Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

 

TO:

David L. Corliss,  City Manager

 

FROM:

Brian Jimenez, Code Enforcement Manager

 

CC:

Scott McCullough, Director Planning & Development Services

 

Date:

August 7, 2012

 

RE:

1313 Haskell Avenue

 

 

Background

On May 15, 2012, the City Commission received an update from staff regarding the progress that Haskell Row Partners (HRP) had been made to rehabilitate the house and garage. Staff informed the City Commission that Resolution No. 6885 was originally adopted in May 2010 and had identified 15 items that were ordered to be completed by the previous owner.  HRP assumed the liability of Resolution No. 6885 upon purchasing the property in late December of 2010.  Staff further stated that 9 of the 15 items had yet to be completed and those items were the following:

 

  1. The front porch was not constructed.
  2. All deteriorated areas of the porch must be repaired and painted. 
  3. All deteriorated areas of the eaves of the house must be repaired and painted.
  4. The roof must be repaired including the open chimney chase.
  5. The garage must have all siding and roof repairs completed and the garage doors repaired.
  6. The house and garage must be painted in their entirety.
  7. Plans for the proposed rear retaining wall shall be submitted with appropriate building permit if required.
  8. City staff will need to verify west wall of the basement is properly framed.
  9. City staff will need to verify the method of attachment of the house to the foundation is code compliant.

 

After staff’s presentation, Michael Almon, a representative of HRP, provided insight on why the 9 items identified above had not been completed.  Mr. Almon asked the City Commission to grant an extension of 6 months.  The City Commission decided to allow HRP 90 days to continue to make progress and asked staff to bring the item back for their review at the conclusion of that time period.

 

On July 31, 2012, Adrian Jones, Senior Plans Examiner, inspected the property and confirmed items 8 and 9 were compliant with city code. 

 

HRP had not contacted staff of the Code Enforcement Division since the meeting on May 15, 2012 until staff received an email from Michael Almon on August 7 which included a letter and picture addressed to Mayor Schumm. 

 

Mr. Almon identifies all 15 items that were included in Resolution No. 6885 and provides updates on each item on whether the item has been completed or not.

 

At the time of the writing of this memorandum, staff has confirmed a meeting with Mr. Almon to occur at the property on August 10 at 10:00am.   Staff will provide additional information obtained during the meeting to the City Commission on August 14.

 

Action Requested

Receive update from staff and HRP representatives and direct staff appropriately.