1 00:00:36,640 --> 00:00:42,559 Okay, good evening everyone. I'd like to call to order the Code Ordinance 2 00:00:40,239 --> 00:00:47,600 Enforcement Board uh for this evening for August 25th, 3 00:00:45,520 --> 00:00:50,960 2026. At this time, we'd like to ask our clerk 4 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:52,879 to call the role, please. >> Rodney Davis, 5 00:00:52,079 --> 00:00:54,719 » here. >> James Bruce, 6 00:00:53,920 --> 00:00:56,480 » here. >> Kelvin Grubs, 7 00:00:55,760 --> 00:01:01,199 » here. >> Crystal Kirkman. David Howen 8 00:01:00,640 --> 00:01:03,199 Brooks >> here. 9 00:01:01,760 --> 00:01:04,479 » Connie McGee >> here. 10 00:01:03,680 --> 00:01:08,640 » Mark Graham >> here. 11 00:01:06,159 --> 00:01:10,640 » Okay, we have a quorum at this time. Everyone, please stand with me as we say 12 00:01:10,159 --> 00:01:13,640 the pledge of >> allegiance 13 00:01:16,240 --> 00:01:24,600 to the flag of the United States of America 14 00:01:21,040 --> 00:01:24,600 for it stand. 15 00:01:33,119 --> 00:01:36,680 » Okay, thank you. 16 00:01:37,119 --> 00:01:44,320 Okay, next on our agenda is approval of minutes. Our last meeting took place on 17 00:01:41,360 --> 00:01:47,680 August 11th, 2026. Board members received a copy of those minutes in the 18 00:01:45,759 --> 00:01:53,840 mail. And at this time, we'll entertain a motion to approve those minutes. 19 00:01:51,840 --> 00:01:58,200 » I make like to make a motion to approve the minutes from previous meeting. 20 00:01:58,640 --> 00:02:04,320 » Okay, it's been moved and properly second. Any questions on the motion? All 21 00:02:02,320 --> 00:02:08,479 in favor let be known by Sen. I >> I 22 00:02:04,960 --> 00:02:14,160 » opposed. Eyes have it. Uh any reports from fire department staff? None. Okay. 23 00:02:12,640 --> 00:02:19,560 All right. So on our agenda this evening, we have one public hearing. Um 24 00:02:20,080 --> 00:02:24,280 case number CE BPM-26-08-00009. 25 00:02:26,720 --> 00:02:33,200 Um, as always, we're going to 26 00:02:31,440 --> 00:02:38,560 uh go over procedures we're going to follow for the hearing tonight. So, if 27 00:02:35,599 --> 00:02:42,560 you bear with me as I go over these procedures. 28 00:02:40,959 --> 00:02:46,720 Okay. Once again, good evening, uh, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Rodney 29 00:02:44,319 --> 00:02:51,120 Davis. I am the chairman of the City of Hopkinsville Code Ordinance Enforcement 30 00:02:48,400 --> 00:02:55,200 Board. The purpose of this board is to protect, promote, and improve the 31 00:02:53,519 --> 00:02:59,440 health, safety, and welfare of the citizens residing within the city of 32 00:02:57,200 --> 00:03:03,599 Hopkinsville. If a board member perceives a potential conflict with 33 00:03:01,120 --> 00:03:08,480 hearing a case, he or she shall recuse themselves from the case, and will not 34 00:03:06,239 --> 00:03:13,120 discuss their disposition. When your name is called, please come 35 00:03:10,640 --> 00:03:18,560 forward, speak loudly and clearly because we are required to record all 36 00:03:15,360 --> 00:03:22,720 proceedings from these hearings. You are here tonight because you received the 37 00:03:20,319 --> 00:03:27,120 citation and chose to appear before the board instead of paying the fine imposed 38 00:03:25,200 --> 00:03:31,440 on the citation. You have the right to confront and 39 00:03:28,879 --> 00:03:36,159 cross-examine any witnesses that might appear here against you. You have the 40 00:03:34,480 --> 00:03:41,120 right to call your own witnesses to testify on your behalf and to introduce 41 00:03:39,200 --> 00:03:46,319 any physical evidence you feel pertinent to this case. You have the right to have 42 00:03:43,680 --> 00:03:51,599 an attorney. If you have if you wish to hire one to represent you, let me know 43 00:03:49,440 --> 00:03:57,680 and I will request the board postpone your case to enable you to do so. 44 00:03:56,000 --> 00:04:02,720 I have the right as chairman of the board to limit the amount of testimony 45 00:04:00,159 --> 00:04:09,200 which is presented. That shall be done when I determine that certain testimony 46 00:04:05,439 --> 00:04:14,000 is irrelevant or is repetitive. This is not the same as a court of law 47 00:04:11,760 --> 00:04:19,120 and legal rules of evidence do not have to be followed. This is similar to an 48 00:04:17,359 --> 00:04:23,600 administrative hearing and the requirements for the introduction of 49 00:04:20,479 --> 00:04:29,199 evidence are not as stringent as in a court of law but they are nonetheless 50 00:04:26,000 --> 00:04:33,520 just as important to ensure a just decision. You shall be afforded all 51 00:04:32,000 --> 00:04:40,240 rights which are of fundamental importance to comply with due process 52 00:04:37,120 --> 00:04:46,000 standards of fairness and justice. The burden of establishing a violation 53 00:04:42,960 --> 00:04:52,080 occurred rest with the city. If the city cannot prove a violation took place, no 54 00:04:49,120 --> 00:04:56,560 fine or remedial measures may be imposed. 55 00:04:54,639 --> 00:05:01,600 After all the evidence and testimony have been introduced and the hearing has 56 00:04:59,280 --> 00:05:07,680 been closed, the board will make a decision. The board will decide whether 57 00:05:04,560 --> 00:05:12,479 or not a violation of a local ordinance has been committed. If the board 58 00:05:10,240 --> 00:05:17,280 determines no violation was committed, then this board will enter an order 59 00:05:14,320 --> 00:05:22,080 dismissing the citation. If the board determines that a violation did take 60 00:05:19,280 --> 00:05:28,080 place, the board will enter an order upholding the citation and will order 61 00:05:24,880 --> 00:05:33,440 you to pay a fine in an amount up to the maximum authorized by ordinance and may 62 00:05:31,039 --> 00:05:39,919 order you to remedy the violation within a specified period of time. In cases 63 00:05:36,880 --> 00:05:45,039 involving unsafe structures, the board, as part of its decision and written 64 00:05:41,520 --> 00:05:50,639 order, may additionally make a provision for the offender to cure the violation 65 00:05:47,680 --> 00:05:56,360 within a period of time not to exceed 90 days pursuant to HCO 33.18F. 66 00:05:56,720 --> 00:06:06,960 Except in cases of default, um in ca except of cases of default, any 67 00:06:04,080 --> 00:06:11,759 final order issued by the board may be appealed to the Christian District 68 00:06:08,639 --> 00:06:16,880 Court. The appeal must be filed no later than 30 days from the date issues its 69 00:06:14,319 --> 00:06:21,520 final order. The case in front of the Christian District Court will be limited 70 00:06:18,960 --> 00:06:25,199 to a review of the record created before this board. 71 00:06:23,520 --> 00:06:29,160 If there are any questions at this time, please feel free to ask. 72 00:06:29,840 --> 00:06:40,479 Okay, no questions. Okay, so we're going to have our first case. Uh, 73 00:06:36,319 --> 00:06:47,520 Mr. Mark Dearmman is the code officer and Justin E. Combmes is present. Okay. 74 00:06:44,240 --> 00:06:51,759 Yes. Okay. Mr. Dearmman, can you come come forward? 75 00:06:50,160 --> 00:06:57,280 And Mr. Combmes, can you stand up? I'm going to swear you both in at this time. 76 00:06:55,280 --> 00:07:00,400 Would you please raise your right hand? Do you swear to tell the truth, the 77 00:06:58,720 --> 00:07:04,240 whole truth, and none but the truth? If so, say I do. 78 00:07:02,319 --> 00:07:10,639 » Okay, sir. You can have a seat right now. Okay, Mr. Arman. 79 00:07:07,440 --> 00:07:15,280 Uh, can you please state your full name, employer, and position for the record? 