Resident Meets With Building & Nuisance Board

The Trenton Building and Nuisance Board met with a homeowner concerning his property during a meeting held Monday.
Anthony Polley, the owner of property at 1429 Chestnut St., met with the board, with his property listed at the “Public Hearing” stage of the process. Polley, whose property was damaged in a fire, was upset that he had received what he termed a “threatening letter” from the city concerning the condition of the house. Code Enforcement Officer Wes Barone explained to the board that he had recommended at the March meeting that the property be moved to the “Public Hearing” stage because in a discussion of five burned properties, only Polley did not have a “game plan” to move forward to eliminate the nuisance. Barone noted that Polley could have been part of the city’s demolition program but he refused to sign a “letter of intent” to participate because the exact price of the tear down was not yet known. The bids for the demolition program aren’t determined until after the city provides a list of houses to those who plan to bid. Therefore, Polley’s property was not a part of the bid. Barone said he did not realize in March that Polley already had secured an individual contract with Perkins Dozing to demolish the property. Polley said he should not have received the letter because the city already has his insurance check from Farm Bureau. City Clerk Cindy Simpson said the city does have the check, but since Polley will not endorse it, it cannot be cashed. Barone said now that Polley has a game plan to move forward the property can stay at the Public Hearing stage until the demolition is complete.
The board agreed to allow 30 more days at the Declaration of Nuisance stage for property at 1861 E. 16th St., owned by S & K Enterprises; 513 E. Ninth St., owned by Carlos Hendricks; and 601 E. Ninth St., owned by Melodie Overton. Property at 601 E. 19th St., owned by John Berry, was given another 30 days at the Public Hearing stage. The board tabled any action on property at 1013 Tindall Ave., owned by Longomoeloto Tukitoa and Viliami Taulanga and gave another 90 days at the Findings of Fact stage for property at 604 Linn St., owned by Duane Lahn.
Barone said the issues that had placed a Certificate of Existence of Dangerous Building on property owned by Kathy Reeder and William Earl Gott at 1614 Mable St., have been alleviated.
A discussion was held on property at 1001 Custer St., with Barone saying Rick Hull has requested that the property be removed from the Certificate of Existence of Dangerous Building list. A discussion ensued concerning the current ownership of the building, but the gist of Barone’s comments to the board were that the issues that had placed the structure on the list have been taken care of and it can be removed.
Also during Barone’s discussion concerning current structures, the board followed his recommendation to declare property at 835 W. 13th Ct., as a nuisance. The property owner, James Ellis, has indicated he would like to have the property demolished at some point.
In Barone’s report to the board concerning his activities between March 9 and April 18, he noted he conducted 23 rental inspections, 20 new construction inspections, 11 pre-permit inspections, three right-of-way inspections and one dangerous building inspection. He also issued three building permits, three occupancy permits and two right-of-way permits.
Trenton Police Chief Rex Ross said year-to-date, the TPD has investigated 30 nuisance incidents, including 22 for trash and debris and eight for unregistered vehicles. Of those 30, nine are active, 12 have been cleared and nine were sent for prosecution. There are currently 25 nuisance cases on the court docket.
The next regular meeting of the building and nuisance board is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, May 23.