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, . t ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 31. 1998 22 Mayor Probst noted the attendance of Steve Nixon and Steve Krueger and asked if they would like to address the Council on an issue not on the agenda. Steve Nixon, property owner of 1369 Forest Lane, asked if the "insanity" of tearing down his house can be stopped. Mayor Probst asked what else Mr. Nixon proposes to do and noted the house needs to be rebuilt. Mr. Nixon stated he has a contractor with him tonight who has said the house can be rebuilt. He advised he is also having a problem with the insurance company which has not yet paid him for the fire. Steve Krueger, friend of Mr. Nixon, stated he has been a carpenter for 26 years and viewed the house on four separate occasions. He asserted there is only minor damage with no damage to the foundation, no rot in the lumber, and the only evidence ofthe fire on the outside view is an 8 foot by 8 foot tarp where the fire went through the roof. He suggested removal of the entire roof, striping the interior of plaster and lath, installing new wiring, plumbing, sheetrock and cabinets, and constructing a new roof. Mr. Krueger eXplained the current roof design creates some water problems so he would suggest a redesign with the front porch tied into the roof. He stated the siding has no damage, looks great from the outside, and is not an eyesore. Mr. Krueger stated the insurance company has agreed to payoff the mortgage and now a mutual friend who works at a mortgage company has volunteered the money for construction materials. They also have journeyman carpenters who are willing to donate their labor until the house is refinanced and he will then get paid. Mr. Nixon stated they can complete this work within 30 to 45 days. Mr. Krueger stated it would be a shame to tear down a solid house and foundation. He asked the Council to consider that Mr. Nixon has been a member of Arden I-Iills for years and is unable to finance it any other way. Mayor Probst stated it is in the City's interest to bring this house up to Code, whether through demolition or reconstruction. He stated the City is satisfied with either option and the issue is how to come to a mutual understanding that the construction will proceed on the schedule Mr. Krueger and Mr. Nixon are suggesting. He stated the concern that lead the City to take action is the inactivity by Mr. Nixon to make repairs. Mr. Fritsinger advised that the City Building Official found a number of health and safety issues related to the home which lead the City to this position along wi th concern related to the specific issue oftime. He noted at one time there was a potential buyer but now it has been several months. The City has allowed as much time as possible for Mr. Nixon to bring the house up to Code. Mr. Fritsinger agreed with Mayor Probst that either option is acceptable to the City but the issue is the timing to bring the house up to Code.