Reprieve given to property owner
Required improvements to be completed by Jan. 1
Marion City Commission will give the owner of property at 1018 Denver Street until Jan. 1 to make necessary improvements.
A petition had been filed with city officials regarding the condition of the structure on the property. A public hearing was held Monday to determine the next step in improving the property.
Marty Fredrickson, city building inspector and public safety officer, reported a timeline had been followed, giving the property owner sufficient time to respond to the complaint.
Fredrickson reported the property was purchased in January by Donald Marques of Spring Hill, Fla. He said the new owner was not aware the property was in the process of being condemned by the city. The property had not be inhabited for two years, Fredrickson said.
The property was purchased by Marques for $5,000 and appraised by the county appraiser for $11,380. Currently a real estate agent has the property listed for Marques.
In order for the house to be habitable, Fredrickson presented a list of concerns to the commission. The roof needs to be repaired or replaced, a heating system must be installed, inspection and necessary repairs to city code for plumbing and electricity, and repairs to the bathroom structure must be made.
According to city ordinance, the commission could condemn the building if repairs total more than 50 percent of the fair market value of the property.
City attorney Dan Baldwin emphasized the test was not based on aesthetics or visual quality but safety issues.
The city tried to obtain free estimates of plumbing and electrical upgrades but those contacted were not interested, Baldwin said.
The condition of the home could not accurately be determined, Baldwin said, because a thorough inspection could not be made.
Fredrickson said Marques visited the site in September and made contact with the city. The owner worked on the carport, replaced some siding, painted the exterior, and repaired a floor. The house was listed for sale by the real estate agent Sept. 24, Fredrickson said.
Fredrickson also reported the carport was not to code and considered it unsafe.
David Mayfield, city administrator, said he had talked to Marques who said he could not attend the commission meeting due to personal business.
"The owner plans to move to Marion, fix up the house, and asked for a 90-day extension," Mayfield said.
Baldwin said the commission had the option of proceeding with condemnation of the property or allowing an extension.
Fredrickson and Baldwin recommended and the commission approved an extension with a list of required repairs and improvements.
It was determined if the owner removes the carport, fixes the floors, installs a furnace, and all areas of concern passes city inspection, the house would be habitable.
Mayfield expressed concern if the property was sold, would the city have to begin the process again? Baldwin suggested an affidavit be filed against the property, explaining the current situation.
A resolution will be submitted at the next commission meeting for the extension.
