Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/18/01 Memo (stair code violation) City of Oshkosh - De»t of Com Dev/Ins»ection Services Division ~ OfHKOfH 215 Church Avenue Oshkosh, WI 54901 (414) 236-5050 MEMORANDUM TO: File FROM: Allyn Dannhoff, Director ofInspection Services ~ DATE: 9-18-01 RE: 257 W 14th Ave Bruce Luedtke and I spoke to the owner about the code violations on her stairs and the letter sent to her ex-husband in 1990 as a result of the instructions I received from Jackson Kinney. We contacted Ms. Janet Walatka (236-5374) at about 1:45 pm today. I explained to the owner the following: 1. Matt Tucker, Associate Planner, did not understand the situation when he advised her she did not have to make the stairs comply. I advised her Matt was not familiar with the history of this case and now that he is familiar, he understands he cannot tell her that continued non-compliance is acceptable. 2. I advised her the stairs were built wrong and are unsafe. Her ex-husband took issue with this when orders were sent in 1990 and complained vigorously about having to make the corrections. A decision was made by my superior that we would not pursue corrective action on this case, however, the letter sent by my superior did not say that this would not be considered a code violation, nor did it say compliance did not have to be provided. (Although it would appear that was the intent of the letter.) 3. I informed her that she could be jeopardizing her standing with her property insurance, in that most policies do not cover claims resulting from known code violations. I then indicated we wanted to clear up any misunderstandings in regards to code compliance and was appealing to her good will to do what is right and correct the stairs. 4. Bruce informed her it is a violation of the MHC to rent an apartment with known code violations. Ms. Walatka advised us the apartment is vacant and she does not want to rent it out because she does not like dealing with rental issues. She advised us she is trying to secure bids to replace the stairs, but has not been able to get contractors to bid on the job. She also advised us she wants to complete all ofthe noted repairs so she can sell the property. Ms. Walatka told us she understands the hazard the stairs represent and wants to make the corrections, however was also concerned that this was not addressed when her ex-husband built them. She inquired if an order could be issued to him, I informed her that due to the time lag and the decisions that were made in 1990, it would not be likely that the City would issue orders to her husband. Additionally, I pointed out that she was the owner back then and was partially responsible to comply at that time, however, I understood that her husband was handling this issue. She stated she intends to comply, but will need time to hire a contractor she can afford. I asked her to keep Bruce apprised of her efforts and progress in this regard.