Kankakee Times

City of Watseka Code Enforcement Committee met May 18

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

PRESENT: Aldermen Garfield, Miller, Barragree, Cahoe, Marcier, Rushbrook, Alderwoman Ulfers, Mayor Allhands

ABSENT: Alderman Yates

GUEST: Building Inspector Eric Brandt

Alderman Garfield opened the meeting at 7:00 pm. There was no public comment. Building Inspector Eric Brandt reported on the following properties:

DNR Grant: Of the last 7 properties 515 N 4th is still not demolished due to the gas meter not being removed, it should be demolished May 24th. Eric stated the City is still waiting on grant reimbursements from the State for properties that were demolished in January and April.

904 N Chicago St: Attorney Cainkar has gotten the judgement to demo the house and now the City has to give the homeowner 30 days to do it themselves. Eric stated there is an issue with the homeowner not wanting to tear down the garage. The homeowner says she has Bills Concrete to demo the house, but no permit has been picked up yet. There was general discussion concerning the looks of the garage. Alderman Cahoe stated she needs to put in an overhead door and side it, if not then it needs to be boarded up. Eric will let the homeowner know.

445 E Walnut St: Eric stated the gas meter has been removed and it should be demolished May 24th.

544 E Locust St: The neighbor has bought the property and has NBC hired to demo the house

Façade Grant: No new applications have been turned in and no payments have gone out

Community Rating System: Eric stated his last deadline for documents to be submitted was May 5th and he hasn’t heard anything since. At this time the director said the residents could see a 5% discount and if the point system could be lowered to an 8 the discount to residents could be lowered also

Trailer on Park Ave: The City has the demolition order and Public Works has removed the 2 out buildings. Public Works will tear down the trailer as time allows.

Doug Dirks: Eric has given the committee a copy of the letter that Mr. Dirks has sent the City regarding his building on N Jefferson St. He feels that the City is not being fair to him and in his letter cites several building issues in that area that has been allowed to happen that shouldn’t have. Eric stated Mr. Dirks was given a citation for no siding. It was stated that the trusses in this building are not any good.

Bill Stanley Report:

N 3rd St.: An intent to tow letter has been sent

Crime Free Association: Bill has talked to the director who advised the classes are now available on line for $275.00 per person and they will be certified in 9 different areas. The classes are 4 days and there will be work that is done off line and a test to complete the certification. Alderman Garfield makes a motion to recommend to the Council to have Bill Stanley and Eric Brandt take the crime free classes on line for a cost of $275.00 each and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

Collections: 1 payment of $389.00 has been received

Work on Vehicles on City Streets: Bill can’t find an ordinance that prohibits this. It was suggested to ask Attorney Cainkar to come up with something.

It was stated the new impound lot is now ready to use.

Alderman Garfield makes a motion to adjourn at 7:14 pm and Alderman Miller seconded. Roll call carried 8-0.

http://www.watsekacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/code-enforcement-5-18-21.pdf