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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-06 HSB MinutesCITY OF EULESS HOUSING AND STRUCTURE BOARD MARCH 6, 2025 MINUTES A pre -session meeting of the Euless Housing an« Structure Board was called to order by Chairman Clarence Moore at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in the Pre -Council Conference Room at City Hall, 201 North Ector Drive. Chairman Clarence Moore, Vice Chairman Charles Cinquemani, Board Members: Randy Byers, Carol Dufinetz, and Ron Young were present. Alternate Board Member, Zack Penn was present. Michael Warrix, Director of Planning and Economic Development, David Pendley, Building Official, Yvonne Garcia, Administrative Secretary of Planning and Economic Development, Paul Schafer, Code Compliance Officer, Brenda Alvarado, Assistant Chief of Police and Cpt. Scott Ho were present. City Attorney Cara White was present. During the Pre -Session Meeting: Building Official David Pendley reviewed the regular agenda. City Attorney Cara White discussed open government refresher. y Although posted, no closed session was held. REGULAR AGENDA HOUSING AND STRUCTURE BOARD CONSIDERATION OF SCHEDULED ITEMS — COUNCIL CHAMBERS The Euless Housing and Structure Board continued their meeting in the Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. for consideration of scheduled items. STAFF PRESENT: Michael Warrix, Director of Planning and Economic Development Cara White; City Attorney David Pendley, Building Official Yvonne Garcia, Administrative Secretary of Planning and Economic Development Brenda Alvarado, Assistant Chief of Police Department Cpt. Scott Ho Paul Schafer, Code Compliance Officer VISITORS PRESENT: David Nothe Bennett Fulbright Housing and Structure Board Page 2 of 6 March 6, 2025 INVOCATION Board Member Dufinetz gave the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Board Member Byers led the Pledge of Allegiance. ITEM 1. APPROVED HOUSING STRUCTURE BOARD MINUTES Board Member Ron Young made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 26, 2024. Vice Chairman Cinquemani seconded the motion. The vote was as follows: Ayes: Chairman Moore, and Vice Chairman Cinquemani, and Board Members Byers, Dufinetz, and Young. Nays: None Abstentions: None Chairman Moore declared the motion carried. (5-0-0) ITEM 2. CASE NO. 24-04-HSB — HELD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPERTY AT 209 SUNSET DRIVE, EULESS, TEXAS Chairman Moore opened the public hearing at 6:41 p.m. David Pendley, Building Official gave a brief description of the case and advised that the this a repeat of a case that the City requested for the property at 209 Sunset Drive, Cedar Hill Estates Addition, Block 15, Lot 6, to require the property owner to repair or demolish the structure(s) within 30 days, and to authorize the City to demolish the structurer(s) should the property owner fail to take the ordered action within the time allowed. Mr. Pendley stated that he believes there are representatives for this property here tonight and recommended to hear from them before moving forward. Chairman Moore called the property owner or representative to make comments and present evidence of the said property. David Nothe, claimed to be the tenant at 209 Sunset and was unaware of the property was condemned by the City when he leased the property from Colin Brown, Jr. Once he became aware, he started the process to work on the house. Mr. Nothe stated that he didn't want to continue to pour money into a home to live in if the house was going to be Housing and Structure Board torn down. Page 3 of 6 March 6, 2025 Chairman Moore asked if there was anyone else who wishes to speak on this property. There being none, Chairman Moore closed the public hearing at 7:15 pm. Board Member Dufinetz asked for an estimation of repairs on the said property. Mr. Nothe replied roughly around $3,500 dollars and doesn't include the trips to facility for disposing the debris and trash. Chairman Moore asked for confirmation that David Nothe is living at the property with no water or electricity. Mr. Nothe replied that is correct and he brings water and a generator for charging his phone and watching television. Vice Chairman Cinquemani asked if David Nothe was the renter or have any interest in the ownership on this property. Mr. Nothe said that his son didn't want his friend Colin Brown Jr., to lose the property and therefore, he was willing to rent to try to save the said property. Vice Chairman Cinquemani also who receives his rent payments. Mr. Nothe replied they pay the property taxes on the said property and to send to Colin Brown, Jr's commissary account monthly. Board Member Byers asked if he had a copy of the lease agreement. Mr. Nothe replied yes Mr. Pendley reminded the board that at the previous hearing, ownership was not established, no permits have been issued, staff was made aware of electricity and water found that Oncor made a mistake and corrected. Mr. Pendley recommended that if it pleases the board to allow him and staff,. including Code, on the property to inspect the property for the repairs and safety as we are aware of someone living at the property and continue the meeting. Cara White, City Attorney recommended that the case be continued to allow staff to inspect the property and meet with tenant for steps to be taken to bring up to standard. Chairman Moore stated the recommend continuance and asked Mr. Nothe if he would meet with staff to show the progress made and apply for any necessary permits for improvements. Mr. Nothe agreed. There being no further