80 00:07:13,520 --> 00:07:19,280 » Mark the Arman, code enforcement officer with the Hop Fire Department. 81 00:07:17,599 --> 00:07:26,240 » Okay. Mr. Army, can you tell us about this case that's on our agenda tonight? 82 00:07:22,800 --> 00:07:33,199 » Yes, sir. 413 Caramel Drive was called into us on August the 10th by a passerby 83 00:07:30,880 --> 00:07:37,759 neighbor that said there was a grass was overgrown and that there was some damage 84 00:07:35,199 --> 00:07:41,720 to the roof. So, an inspection was conducted on the same day 85 00:07:41,919 --> 00:07:50,240 and found uh the house you just saw. Here's a Google Street map. One on the 86 00:07:47,199 --> 00:07:56,560 right was taken in March of 2026. This property has really nice tall big 87 00:07:52,720 --> 00:08:00,240 shade trees. So seeing the the rear view is pretty limited. If you look at the 88 00:07:58,319 --> 00:08:05,759 shot on the left, it's an aerial view taken in April of 2026. And you see the 89 00:08:03,280 --> 00:08:10,160 back of the house is is pretty much not visible from the air. And you see the 90 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:16,440 yard because of the height of the size of the tree. So looking at the back of 91 00:08:12,160 --> 00:08:16,440 the roof was was a bit difficult. 92 00:08:16,800 --> 00:08:23,919 413 Caramel was owned by Justin Combmes. Mr. Combmes was residing there at the 93 00:08:21,919 --> 00:08:28,720 time of the inspection, but was not home during that time. 94 00:08:26,479 --> 00:08:33,760 So, the inspection occurred on the 10th. The conditions we saw and went back and 95 00:08:31,120 --> 00:08:39,200 had a had a discussion with with the fire leadership. We there was 96 00:08:36,399 --> 00:08:44,159 some significant risk and exposures to life safety with Mr. Col in there. Uh it 97 00:08:42,800 --> 00:08:48,320 was decided then because of the conditions that he'd go straight to a 98 00:08:45,600 --> 00:08:53,680 citation and that the fire marshall issued and posted his KRS notice for an 99 00:08:51,200 --> 00:08:58,800 unsafe structure and it was posted on the next day August the 11th. 100 00:08:56,800 --> 00:09:03,680 Mr. Combmes and I had uh two conversations, one in person on August 101 00:09:00,959 --> 00:09:07,120 the 14th, 17th, and 18th. He had a document that he wanted to bring to us 102 00:09:05,519 --> 00:09:11,920 and I think it's been placed before you all already. And then I gave him uh 103 00:09:10,080 --> 00:09:15,600 because his wishes were to try to repair the house. He's already been working 104 00:09:13,040 --> 00:09:20,160 towards that goal. And so I gave him the list of the of the requirements that the 105 00:09:17,360 --> 00:09:25,040 ordinance will allow the the timeline and so forth and so on and that he would 106 00:09:23,519 --> 00:09:28,959 have to give him a head start working towards that. 107 00:09:27,279 --> 00:09:32,080 The conditions were such that when I was putting the presentation together, some 108 00:09:30,720 --> 00:09:36,160 of the photos didn't come out very well. And I went back in on the 20th for 109 00:09:34,160 --> 00:09:41,040 additional photos. and we're here again tonight for the presentation. 110 00:09:38,880 --> 00:09:46,560 This is Mr. Holmes's document that he brought by to us. 111 00:09:43,920 --> 00:09:51,600 I think it's in front of you all. This is the document I left with him that 112 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:56,240 explains the uh what the what the board can do, the timeline and the 113 00:09:54,000 --> 00:10:00,000 requirements in order to save it and and the schedule by which it needs to be 114 00:09:58,000 --> 00:10:03,120 saved. This is a document that we use with a lot of folks. we find out that 115 00:10:01,519 --> 00:10:08,480 they want to save their home so they have a guideline