are going to remove the building, get a smaller building and put it in the back.
No action needed.


407 West 9th Street
There is an ordinance violation with a camper trailer hooked to the sewer.
Penny Emery said he was able to take care of this one as well that he talked to them and they are willing to unhook from the sewer.
No action needed.


Moved by Alderman William Carrell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 3:20 P.M.
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea









DATE: Thursday, May 14, 2009
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Jerry Mizell, William Carrell, Nathan Anderson, Charles Barfield, and Robert Midnight with Aldermen David Daugherty, Richard Corzine Sr., and David McManus absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Abatement Officer Dave Koch, Kathy Benard from Zoning & Mapping Department, Attorney Timothy Fornes, Lisa Gower, Charlotte Anderson, Tera Temple, Steven Vantreese.
ROLL CALL
Mizell Present
Carrell Present
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Present

Moved by Alderman Nathan Anderson and Second by Alderman William Carrell to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on April 21, 2009 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea

Update on Massac Theatre Building
(Lisa Gower /Charlotte Anderson)
There was a public meeting held to see if there is any interest in saving this building and there is considerable interest according to Lisa Gower. She has a list of people interested in helping in different ways and said there is another meeting tonight. They have to now form a 501 Corporation.
Charlotte Anderson said that they would have to do a 501C3 application and that they will be looking at other theatre adventures to see how and what they have done.
Mrs. Anderson suggested that there be a community cleanup of the property done with the use of dumpsters to make it not only look better but make it better for the design people to get in and work.
She said the roof is all but gone and will probably be a very big expense.
A feasibility study will need to be done which Charlotte estimates to cost around $40,000. She said the walls need to be capped to stabilize the building.
Charlotte Anderson also suggested that ownership stay with the City.
Cody Wright and Darius Bryjka with B.W. Consultants were present with Charlotte for today’s meeting as well as the Save the Theatre meeting to be held later tonight. They were part of the team that did an inspection on the old theatre building and said they found it to have potential. Darius did a quick design of the M in the marquee of the theatre placing it on tee shirts and hats to be sold for a fund raiser.
They suggested that they be sold at upcoming Superman Celebration with the stand to be in front of the old theatre.


Sale of Property owned by City
There are 8 locations owned by the City that need to be sold and put back on the tax rolls. The Committee wanted to look at the lot sizes and possible usage of the property before proceeding with advertising them for sale.
The Mapping and Zoning Department provided them with the following information as well as maps:
805 Pearl St. Lot #2 50’X12’ lot Zoned C2
(Residential use but not manufactured homes)

112 East 18th St. Lot #7 40’X120’ lot Zoned R4
(Not big enough for anything under present zoning ordinance)

509/511 West 11th St. 40’X150’ Zoned R4
(Trailers allowed)

401 West 8th St. 52’X60’ Zoned R4
(Plus L shape piece) (Trailers allowed but not big enough for anything)

813 Broadway 50’x120’ Zoned R4
(Trailers allowed but not big enough for anything)

513 West 6th St. 40’X75’ Zoned R4
(Trailers allowed but not big enough for anything)

2000 Market St. 40’X102’ Zoned R4
(Trailers allowed but not big enough for anything)
The consensus of the Committee and Councilmen present was to bid the properties outs but to bid the larger usable ones first then bid out the small lots and to explain their limited use in the bid documents.
It was also the consensus to not allow any trailers over 5 years old to be placed on any of the lots.

Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to recommend to the full Council to authorize the City Attorney to prepare the ordinance to sell City owned properties as discussed in Committee: MOTION CARRIED
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea

200 Lindsey
House destroyed by fire and no action taken to make it safe for the public. Dave Koch has pictures and has sent a notice to the owner.
The comment was made that Mr. Robbins is buying the property from Steve Castleman on contract for deed but that he is planning to let it go back.
No further action taken today.

1719 North Avenue
New owner is Mr. Tim (Roe) White. The house was destroyed by fire and Mr. White has obtained permits and is in the process of cleaning up the area and rebuilding the house.
No action needed at this time.