questions or comments presented by the Board. Board Member Young made a motion to continue Case No. 24-04-HSB to the next called meeting on the property at 209 Sunset Drive, Cedar Hill Estates Addition, Block 15, Lot 6 to allow possible lessee to provide a timeline of repairs to City staff. Board Member Dufinetz seconded the motion. Ayes: Chairman Moore, Board Members: Young Housing and Structure Board F'age 4 of 6 March 6, 2025 Byers, and Dufinetz. Nays: Vice Chairman Cinquemani Abstentions: None Chairman Moore declared the motion carried (4-1-0). ITEM 3. HELD A PUBLIC HEARING FOR CASE NO, 24-05-HSB AND APPROVED BOARD ORDERS ON THE PROPERTY AT 810 OAKWOOD DRIVE Chairman Moore opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. David Pendley, Building Official gak e a brief description of the case and advised that the City is requesting an Order be filed on the property at 810 Oakwood Drive, Euless, Texas, Oakwood Terrace Addition, Block 10, Lot 17, to require the property owner to remove all trash, rubbish, garbage, debris and unauthorized outdoor storage from the exterior of the property within 30 days, and authorize the City to remove all trash, rubbish, garbage, debris and all unauthorized outdoor storage from the exterior of the property should the property owner fail to take the ordered action within the time allowed. Mr. Pendley stated that after inspecting the property, it was deemed substandard according to the City of Euless Code of Ordinances and found to unfit for human habitation, a hazard to the public health, safety and welfare. Chairman Moore called the property owner or representative to make comments and present evidence of the said property. Bennett Fulbright, property owner of 810 Oakwood Drive and he requested more than 30 days to clean up. He reported that he has been cleaning up the area on a weekly basis. While there is still a considerable amount of work to be done, he believes he can complete it himself and does not think the City should pay for or intervene in the process. He is requesting 90 days to complete the cleanup and has expressed a willingness to work with City staff during that time. Chairman Moore stated that the Board could consider granting a 90-day extension and asked whether Mr. Fulbright would be willing to provide progress reports to City staff throughout the process and collaborate with them to ensure ongoing improvement. Mr. Fulbright replied yes. David Pendley, Building Official clarified that the materials and rubbish being discussed consist of items that do not constitute a legitimate shed or structure. He also noted that if additional sheds are brought onto the property, they may require permits and could potentially be not permitted based on the number of existing sheds already present. Housing and Structure Board Page 5 of 6 March 6, 2025 Chairman Moore asked if there was anyone who wishes to speak on this property. There being none, Chairman Moore closed the public hearing at 7:45 pm. Board Member Byers inquired about the initial date the issue was recorded and whether the time allotted to the property owner could be reduced to one week instead of the standard 30 days. Paul Schafer, Code Enforcement Officer, responded that the issue dates back to 2013. Mr. Pendley added that a 30-day period is the minimum requirement. Bennet Fulbright requested the opportunity to provide a rebuttal, stating that there is a misleading assumption that the photos presented are outdated. He asserted that his backyard has seen improvements since 2013 and believes the current issue dates back only about two years. Board Member Byers stated that, based on the photos and report presented, it is evident that the conditions pose a potential hazard and safety concern significant enough to warrant involvement from the Fire Marshal or Fire Chief to declare a hazard to the public. Mr. Pendley stated that, to his knowledge, the Fire Marshal has not visited the property; however, based on his experience, he believes the conditions would likely be deemed a public hazard by the Fire Marshal. There being no further questions or comments presented by the Board. Board Member Young made a motion to approve Case No. 24-05-HSB for an Order on the property at 810 Oakwood Drive, Euless, Texas, Oakwood Terrace Addition, Block 10, Lot 17, to require the property owner to obtain any necessary permits within 15 days; and all repairs to the adjacent structure completed within sixty (60) days, including removal of all junk and debris found on the property. It is further ordered if the structures are not repaired within 60 days, the structures can be demolished and all accumulated debris removed from the property. If the property owner fails to bring the property into compliance within the allowed timeframe, the city shall be authorized to enter the property to demolish the structure and abate the nuisance and assess the cost of such against the property. The costs, together, with interest, will be assess as a charge against the land and a personal obligation of the owner. If the city is not promptly reimbursed for its expenses, the city will place a lien on the property for the amount owed plus any accrued interest. Vice Chairman Cinquemani seconded the motion. Ayes: Chairman Moore and Vice Chairman, Cinquemani, Board Members: Byers, Dufinetz, and Young. Nays: None Abstentions: None Chairman Moore declared the motion carried (5-0-0). Housing and Structure Board Page 6 of 6 March 6, 2025 ITEM 4: ADJOURN There being no further business, Chairman Moore adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Chairman arence Moore