Town continues dangerous building discussions

Lakeview’s town council continued discussions of how to address a local residential structure that may be classified as a dangerous building under Town of Lakeview Ordinance No. 781.

The building in question is a house located on South E Street, and is owned by local entrepreneur John Cogar.  

Cogar had attended previous meetings to answer and respond to concerns raised by neighboring residents but was not present during the council’s most recent work session, held on the afternoon of Tuesday, Aug. 24.

During the meeting, the council reviewed the town’s dangerous building ordinance — Ord. No. 781 — which outlines criteria for the town to follow in deeming a building as one presenting a hazard to public safety.  

Town Attorney John Bogardus reviewed the provisions of the ordinance to the council.  

He expressed the view that the town does not have the expertise necessary to call for the building’s removal, and suggested that the council call for a resolution by way of repair.

Bogardus suggested that the standard for repair should bring the building to a similar exterior condition comparable to other homes in the neighborhood.  

A timetable of nine months was suggested as a deadline for bringing the building up to suitable condition.

It was noted during the discussion that Cogar had initiated some remedial work to the building since their last discussion, including work on the electrical system, general cleanup and replacement of a door, among other elements.

Bogardus informed the council that their options included make a ruling on the needed work and bring Cogar in for discussion at their next meeting, or else determine a finding on their own accord, determine what’s warranted and send out a notice to Cogar.

During the council’s regular session, the council agreed by consensus that the building qualified as a dangerous structure under Ordinance No. 781 and directed its staff to draft a notice pursuant to section 4 of the ordinance which will be reviewed during their next work session.

Lakeview town council’s next work session will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. at Town Hall, located at 525 N. 1st St.