to go by. 116 00:10:06,240 --> 00:10:13,519 This is a copy of the one on the left is a copy of the uh KRS notice from the 117 00:10:10,959 --> 00:10:17,760 fire marshall of an unsafe structure. The one on the right is a citation from 118 00:10:15,600 --> 00:10:24,200 code's office regarding unsafe structure at this location. Both posted on August 119 00:10:21,040 --> 00:10:24,200 the 11th. 120 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:31,839 And here they are posted on the on the front door. 121 00:10:29,920 --> 00:10:36,480 There's a copy that ran in the paper. The notice was mailed, certified mail. 122 00:10:33,920 --> 00:10:41,480 The the receipt of that is not available to to be included in this presentation 123 00:10:38,480 --> 00:10:41,480 tonight. 124 00:10:41,519 --> 00:10:48,560 All the utilities in this house were active at the time. Water, electricity, 125 00:10:45,839 --> 00:10:53,360 and gas. When I called to determine if the if 126 00:10:50,640 --> 00:10:58,079 these utilities were on uh in the case of the gas, the 127 00:10:56,000 --> 00:11:03,440 representative that on the phone asked why why my concerns and when I described 128 00:11:00,399 --> 00:11:06,560 it to them, they they they completed a a service ticket and the gas 129 00:11:05,120 --> 00:11:11,440 representative went out and saw the condition of the home and dis 130 00:11:08,640 --> 00:11:15,920 disconnected the gas the following day. Likewise with electricity, when ATS was 131 00:11:13,440 --> 00:11:22,480 contacted and saw the conditions, they also disconnected the power. 132 00:11:20,079 --> 00:11:28,760 As always, we follow chapter 163 for the checklist as found in section 108, 133 00:11:25,200 --> 00:11:28,760 appendix one. 134 00:11:30,959 --> 00:11:36,399 The foundation I could not find because it's brick veneer all the way to the 135 00:11:34,720 --> 00:11:40,480 ground. So, we'll start with the exterior walls. This is the back of the 136 00:11:38,160 --> 00:11:43,839 house. See where the brick is? The brick veneer has fallen off there in the 137 00:11:42,480 --> 00:11:49,519 center. And you see where it's separating by the window. 138 00:11:47,519 --> 00:11:54,560 This is the right rear corner of the house. The circle, let's start on the 139 00:11:52,240 --> 00:12:00,640 photo on the right. The circle illustrates separation and cracks in the 140 00:11:56,640 --> 00:12:04,959 brick uh that that's probably pulled by and connected to the separation on the 141 00:12:02,399 --> 00:12:09,680 back wall. The arrow at the bottom of the photo on the right is representing 142 00:12:07,120 --> 00:12:14,160 uh mortar line cracks. And the photo on the left is the same mortal line crack 143 00:12:11,440 --> 00:12:17,959 that goes all the way down to the vent uh crawl space vent. 144 00:12:20,639 --> 00:12:28,800 The ramp the walkway to the front front porch was very spongy, very soft with uh 145 00:12:26,560 --> 00:12:34,399 some structural issues. And this ramp on the left leads to the front door. The 146 00:12:31,519 --> 00:12:37,959 ramp and access to on the right photo is to the back porch. 147 00:12:38,320 --> 00:12:45,120 the roof. You see you see the the damage there. Again, you see the tree in the 148 00:12:42,880 --> 00:12:52,880 backyard that prohibited any photo in the back to see the conditions. 149 00:12:49,360 --> 00:12:57,920 This is inside and the red arrow is illustrating the the bottom arrow point 150 00:12:55,519 --> 00:13:04,880 of that arrow is sitting on the top of the ceiling joist. The top of that arrow 151 00:13:01,040 --> 00:13:10,880 is the bottom of the roof rafters. The roof has collapsed to that extent inside 152 00:13:07,040 --> 00:13:15,680 the back portion of this house. This is on the back porch looking at the 153 00:13:12,880 --> 00:13:19,920 roof through the double doors. This is inside the house looking at the same 154 00:13:17,920 --> 00:13:24,320 direction but from inside out through those double doors. 