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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, July 20, 2009 Page 6 Mayor Klausing opined that delaying action didn't seem to serve a benefit to the community or the neighborhood, and allowed the home to further deteriorate. Councilmember Roe concurred with Mayor Klausing's comments; opining that if nothing was done, the liability remained for the seller or potential buyers; and that the home could not continue to remain as is over the winter months; but that the abatement authorization as requested by staff provided incentive for a transaction to take place before staff sought abatement action, and absent that, he expressed concern that a deal would be finalized in the current housing market. Councilmember Ihlan concurred that doing nothing would mean nothing would happen; and suggested that staff be directed to abate conditions if repairs were not made by September 15, 2009, or if the property was not sold by then, or was slated for demolition. Mr. Munson clarified, at the request of Mayor Klausing, that the dormer had been completed except for roofing and siding; and from exterior inspections, staff had been aware of no obvious structural issues; however, advised that staff would seek permission for an interior inspection to further investigate any structural is- sues. Mr. Munson noted that mold issues could be remediated and repaired. Further discussion included potential status of any pending sales of the property; process if demolition was seriously considered by any potential buyer; and timing of any potential purchase related to proposed abatement. Mr. Munson noted that staff would work with any buyer on a new building permit based on plans submitted, and as long as progress was indicated, would defer abatement accordingly. Councilmember Johnson opined that there appeared to be more liability to the neighborhood in allowing the existing lack of completion to remain over the win- ter. Councilmember Pust expressed concern that only part of the problem appeared to be considered for resolution, and suggested that staff inspect the interior of the property as well. Mayor Klausing cautioned Councilmembers from making assumptions on the structural soundness of the building without the expertise of a qualified engineer; and opined that, unless there was an obvious reason for demolition, those assump- tions were premature. Mr. Munson advised that staff would seek to inspect the interior of the building; however, noted that staff would not remediate any mold, if found, as this would be a responsibility of the homeowner.