September Board of Appeals Meeting – September 26, 2025

The September Board of Appeals meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM on September 26, 2025, with roll call and unanimous approval of the August meeting minutes. The board addressed a full agenda of properties deemed dangerous or requiring repair, releasing several due to completed work or ARPA grant approval, continuing others for progress updates, and ordering one demolition.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimous approval of the August 2025 meeting minutes (motion by Mr. Duncan, seconded by Mr. Windsor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• 512 West 20th (Item 3090): The property representative reported that the exterior (siding, windows, doors) is complete and sought release, but the board noted no interior inspection had occurred. The owner expressed willingness to continue working with the city.
• 1909 West 15th (Item 3104): The owner described recent progress (block, footing, framing materials ready) and expected the addition to be framed by the next meeting.
• 519 North Pearl (Item 3108): The owner, Mr. Adams, stated he is considering rebuilding a new house instead of repairing, citing concerns about the existing structure. He presented a timeline and requested 30 days to decide. He also noted the property was purchased less than a year ago and questioned prior liens.
• 1220 Northwest Murphy Boulevard (Item 3116): A representative discussed efforts to obtain a dangerous building permit, noting that boarding-up work was underway and expected to be completed shortly.
• 1248 South Roosevelt (Item 3117): Buyer Ryan Flanagan presented plans to convert the building into a duplex, with structural engineering still needed. He hoped to close by November 7 and provided updates on bids and due diligence.
• 530 East 7th (Item 3120): Representative Engle Brown and the occupant explained they are emptying the building and considering demolition, but need asbestos testing. They requested 60 days to vacate and obtain demo permits; the board discussed risks of wall collapse and the need to remove contents.
• 316 North Schifferdecker (Item 3128): Owner Carlos Carrasco reported digging footings for a new foundation and described ongoing renovation, though previous inspections did not pass. He expects walls to be up by the next meeting.
• 315 North Mineral (Item 3129): Owner Robin Goulding described a fire-damaged structure and said she is clearing out personal belongings after being approved for an ARPA demolition grant.

Discussion Items

• Items 3015/3016 (117 & 121 South Byers): Permanent service was obtained on one building; the other is nearly ready. The board voted to release both from the agenda.
• Item 3033 (1010 West Third Street): Exterior siding and windows complete; interior inspections pending. Released.
• Item 3090 (512 West 20th): Exterior complete but interior uninspected. Continued to October 24 for progress report and potential demolition hearing.
• Item 3104 (1909 West 15th): Owner making progress on addition. Continued to October 24.
• Item 3108 (519 North Pearl): Owner considering rebuild vs. repair; board continued 30 days with caveat that if owner decides on demolition sooner, staff will notify board. Next meeting will consider demolition if no decision.
• Item 3112 (408 West 4th): Permit pulled; renovation underway. Continued to October 24.
• Item 3116 (1220 Northwest Murphy): Board discussed that once a dangerous building permit is issued (expected shortly), the property can be removed from agenda. But board chose to continue to October 24 to ensure permit is obtained.
• Item 3117 (1248 South Roosevelt): Buyer Flanagan provided update; board continued to October 24 for progress report and demolition hearing, noting the property was on the agenda for a potential demo hearing.
• Item 3120 (530 East 7th): Extensive discussion about asbestos testing, contents removal, and potential demolition. Continued to October 24 for progress report and demolition hearing; board emphasized need to vacate building.
• Item 3121 (714 East Hill): Owner pulled demo permit for front part; plans to improve remainder. Continued to October 24.
• Item 3122 (230 South Oaks): No contact with owner; only carport collapse removed. Board continued to October 24 and directed staff to prepare for a demolition hearing.
• Item 3125 (1705 South Byers): Owner approved for ARPA grant; released from agenda.
• Item 3126 (506 South St. Louis): Owner approved for ARPA grant; released.
• Item 3127 (202 North Florida): Full demolition hearing conducted. City presented evidence of dangerous conditions (broken windows, missing doors, electrical removed, drywall damage, rotten soffit, leaning deck). Owner John Yapel did not appear; property recently sold at tax sale. Board ordered demolition of the main building and all outbuildings.
• Item 3128 (316 North Schifferdecker): Continued to October 24 for progress report and demolition hearing.
• Item 3129 (315 North Mineral): Released due to ARPA grant approval.
• Item 3130 (1624 South Jackson): New property; owners deceased, title search requested. Continued to October 24.
• Item 3131 (1112 South Jackson): Recent fire; bank has taken control and secured the building. Continued to October 24.
• Item 3132 (2027 Nashville): Continued to October 24 for progress report and demolition hearing. (Originally mis-ordered in agenda but voted.)
• Litigation Update – “Green Ghost” property: City attorney reported that the property owner consented to demolition with a 90-day stay ending October 15, 2025. Owner is scrambling to secure financing; if no progress, demolition will proceed. Board members expressed concerns about the consent agreement circumventing board authority.
• Process Changes: Discussion about a recent news article suggesting changes to how dangerous building cases are handled. Building official clarified that the board’s role is not expected to change; the city is exploring internal handling of nuisance violations to speed up the process before properties reach the board.

Key Outcomes

• Releases (unanimous votes): Items 3015/3016 (117 & 121 South Byers), Item 3033 (1010 West Third Street), Item 3125 (1705 South Byers), Item 3126 (506 South St. Louis), Item 3129 (315 North Mineral).
• Continuations to October 24, 2025 (all unanimous): Items 3090 (512 West 20th), 3104 (1909 West 15th), 3108 (519 North Pearl) – with caveat for early notification), 3112 (408 West 4th), 3116 (1220 Northwest Murphy), 3117 (1248 South Roosevelt), 3120 (530 East 7th), 3121 (714 East Hill), 3122 (230 South Oaks) – prepared for demo hearing), 3128 (316 North Schifferdecker), 3130 (1624 South Jackson), 3131 (1112 South Jackson), 3132 (2027 Nashville).
• Demolition ordered: Item 3127 (202 North Florida) – unanimously ordered demolished, including all outbuildings, based on dangerous building code violations (subsections 1,3,5,6,10,11,13,14,15,17,18,19).
• Litigation Update: Owner consented to demolition with stay through October 15, 2025; city prepared to demolish if no progress.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting scheduled for October 24, 2025.