155 00:13:22,639 --> 00:13:29,040 The two buys you see that are dangling or falling are the ceiling joists where 156 00:13:27,279 --> 00:13:33,880 the roof rafters are still sitting on the top plate of the back wall. 157 00:13:37,440 --> 00:13:46,480 The front door was closed and I knocked on the door and um nobody came. As I 158 00:13:44,240 --> 00:13:50,480 knocked, I saw the door was moving. I checked the door knob and door handle 159 00:13:48,079 --> 00:13:53,120 and it was not locked. When I opened it, it opened a portion of the way because 160 00:13:51,839 --> 00:13:57,199 the floor is buckled and that's where the far as the door would go. As I got 161 00:13:54,560 --> 00:14:04,920 in, the front door is is held in place with a top hinge. top hinge only and the 162 00:14:00,079 --> 00:14:04,920 bolt to the door knob on the other side. 163 00:14:06,240 --> 00:14:12,079 In addition to the brick wall that's fallen, there's a headboard like a twin 164 00:14:09,920 --> 00:14:15,519 bed. There's a counter counter and cabinet over in the back corner and 165 00:14:13,680 --> 00:14:19,600 ladder and some other things that's on the back porch. And the back porch you 166 00:14:17,040 --> 00:14:25,000 see you can see of the wood you can see that it it has weathered to some degree. 167 00:14:26,399 --> 00:14:32,800 photo on the left, the arrow is pointing to a separation of the back wall 168 00:14:30,560 --> 00:14:37,440 separating that pulled away from the inside wall that that uh that normally 169 00:14:35,279 --> 00:14:43,120 would would have connected it. This is to the left side of those double doors. 170 00:14:41,519 --> 00:14:47,120 The right side of the double doors is there photo on the right and you see a 171 00:14:44,880 --> 00:14:53,320 separation not as great but that this whole back wall is now separating 172 00:14:49,279 --> 00:14:53,320 pulling away from the structure. 173 00:14:53,920 --> 00:15:01,079 The hole on the left is in the inside the front door in the living room. 174 00:15:03,600 --> 00:15:10,480 And you see the bit of a ceiling damage on the photo on the right. That's a 175 00:15:08,160 --> 00:15:15,839 front, call it a bedroom, the front room on the left side of the of the entry 176 00:15:13,519 --> 00:15:20,079 that has some some minor damage to the drywall in the back. But you also see 177 00:15:17,360 --> 00:15:24,760 some water stains supposedly from the damaged roof that gone to the front of 178 00:15:21,600 --> 00:15:24,760 the house. 179 00:15:25,440 --> 00:15:32,160 All the photo on the right and you see some on the left, but go to the right 180 00:15:29,760 --> 00:15:38,320 first. That's insulation that fell has fallen from the ceiling and the and the 181 00:15:35,040 --> 00:15:43,600 roof section and it is like walking on a sponge with the water soap from the 182 00:15:39,760 --> 00:15:47,279 rain. Mr. Home says that the this damage was occurred and he'll speak to this but 183 00:15:45,199 --> 00:15:50,880 he I was curious about what happened and he said it from the ice storm in 184 00:15:48,720 --> 00:15:55,519 February and then the result of rains or whatever is what caused the damage to 185 00:15:52,880 --> 00:16:02,000 the home. He could speak to that uh more detail when in his presentation. 186 00:15:58,560 --> 00:16:07,839 The photo on the left that wall where those double doors are 187 00:16:04,160 --> 00:16:13,279 pushed in are jammed that that's like a a converted garage. 