I. RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager to abate the fire damaged residence at 325 E. Houston using City staff and resources.
II. BACKGROUND:
On January 26, 2022 the property at 325 East Houston St. caught fire and was partially destroyed. Attempts to contact the property owner were not fruitful, and the City Fire Marshal obtained a warrant to abate the fire damaged residence due to the attractive nuisance to the neighborhood. Due diligence to identify the propery owner and their relatives was properly conducted.
Contractor bids to demolish the residence proved to be prohibitively high, and the decision to not proceed was based on the fact that the sale of the parcel at auction would possibly not cover the City's costs.
III. DISCUSSION:
In concert with the Keep Coalinga Clean initiative, abating fire damaged residences have been an area of concern and focus. The City is required to act on the abatement warrant prior to the expiration, or obtain new warrants. Contractor bids for abatement being prohibitively high, utilizing City staff will both significantly reduce the abatement costs, while simultaneously, possibly provide overtime for City staff.
Using conservative estimates of staff hourly rates, landfill costs, and permitting, it is estimated that, utilizing City Staff and resources, the abatement should cost the City ~$10k-$12k. Accounting for administrative time already expended, this estimate is a reasonable amount the City can expect to recover through the lien and sale of the parcel of the fire damaged residence.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
- Authorize the City Manager to utilize City Staff and resources to abate 325 E. Houston St. (Recommendation)
- Do not authorize the City Manager to utilize City Staff and resources to abate 325 E. Houston St (not recommend)
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated cost of $10,000 - $12,000 will be funded from the City’s Abatement Fund Currently Budgeted in the General Fund with repayment to the City’s General Fund to be completed upon the sale of the parcel and the lien being paid. | | |