Dubois County moves to demolish unsafe Dubois building after owner misses deadline

The Dubois County Commissioners are moving forward with plans to demolish an unsafe building at 5398 East Main Street in Dubois after the owner, Robert Slotten, failed to meet a July 2 deadline to remove the deteriorating structure.

The commissioners discussed next steps for the building at their regular meeting held on July 7. Despite previous orders and a $500 reimbursement fee being issued June 16, the structure was largely untouched, according to Commissioner Chad Blessinger.

“I went to the location yesterday and nothing’s been done,” confirmed Dubois County Health Department Environmental Health Specialist Christina Pierini during the meeting. “There’s a dumpster there and maybe a couple bricks removed, but it’s still in pretty bad shape.”

Mr. Slotten did not appear at the hearing despite receiving notice through multiple methods, including mail to three different locations and personal service. He had previously told officials that he had secured a contractor for removal, beginning May 25, with completion by June 15, but that work was never completed.

Slotten texted Pierini before the meeting, saying he is “currently looking for a new excavator for the project” and expects to have it finished within a week. However, commissioners expressed frustration with the repeated delays.

The board imposed an additional $1,000 fine on Slotten, bringing the total penalties to $1,500. The new fine is due within 30 days of the July 7 hearing date.

More significantly, commissioners authorized county officials to begin the bidding process for demolition work. The health department, county highway department and county attorney will work together to develop a scope of work and solicit public bids for the project.

The demolition presents unique challenges because the building consists of both old and new sections that may be connected. Highway Superintendent Donnie Lueken expressed concern about potential liability if county workers accidentally damage portions of the structure Slotten wants to preserve.

Due to these liability concerns, commissioners decided against using county workers for the demolition and opted instead for the competitive bidding process.

The scope of work will include complete demolition of the unsafe portion of the building, removal of debris, filling the resulting hole with the demolished material, and covering the area with topsoil and seed.

Any personal property remaining in the building will be Slotten’s responsibility to remove before demolition begins. Officials plan to provide notice specifying a demolition date.

The county has the authority to invoice Slotten for all costs incurred in the demolition process. If he fails to pay within 30 days of receiving the invoice, the costs can be added as a lien against the property.

If Slotten completes the demolition work before the county awards a contract, the bidding process would be canceled. However, if the county has already incurred costs in the bidding process, those expenses would also be charged to the property owner.

The commissioners also received an update from Haysville property owner Jean O’Connell on the progress of the building she owns at 381 West Hazel Road. She is still progressing on cleaning up the property and has had materials and vehicles removed. The commissioners asked her to provide the following items at the next regular meeting on July 21: proof of where the vehicles and materials have been taken, proof of registration of the remaining operational vehicles, and an accepted bid for the work on the building with a timeline for the work.