Demolition Board January 18, 2018 9 a.m. Chairman Given: Good morning everybody. At this time I would like to call this Demolition Board of Appeals meeting to order. Mr. Klinar roll call? Richard Klinar: We will take roll call. First of all I am going to do roll by department because we do have different people filling in. Just state your name in the microphone for the record. Building Inspector? Eric Elmi: Eric Elmi. Richard Klinar: Mayor s Appointee? Armando Francisco: Armando Francisco. Richard Klinar: Safety Director? Dan Given: Dan Given. Richard Klinar: Health Commissioner? Scott Pozna: Scott Pozna. Richard Klinar: Fire Department? Chris Radman: Chris Radman. Richard Klinar: City Engineer? Doug Hasel: Doug Hasel. Richard Klinar: City Electrician? David Velez: David Velez. Dan Given: Thank you Mr. Klinar. For anyone that hasn t been here before; if you are planning speaking at all at this meeting. We ask that you please stand up- everyone that has to speak is going to be sworn in. If you do not get sworn in you are not allowed to speak on the record because this is an actual court proceeding. Mr. Resar? Attorney Resar: Please raise your right hand. Do each of you swear or affirm that the testimony that you are going to give before this Board will be truthful?
All: Yes. Dan Given: Thank you Mr. Resar. The way the proceeding starts ; Eric Elmi representative from the City of Lorain Building Department is going to show us photographic evidence of inspections. The inspections were performed in the properties with the Fire Department, the Police Department was present as well as numerous people from the Building Department. Eric the floor is yours. Eric Elmi: Good morning my name is Eric Elmi Building Inspector City of Lorain. Today s first house on the agenda is 1120 West Erie Ave. Parcel number 02-01-006-104-021. Inspected on November 7 th, 2017 by Building, Fire and Health Department. Number of photos on the presentation is 47 photos. Exterior of the house it is a duplex is in poor condition. Windows broken, interior damaged and busted, interior surfaces are damaged and busted. The ceiling is in poor condition. Ceiling is falling apart. The roof leaks. Presence of pest infestation. As far as you see the interior surfaces are in extremely poor condition. This is what was the bathrooms, kitchens and as far as you see on the picture there is pop or something that means someone is squatting at some point. The electrical parts are hanging or not secured. Going to the basement; the mechanical parts are extremely poor condition. Not functional and they have red tags. The foundation walls are starting to cave in. As far as you see the black pipe the vent pipe just the sanitary pipe and the other pipes are going to be busted through by the foundation walls. They are going to be forced on the inside. Hot water tank in poor condition. Presence of mold. The second furnace. They have some supports but the supports are not sufficient to support the walls. Someone was using a steel support they have to use a 4 x 4 supports wood material. There was another part in the basement that was accumulation rubbish and garbage and construction materials. That is the part with the foundation walls. The kitchen sink. Please if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask me. Exterior of the porch. The roof leaks. The sign that we put on the property on November 7 th, 2017. Behind the structure and that is it. Chairman Given: Thank you Eric. Is it the thought of the Inspectors that this property is beyond the state of 50% of it s value for repair? Inspectors: Yes. Chairman Given: For the record everyone stated yes. I would like to make a finding of fact that the information that has been provided by the Inspectors that it is showing that there is a case of general neglect. Nuisance conditions exist. Safety hazards exist. Is everyone in favor of that motion? All: Yes.
Chairman Given: Are there any comments from the audience on this home? For the record state your name and address in the microphone. Lorraine Ritchey: Is this on? Lorraine Ritchey 1127 W. 4 th I am representing Charleston Village on this. I am seeing that house too coming up next both of those houses are in Charleston Village. We have had a lot of complaints about the previous house. With the kids it is across the street basically from Constellation Schools and kids have to go past there and there have been some issues. Not only with kids being in there but nefarious people. It s been like that for a long time. It is something that is waiting to happen. Same with this one. Thank you. Chairman Given: Thank you Mrs. Ritchey. For the record this property is six thousand dollars in back taxes as well. Mr. Resar any comments? Attorney Resar: Inaudible. Eric Elmi: Yes. Chairman Given: Everyone s reports are on the record? Eric Elmi: Yes. Chairman Given: Thank you. Any other comments on this property? No? Okay I will make the motion that we move for demolition. Is there a second? Chris Radman: Second. Chairman Given: Mr. Radman, Mr. Hasel. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Motion carries unanimously. Eric item number two? Eric Elmi: Number two on the list 1038 West Erie Ave. Lorain Ohio Parcel number 02-01-006-105-017 inspected by Building, Fire, and Health Department on November 7 th, 2017. The number of pictures on this presentation 47. The exterior of the house this house is in poor condition. The siding is rotted and needs to be replaced. The roof leaks. The front porch is in poor condition and is dangerous. As far as you see on the floor on the front porch materials are missing and are rotted wood. Not safe to walk on. The general condition of the siding. The basement windows are all busted and broken. Some windows are boarded properly or half way. The siding is missing. There is no electricity in this house. The interior surfaces are in poor condition. That is photo number 12. At some time there was (we believe) Fire Marshall Chris Radman that there was a fire in this house. The kitchen sink is entirely missing. It is in poor and unsanitary condition. The roof leaks. That was part of the chimney going through
