05-07-1996
CITY OF EDGEWATER
CONSTRUCTION REGULATION BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING
MAY 07, 1996
7:00 P.M.
Chairman Robert Howard called to order the Construction Regulation
Board meeting on Tuesday, May 07, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. in the community
center.
ROLL CALL:
Members present were Chairman Robert Howard, Michael Bosse, Gary
Madole, Les Ogram, Nancy Swiney, and Woody Tindall. Also present were
Robert A. Dunn, Building Official, Mark P. Karet, Director of Community
Development, Krista A. Storey, City Attorney, and Tonya Elliott, Board
Coordinator.
Chairman Howard asked the parties who would be speaking in regards
to the subject at hand stand and be sworn in. Edwin A. Baetzman, 206
S. Ridgewood Avenue, Edgewater, FL., and Robert A. Dunn, Building
Official were sworn in at this time.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Chairman Howard opened the public hearing appeal by Edwin A. Baetzman,
206 S. Ridgewood Avenue, of unsafe building or structure determination,
Section 901 (J) of the Land Development Code of the City of Edgewater,
and the Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code, 1985 Edition.
Mr. Dunn went over the engineer reports by R. A. Bullard, P.E., on
May 18, 1994, and Mr. Joe Martin, P.E., on May 01, 1996. He said
based on the reports the major concern was that the collapse of the
structure would be sudden and without warning. Mr. Dunn said he would
like to take the Board members and audience to the site. Ms. Storey
said the public hearing would continue at the site, and cautioned the
Board members and public that all comments would need to be on the
tape.
Chairman Howard adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m. and said the meeting
would reconvene at 206 S. Ridgewood Avenue.
Chairman Howard reconvened the meeting at 7:11 p.m. Mr. Dunn said
he would start at the rear portion of the building and work his way
around the perimeter then enter the building through the side entrance.
Mr. Dunn then took everyone around the structure showing them in detail
all the exterior deterioration. Once inside the structure Mr. Dunn
pointed out cracked trusses which are the only thing restraining the
exterior walls from falling.
Chairman Howard adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m. and said the meeting
would reconvene at City Hall.
Construction Regulation Board
May 07, 1996
Page -02-
Chairman Howard called the public hearing back to order at 7:32 p.m.,
and turned the floor over to Mr. Dunn. Mr. Dunn gave a brief history
of his qualifications and certifications as a building official. Mr.
Dunn then gave the sequence of events that have led to the public
hearing, and went over his initial inspection report. He then asked
if there were any questions. There being none, Chairman Howard turned
the meeting over to Mr. Baetzman.
Mr. Baetzman said that he has owned the property at 206 S. Ridgewood
Avenue for a little over a year. Mr. Baetzman said his attorney and
himself have gone over the engineer's report, and in there opinion
the report is for a C.O., to bring the building to occupancy. Mr.
Baetzman said he has been looking for a qualified occupant and until
one is found he is willing to secure the building, but does not feel
if is fair to required him to bring it up to Code. Chairman Howard
asked Mr. Baetzman if he meant structurally securing the building.
Mr. Baetzman said no.
Chairman Howard closed the public hearing and welcomed questions from
the Board members. Ms. Swiney asked if any part of the Standard Unsafe
Building Abatement Code referred to whether or not a structure is
occupied. Mr. Dunn said no. Chairman Howard said based on what he
has seen he was concerned as to the structural integrity of the building,
and entertained a motion.
Mr. Bosse moved that based on the engineer's reports and the
observations they saw at the scene, cracks in the walls, the
deterioration or lack of steel in the tie beams, damage to the roof,
etc. that the Board uphold the Building Officials determination and
order the building either demolished or repaired within 60 days.
Motion died for lack of second.
There was a lengthy discussion on bringing the building to code
structurally.
Chairman Howard entertained another motion. Ms. Storey referred the
Board to section 202 of the Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code,
Definitions, that there are 10 factors listed and if any building or
structure has any of those conditions it can be declared unsafe.
Mr. Bosse moved to uphold the Building Officials determination that
it is an unsafe building and that it be either repaired and brought
to code or demolished within 60 days. Seconded by Ms. Swiney. Roll
call motion CARRIED 6-0.
Construction Regulation Board
May 07, 1996
Page -03-
Ms. Storey said this would be the final determination on this item
unless Mr. Baetzman exercises his option to appeal to City Council.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the Board a motion to
adjourn was made and seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Minutes Respectfully Submitted by
Tonya L. Elliott, Board Coordinator
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