Dubois unsafe building removal progresses, but owner faces deadline

Commissioners heard that a property owner has made significant progress on demolishing an unsafe building in Dubois, but he still faces a two-week deadline to complete the remaining work. County officials maintain their backup demolition plan.

Christina Pierini, Environmental Specialist at the County Health Department, reported that Slotten has removed the deteriorating wall structure and filled portions of the resulting hole with gravel.

“The wall is down to ground level,” Pierini says. “He’s bringing rock in to fill that hole.”

However, the back portion of the remaining building structure still requires securing. Several large openings remain unsealed, including a door-sized hole with only a piece of wood placed against it.

“The holes in the back of the building are all still open,” Pierini notes. “He sent a picture of the door I guess he’s gonna put in. And he still understands he has to either mortar bricks into all those other holes.”

The partial completion has changed the scope of the county’s backup plan. Officials had prepared to bid out the entire demolition project, but now only need the building security work completed.

Commissioners decided not to take the single bid of $45,000 for the original scope of the project from Little Si’s under consideration given the changed circumstances.

Slotten, who was reportedly watching the proceedings Live-stream, texted officials to say he has a door ready to install and is continuing work.

Officials warn that failure to complete the remaining work by the next meeting will result in additional fines under the unsafe building ordinance.

Slotten must also address woody debris and construction materials scattered around the property to avoid violations under junk ordinances.

The demolition work has revealed structural concerns about the remaining building, with Pierini expressing worry about loose bricks on the standing structure.

Slotten has covered the excavated area with gravel and rock, though officials note there may be voids underneath where debris was buried rather than removed.

The county maintains its authority to proceed with bidding for completion work if Slotten fails to meet the deadline.

Officials express hope that Slotten will complete the work voluntarily, but emphasize the need for firm deadlines to prevent indefinite delays.

The two-week deadline gives Slotten time to install the door, seal remaining openings, and properly organize or remove construction debris from the site.

If the work is completed satisfactorily, the county will close the unsafe building case and cancel any pending demolition contracts.