Resident questions removal

Staff

Published Thursday, April 29, 2004

By Benjamin Dipman, Tribune staff writer

"I'd just as soon get out of the business of tearing down houses."

Thus were the words of Councilor Randy Erdman at Monday's city council meeting when members decided to demolish the house on 309 Court St., owned by Mike Spurr.

The house, according to the order for removal, has missing siding, decayed wall sheeting, decayed window sills and frames, a deteriorated roof, and a strong odor.

Spurr, who said he has lived in the house for 10 years and is one payment away from owning it, explained why his house is in disrepair.

"On April 16, 2003, I fell from a ladder and broke both arms and legs and was in the hospital five weeks, a nursing home four weeks and was rehabbed for the last year in Wisconsin," he said. "My home just sat there as I was unable to do anything."

Upon his recent return to Albert Lea, he claims to have begun work on the house and was gathering information.

"I've been getting contracts together with bids for material, labor and financing," he said.

But the work will take time, he said, and he asked for a three month extension, laying out a plan for reconstruction of the property.

First, he would need to remove all his belongings, he said, which would take three weeks. In May he would begin shingling, in June he would work on the siding and then start on the interior.

"I feel I can comply to your code in three months," he said. "I have been disabled for a whole year with no phone or assets to change the situation. I'd like the chance to make my home right by July 26, 2004."

Fire Chief Richard Sydnes, who has inspected the house, also spoke to the council.

"I don't have big problem with giving some time," he said. "What would be nice is to see the contractors ... sign a sheet (showing) that they are intending to follow up with these orders."

Sydnes said it would be a "disservice" to Spur if he put money into the house and, in three months, it was torn down due to non-compliance.

The council then asked questions, many of which circulated around money.

Mayor Jean Eaton asked if he could finance the reconstruction and Spur said he could. She also asked if he wanted to put money into it, even at the risk of losing that money if he couldn't comply to the code within three months. He said he did.

Councilor Mary Kron made a motion to have the house demolished. "From the pictures and what Mr. Sydnes said, I think it should be demolished," she said.

Councilors Al Brooks and Jeff Fjelstad spoke about the investment of finances into the home.

"I hate to see somebody start to put money into a home and then realize they can't finish it," said Brooks.

Fjelstad disagreed.

"I feel that ... if he wants to get letters from contractors stating that this work will be done ... I don't have a problem with that," said Fjelstad. "And (if) on the 16th he finds out he's got the money, let's (let him) fix it. It's his money."

"I am not a building inspector, I am not a professional," Erdman said. "At some point in time we have to trust the professionals."

In the 4 to 2 vote, Eaton and Fjelstad voted against the demolition.

(Contact Benjamin Dipman at ben.dipman@albertleatribune.com or 379-3439.)

---

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?

---