the second floor and you see the water damage on the chimney. The windows are busted. Interior surfaces in poor condition- photo number 17. The ceiling is dropping down because the roof leaked in the past. All of the electrical components and parts are missing. You see the light fixture missing or hanging (unsecured). Insulation from the ceiling on the ground. Walls in general bad condition all throughout the house photo 20. The roof leaks photo 23. That was what is left of the bathroom. Again presence of rodents. They are making holes and other parts of the house to make nests. Going to the basement the foundation walls are in poor condition. Photo 28. Presence of water damage and mold. Mechanical parts are in extreme poor condition. Presence of mildew and mold on foundation walls. Accumulation of rubbish and garbage in the basement photo 32. Hot water tank missing. Accumulation of rubbish and garbage in the entire house photo 37. The front porch we put this sign up on November 7 th,2017 right after the inspection. Chairman Given: Thank you. Eric I think that one thing that we should start saying is that not only are we going to state what the back taxes are, but I also want for the record the owner s name. Robb Wenrick. Eric Elmi: I don t have the files here. Dan Given: Heather will state it. Eric Elmi: Okay. Chairman Given: This one is Robb Wenrick $1886.00 in back taxes and it shows that he lives in Florida as well. Based on that to all the inspectors do you agree that the house is in a state of disrepair and that the value is more than 50% of it s original value? All: Yes. Chairman Given: Are all the reports in Eric from all of the inspectors? Eric Elmi: Yes. Chairman Given: I would like to make a finding of fact that the house is in a dangerous and a nuisance condition to the community. Is there support? Fire Marshall Radman: Second. Chairman Given: I have a second. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye.
Chairman Given: Those against? Ayes have it. I also make a motion that this house be deemed for demolition. Is there support? Fire Marshall Radman: Second. Chairman Given: Motion has been made and seconded. All those in favor? Chairman Given: Those against? Motion carries unanimously. Eric number three? Oh I am sorry members of the public? Any comments on this house? Lorraine Ritchey: I just wanted to have a note on that house again it is in Charleston Village. The other thing about that house is that it was one of the original Captain s house. I have been following that house for years, and it has changed hands to my knowledge (even after point of sale) the last time was with an auction. These aren t timely things that are happening. We have been looking at that for twenty years. I realize that this is not the place to chastise. Something has to be done and quickly before you lose your historical worth, and you lose more of our neighborhoods. Thank you for your support. Chairman Given: Thank you Mrs. Ritchey? Any other comments from the public on this topic? No further comments we will move to the next home. Eric Elmi: Number three on the agenda 307 Colorado Ave. Lorain Ohio Parcel number 02-01- 002-108-004. Inspected by Building, Fire and Lorain County Health Department on November 7 th, 2017. The number of photos is 31. The first photo that you see is the address number and the sign we posted on the building. The basement windows are in poor condition and the majority are broken. The other windows are the same thing they are broken and not secured. There is broken glass on all of the glazing parts are broken. That is the back entrance to the building the ramp is broken. There is no porch once we get closer. The roof is in poor condition. This is in the back porch entirely missing. The condition of above the porch the ceiling is in poor condition. That was the garage which is in extremely poor condition. Going to the basement the foundation walls are caving in. This property is being used as a dumping zone. This is photo 18. The mechanical parts of this house are missing or damaged photo 20. Accumulation of rubbish and garbage. At some point this property was burnt I believe. Fire Marshall Radman: Lorain Fire Department responded May 9 th, 2014 for a Fire here. Eric Elmi: Thank you. The tree and the slide from an amusement park inside. The roof leaks. This was the bathroom (photo 28). All of the darker and gray spots you see are caused by fire
and smoke. The electrical parts such as vents, light fixtures are not secured and are hanging. That was the sign that we posted on the building at the end of the inspection. Chairman Given: Thank you. To all of the inspectors does everyone agree that the home is beyond needed repairs or beyond 50% of it s original value? Inspectors: Yes. Chairman Given: At this time I would like to make a finding of fact that this building is a dangerous and is also a nuisance to the community. Is there a second? Fire Marshall Radman: Second. Chairman Given: Second to the motion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Ayes have it. Are there any comments from the audience on this property? No comments from the audience. I would like to make a motion that we move for demolition or that we slate the property for demolition. Is there a second to the motion? Fire Marshall Radman: Second. Chairman Given: Second to the motion. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Motion carries unanimously. Next item? The property owner is Marcelino & Katherine Castro at 307 Colorado Ave. $6411.58 behind in taxes. Eric Elmi: Number four on the agenda. 413 Colorado Ave. Lorain Ohio parcel number 02-01- 003-110-004 inspected by Building, Fire and Lorain County Health Department on November 7 th, 2017. The number of photos 25. The first photo is the general condition of the exterior of the house. The front porch is missing. The steps, guardrails are missing. The siding is in poor condition. This building has been vacant for many years. Our other inspector Chris Yates had to go there to ask the homeless to leave the property. This is the driveway. This house is right behind another couple of houses the same neighborhood the children play and it is unsafe. It is not secured. Extremely poor condition. The house has been used as a dumping zone. Accumulation of rubbish and garbage. Electrical components hanging and are unsecured. Fire Marshall Radman: The Lorain Fire Department responded on November 25 th, 2015.
