VDBO Packet

CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, October 03, 2023 at 6:00 PM City Hall Council Chambers, 15 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, Delaware AGENDA VIRTUAL MEETING NOTICE This meeting will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers with electronic access via WebEx. Public participation information is as follows: Dial: 1-650-479-3208 Link: https://rb.gy/gx451 Event number: 2537 086 9479 Event password: DOVER (if needed) If you are new to WebEx, get the app now at www.webex.com/ to be ready when the meeting starts. The meeting can also be viewed on Comcast Channel 14, Verizon Channel 20, and on the City's Streaming Player located at www.cityofdover.com under "Quick Links". ADOPTION OF AGENDA 1. Public Hearings - Violations of the Dangerous Building Ordinance (Staff recommends: 1) Declaring these buildings and all accessory structures on these properties dangerous; 2) Ordering the properties demolished by November 2, 2023, by the owners or equity owners at their own risk; 3) Ordering the Building Inspector to cause the demolition of the structures if not completed by the owners within 10 days of the date established by City Council; and 4) Ordering the City Manager, with the assistance of the City Solicitor, to cause the cost of demolition to be charged against the lands on which the buildings exist as municipal liens or cause such costs to be added to the tax duplicate as assessments, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owners.) A. Property Located at 51 Saulsbury Road B. Property Located at 207 North West Street C. Property Located at 411 West Reed Street D. Property Located at 674 Roberta Avenue Page 1

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - October 03, 2023 PAGE 2 E. Property Located at 848 Forest Street ADJOURNMENT THE AGENDA ITEMS AS LISTED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. PURSUANT TO 29 DEL. C. §10004(e)(2), THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE ADDITION OR THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS, WHICH ARISE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING Page 2

Item #1. ACTION FORM PROCEEDING: City Council DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN: Planning & Inspections (Code Enforcement) DATE SUBMITTED: 09/19/2023 PREPARED BY: Eddie Kopp- Chief Code Enforcement Officer SUBJECT: ED-05-076.07-01-420.000.00, 51 Saulsbury Rd, Delaware – Violation of Dangerous Building Ordinance REFERENCE: Chapter 22, Article XI – Chapter 22, Article XI - Dangerous Buildings RELATED PROJECT: N/A APPROVALS: N/A EXHIBITS: PowerPoint Presentation and File Photos to be presented at the Council meeting. EXPENDITURE REQUIRED: Preliminary estimate is $10,000 - $40,000. AMOUNT BUDGETED: $500,000.00 Budgeted for all demolitions Citywide in the FY-2024 Budget FUNDING SOURCE (Dept./Page in CIP & Budget): 100-11-16-20-000-53033. TIMETABLE: As soon as possible. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Declare this building and all accessory structures on this property dangerous. 2. Order the property demolished or repaired by November 2nd, 2023, by the owner or equity owner at their own risk. 3. Order the Building Inspector to cause the demolition of the structures if not completed by the owners within 10 days of the date established by City Council. 4. Order the City Manager with the assistance of the City Solicitor to cause the cost of demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS The property at 51 Saulsbury Rd, Dover, Delaware is owned by A&E Property Solutions LLC. The dwelling unit is a one-story single-family dwelling with a basement. On April 06th, 2022, the structure was condemned as unfit for human occupancy due structural concerns. Currently the structure is vacant, no permit has been applied for or issued to make the repairs to the structure. Page 3

Item #1. Violation of Dangerous Building Ordinance 51 Saulsbury Road Planning & Inspections Department Dover, Delaware October 03, 2023 Page 4

Item #1. 51 Saulsbury Road Case History  Condemned as unfit for human occupancy on April 6th,2023.  Active Vacant Building Case since December 6th,2023  Several Tall Grass cases since May 4th, 2022  Letter of Intent sent and posted August 18th, 2023  Notice of Public Hearing sent and posted September 18th, 2023  No Active utilities since June 5th, 2019 Page 5

Item #1. 51 Saulsbury Road Case History  No Active Permits on file  No repairs have been made to the property since the condemnation Page 6

Item #1. 51 Saulsbury Road Outstanding Fees  Code Enforcement Fines $8725.00  Outstanding Service Fees $455.00  Outstanding Taxes $1178.06 Page 7

Item #1. 51 Saulsbury Road Code Violations  HSG/BLDG Condemnation  Restore Electric Service  Obtain Building Permit  Structural Report Needed Page 8

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Item #1. Dangerous Building Code – Chapter 22 Article XI, Sec. 22-381 (2) Damaged walls, etc. (5) Unfit for habitation (6) Light, air, sanitation (9) General welfare (10) Code violations (12) Unoccupied Buildings (13) Incomplete Buildings Page 15