106 West 9th Street
Margie Price owns this property and has it so stacked up with yard sale and auction items that she can barely get in and out of the house and only by the front door at present.
Mr. Abell lives next door and said that someone has been mowing now so that is helping the appearance but the side yard and front porch both need to be cleaned up. You don’t really see the back since it is pretty well hid so if we can just get those cleaned up for now it won’t be too bad.
Officer Dave Koch did send Mrs. Price an abatement letter as directed by Committee at an earlier meeting so the consensus of the Committee was to wait and see if she does anything but if not we can after the time frame given to her in the abatement letter.

304 West 9th Street
Clemar Riley is the owner of this property and it was addressed at the last meeting possible action regarding - Rule to Show Cause and possible Ordinance Violations.
Mr. Abell said we will just keep pursuing this.

Cleanup on drainage ditches
Ward 3 Aldermen are asking to look at possible spraying/killing of the vegetation then cleanup the area running along the drainage ditches from Frelinghuysen Street and continuing along 2nd Street.
Alderman William Carrell said that he thought someone has recently cleaned some of it.
It was thought that the Wills and Castleman ditches in this area need to be cleaned up and Officer Dave Koch said he would abate them.
1217 West 10th Street
Dr. William Potter is the owner of this property and Mr. Timothy Fornes is representing the City with this case and is working toward demolition. Mr. Fornes has contacted Brian Giltner to inspect the buildings one week from tomorrow.
Mr. Fornes said there is a pretrial conference on July 6th at which time he hopes to get a trial date set.
Leslie Peters who is Mr. Potter’s Attorney said the owner wants to repair and maintain the property however the City sees it as dangerous and a nesting place for animals.

300 Ferry Street
This is an old bank building that belongs to Steve Castleman. Attorney Timothy Fornes is handling this case for the City as well. The City finds the building to be unsafe and dangerous to the public.
The problem is that Castleman’s attorney is out of Flora, Illinois and it is difficult getting him down here for meetings. Mr. Fornes is trying to get trail and discovery dates set.
Brian Giltner did inspect this property and said it does have potential if someone wants to take the time and spend the money it will take to restore it. It is on the Historic Register.
Mr. Abell said that Mr. Castleman will probably not spend the money on the building and will have to be in someone else’s hands to get work done on it.
It was said that it is rumored that Mr. Castleman wants to sell all the property he owns in Metropolis.
Mr. Fornes said he would check into that and see if he wants to sell this property and if so for how much.


The City isn’t interested in buying it but someone might be if he is reasonable with the cost.
Darius Bryjka said they looked at the exterior of this building as well and they saw some issues with the store front but would like to take a closer look at it before any action is taken to demolish the property.
The City doesn’t own this building.



Not on Agenda but discussed:

(Copley Property at 19th & North Avenue)
There have been complaints on this property and Kathy
Benard with the Mapping and Zoning Department was present and said she inspected the property and presented pictures for the Committee to review. She pointed out that the following items are out in the open and need to be cleaned up:
Gas cans
Batteries and antifreeze
Oil & oil filters
Vehicle going the wrong way
Uncovered rubbish and debris
Kathy said she didn’t see any zoning violations but they could be in violation of some city ordinances.
Officer Koch said he would abate them on the items listed above, give him a warning then a citation if not cleaned up and kept clean.


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman William Carrell to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 2:44 P.M.
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea






DATE: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Jerry Mizell, William Carrell, Nathan Anderson, Charles Barfield, Richard Corzine Sr., Robert Midnight, and Bill Carrell with Alderman David Daugherty absent. Also present were City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, Kathy Benard and Penny Emery with Zoning Department, Lisa Gower, Officer David Koch, Tera Temple, Steve Vantreese, George Giltner, Brian Giltner and Joe Matesevac with Engineering, Inc. Mayor McDaniel joined the meeting around 1:20 p.m. and CFO Patricia Suttles around 2:05 p.m.

ROLL CALL
Mizell Present
Carrell Present
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Present


Moved by Alderman William Carrell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on December 17, 2008 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea

The following was discussed by the Committee:



304 W. 9th Street
Clemar Riley is the owner of this property and the City has been dealing with him for a long time trying to get the property cleaned up and kept that way.
Mr. Abell reported that pictures have been taken and have looked at the right of way. Officer Koch will write citation on Zoning Ordinance violations. He said he would update Rules to Show Cause for junk yard and try to get the trailer condemned.
Mr. Abell pointed out that this will all take time but that he does want to find out who brought him all that dirt and put it on the right of way. That person will be given a citation also and hopefully people will stop bringing him things and adding to the problem.