Eric Elmi: Thank you. This is what was the bathroom. Photo 19 shows the damage caused by the fire. Photo 21 shows the floor has no support and it needs to be reconstructed with the joists. The sign that we posted on the building at the end of the inspection. Chairman Given: Thank you Eric. To the Inspectors; is the home beyond 50% of it s original value for the repairs? Inspectors: Yes. Chairman Given: Are there any comments from the public on this home? No comments from the public on this home. At this time I would like to make a finding of fact that this house is in a dangerous condition and is also a nuisance to the community. Is there a second? David Velez: Second. Chairman Given: All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Ayes have it. I would also like to make a motion that we move for the home to be placed permanently on the demolition list. Is there support? David Velez: Yes. Chairman Given: Second to the motion. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Motion carries unanimously. Owner for the record? Heather Graves: David Kaleel $4591.01 in back taxes. Chairman Given: Thank you. Next item Eric. Eric Elmi: The next item 1925 Colorado Ave. parcel number 03-00-053-106-023. The building was inspected by Building, Fire and Lorain County Health Department on November 7 th, 2017. The number of the pictures 37. The first picture is the general condition of the exterior of the property and the front porch. The windows are broken. The doors are not secured. Accumulation of rubbish and garbage. This photo shows presence of a nest from rodents or other animals. The front porch is unsecured and in poor condition. The interior condition of the house in poor condition and is unsanitary photo 9. The ceiling is falling apart in the majority of the rooms. This house has been empty for many years. The back area unsecured and open. What is left of the kitchen. The plumbing is missing parts. The mechanical parts in the house are in poor condition or are missing entirely. The electrical parts and components
are either missing, hanging or unsecured. Presence of homeless or other people squatting in this house. Those are bottles of booze. The mechanical parts are in poor condition. The foundation walls are starting to cave in. Presence of mold and mildew. The foundation walls have water damage. This was the bathtub that was dragged out of the bathroom photo 32. What is left over of the bathroom floor and sink. The floor is missing. The sign that we posted on the building after the inspection. Heather Graves: The owner is John Csubak and it is $20,612.23 in back taxes. Chairman Given: Any comments from the audience on this property? No comments from the audience on this property. At this time I would like to ask the inspectors if they feel that the cost of the repairs is more than 50% of the original value of the property? Inspectors: Yes. Chairman Given: The comments are yes. I would like to make a motion of finding of facts that this property is in a dangerous condition and is a nuisance. There is a motion. Is there a second? Fire Marshall Radman: Second. Chairman Given: Second to the motion. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Ayes have it. I also make a motion to move the property to the demolition list for further demolition. Is there support? Fire Marshall Radman: Second. Chairman Given: Support. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Motion carries unanimously. Eric Elmi: Next item on the agenda is 1524 Paine St. Lorain Ohio parcel number 03-00-054-103-019 inspected by Building, Fire and Lorain County Health Department on November 7 th, 2017. There are 29 pictures. The first picture shows the poor condition of the exterior. There is no basement. It is just a two level building with a detached garage. Unsecured and siding is missing. This house has been empty for many years. The windows are broken or are missing. The doors are missing. There is no electricity or power in this house. The front door entrance; the screen door. Interior surfaces are damaged and in poor condition unsanitary conditions.
