County addresses unsafe building in Dubois; Declines to pass grass clipping ordinance
The Dubois County Health Department and commissioners are taking action against an unsafe building at 5398 East Main Street in Dubois after part of the structure collapsed during recent storms, causing debris to enter the roadway.
Health officials met with property owner Mr. Slotten on April 1 to discuss the deteriorating condition of the building, which has been under scrutiny since October when a formal complaint was filed.
“The building at this point is in worse shape than it was when we received the first complaint. It’s even more unsafe,” Christina Pierini, environmental health specialist with the Dubois County Health Department, told the Dubois County Commissioners on Monday.
The building, which originally served as a bank, includes an original structure with an 18-inch brick wall and a later addition with a 6-inch brick wall. The addition has suffered significant structural failure, with the roof collapsing and a wall falling into the street during recent storms.
The commissioners have ordered Slotten to either secure a demolition contract or finalize a purchase agreement with a new owner by May 5. If neither option is accomplished, the county may step in to remedy the situation and bill the property owner.
“I feel like we’ve given him ample time. It needs to be removed as soon as possible, because we’re continuing to get complaints on it.” said Shawn Werner, Dubois County Health Department Director. ” It’s not safe.”
Slotten acknowledged the health department has been accommodating, giving him “ample amounts of time” to address the issues. Weather conditions during winter months complicated efforts to make repairs. Slotten told commissioners that he had also been humbled by the building regarding his age and carpentry skills.
He said he has sought out contractors.
“I have reached out to three contractors to get a bid. I had one bid, but it was way outside the scope of what I can pay,” Slotten said.
He is now considering selling the property, noting that two potential buyers have contacted health department officials expressing interest.
“My overall goal is I would love to see the building refinished,” Slotten said.
County officials expressed concern that no visible progress has been made despite the health department’s involvement since October. They noted that debris from the collapsed wall remains near the roadway, potentially creating a hazard.
Commissioner Chad Blessinger said he had heard from a resident expressing concerns about the building. Pierini added she visited the building recently and had two people tell her they were concerned about it.
The county’s order requires Slotten to immediately remove debris from the county’s right-of-way along the road. Officials also mandated that by May 5, he must either have a purchase agreement in place with someone who will remedy the unsafe conditions or secure a contractor who can complete the necessary work within six weeks.
If Slotten fails to meet these requirements, the county has the authority to hire a contractor to demolish the unsafe portion of the building and bill the property owner. If the bill goes unpaid, officials can place a lien on the property.
The demolition presents additional challenges beyond simply removing the damaged structure. The addition has a basin underneath it, creating a potential 10-foot drop that would need to be filled after demolition.
County officials expressed sympathy for the property owner’s situation but emphasized the need for prompt action to address public safety concerns. Multiple complaints from community members have highlighted the deteriorating condition of the building.
The county board unanimously approved the motion to require immediate removal of debris from the right-of-way and to mandate either a purchase agreement or demolition contract by May 5.
In other actions:
The commissioners declined to consider an ordinance regulating grass clippings on county roadways.
Commissioner Nick Hostetter said that in his research, he found no public studies showing that grass clippings increased the propensity for motorcycle crashes.
Hostetter began his comments about the issue by stating that people should not blow grass clippings into the roadway.
“I think there are certain times when it is necessary to mow grass onto the road, when that is the only option you’ve got,” he said, adding they should then get it off the road.
Hostetter referenced a document about improving processes and safety regarding lawn mowing. It states that mowing against the direction of traffic near roadways is the safest course of action, which can cause clippings to be blown into the roadway.
He added that most of the information he found regarding grass clippings and motorcycle crashes came from attorney websites.
“There’s no study out there by any municipality or university that says this is dangerous,” Hostetter said. “Now I’m not saying it’s not, but I’m just saying if it is as bad as it is, you would think somebody out there would have done their homework on it and have this information.”
Commissioner Serice Stenftenagel did not support an ordinance either, but pushed for neighbors to communicate and be considerate to each other.
Commissioner Chad Blessinger added that though he had supported an ordinance, someone had pointed out an unintended consequence if they passed one. Since the cities and the county have a certain amount of right-of-way on each side of the roadway that is maintained by property owners, those property owners may stop mowing those right-of-ways if they could be penalized for blowing grass into the roadway.
County Highway Superintendent Donnie Lueken said they would probably have to get blowers on the county mowers if they adopted an ordinance.
With the lack of support, the proposal was dismissed.
You can watch the commissioner and council meetings here.