Item #1. Recommended Council Action  Declare this building and all accessory structures on this property dangerous.  Order the property demolished before November 2nd , 2023, by the owner or equity owner at their own risk.  Order the Building Inspector to cause the demolition of the structures if not completed by the owner within 10 days of the date established by City Council.  Order the City Manager with the assistance of the City Solicitor to cause the cost of demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner. Page 16

Item #1. From: Sunnyfield Contractors Inc To: City Clerks Office Cc: Lyndon Byler Subject: EXTERNAL: 51 Saulsbury Rd Date: Monday, October 2, 2023 12:39:28 PM WARNING: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good Afternoon; I am writing today regarding the above address, .Map Number: 2 05 07607 01 4200 000. One of our customers, Mr. Lyn Byler, is trying to purchase the property which is in bankruptcy and we have already provided him with a proposal to demolish the house and clear the lot as soon as he is the owner of record. It is my understanding that the City is very motivated to demolish this house; however I am requesting a stay of demolition if you will for this property by the city to allow my customer to purchase the property and demolish the house. Just in case this isn't in your job description, I would greatly appreciate if you could forward it to the correct person or reply with their contact info. Thank you so much for your help. Robin Sunnyfield Contractors Inc 150 Sunnyfield Lane Dover DE 19904 302-674-8610 M-F 8a-3p Page 17

Item #1. ACTION FORM PROCEEDING: City Council DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN: Planning & Inspections (Code Enforcement) DATE SUBMITTED: 09/19/2023 PREPARED BY: Eddie Kopp- Chief Code Enforcement Officer SUBJECT: ED-05-076.08-02-010.000.000, 207 N West St Dover, Delaware – Violation of Dangerous Building Ordinance REFERENCE: Chapter 22, Article XI – Chapter 22, Article XI - Dangerous Buildings RELATED PROJECT: N/A APPROVALS: N/A EXHIBITS: PowerPoint Presentation and File Photos to be presented at the Council meeting. EXPENDITURE REQUIRED: Preliminary estimate is $10,000 - $40,000. AMOUNT BUDGETED: $500,000.00 Budgeted for all demolitions Citywide in the FY-2024 Budget FUNDING SOURCE (Dept./Page in CIP & Budget): 100-11-16-20-000-53033. TIMETABLE: As soon as possible. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Declare this building and all accessory structures on this property dangerous. 2. Order the property demolished or repaired by November 2nd, 2023, by the owner or equity owner at their own risk. 3. Order the Building Inspector to cause the demolition of the structures if not completed by the owners within 10 days of the date established by City Council. 4. Order the City Manager with the assistance of the City Solicitor to cause the cost of demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS The property at 207 N West St is owned by Jalisa Goldsboro. The dwelling unit is a one-story single-family dwelling with a basement. On April 14th, 2022, the structure was condemned as unfit for human occupancy. Currently the structure is vacant, no permit has been applied for or issued to make the repairs to the structure. Page 18

Item #1. Violation of Dangerous Building Ordinance 207 North West Street Planning & Inspections Department Dover, Delaware October 03, 2023 Page 19

Item #1. 207 North West Street Case History  Condemned as unfit for human occupancy on April 14th,2022.  Active Vacant Building Case since September 7th, 2022  Initial Public Hearing held on August 15th,2022  Public Hearing held on October 24th, 2022  Letter of Intent sent and posted August 18th, 2023  Notice of Public Hearing sent and posted September 18th, 2023 Page 20

Item #1. 207 North West Street Case History  No active permits on file  No repairs have been made to the property since last presented at a Public Hearing  No active utilities since June 3rd, 2023 Page 21

Item #1. 207 North West Street Outstanding Fees  Code Enforcement Fines $1550.00  Outstanding Utilities $1189.10  Outstanding Taxes $2989.07 Page 22

Item #1. 207 North West Street Code Violations  HSG/BLDG Condemnation  Obtain Building Permit  Paint Exterior Surfaces  Replace Roof  Replace Broken Windowpanes  Repair Exterior Stairs  Remove Junk and Debris  Repair/Remove Accessory Structure (Shed) Page 23

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Item #1. Dangerous Building Code – Chapter 22 Article XI, Sec. 22-381 (5) Unfit for habitation (6) Light, air, sanitation (7) Fire Escapes (8) Loose Parts (9) General welfare (10) Code violations (12) Unoccupied Buildings Page 64

Item #1. Recommended Council Action  Declare this building and all accessory structures on this property dangerous.  Order the property demolished before November 2nd , 2023, by the owner or equity owner at their own risk.  Order the Building Inspector to cause the demolition of the structures if not completed by the owner within 10 days of the date established by City Council.  Order the City Manager with the assistance of the City Solicitor to cause the cost of demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner. Page 65