Some pipes are missing. The kitchen components on the sink are missing. Mechanical parts like the hot water tank are in poor condition. They must be replaced or repaired. This is the furnace in photo 16. Accumulation of feces. We posted the sign. Can this building be repaired? Yes and no. How much would it cost to repair? This house has been empty for many years and there are back taxes. It doesn t have a foundation or a basement which is a good thing only on concrete or a slab. The cost of the repairs could be high. Heather Graves: The owner is Jerry Hartman $21,101.45 in back taxes. Chairman Given: Any comments from the audience on this property? No comments from the audience. To the inspectors do you feel that the cost to repair the property would exceed more than 50% of its original value? Inspectors: Yes. Chairman Given: Yes. Okay based upon that I would like to make a motion of finding of fact that the property is in a dangerous condition and is a nuisance to our community. Is there a second to the motion? David Velez: Second. Chairman Given: There is a second of the motion. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Motion carries. I would also make a motion that home be deemed for demolition. Is there support? Fire Marshall Radman: Second. Chairman Given: Second. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Motion carries unanimously. Next item? Eric Elmi: Next item 1626 Euclid Ave. Lorain Ohio parcel number 03-00-056-122-021 inspected on November 7 th, 2017 by Building, Fire and Lorain County Health Department. The number of photos 24. The first picture is the general condition of the house. The front, side and back entrances of the property. For many years we have tried to contact the owner of this property the son is the one that is supposed to take care of this property. No power or electricity in this house. Accumulation of trees and branches and other rubbish. The interior of the house is in extremely poor condition. Unhealthy we found mold in the basement. The
roof leaks. Unhealthy condition. It seems to us that some people have entered the building at one time and used this property as a squatting spot. Cooking feces. Presence of mold going into the basement. Extremely poor condition. I didn t have my mask, but Greg Putka from Lorain county Health Department was in the basement and took many pictures in which he forwarded them to me. At some point I believe that the building was burnt to. Any comment from the Fire Department? Fire Marshall Radman: We never responded. Eric Elmi: This was the bathroom. This was the bathtub. Pictures speak for themselves photo 16. Actually there is a roof part missing. The light coming through the roof. Pay attention to the furniture it is mold. The foundation walls are in extremely poor condition. The mechanical parts need to be replaced. Presence of mold on the walls entirely covered. We posted this sign after the inspection. Heather Graves: The owner is Antonio Delgado and it is $11,274.97 in back taxes. Chairman Given: Any comments from the audience on this property? No comments from the audience. To the inspectors do you feel that the cost of the repairs exceed more than 50% of the original value? Inspectors: Yes. Chairman Given: Yes. Okay based upon that I would like to make a motion of finding of fact that this property is in a dangerous condition and is a nuisance condition to our community. Is there a second? Fire Marshall Radman: Second. Chairman Given: All those in favor of said motion signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Motion carries. I will also make a motion that this property be deemed for demolition is there support? Armando Francisco: Second. Chairman Given: All those in favor signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Motion carries unanimously.
Eric Elmi: The next item on the agenda is 1620 Ohio Ave Lorain Ohio parcel number 03-00- 057-110-035. This was inspected on November 7 th, 2017 by Building, Fire and Lorain County Health Department and the presence of the LPD. The first pictures show the exterior. However we could not enter the building as we would have liked to, but the doors were blocked from the inside. The pictures that you will see were taken from windows. A few windows were broken so we could have our camera on the inside and take the pictures. The entire is in poor condition. The window to the right side myself and Greg Putka noticed accumulation of moisture. The house has power and is functioning. However, the vents and exhausts and anything else for the furnace are covered by objects that you will see. Which creates a poor air circulation in the house. The furnace is running constantly, but does not circulate the air properly. At some point the furnace the heating part will collapse or cause a fire. The condition of the roof is in poor condition. There are 36 photos. The roof has been like this for many years. I have been in this department since 2014, and we have tried to notify the owners (myself actually three different times on different dates which is 7/10/2014, 6/3/2015 and 12/16/2015). Notices were sent and our other inspector Chris Yates sent on 7/22/2016 and we made an attempt with Chris Yates to the owner who lives on Maple St. to notify the owners of the poor condition of this house. The neighbors are complaining on a regular basis. The garage is on the verge of collapse. The garbage cans are somewhat holding the garage. The roof is in poor condition and this is a sign that shows us that there is a major leak in the house. You see the garage how much of the back of it is leaning towards the neighbor s fence. These pictures were taken by myself and Fire Marshall Chris Radman from the window. The entire house is accumulated with belongings or rubbish I would say. Every room has ventilation and the furnace is running but it can t blow any air. So there is no air circulation. That is why there is extreme moisture and dampness on the windows. Some of the boxes and belongings we could see mold starting to be created. We took some other pictures from outside since we couldn t get inside of the exterior of the basement windows. We found that one of the basement windows were broken. Which the Fire Marshall and myself took pictures from the basement. Accumulation of rubbish and garbage in the basement. Meanwhile the furnace is running and there is power in the house. That can cause fire. Extension cords were found from the basement going to different parts of the house. That can also cause fire from poor wiring. On this screen you can t really see on this screen, but on computer screens it is much more visible it s the accumulation of moisture on the inside. Lack of ventilation and air circulation. We posted the sign on November 7,2017. Heather Graves: The owner is Cathy Szatala & Cathy Cuffari $8763.79 in back taxes. Chairman Given: Are there any comments from the audience on this property?
