HomeMy WebLinkAboutSBB 2018-04-10 MinutesMINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE SUBSTANDARD BUILDING BOARD
OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS,
HELD AT THE COUNCIL WORKROOM, 4301 CITY POINT DRIVE
APRIL 10, 2018
The Substandard Building Board of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas met on the
10t" day of April 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Workroom.
Present: Brian Crowson
Lynn Motheral
Thomas Moreau
Deryl Brown
Thomas Osen
Billy Parks
Robert McCary
Staff Members: Stefanie Martinez
Audrey Cappallo
Maleshia McGinnis
Kellie Brady
Dave Pendley
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman, Place 6
Place 1
Place 2
Place 3
Place 4
Place 5
Place 7
Director of Neighborhood Services
Executive Secretary
City Attorney
Assistant City Attorney
Chief Building Official
Chairman Crowson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Chairman Crowson introduced the new Assistant City Attorney, Kellie Brady, to the
Board.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MARCH 13, 2018 SUBSTANDARD
BUILDING BOARD MEETING.
MR. DERYL BROWN MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 13, 2018
SUBSTANDARD BUILDING BOARD MEETING. MR. ROBERT MCCARY SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION TO APPROVE CARRIED 7-0.
3. SBB 2018-65 PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF WHETHER THE
STRUCTURE ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6600 JANNIE STREET
KNOWN AS BLOCK 2, LOT 13, RICHLAND HILLS WEST AN ADDITION IN
THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS IS
SUBSTANDARD WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE CITY'S ORDINANCES AND
ORDER REPAIR OR DEMOLITION.
Substandard Building Board Meeting
April 10, 2018
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Chairman Crowson called on Stefanie Martinez, Director of Neighborhood Services, to
present the case.
Ms. Martinez presented an aerial photo of the property located at 6600 Jannie Street.
Ms. Martinez stated that the property is zoned R-3.
Ms. Martinez provided the Board with an overview of action taken to date for the
structure located at 6600 Jannie Street.
• November 20, 2017 — The exterior of the home was inspected.
• November 28, 2017 — Minimum Standard Notice mailed to property owner.
• December 15, 2017 — The property was re -inspected.
• December 16, 2017 — Minimum Standard notice mailed to property owner.
• January 23, 2018 — Follow up inspection performed on exterior of property.
• January 30, 2018 — Notice and Order posted on property and mailed certified to
the property owner. Photo presented of Notice and Order.
• January 31, 2018 — Title Search requested.
• February 06, 2018 — Follow up inspection performed on exterior.
• March 16, 2018 — Notice of Hearing was filed with Tarrant County and posted on
the structure on March 16, 2018. Notice of Hearing issued via certified mail to the
property owner and lienholders. Photo presented of Notice of Hearing
• March 21, 2018 — Notice was advertised in the Star Telegram. Photo presented
of Notice of Hearing.
Ms. Martinez presented the following photos:
• Photograph 1 was taken on April 6, 2018 by Sherry Butler, Code Compliance
Officer, and shows the violations of the boarding and securing of the structure.
Although it is boarded, it is not secured appropriately.
• Photograph 2 was taken on February 23, 2018 shows windows not boarded
securely. The boards are on the interior of the structure and the glass is still
accessible. Windows are broken.
• August of 2017, the water utility had been terminated. The structure had been
occupied from August 2017 to February 2018 without water service. The property
wasn't occupied by the property owner but by the property owners' son and other
family members. Property owner wasn't aware the water service had been
terminated.
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April 10, 2018
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• Photograph 3 was taken on March 29, 2018 shows the general dilapidation of the
structure. This is on the east side of the structure and shows broken windows. it
shows a lot of damage paint, faulty weather protection. The ground cover
appears to show the house has fallen off the foundation and is sitting on the
ground.
• Photograph 4 was taken on February 23, 2018 shows the exterior of the property
with more faulty weather protection, damaged roof, and soffit failing off.
• Photograph 5 was taken on February 23, 2018 shows what remains of the shed
along with debris and accumulation inside of it. The exterior walls have been
removed.
• Photograph 6 was taken on March 29, 2018 shows more damage to the exterior.
The doorframe is off balance and more rotting wood around the windows.
• Photograph 7 was taken on March 29, 2018 shows the roofline. There is a tarp on
the roof. It appears the roof is failing and water possibly getting into the interior.
We haven't done an interior inspection, as when we go to the door there is a foul
odor coming from inside the house and we would prefer not to go in at this time.
• Photographs 8 was taken on March 29, 2018 shows again the roofline and the
tarp covering the roof.