1901 Simmons Property
Ronda Schnuck is the owner and was due in Court yesterday but didn’t show so the Judge granted an inspection. He said she did come in today and after a long discussion has agreed to tear the house down. Mr. Abell said we would stay enforcement until the end of August, 2009 and if she doesn’t tear the house down herself, the City will.
Mr. Abell said she was informed that under the guidelines of the City’s reimbursement grant, she is not eligible.




1217 West 10th Street
This property is owned by Dr. William Potter and Attorney Timothy Fornes is handling it for the City. The building is in dangerous condition and the City is pursuing demolition however Mr. Potter and his Attorney Leslie Peters want to do repairs. The only thing done to the building so far has been that parts of the front of the building have been removed.
It was concluded that Mr. Fornes needs to meet with the City at the next meeting to update us on this case. Alderman Mizell apologized for not having him to do so at this meeting but he would contact Mr. Fornes and have him at the next meeting.


200 Lindsey Property
This house was destroyed by fire and no action has been taken to secure it. The City considers it to be a danger to the public and a demolition notice will be sent to the owner. Officer David Koch is to get pictures to Attorney Rick Abell.



1709 North Avenue
This house was also destroyed by fire and owner has done nothing to protect the public from a dangerous situation. The property has a sign advertising it for sale but a demolition notice will be sent.




City Property – (8) locations
There are 8 properties that the City has acquired that need to be sold. Mr. Abell gave the Councilmen a memo outlining the 3 methods by which the City can sale property as well as asking if they want to put requirements or restriction in the bid specs.
Mr. Penny Emery is to provide more information to the Committee as to the actual size of the lots and the use limitations for the properties.
They can be used for secondary use only if purchased by an adjoining property owner.
A COPY OF MR. ABELL’S MEMO IS ATTACHED.


300 Ferry Street
Steve Castleman owns this property and it was an old bank building. Mr. Timothy Fornes is representing the City on this case and Alderman Mizell to get with Mr. Fornes to come and give a report on it to the Committee.
Mr. Abell did say that he thought Mr. Castleman’s attorney was in Flora, IL and that they were trying to get a case management meeting set.








106 West 9th Street
Margie Price is the owner of this property and it needs to be abated to get it cleaned up and the out building needs to be torn down.
The water has been off for 2 months or so now due to a bad water leak. The person that is to fix it can’t because he can’t get to it for all the debris in the yard.
Several people have helped to clean her property up from time to time but she just keeps hauling more in so there is no end to the problem.
Alderman Robert Midnight suggested getting the Health Department involved. It was said that it hasn’t helped in the past but that we can try again if they wish.
The consensus was to start action and try to do something, that it is really a problem.
Mr. Abell said an abatement notice will be sent first then if she doesn’t clean it up we will ask the court for relief.

Old Massac Theater Building-
The City now owns this property and needs to decide what to do with it. With attorney fees, appraisal fees and the judgment the City has around $72,845.22 invested in the property.
Lisa Gower was present at the meeting to ask the Committee for time to see if there is any interest from the public to pursue saving the building. If there is there are groups like the Main Street Organization and Theater Organizations that help to save buildings such as this one.
Mrs. Gower has advertised in this week’s paper to have a meeting at the Girl Scout house next Thursday at 7:00 to see if the public is interested. She said she would report back to the City the results of that meeting.
Consensus to see what Mrs. Gower comes up with before taking further action on the Old Massac Theater Building.


Not on Agenda but discussed

(ARRA Fund Resolution)
Brian Giltner with Engineering, Inc. reported that he changed from 12th Street to 7th Street for this Resolution as agreed upon by the Councilmen. He said the new amount would be $55,000 and would have to be re-voted upon at the next council meeting.
Brian said he did contact the State and 7th Street does meet the traffic count requirements and everything is moving forward.