Jeff Weir: Jeff Weir 6145 Park Square Dr. Unit 1 Lorain, Ohio 44053. I am an attorney that represents the owners. The items that Mr. Elmi described if the Board is interested in the actions that have been made since the time of the inspection. I have with me today Aden Fogel from Premier Development who is a contractor that is working with the owners to remedy some of these situations. However the Board would like me to proceed; I can what Mr. Fogel would testify to as to some of the actions that have been taken since the inspection and provide an update on the information that was shown. Chairman Given: The floor is yours. Jeff Weir: Okay well thank you. Since the inspection there has been a removal of the tarp that was depicted in the photos, and a new tarp has been put in place. The interior of the home has been cleaned (it is not fully cleaned out yet, but there are plans to do that and have all of the items removed), but the ventilation issues that were addressed have been remedied. There is no longer the accumulation of moisture. There is no mold that was discovered on the inside of the house by the Contractor. The extension that was shown has been unplugged for safety purposes. There was some leaking into the house that occurred during a large storm when that tarp that was shown in the photos had blown loose. That has all been remedied by the new tarp that has been put into place. The plan right now is to attempt to complete the repairs. The estimated cost of the repairs is between $5,000.00 and $7,500.00. I don t know if the question of taxes were addressed. There are back taxes on the property, and currently the property is subject to a tax foreclosure case. I am representing the owners in that as well. We do have an agreement in place with the Prosecutor s office that if the matters can t be resolved here there will be a direct transfer of the property to the Land Bank. So what we would request today given the condition of the property; is a somewhat of a staggered process over the next sixty days to address some of the issues. With the interior being cleaned out in the next thirty days. The garage demolished within that same thirty day time period, and then within in another thirty days so a total of sixty days to have all of the required repairs done to the property. Chairman Given: Help me understand; you put a new tarp on the roof which is just a temporary fix. You are cleaning out the property you have made a statement that you have spoken to the County with regards to the back taxes which haven t been resolved yet. Then you also mentioned that you ve had a discussion about transferring this property to the Land Bank. Is that accurate? Jeff Weir: That is accurate. If the property can t be remedied and if these things that need to be done in order to stave off the demolition cannot be completed then the agreement is just to simply avoid further costs and expense to the
Chairman Given: Who is going to be performing these repairs? Jeff Weir: Aden Fogel as I mentioned earlier. Premier Development who has already been in contact with the Building Department concerning some of these issues. Chairman Given: So this individual; his intent is to purchase the property from the present owners and to pay the back taxes? Jeff Weir: That is likely the outcome here, but the first part is to get the repairs done. Chairman Given: Okay. You re representing the property owners? Jeff Weir: Yes sir. Chairman Given: Okay. Armando Francisco: I have a question do you have any proof of any of the items that you have mentioned that have taken place since the pictures were taken? Jeff Weir: I have Mr. Fogel here which can testify to those items. Armando Francisco: Do you have any pictures? Jeff Weir: Do I have pictures? No, sir just like there were no pictures that were taken other than from the exterior. Chairman Given: Is Mr. Fogel a licensed contractor in the City of Lorain? Jeff Weir: He is not, but he would become licensed to do the work certainly and have the Building permit issued. Chairman Given: Are there any questions from the Board? David Velez: There hasn t been any permits is there a written contract on the valuation? Who valued the repairs? Jeff Weir: The contractor has valued the repairs. There has not been a permit issued yet. There has been contact with the Building Department there was some questions as to whether a permit could be issued pending the outcome of this hearing which was originally scheduled for December. There would be a contract put together certainly. David Velez: Okay.
Chairman Given: Any other comments from the Board at this time? Mrs. Springowski you weren t here earlier in order to speak on the record we will have to swear you in first. Do you wish to speak? Mary Springowski: Yes I do. Chairman Given: Mr. Resar? Attorney Resar: Please raise your right hand. Do you swear or affirm that the statements that and testimony that you are going to give in front of this Board today; will be truthful to the best of your knowledge? Mary Springowski: I do. Chairman Given: Please state your name and address for the record please. Mary Springowski: Okay my name is Mary Springowski and I live at 2122 E Skyline Dr. and I am here in the function of Council at Large. I have received numerous complaints regarding this property during my tenure at Council at Large. I would have to imagine that this is not something that took place over night. I would have to imagine that there were numerous citations that were issued from the Housing Court that went unaddressed. So why now would he come forth to fix the property and fix the taxes and everything like that. I object to anything other than demolition of this property based upon what the neighbors have had to endure for many years. I cannot tell you I have turned this in so many times. I cannot tell you how many complaints. If I am in that neighborhood I get flagged down by neighbors about this house among many others because they know my car. So I strenuously object to anything other than demolition on this property because it is not worth it. Thank you. Chairman Given: Thank you Mrs. Springowski. Beth Henley: Beth Henley 2923 Cleveland Blvd. I am here representing First Ward Council. I would have to concur with Mrs. Springowski on this. I had many calls over the last summer and spring to come view this property. It has been in this condition for a long time. I would beg to differ that $5,000-$6,000 dollars would get it to be where it needs to be. Given the fact that the garage needs to be demolished and based upon the amount of trash that is inside of the home (or possessions). Everytime I have been over on the adjacent property looking it appears that it is raining inside the house. I can t believe that there isn t a mold issue that may be the case, but anyway in my opinion I think demolition is the way to go with this. Chairman Given: Thank you Mrs. Henley. Is there