Item #1. ACTION FORM PROCEEDING: City Council DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN: Planning & Inspections (Code Enforcement) DATE SUBMITTED: 09/19/2023 PREPARED BY: Eddie Kopp- Chief Code Enforcement Officer SUBJECT: ED-05-076.08-06-540.000.000, 411 W Reed St Dover, Delaware – Violation of Dangerous Building Ordinance REFERENCE: Chapter 22, Article XI – Chapter 22, Article XI - Dangerous Buildings RELATED PROJECT: N/A APPROVALS: N/A EXHIBITS: PowerPoint Presentation and File Photos to be presented at the Council meeting. EXPENDITURE REQUIRED: Preliminary estimate is $10,000 - $40,000. AMOUNT BUDGETED: $500,000.00 Budgeted for all demolitions Citywide in the FY-2024 Budget FUNDING SOURCE (Dept./Page in CIP & Budget): 100-11-16-20-000-53033. TIMETABLE: As soon as possible. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Declare this building and all accessory structures on this property dangerous. 2. Order the property demolished or repaired by November 2nd, 2023, by the owner or equity owner at their own risk. 3. Order the Building Inspector to cause the demolition of the structures if not completed by the owners within 10 days of the date established by City Council. 4. Order the City Manager with the assistance of the City Solicitor to cause the cost of demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS The property at 411 W Reed St is owned by 2GEN Investments LLC. The dwelling unit is a two-story single-family dwelling. On April 12th, 2023, the structure was condemned as unfit for human occupancy due structural concerns. Currently the structure is vacant, no permit has been applied for or issued to make the repairs to the structure. Page 66

Item #1. Violation of Dangerous Building Ordinance 411 West Reed Street Planning & Inspections Department Dover, Delaware October 03, 2023 Page 67

Item #1. 411 West Reed Street Case History  Condemned as unfit for human occupancy on April 12th,2023.  Active Vacant Building case since July 6th,2022  Active No Valid Permit case since November 30th, 2022  Letter of Intent sent and posted August 18th, 2023  Notice of Public Hearing sent and posted September 18th, 2023  No Active Utilities since November 7th, 2022 Page 68

Item #1. 411 West Reed Street Case History  No Active Permits on file  No repairs have been made to the property since the condemnation Page 69

Item #1. 411 West Reed Street Outstanding Fees  Code Enforcement Fines $8725.00  Outstanding Service Fees $455.00  Outstanding Taxes $1178.06 Page 70

Item #1. 411 West Reed Street Code Violations  HSG/BLDG Condemnation  Restore Electric Service  Obtain Building Permit  Structural Report Needed Page 71

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Item #1. Dangerous Building Code – Chapter 22 Article XI, Sec. 22-381 (2) Damaged walls, etc. (5) Unfit for habitation (6) Light, air, sanitation (9) General welfare (10) Code violations (12) Unoccupied Buildings (13) Incomplete Buildings Page 80

Item #1. Recommended Council Action  Declare this building and all accessory structures on this property dangerous.  Order the property demolished before November 2nd , 2023, by the owner or equity owner at their own risk.  Order the Building Inspector to cause the demolition of the structures if not completed by the owner within 10 days of the date established by City Council.  Order the City Manager with the assistance of the City Solicitor to cause the cost of demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner. Page 81

Item #1. ACTION FORM PROCEEDING: City Council DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN: Planning & Inspections (Code Enforcement) DATE SUBMITTED: 09/19/2023 PREPARED BY: Eddie Kopp- Chief Code Enforcement Officer SUBJECT: ED-05-077-11.02-610.000-000, 674 Roberta Ave Dover, Delaware – Violation of Dangerous Building Ordinance REFERENCE: Chapter 22, Article XI – Chapter 22, Article XI - Dangerous Buildings RELATED PROJECT: N/A APPROVALS: N/A EXHIBITS: PowerPoint Presentation and File Photos to be presented at the Council meeting. EXPENDITURE REQUIRED: Preliminary estimate is $10,000 - $40,000. AMOUNT BUDGETED: $500,000.00 Budgeted for all demolitions Citywide in the FY-2024 Budget FUNDING SOURCE (Dept./Page in CIP & Budget): 100-11-16-20-000-53033. TIMETABLE: As soon as possible. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Declare this building and all accessory structures on this property dangerous. 2. Order the property demolished or repaired by November 2nd, 2023 by the owner or equity owner at their own risk. 3. Order the Building Inspector to cause the demolition of the structures if not completed by the owners within 10 days of the date established by City Council. 4. Order the City Manager with the assistance of the City Solicitor to cause the cost of demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS The property at 674 Roberta Ave is owned by Bridget Anawke. The dwelling unit is a two-story single-family home. On June 4th, 2018, the dwelling was found vacant and us currently unfit for human occupancy due to lack of utilities and unfinished construction. Currently the home is vacant, no permit has been applied for or issued to make the repairs to the structure. Page 82

