ARCHIVE

Marion property owner asks city for extension

The owner of condemned property at 1018 Denver appeared Monday before Marion City Commission.

Donald Marques claimed he was not properly notified about the city's intent to demolish his property and said he has made progress.

"The carport structure is sound," said Marques. "The house structure is good."

The owner said he was in Marion for a month and made improvements that included fixing windows, sealing floors, and finishing a closet.

He said he was working with local contractors Jim Davis and Tony Schafers to complete heating and plumbing improvements.

"I need more time to complete improvements," Marques said.

He said he has moved from Florida to Missouri and did not receive notification from the city regarding the property.

Mayor Martin Tice asked Marques when the improvements could be completed. Marques responded by or before summer. He said his intention was to relocate to Marion and live in the home.

City administrator David Mayfield explained to Marques the property was condemned because it did not meet the city's building codes.

Recent improvements the owner made on the property were cosmetic and did not address the city's concerns regarding public safety and city regulations.

"Why didn't you contact us (with your intentions)?" Mayfield asked Marques. He added he personally gave Marques a copy of the ordinance.

City attorney Dan Baldwin told Marques the city may give him more time but everyone involved must agree on what needs to be accomplished to fulfill the city's requirements as listed in the published ordinance.

"The city needs a 'drop dead' date from you," Baldwin said, of when the property will be completed.

Mayfield asked Marques if he was intending on living in the house, why was it for sale?

Baldwin said the city has done everything properly in meeting the requirements to notify Marques and the public of the city's intent. If the house should sell, it would not change the situation.

Baldwin recommended the city file an affidavit in the county register of deeds office regarding the property not meeting the city's building codes and that it has been condemned in case it does sell.

Tice told Marques the city has the authority to demolish the house right now but he was willing to work with him if he could show him his commitment to complete the improvements.

Baldwin said he would contact the local contractors regarding the project.

Marques said he would have the finances to complete the project in six months.

Tice said city crews would not be able to get to the property to demolish it for a few weeks which will give Marques some time to devise a plan and Baldwin time to make contact with local contractors.

"If you can show me progress, I'll be willing to work with you," Tice told Marques.

The information is to come before the commission in the next week or two.

Quantcast