• Photograph 9 was taken on March 27, 2018 a view from the street, which shows
they may have done some work on the front siding and window board up. Ms.
Martinez stated when she met up with the owner back in 2015 when there were
some damage window, the owner at that point decided to replace the windows
with plexiglass instead of replacing it with glass. She informed him that was a
building violation and wasn't allowed.
• Photograph 10 was taken on March 29, 2018 shows damaged wood and faulty
weather protection.
• Photograph 11 was taken on February 23, 2018 shows accumulation of debris in
the backyard and in the shed.
• Photographs 12 was taken on February 23, 2018 shows the side of the house
and clearly, you can see no fence surrounding the property. It is open and
assessable
• Additional photos taken on April 10, 2018, was provided to the Board of the
current conditions of the property to date which shows no changes have been
made since last photos taken on March 29, 2018.
Chairman Crowson asked Ms. Martinez to clarify if someone is currently living at the
property. Ms. Martinez responded that the property is currently vacant. The property was
vacated at the end of February.
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April 10, 2018
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Chairman Crowson asked Ms. Martinez who was living at the property. Ms. Martinez
responded it was the owner's son, Andrew Rushing, and other family members. Along,
with Andrew Rushing's' two large dogs. The property owner is John "Jody" Rushing.
Chairman Crowson asked Ms. Martinez if the electricity and gas were still current since
water service was turned off. Ms. Martinez stated that the electricity was current and she
wasn't aware of the gas status.
Chairman Crowson asked Ms. Martinez if there were any lienholders identified on the
title search. Ms. Martinez said the entity we are considering, as a lienholder is Tarrant
County Tax Office as there are some unpaid property taxes owed on the property.
Mr. Deryl Brown asked if Pamela Rushing has any interest in the property. Ms. Martinez
said Pamela Rushing is John "Jody" Rushing sister. Originally, the deed was in Pamela
and John Rushing's name but a few years later Pamela quick claim her portion over to
John "Jody" Rushing. Pamela has verbally told us that she has no interest in this
property but until she provides us something in writing, we continue to provide her
notices.
Ms. Martinez stated she spoke to Mr. Jody Rushing and his son, Mr. John Rushing, who
lives with in Pilot Point, earlier that day around 3:30 p.m. and stated they both would be
here at the meeting.
Mr. Lynn Motheral asked Ms. Martinez if the owner has informed her of his intentions
with the property. Ms. Martinez stated that Jody Rushing plans to repair the property and
allow his grandson to move into the property. It was her understanding that his grandson
would also be attending this meeting.
Ms. Martinez informed the Board that the property owner, Jody Rushing, his son, John
Rushing and grandson have arrived to the meeting.
Chairman Crowson paused meeting so that Mr. John "Jody" Rushing could make his
way into the room from downstairs.
Chairman Crowson resumed meeting once Ms. John "Jody" Rushing entered the room
Chairman Crowson opened the public hearing and asked for anyone wishing to speak
on the item to come forward.
John Rushing, son of the property owner, stepped forward and provided his home
address to be 510 South Church Street, Pilot Point, Texas 76258.
John Rushing stated his mother passed away in May of last year and he moved his dad
into his house in Pilot Point. When his dad made the move, he left his older sister and
younger brother in charge of the house. Now, his nephews have done some work to the
house and would like to live in the house. They put up some new sidings and started
tearing down walls on the inside. New sheet rock needs to be put up. They have an
electrician lined up to do the electrical work.
Chairman Crowson informed Mr. Rushing that the property is substandard and wants to
know what are his plans to bring the property up to standards so the property is no
Substandard Building Board Meeting
April 10, 2018
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longer substandard. The Board needs a detail scope of work with timeframe on when
the work will be completed. Mr. Rushing replied he does have a little sketch of what they
plan to do to the house. They plan
plugs and wiring, plumbing system,
a drawing for the new electrical and
pull permits with the City, which %
forward with getting this ready. On
move forward. Our plans is to makE
months.
to restore it. They plan to add new sheet rock, new
straighten the foundation, and new siding. We have
his nephews are talking with plumbers. We have to
e plan on doing. My nephews are ready to move
;e we get approval from the City, we are ready to
the house livable again and it will take us about 3
Chairman Crowson asked Mr. Rushing if he thinks 90 days is sufficient enough to bring
the property up to standards. Mr. Rushing responded yes, his nephews work for a
construction company. They do this type of work on a daily basis. The foundation will be
looked at and worked on by my nephews company. Also, the plumbing company we
plan to use is right here in North Richland Hills.
