Community members wait in the city council chambers for the City of Warsaw code enforcement hearing to begin.

Text and Photos
By Libby Hubbard
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The City of Warsaw’s Code Enforcement Hearing was brief today, Tuesday, July 8, with a focus on two property violations.

Nicole Poort, owner of HOTWORX yoga studio, stands at the podium during a City of Warsaw code enforcement hearing.

The first case involved Nicole Poort, who was fined $2,100 for failing to comply with local building codes related to an accessory structure on the property of her business, HOTWORX, located at 110 N. McKinley St., Warsaw.

Building Inspector Robert Hurford explained that Poort had failed to move a shed from next to her business building to an ordinance-compliant location on the property, resulting in a violation of city regulations that began on Wednesday, June 11.

Poort said she instructed her contractor, Carl Hostetler of Ideal Construction, to move the shed, but the task wasn’t completed until Wednesday, June 25.

Poort explained Hostetler had contacted her on that date, stating he had forgotten about the shed.

Hurford confirmed Poort’s statement, noting the shed had been visibly relocated when he passed by the property on Friday, July 4.

Poort also mentioned difficulties with receiving city notices due to a misplaced certified letter.

Despite Poort’s efforts to resolve the issue, Hearing Officer Tom Earhart maintained the fine would stand. “As the property owner, you are responsible for the violation,” Earhart said, adding Poort had been given sufficient notice.

Hearing Officer Tom Earhart speaks in the council chambers during the City of Warsaw code enforcement hearing.

The fine of $2,100 was assessed for the violation period from Wednesday, June 11, to Friday, July 4.

Poort was given 30 days to pay the fine, with the option to appeal or seek restitution through small claims court if she felt her contractor was at fault.

The second case, involving Mario Briseno’s property at 757 W. Margaret St., was continued until next month due to difficulties in contacting the property owner.

Hurford stated all attempts to reach Briseno had been unsuccessful. The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5.