(Stimulus Money and Rate Increase)
Mr. Abell said he did talk with the lady from the State regarding the loan portion of our 10 million dollar sewer project of which 2 million is a grant (stimulus money) and the other 8 million an interest free loan.
Mr. Abell said that she said a pledge of all system revenue would have to be made to cover all the debt. They want to make sure the system can pay for itself plus the debt. They will consider pledges of alternate revenue.
Mr. Abell said to keep in mind they can force the City to raise rates to the fullest to cover the system cost plus debt. Patricia Suttles has done the math and she is showing a rate of $40.
Alderman Midnight suggested that we raise the rate to $40 then back it with 5% yearly increase from boat money.
He was reminded that we have a cap on the boat revenue and that all over 11 million goes to the debt and if we use boat revenue we have to give up something else.
Alderman Corzine said that the people just can’t afford it.
Mr. Abell said he would bring up the dirty word “meters” which he knows they don’t want to hear. He said Brookport residents were paying a flat rate, some $30 or more a month but when they were forced to put meters in some of the residents found their cost was less just paying for the actual water they used.
Alderman Midnight said that in other words the increase is going to happen, one way or the other. If we don’t do it on our own the State will mandate it. He said that since we have the stimulus money and interest free loan to help keep the cost down now but if we don’t take advantage of it then the rate would work out to be even higher. If we have to do it, we want it at the lesser rate.
The consensus was that this isn’t a good thing no matter how you look at it.
Mr. Abell and Brian are to get more information for the Council packets for the next council meeting.


Moved by Alderman Jerry Mizell and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 3:00 P.M.
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Absent
Anderson Yea




DATE: Wednesday, December 17, 2008
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers

PRESENT:
Aldermen Jerry Mizell, William Carrell, David Daugherty, Nathan Anderson, Robert Midnight, Richard Corzine Sr., and David McManus with Alderman Charles Barfield absent. Also present were Mayor Billy McDaniel, Corporate Counsel Rick Abell, City Clerk Brenda Westbrooks, Abatement Officer David Koch, Tera Temple from the Planet, Penny Emery and Kathy Benard with Mapping Department, and Joe Matesevac & Brian Giltner with Engineering, Inc.


ROLL CALL
Mizell Present
Carrell Present
Daugherty Present
Anderson Present





Moved by Alderman William Carrell and Second by Alderman David Daugherty to approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on August 13, 2008 as presented: MOTION CARRIED
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea

List for Vehicles, Abatements & Condemned Properties
Officer David Koch and Alderman Jerry Mizell passed out copies of list showing the status of vehicles, abatements and condemned properties.
There were not questions or discussion on the lists themselves.

Abated Properties
(801 Catherine Street – Frank Trieglaff)
Officer Koch said there have been no improvements regarding vehicles on the property.
Mr. Abell said that we will handle it as a zoning matter and treat it as a used car lot or junk lot. He said he would try to get an injunction.




Condemned Properties
(1901 Simmons)
Officer Koch said the roof is now covered with a blue tarp.
Mr. Abell said that we had a first hearing on this and she has until the next hearing date in April to correct the roof. If she doesn’t we will ask for a full inspection and go with demolition.

(1217 W. 10th Street)
W. C. Potter is the owner of this property and a large portion of the roof is coming off the metal building and is in very dangerous condition. Attorney Tim Fornes is handling this case and Officer Koch has a call into him for an update.

(300 Ferry Street-Old Bank Building)
Attorney Tim Fornes is handling this case as well. Waiting to hear back on it.

(309 East 2nd Street)
Lloyd Kidd is the owner of this property and the building has 3 walls that have collapsed and is definitely a hazard.
Mr. Abell said he will be sent a 15 day notice with no extensions to take care of this or we will try to get a hearing as quickly as possible and have it removed. It is in very serious condition.


(310 Park Street – Eric & Brenda Skees)
Kathy Benard reports that she has seen no activity since the work was done on the roof by Mr. Sterling Bailey. She said the windows remain an issue and the building is not secure. She said someone could gain easy access.
Mr. Abell said we can do a notice based on the windows and ask for an inspection. He will draft a notice for Officer Koch to send out.


(1709 North Avenue – Misty Widener Owner)
This property burned and Alderman Mizell passed out pictures showing the condition of the house.
Kathy Benard said that the owner called her inquiring about trailers that she has pets and is having problems finding rental property who will allow pets. She said she has her phone number and will give it to Officer Koch to contact her if he needs it.
Mr. Abell said that Mr. Dale Obermark is interested in buying the property and was given information to contact the owner. He said if he doesn’t buy it we will then need to take further action.




