City of Watseka Code Enforcement Committee met Jan. 13.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
PRESENT: Aldermen Brault, Pence, Petersen, Muench, Miller, Garfield, Dewitt, Alderwoman Rohlfs and Mayor Marcier
GUESTS: Building Inspector Eric Brandt and Code Enforcement Shane Eades
Alderman Brault opened the meeting at 6:54 pm. There was no public comment. Building Inspector Eric Brandt reported on the following:
IDNR Flood Mitigation: Another closing is set for February 2nd, and Eric is working on another contract.
400 N Jefferson: Eric does have an engineering report with a design to fix the roof, but the property is in the flood plain and if the cost to fix the roof is over 50% damage it will not be able to be fixed. This is still a work in progress
HMGP 4461 Grant: the relocation consultant bid opening was held with one 1 bid received from ICF Incorporated LLC. This is to help the tenants with moving expenses and maybe help them to pay some rent. The maximum is $10,000 per unit. This company will also with the Eastern Community Action Agency. It will cost $5,000 to develop the plan but that cost will come out of the grant money. Eric is currently working on a contract with 811 W Franklin St. The appraisal has been done along with verbal acceptance by the owner, and the title search has been done. The purchase price will be $42,000 and this will come out of the grant.
Watseka Rocks Mural: the Watseka Rocks are wanting to paint a mural on the side of 209 E Walnut St. they have contacted the owner of the building, and he is ok with it. The committee will be coming to a meeting in March to show the committee their ideas. 402 n 4TH St; Eric has condemned the house as the windows are broken out, the basement door has been pried open, and people have been in and out of the house. The owner lives in Florida and does not respond to mail or phone calls. The committee is ok with turning this over to the city attorney to start demolition proceedings.
608 E Mulberry St: this house had a fire, and Eric has been in touch with the insurance company and they have had back $20,000 for demolition. It does have a new roof and the neighbors got together and picked up the furniture and debris in the front yard. Eric would also like to start demolition proceedings on this and the committee is ok with that.
Muller Subdivision Rezoning: this is the property that the Laborers Home Development would like to build on. The Planning and Zoning commission met and voted in favor of changing the zoning from R-2 single family to R-4 multi-family. This will be on the council agenda this month.
100 W Walnut St: the city attorney is going to contact the owner of the business and her attorney regarding the shared wall.
Code Enforcement Shane Eades stated he has removed 10 vehicles from the impound lot but is adding 4 more this week.
Eric gave a quick update regarding flood plains. He stated in a floodway there can be nothing built without a state permit, in a regulated flood plain zone AE the owners need to comply with the city ordinance regarding flood plains. 500-year flood plain is Zone X and it is unregulated.
Alderwoman Rohlfs makes a motion to adjourn at 7:15 and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 9-0.
https://www.watsekacity.org/media/4776