Item #1. Violation of Dangerous Building Ordinance 674 Roberta Avenue Planning & Inspections Department Dover, Delaware October 03, 2023 Page 83

Item #1. 674 Roberta Avenue Case History  Condemned as unfit for human occupancy on May 10th, 2018  Active Vacant Building Case since June 4th, 2018  Several Tall Grass cases  Letter of Intent sent and posted August 18th, 2023  Notice of Public Hearing sent and posted September 18th, 2023 Page 84

Item #1. 674 Roberta Avenue Case History  No repairs have been made in the last year  No active utilities since August 26th, 2019  No active permits on file Page 85

Item #1. 674 Roberta Avenue Case History  Code Enforcement Fines $6600.00 Page 86

Item #1. 674 Roberta Avenue Case History  HSG/BLDG Condemnation  Elec Inspection Required  Obtain Building Permit Page 87

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Item #1. Dangerous Building Code – Chapter 22 Article XI, Sec. 22-381 (5) Unfit for habitation (6) Light, air, sanitation (9) General welfare (10) Code violations (12) Unoccupied Buildings (13) Incomplete Buildings Page 94

Item #1. Recommended Council Action  Declare this building and all accessory structures on this property dangerous.  Order the property demolished before November 2nd , 2023, by the owner or equity owner at their own risk.  Order the Building Inspector to cause the demolition of the structures if not completed by the owner within 10 days of the date established by City Council.  Order the City Manager with the assistance of the City Solicitor to cause the cost of demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner. Page 95

Item #1. ACTION FORM PROCEEDING: City Council DEPARTMENT OF ORIGIN: Planning & Inspections (Code Enforcement) DATE SUBMITTED: 09/19/2023 PREPARED BY: Eddie Kopp- Chief Code Enforcement Officer SUBJECT: ED-05-076.12-01-120.000.000, 848 Forest St Dover, Delaware – Violation of Dangerous Building Ordinance REFERENCE: Chapter 22, Article XI – Chapter 22, Article XI - Dangerous Buildings RELATED PROJECT: N/A APPROVALS: N/A EXHIBITS: PowerPoint Presentation and File Photos to be presented at the Council meeting. EXPENDITURE REQUIRED: Preliminary estimate is $10,000 - $40,000. AMOUNT BUDGETED: $500,000.00 Budgeted for all demolitions Citywide in the FY-2024 Budget FUNDING SOURCE (Dept./Page in CIP & Budget): 100-11-16-20-000-53033. TIMETABLE: As soon as possible. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Declare this building and all accessory structures on this property dangerous. 2. Order the property demolished or repaired by November 2nd, 2023, by the owner or equity owner at their own risk. 3. Order the Building Inspector to cause the demolition of the structures if not completed by the owners within 10 days of the date established by City Council. 4. Order the City Manager with the assistance of the City Solicitor to cause the cost of demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner. BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS The property at 848 Forest St is owned by Nesta Felix. The dwelling unit is a two-story accessory structure. On December 17th, 2022, the structure was condemned as unfit for human occupancy due to a fire that occurred. Currently the structure is vacant, no permit has been applied for or issued to make the repairs to the structure. Page 96

Item #1. Violation of Dangerous Building Ordinance 848 Forest Street (Accessory Structure) Planning & Inspections Department Dover, Delaware October 03, 2023 Page 97

Item #1. 848 Forest St - Accessory Structure Case History  Condemned as unfit for human occupancy on December 17th, 2023, due to a fire  Active No Valid Permit case  Structure was built without obtain a permit  Letter of Intent sent and posted August 18th, 2023  Notice of Public Hearing sent and posted September 18th, 2023  No repairs have been made since the condemnation Page 98

Item #1. 848 Forest St - Accessory Structure Case History  Code Enforcement Fines $1800.00 Page 99

Item #1. 848 Forest St - Accessory Structure Case History  HSG/BLDG Condemnation  Elec System Condemnation  Elec Inspection Required  Obtain Building Permit  Structural Report Needed Page 100

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Item #1. Dangerous Building Code – Chapter 22 Article XI, Sec. 22-381 (4) Fire Damage, etc. (5) Unfit for habitation (6) Light, air, sanitation (9) General welfare (10) Code violations (12) Unoccupied Buildings (13) Incomplete Buildings Page 107

Item #1. Recommended Council Action  Declare this building and all accessory structures on this property dangerous.  Order the property demolished before November 2nd , 2023, by the owner or equity owner at their own risk.  Order the Building Inspector to cause the demolition of the structures if not completed by the owner within 10 days of the date established by City Council.  Order the City Manager with the assistance of the City Solicitor to cause the cost of demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner. Page 108