(700 East 8th Street – Mike Eastwood Property)
This property was burned as well. They started work on it but found there was only enough insurance money to pay the mortgage so they can’t afford to work on the structure.
Kathy Benard said that there are no open permits on this property.
Mr. Eastwood is a City employee and Mr. Abell said he would get with him and see what he is going to do with it.


Incentive Package Update
Alderman Mizell provided handouts showing the total demolition reimbursements for 2008 as well as total amount paid out from the beginning in 2006 to present. Copy attached.
($32,659.50 for 2008 so far with a total of $93,134.52)


Other Business
(Service Station at 10th & 19th Street demolition)
Costal Corporation owns this property is in the process of demolishing and removing the old Station and Tanks. They do have permits and seem to be proceeding ok.



(Update on Massac Theater)
Nothing further to report since update at last Council meeting


Not on Agenda but Discussed:

Penny Emery with Mapping gave everyone a copy of a map he is working on that shows the demolition properties.


Mr. Abell was asked about an update on Mr. Pullen’s property on Pearl Street. He said that Mr. Pullen has finished the inside but still has some work to do on the outside. Mr. Abell said that Mr. Pullen’s dad is really ill and he is his care giver so he hasn’t been able to work on the house.

Mr. Abell was asked about Mr. Clem Riley’s property and he said we will just have to start over on him again.

Margie Price Property
Mr. Abell said he has talked with the daughter about Mrs. Price agreeing to let the City go ahead and clean the property up for her. The daughter said she would go to the nursing home and talk to her mother.



19th & North Avenue
Alderman Jerry Mizell said that he get calls on the resident parking on the right of way which makes it difficult for two vehicles to pass on the street without one stopping to let the other one by.
Officer Koch said that he is not in any violation at this point.
Alderman Carrell asked if we can stop them from parking on the right of way and was told we would have to do it all over town if we did. He even asked if it would help to limit parking to the other side but it was then thought it would only cause another problem for that side of the Street.
Mr. Carrell said we probably just need to enforce the footage that you have to stay back from an alley and stop sign.
They said this is true but should be done all over town.

Patricia Eskridge Property on Pearl Street
Mr. Abell said that the City owns the property at 8th and Pearl Street and that Patricia Eskridge owns the property next door to it on Pearl Street. She wants to sell it to the City for $45,000 and he told her he didn’t think the City would be interested in the property but that he would ask them.
The consensus was that the City would probably be willing to sell the City’s lot on Pearl Street to someone else if they would want hers and the City’s.
Rick Abell said he would call her back and let her know. She might even want to get with Mr. Clarke and see if she couldn’t be directed to someone looking for property for a commercial project.

Moved by Alderman William Carrell and Second by Alderman David Daugherty to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED –TIME: 1:33 P.M.
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea


















Condemned Buildings Committee
August 13th, 2008

Abatement Lists:
Alderman Jerry Mizell passed out copies of list regarding abated property, demolitions and vehicles for everyone to review.

Discussed the following properties:

(1605 Filmore Street)
Councilmen have received complaints of roofing blowing from a building at this address into the neighbor’s yard and swimming pool.
The tarp that was on the building has been removed and black paper has been put on the building but no other activity in the last month.
Mr. Abell said that there is little we can do unless it becomes dangerous or unsafe. We might look at ticketing them under the code.
Alderman Mizell said we will monitor this further and follow up if necessary.


(801 Catherine Street)
This is the Frank Trieglaff property the City has been having issues with for some time now. Mr. Abell sent him letters advising him of current Metropolis zoning ordinances.
The issue on 12th Street has been resolved and the vehicles are gone. As for his home on Catherine Street he can be sited and fined.






Condemned Property
(819 Pearl Street – Elmer Pullen owner)
Time to complete work was up November 2007. City filed suit around 6 months ago. Have been to court twice now and Judge has granted him more time. Mr. Pullen has shown substantial improvements on the inside. He may be completed by end of this month. Mr. Abell said he wants to do inspection before the next court date.

