Code Enforcement Hearings Making Progress With Help From Superior Court
WARSAW — During the Code Enforcement Hearing held today, Jan. 29, updates were given on four different residences that have been taken to Kosciusko County Superior Court for action.
The Cathy Wade residence at 815 E. Clark St., had a hearing in Kosciusko Superior Court on Monday, Jan. 28. The court judgment ordered gave Cathy Wade three weeks for the property to be completely clean and clear of all general nuisance violations and any vehicles in violation of city code. A permanent injunction was also placed on the residence to keep it free from violations. If Cathy Wade fails to clean up the property in the three weeks, there will be a $5,000 fine.
Judith Brown’s residence at 731 W. Market St., also had a hearing in Kosciusko Superior Court on Monday, Jan. 28. Brown reported that her tenant has until the end of the week to bring the property up to compliance with several vehicles. She advised that she did not think there would be a problem.
It was reported that the property at 1627 Fisher Avenue, owned by Brad Eberly, has had progress outside of Kosciusko Superior Court. Code Enforcement Officer Dana Hewitt said that the property has been sold but as of right now it is still in Eberly’s name. The home’s occupants were given 30 days to move out of the house and the general nuisance violations are slowly disappearing as they move out.
Although a permanent injunction was ordered in Kosciusko County Superior Court for Jason and Bobby Wade’s residence at 1015 Main St., the house continues to violate various codes. Hewitt reported that the fire department was recently at the residence for an open burning complaint and gave the homeowners a citation. In addition, a larger trailer filled with “junk and debris” remains in violation on the property. Hewitt is currently in contact with the city attorney to figure out the next step to be taken.
The residence at 1615 E. Sheridan St., owned by Mark and Rebecca Powell, was new to the docket this month. Neither the owners or the current tenant were present at the hearing. The home is in violation because of an unfinished, unsafe carport being added onto the side of the home. There are also inoperable vehicles on the property.
Due to the safety concern of the carport, Hearing Officer Tom Earhart entered a demolition order on that part of the property. He also ordered Hewitt to move forward with a tow order for the vehicles in violation.
In other news:
- Vehicles continue to be an ongoing problem at the 604 E. Main St. residence owned by Gregory Addair. There are two vehicles that have not been moved, one of which is on private property, and an unmoved trailer that is plated for 2014. A tow order is to be entered for the vehicles to be removed.
- Tyler Hyde, owner of 523 N. West St., was not present at the hearing. Two vehicles are still in violation of city code and general nuisance violations remain on the property. This property was continued to the next hearing on March 12.
- Sandra Belcher, owner of 1570 Loher Lane, has made great progress on her property. Hewitt noted that there is one more trailer that still needs to be moved but other than that the property is in compliance.
- The property at 1422 E. Main St., owned by Stephen and Princene Moore is scheduled for a Sheriff’s Sale on Feb. 26. Since the last hearing, Stephen Moore has cooperated with the Kosciusko Health Department and cleaned up multiple rooms inside the home.
- Ralph Finch still has work to be completed on his three rental properties at 214 N. Fort Wayne Ave., 500 Chinworth Court and 1503 Green Hill Drive. Earhart once again asked for a timeline of projects to be presented at the next hearing.