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Warsaw Code Enforcement heard about multiple properties and requests from the city for demolition at a meeting Tuesday.
The first case was for Minthorn Enterprises, 505 Argonne Road. Matthew Minthorn, owner of the property, and his case were discussed at the last meeting.
Building Inspector Rob Hurford shared the city received complaints about the deteriorating buildings at that location and that roofing material was blowing across the roadway.
During an inspection with Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Fire Marshal Jeremy Williams and Hurford, Minthorn reported his initial method of waterproofing was not successful. A later inspection showed roof repairs were still not complete and the neighboring property owner said Minthorn’s roof leak was leaking into their building.
“We’re still kind of at a standstill on that,” Hurford said. “The repairs haven’t been made. The building is in a large state of disrepair.”
Hurford reported there was also standing water inside, broken windows and debris. He stated the city wants the building repaired but isn’t sure that is financially possible for the property owner.
The city requested a demolition or repair order for the property and the case be sent to Superior Court for receivership. If receivership is appointed and the building sold, the demolition and repair order would go to the new owners.
Hurford stated a letter was sent to Minthorn previously to secure the building, fix all broken windows, repair the roof, clean up the property and make it watertight.
“The biggest thing is going to be the roof, which to repair it correctly, will be quite expensive; it’s a large complex,” Hurford said. He said the building was a “safety hazard.”
Williams added the fire suppression system and sprinkler system had not been inspected or tested in years.
In response, Minthorn stated the roof has since been repaired by Belile’s Handyman Services, and Kropp Fire Protection did an inspection two weeks ago but just received the paperwork on Monday, Sept. 28. He also stated the pipe that leaked was replaced and all windows were repaired in the last couple of days.
Hurford, however, said pictures taken that morning showed loose roofing material on the roof and broken windows on the south side of the building. Additionally, the roof on the small lean-to "looks like it’s about to collapse."
Williams looked at paperwork Minthorn provided, which he said stated the inspection was complete. Upon looking at the report, Williams noted it was a proposal for the inspection to be completed and did not show any work was completed.
Minthorn looked at the pictures taken that morning of the building and said he knew Belile’s was painting the roof with rubber to seal it and paid them to complete the job. He also said the windows had been repaired, but Building Inspector Angela Lundy said the south side windows are still broken. Minthorn said he “didn’t consider that” when repairing the windows and added he put $6,000 into roof repairs.
“In my professional opinion, a building that size with the roof the way it is, to fix it and fix it right, you’re probably looking at $50,000,” Hurford said. “(Minthorn’s) throwing band-aids at a major problem.”
Hearing Officer Tom Earhart granted the city’s request for a demolition or repair order and possible receivership. The building will not be demolished immediately, and Minthorn must bring it up to compliance or it will be demolished or sold through receivership.
Other Business
• A request for demolition of the residence located at 515 N. Columbia St. was dismissed because the owner completed all necessary work.
• A case for Lakeland Art Gallery, 119 S. Buffalo St., will be continued to the next Warsaw Code Enforcement meeting, Dec. 8, for necessary legal items to be completed.
• Receivership was granted for the residence at 665 W. Jefferson St. due to several years of drug and squatter activity.
The city’s attorney discovered the owner of the house had passed away, with no estate opened and no will for the property. The five people who were discovered there during a first inspection had no proof of an agreement to reside there.
The city was granted receivership.
• A case for the rental house at 730 E. Center St., Warsaw, was continued to Dec. 8 to allow landlord Juergen Voss more time to bring the house into compliance.