(600 East 3rd Street – Steve Castleman)
Mr. Abell sent a letter to Mr. Castleman in February, 2008 requesting inspection of the building and heard nothing back.
We filed in March or April. Mr. Castleman has hired an attorney and there is a hearing coming around the 19th or so.
Kathy Benard and Penny Emery both said there have been no permits issued for this property.
Mr. Abell said that we need to take several people from different trades through the building when we do get to inspect it as well as an appraiser.

(300 Ferry Street – Steve Castleman)
Mr. Abell sent a letter to Mr. Castleman in February requesting inspection of the building which is the old bank building. No response so we filed suit on this one also.
Mr. Castleman answered and claimed conflict of interest so the City farmed this case out to Mr. Tim Fornes.
This case will be going to court along with the other one and Mr. Abell said we will need to take those same trades people through the inspection on this one as well. Need to talk with Mr. Fornes for any
thing further.
(1901 Simmons Street – Rhonda Schnuck)
The garage has collapsed and the roof is falling in on the house. There has been no indication of any repairs by owner.
Mr. Abell said he would prepare a law suit on this property soon and that Public Aid has a lien against the property. City may wind up demolishing this one.

(310 Park Street – Eric & Brenda Skees)
Permits and work are proceeding on this property according to Kathy Benard. She said that Sterling Bailey is doing the work on the property for the Skees.
No Action needed at this time.

(1217 West 10th Street – Dr. W.C. Potter)
Large portion of roofing is coming off this metal building and building is in dangerous condition. Mr. Fornes is handling this case as well so we will have to talk with him for an update.
Officer David Koch said that he talked with Mr. Fornes and he is going to file for a court date.

(511 East 9th Street – Greg & Rhonda Bradford)
Alderman Mizell said that the committee recommended on June 5, 2008 to proceed with demolition of this property.
Mr. Abell said that notices went out but never picked up.
Mr. David Koch said he was personally served. Will be filing on this one.

(304 West 9th Street – Clem Riley)
On June 27, 2008 Judge Williamson ruled in favor of Mr. Riley denying any action by the City to tear down the house.
Mr. Abell said we will file amendment to show cause and ask he be held in contempt for all the junk he has.
He can be abated for anything on the right of ways that are an obstruction.
Neighbors are willing to come in and make complaints and testify in court.
Penny Emery said that the buildings in front of the trailer are in violation to the Code.

Street Blind Spots – Intersections & Alley ways
Penny Emery and Kathy Benard said that there are several spots where trees and shrubs need to be cut back to prevent accidents. There are even some areas where we have fence obstructions.
Kathy & Penny gave everyone a handout proposing a setback of 30 feet from the corner to be keep clear to prevent having obstructions at intersections. This would include parking.
The Councilmen said that you almost have to look at each one case by case. That in most cases if the resident is approached when there is a problem they will probably be willing to take care of it.

Alderman Carrell asked about the parking round the Courthouse and the fact that you can’t see coming back on to West 5th Street.
There is a county parking lot so parking on the 5th Street side may need to be eliminated.

Incentive Package
Since 2006, the City has offered reimbursements up to $1,500 to help with the cleanup of property within the City. Alderman Mizell gave everyone a list of those properties totaling $82,494.32 paid out in reimbursements as of 07/25/08.
Massac Theater
February 6, 2008 Attorney Richard Kruger was notified for oral argument in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. We are still waiting for the judge’s decision.
Grace Drive – Annexation Agreement
Mr. Abell said that all the owners of property on Grace Drive signed their easement agreements but not their annexation agreements. He said that he guessed he would have to walk it and get the petitions signed.
Water Outside City Limits
City Clerk asked the Councilmen if they wanted her office to start billing all the current water accounts that are out of the City limits the new charges when the 10 day period is up on the new ordinance or to wait until Cedar Lane residents are ready to be billed.
She was told to start billing everyone except Cedar Lane as soon as the ordinance comes in effect then Cedar Lane will not be billed until all the work is done and J.K. Thomas has tested it and said it is ok.

Kathy Benard told everyone that she has a copy of the mobile home act that she down loaded from the internet if anyone wanted a copy.
The question was asked where we are on the new Zoning Ordinance and Penny Emery said that we are close.

Moved by Alderman David Daugherty and Second by Alderman Nathan Anderson to adjourn: MOTION CARRIED – TIME: 12:56 P.M.
Mizell Yea
Carrell Yea
Daugherty Yea
Anderson Yea