Jeff Weir: Chairman Given? I certainly understand the concerns addressed by the prior two speakers, but I also hear their comments as opinions. This Board is comprised of representatives of various departments who exercise professional judgments in this matters, and this Board is governed by a set of standards including amongst others the valuation of the repairs versus the value of the property. The testimony that would be given by Mr. Fogel who is a contractor has already been provided to the Board. I certainly understand the concerns over this property, and there is no question and Mr. Elmi read into the record that there have been violations and notices on this property for a period of years. But now this property is on a path to being addressed and these things being remedied. I am not sure in spite of the condition and the concerns of the neighbors here; I am not sure that any of the neighbors have called for the demolition at least none of them are here requesting that. I do understand the concerns that are addressed and I also understand that if any folks were here to make that presentation themselves, but they are not. Chairman Given: Mr. Weir just for the record; the public doesn t state whether a property should be demolished. It is up to the Demolition Board based upon the findings that are going to be presented for that (inaudible). Although we welcome commentary from the public; the public doesn t tell us (the Board) what to do in regards to demolition. That will happen after we have this open discussion about this property. I think the telling sign that you may want to take back to your client is that we have records that were final notices and violations going back to 2014. So you have 2014,2015,2016, 2017 and we are now in 2018. I am not going to debate the fact with you about the fact that anything can be rehabilitated based upon a certain dollar amount. The one thing I want you to take back to your client is the fact that they have ignored City Government in our community. That is difficult for somebody sitting in my position to just allow to happen. In terms of feelings of mercy in this instance we are strictly looking at the facts. Jeff Weir: I understand that Chairman Given I appreciate looking at the facts and acknowledge what you just indicated. That is why the proposal I made today was not open ended it was one that did try to establish very firm deadlines and guidelines to have these questions addressed. In large part in recognition of those facts that you mentioned to try to set something up that would let this house that by all appearances can be rehabilitated and under the standards that the Board applies that alone would not qualify it for the demolition. That is why I wanted the Board to know the situation in the tax foreclosure that there is another pathway towards this moving towards demolition the transfer to the Land Bank if the promises that my clients are making are not upheld. Chairman Given: Mr. Weir the question that I have for you is; due to the fact that there have been numerous violations issued and numerous correspondence issued to the property
owners and to the best of my knowledge zero responses. Have they contacted the Building Department? Eric Elmi: Back in 2014 the lady called me and left a message but no phone number to call her back. Telling our department that there is no phone number to be used. Numerous times not only did we send the citation, but we physically knocked on the door and posted the notice on the door several times, but there were no results. The first time this case was sent to court and at the court the owner showed papers and they got an extension they were supposed to get some sort of quote from a contractor for the roof but the result there was no positive result on the house. The house sits there and we receive regular complaints from the neighbors. Since 2014 in this Department (Building) this is an ongoing issue. Chairman Given: Mr. Weir one further question for you. Jeff Weir: Yes sir. Chairman Given: I am going to ask questions that I have for every other property before. There is no guarantee which way we will go on this. My question to you on this though since you are representing the property owner; are you going to allow the City in to do a full inspection on the interior that we haven t been able to do? Jeff Weir: Absolutely. Yes sir. If I could just add one thing with regard to the prior incidents and actions taken in response; my clients did pay money and did retain a contractor to repair the roof at one point in time and that contractor (I was not involved in the transaction) the contractor took the money and did not do the work. So with regard to the work not being remedied that is true but with regard to not taking action; I think they have attempted in the past to cure these things but unfortunately did not have the money to go out and retain another contractor to perform or any other work. Chairman Given: Further comments from the audience on this topic? Mary Springowski: I would like to refute the representative s assertions that the neighbors haven t asked for demolition because that is precisely quote on quote this place needs to be torn down it is a hazard. We talk a lot about kicking the can down the road we have run out of road on this. I am tired of the excused. I am tired of people going to housing court and paying a minimal fine. This city has conducted numerous and has contracted for numerous studies about what we need to do to move this City forward. One of the things that always comes out is improving the housing stock. Properties such as this only devalue the surrounding housing stock in the community. Like I said I am tired of the excuses. They have had ample opportunity and it is more empty promises. This little deal that they are trying to do with the Land Bank is so that when this house has to be demolished it goes back on the tax
payers dime. Enough; these homeowners need to start becoming more responsible for their properties or don t have the properties. They are not up to code. They haven t been up to code for numerous years. They owe taxes on them and now it is time to pay the piper. Bottom line. Chairman Given: Thank you. Mrs. Ritchey? Lorraine Ritchey: Lorraine Ritchey speaking for myself this time. Your gentleman (representative) I am just somebody that has been interested in the housing in Lorain for a very long time. Your plea would have held more weight with me if (I don t know about them) but with me if you would have brought in pictures of what is happening and what you have done and a contractor who is licensed who will give you a price and these people prices on the new roof and if you can get that done with $5,000.00 well enough said. I have been down this road before with the demo board. 3620 Clifton comes to mind. It stayed in the system for so long, and I know that you are not 3620 Clifton that the statute of limitations ran out. Now I know that it is hard but you have to start somewhere. Even if you aren t listening to me you have to start somewhere. The homeowners the representatives if you are in Lorain you are going to have to start somewhere and if you appealing something then come before a Board prepared to show this is what we are doing this is what we have done. Come in and let our Inspectors go in and see it. That is all I have to say. Chairman Given: Thank you Mrs. Ritchey. Jeff Weir: Mr. Given as I said I seem to recall that I responded to your question as to whether the property owners would permit an inspection from the City and I hope I made that point clear that they would. Chairman Given: Okay, thank you. Any other comments from the audience on this property? Mr. Resar? Attorney Resar: If I may can I ask Mr. Weir a couple of questions? Chairman Given: Yes. Attorney Resar: Attorney Weir? You indicated and made an estimate of $5,000.00- $7,500.00. Is there a written quote from the contractor that specifies the work that will be performed for that amount of money? Attorney Weir: I have just seen the outline of what needs to be done; the demolition of the garage, replace the roof, some drywall on the inside of the house, pulling up the carpeting and removing the items that are on the inside. Also there was a cost to replace all of the windows for the house including the few that are broken.