Chairman Crowson asked Mr. Dave Pendley, Chief Building Official, if the nephews plan
to do all the work themselves do they have to be licensed or permitted by the City to do
such things. Mr. Pendley responded that there are a couple of things that will need to
take place. First, yes, they do need building permits for any of the sheet rock, reframing
in the house and for the roof repairs. Second, the trade people such as electrical,
plumbing, and mechanical all have to be licensed contractors. They are the only ones
that are eligible to do that kind of work in this scenario. Those contractors will need to be
registered with the City. If they are not currently registered with the City, they can get
registered. Mr. Rushing commented that he understands the licensing and will have
licensed contractors.
Chairman Crowson stated that he just wants Mr. Rushing to realize that the Board
doesn't want him to invest a lot money in the repairs just to not finish and have the
house demolish for no completing the work.
Chairman Crowson asked if the Board had any questions for Mr. Rushing.
Mr. Jody Rushing stepped forward and stated this house means so much to him. He
was raised in this house.
Chairman Crowson asked if anyone had any other questions or if anyone else wanted to
step forward.
Mr. Brown wanted clarification on who was taking responsible on getting the property
repaired. Mr. Rushing replied that it is a group effort. It will be himself, his dad and the
nephews taking responsibility in getting the repairs completed.
Chairman Crowson informed Mr. Rushing that there are tax liens on the property that he
is sure is father is aware of it. Mr. Rushing replied yes they are aware it and they have it
set up now where it comes out of his dad's retirement check.
Chairman Crowson closed the public hearing.
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April 10, 2018
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Chairman Crowson stated he would like for Mr. Rushing to meet with the City Officials to
provide them with a scope of work because what the Board is going to do is give you a
timeframe to complete the necessary repairs and if the necessary work isn't completed
within that timeframe the house can be demolished by City, which the City doesn't want
to do.
Mr. Rushing asked Mr. Crowson how is it possible for the City to demolish a house they
don't even own and why did that even have to be stated. Mr. Crowson responded that
the City does have the right to seize the property if the property doesn't meet livable
standards. The City intentions is not to demolish a homeowner's property unless
property owner fails to complete the repairs necessary to make the property a livable
property again.
Mr. Billy Parks tried to explain that if the property was to be demolished, Mr. Jody
Rushing would still be the owner of that property but the City would put a lien on the
property to the cost of the demolition, if it came to that. He stated that the City doesn't
want to demolish the house but it is a possibility.
Ms. Maleshia McGinnis, City Attorney, stated she understands his concerns about the
demolition but it needs to be stated on the record that in an event that something should
go wrong or doesn't happen like it was supposed to, you were informed properly. The
code states that property owner is to provide a detail scope of work to the Board, which
wasn't provided, and it would have allowed the Board to work with you on the timeline to
complete the work. The City does have the right to demolish but doesn't mean it will be
executed but we need to put it on record that you were notified. The City doesn't want to
demolish the house but it is a possibility if the repairs are not completed by the
timeframe issued by the Board. Mr. Rushing replied that he understands and wants the
Board to know that it will not come to that. They will fix the property.
Chairman Crowson informed Mr. Rushing that the yard is also currently in violation for
High Grass Weeds and recommends that he gets that taken care as soon as possible.
Mr. Rushing replied they would get that taken care of.
MR. DERYL BROWN MOVED TO ENTER THE FOLLOWING ORDER FOR SBB2018-65
DETERMINING THAT PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6600 JANNIE STREET KNOWN AS BLOCK 2, LOT
13, RICHLAND HILLS WEST AN ADDITION IN THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TARRANT
COUNTY, TEXAS, IS SUBSTANDARD; AND ORDERED THAT THE PROPERTY OWNERS OBTAIN ANY
REQUIRED PERMITS WITHIN 15 DAYS OF THE BOARD ORDER AND HAVE THE STRUCTURES
REPAIRED OR DEMOLISHED WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE BOARD ORDER; AND IF THE PROPERTY
OWNER FAILS TO DO SO, IT IS ORDERED THAT ANY LIENHOLDER(S) SHALL HAVE 90 DAYS TO DO
THE SAME; AND IF THE LIENHOLDER(S) AND PROPERTY OWNERS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE
BOARD ORDER, THE CITY IS DIRECTED TO HAVE THE STRUCTURES DEMOLISHED.
MR. LYNN MOTHERAL SECONDED THE MOTION.
4. ADJOURNMENT
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April 10, 2018
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Chairman Crowson adjourned the meeting at 6:43 p.m.
Brian Crowson, Chairman
ATTEST:
Audrey Ca Jpako, E ecutive Secretary
Substandard Building Board Meeting
April 10, 2018
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