Attorney Resar: That is all going to get done for $7,500.00? Attorney Weir: Yes sir. Attorney Resar: Do you have a written document to that effect? That the contractor has committed to perform all of that work for that amount of money? Attorney Weir: As I said earlier Mr. Resar I have a written breakdown of that work. Attorney Resar: Can the contractor testify? Attorney Weir: The contractor is here as I had indicated. Attorney Resar: Then why don t you have the contractor testify to what he is willing to do and what it is going to cost the homeowner to do that work. If he hasn t been sworn in we will have to swear him in if he is willing to do so. Attorney Weir: You can ask him, but he rose and was sworn in in the beginning. Attorney Resar: Sir, could you please state your full name and address? Aden Fogel: Aden Fogel 4351 Brockley Ave. Sheffield Lake Ohio Attorney Resar: What is your experience as a contractor? Aden Fogel: I have performed many rehabs and I own rental properties, and I did new construction before the market collapsed. Attorney Resar: What specific work do you believe needs to be done at the home in question here in order to bring it into compliance with the existing City code? Aden Fogel: I measured the roof it is around 11 square total. I have talked to several roofing contractors that are registered in the Lorain. I have had quotes from $1,700.00-$3,000.00. The garage needs to be demolished so if we have a dumpster on site to tear the roof we can put the garage in the dumpster. The homeowner wants to remove most of the belongings in the house. I am not going to argue with her whether it was garbage or not. My plan was to pack everything in boxes and take it to storage. The agreement that we have is that I pay for the first month storage and transport her personal belongings to storage. There are a couple of broken windows at the property I will probably replace all of the windows. I believe there are 11 windows at the property so maybe $2,500.00 to replace all of the windows. Remove the carpet there are two sections of ceiling that was damaged. There is a little bit of water damage. So a couple hundred dollars to fix that. I did contact the Building Department when they first put the condemned notice on the house. I was told that the homeowners couldn t
pull a permit at that time; that they had to wait for this meeting to occur. So we weren t able to proceed with anything until we came here and found out that was the case. I have talked to the neighbors on both sides of the house on that side of the street. The one neighbor they seem more interested in having the house rehabbed and have someone in the house rather than have a vacant lot next to their house. The neighbors were using the yard so they were helping to maintain it and keeping an eye on the property. The one neighbor was willing to use power when we retarped the roof. The whole roof is retarped. We got inside the house and I wanted to gauge how many personal belongings she was going to keep and how much space we would need in storage. At that time I did move things around. There is water, electric and gas at the house. I didn t see any mold in the house and I was really surprised by that. You could smell a little bit of moisture from where the tarps had blown off but it wasn t overwhelming. That is basically it. Attorney Resar: As a result of the accumulation of materials and items in the home; were you even able to even inspect it in a way to ascertain whether there was structural damage? Aden Fogel: Absolutely. I went in the basement three walls in the basement have recently been replaced I don t know how long ago. I didn t see any structural damage. I did see one mortar joint in the one front corner of the house. If you are facing the house it s on the right hand side. There was one mortar joint that needed to be tuckpointed, but there was no water in the basement. The basement was dry. Even the attic I think that some of the stuff that they had placed- they had placed some stuff in front of the door that leads up to the attic so I don t think that they could take any stuff upstairs. There wasn t much in the attic. There wasn t and it didn t appear that there was any mold on any ceiling joists. It didn t look bad and I was surprised. So unfortunately I didn t bring any pictures with me, and I was going to bring some estimates but I wasn t even sure if this meeting was going to occur this time because it was cancelled last time. I wish I would have come more prepared. Attorney Resar: Thank you. Chairman Given: Mr. Velez? David Velez: I have a question. Your interest isn t not only to do the repairs, but you are interested in purchasing this property? Aden Fogel: That would be the agreement yes. David Velez: So you are basically valuating the material not the labor because you are trying to purchase this property?
Aden Fogel: Yes and no. I would put some (myself) into this property but if I hired a licensed roofing contractor in Lorain like I said it s 11 square roof at the most. David Velez: Yeah but it is for you. So basically you are making a deal to purchase it. That is your interest in the property? Aden Fogel: Yes that is my interest in the property. David Velez: So you based the valuation on that? Attorney Weir: I just told you that that is not the case. Your question is the valuation.. David Velez: I just want to understand if he is buying it? Attorney Weir: I don t understand. Well that is one question and the other question I think was his estimates. I think he has indicated that his estimates include other folks labor. David Velez: Yeah I understand that as well. You re not going to do any of the work yourself? Aden Fogel: Any work that needs to be done there that I can do I will do. Any work that needs to be permitted by a licensed contractor I would sub out to a contractor including the roof. I am not sure if I could demo the garage if not I would sub it out to the same company. I know several contractors in Lorain and I had one go by there and look at it he would be able to pull all the permits. I don t think there are any electrical or plumbing permits that need to be pulled there. He would be able to pull all the other permits and get the work done. David Velez: Okay. Armando Francisco: The intent to purchase the property to occupy the property or rent the property? Aden Fogel: That s a good question. I don t know it would be up in the air. Maybe rent it or sell it. I am not sure. I do believe that the property is worth $50,000.00-$55,000.00 so the amount of work that needs to be done and with the taxes it would make a good investment either way. Chairman Given: Thank you. Members of the Board what are your thoughts? Let me ask this question. Do the inspectors feel that the cost of repairs are going to exceed 50% of the original value of the home? Eric Elmi: The cost of the repair is more than the contractor is actually saying.
Chairman Given: That s not my question though. My question is will the cost of the repairs (that we know of) be more than 50%? David Velez: I think it is hard to determine without going inside. Chairman Given: Based upon that I would make the motion to keep this on the demo list and that we hold this in abeyance for thirty days until our next meeting. Mr. Weir you, your client as well as the contractor need to come back with a detailed plan and meet with our Building Inspectors and make sure that they agree with the extent of the repairs that they say are needed and that you are willing to do. Establish the funding source proving to us that the funds are available to do that and also some sort of written document from the property owner that they are willing to transfer the property at whatever cost to the client as well as deal with the back taxes. Present that back to us at our next meeting or prior to hopefully so that the BHP Department has the ability to review and comment on it and then we will address the status of the true statement of demolition at our next scheduled meeting. Attorney Weir: If I could Chairman Given in response to the one comment about without inspection I would contemplate, and I don t know how we should work this out, but contemplate having the property inspected by certain departments. Would we start with the Building Department? Chairman Given: I would request that within the next five days that you get something scheduled with the inspectors so that everyone has the ability to go through the property. Jeff Weir: Would there be a main point of contact for that? Chairman Given: You would have to apply for a point of sale from or BHP Department. Jeff Weir: I am sorry Chairman Given with regard to the inspection who would we contact? Chairman Given: Come up to the Building Department the property owner or yourself since you are the steward for the property. You would have to apply for a point of sale. Pay the application fee we would then go out and do a full inspection of the property and give you a list of all the repairs that we feel are necessary and then you would have the remaining time until our next meeting with your plan to address all of that. Attorney Weir: Understood. Chairman Given: Members of the Board are we in agreement on that? All: Yes. Chairman Given: Anyone not in agreement? I make the said motion is there a second?
David Velez: Second. Chairman Given: Second by Mr. Velez. All those in favor signify by saying aye? Chairman Given: Those against? Motion carries unanimously. Next item? Eric Elmi: Next item 920 Euclid Ave. Lorain Ohio parcel number 03-00-047-119-031. Inspected November 7 th, 2017 by Building, Fire and Lorain County Health Department. Number of the pictures 28. The first pictures is the exterior of the house and the sign that we put on the building the date of the inspection. A large tree fell in the front yard and has been there for quite a bit of time. This property has been empty for a long time several years I would say. It is a corner lot. This is the back porch and about to enter the building. Accumulation of rubbish there is a kitchen sink should be in the kitchen not on the back porch. Extremely poor condition, unhealthy and unsanitary for human occupancy. At some point this place is a place for squatters or homeless that is photo 8. The bathroom in poor condition. (Inaudible) by the bathroom sink. We found drugs. This is the basement. Heavy presence of mold in photo 13. Accumulation of rubbish and garbage and again on photo 16 accumulation of mold. The electrical fixtures and components missing, hanging or not secured. All of the paneling is covered in mold and behind them the same result. Pest infestation. Accumulation of feces. Ashtray with cigarettes someone is staying there. There was a Jacuzzi on the back porch. That is all. Heather Graves: The owner is Frank Wooster and it is $13,179.92 in back taxes. Chairman Given: Any comments from the audience on this property? Okay no comments from the audience. To the inspectors does the cost of the repairs to said property exceed 50% of the original value of said property? Inspectors: Yes. Chairman Given: Yes okay. Based upon that I would like to make a motion of finding of fact that the property is in dangerous condition and it is also a nuisance to our community. Is there a second to that? David Velez: Second has been made. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Chairman Given: Those against? Ayes have it. I will also make a motion that this property be recommended for demolition. Is there a second?