188 00:16:10,399 --> 00:16:17,240 and uh uh did not able was not able to get into that that room. 189 00:16:18,959 --> 00:16:24,959 The photo on the left again is the front door. You see there's a a buckle in the 190 00:16:22,959 --> 00:16:29,519 wood wood floor that stopped the door and there's two holes there. The circle 191 00:16:27,199 --> 00:16:34,480 on the right is a walkway from the from the front room to a hallway and the 192 00:16:31,759 --> 00:16:40,040 floor is significantly buckled there, though the the carpeting does not show 193 00:16:37,040 --> 00:16:40,040 it. 194 00:16:41,199 --> 00:16:47,120 photo on the left is a back wall on the left side. That's a ceiling that has 195 00:16:45,440 --> 00:16:51,440 come down and the blue wall in the back is the exterior wall. 196 00:16:50,000 --> 00:16:55,600 Photo on the right is taken from the kitchen but looking back away from the 197 00:16:53,199 --> 00:16:58,759 exterior wall back towards the front of the house. 198 00:17:01,839 --> 00:17:09,280 Additional damage to the seal to the walls on the left and again uh more 199 00:17:06,640 --> 00:17:15,120 insulation. The room on the right is is on the back right side. This is a 200 00:17:12,000 --> 00:17:20,319 hospital bed u that's been there that's been there for some time. Again, 201 00:17:16,720 --> 00:17:24,760 insulation uh and roof and ceiling damage inside that room as well. 202 00:17:25,520 --> 00:17:35,120 See the exposed electrical wires. The one of concern is the uh the one on the 203 00:17:31,679 --> 00:17:39,120 right. That's that ceiling can light can is is was it the the house was 204 00:17:37,520 --> 00:17:45,280 energized? That wire and those cans are are 205 00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:48,880 hanging. The error on the right is is a double doors where the hospital bed was 206 00:17:47,520 --> 00:17:52,720 that goes into the right side of the house. 207 00:17:50,480 --> 00:17:57,039 I did not find the the breaker box. Suspecting it's in that room or the back 208 00:17:54,720 --> 00:18:00,960 side of it because of where the the the electric meter was. Just could not get 209 00:17:59,440 --> 00:18:06,120 in there to see it to see what kind of condition The breaker box was in. 210 00:18:07,840 --> 00:18:16,600 Kitchen sink is there in the bottom of of this photo. The bathroom water was 211 00:18:13,440 --> 00:18:16,600 still on. 212 00:18:17,039 --> 00:18:24,480 Again, not counting the foundation. The brick veneer went to the ground and 213 00:18:21,919 --> 00:18:30,160 could not see any damage for what part of the house we could see. Exterior 214 00:18:26,720 --> 00:18:35,360 walls were in violation as a porch, the roof, 215 00:18:32,480 --> 00:18:40,080 doors, trash on the on the back porch. There was there was no The windows did 216 00:18:37,679 --> 00:18:42,400 not see any windows that were broken. Did not try to get to them and try to 217 00:18:41,280 --> 00:18:47,919 see if they worked, but I didn't see that they were broken. There were the 218 00:18:44,720 --> 00:18:53,679 handrails, albeit being weathered. They were still intact 219 00:18:51,039 --> 00:19:00,400 inside. Five out of the eight applicable items were in violation or 63%. 220 00:18:57,760 --> 00:19:07,440 Interior structure was accessible. The walls were in were damaged in bad shape. 221 00:19:02,960 --> 00:19:12,000 Floors, electrical, ceilings, single story. 222 00:19:09,600 --> 00:19:17,360 At the time of the inspection, at the time of this filling out this checklist, 223 00:19:14,720 --> 00:19:24,919 the electric the structure had electric meter and it was energized. So in red I 224 00:19:20,960 --> 00:19:24,919 call date of inspection 225 00:19:25,360 --> 00:19:31,280 to be consistent with the inspection that the power was pulled on the 11th. 226 00:19:29,039 --> 00:19:36,000 So that's reason for the blue and yes likewise with gas 227 00:19:34,080 --> 00:19:39,120 the water is still on. No no no information been given that the water 228 00:19:37,679 --> 00:19:42,280 has been disconnected. So the water is still on. 229 00:19:42,480 --> 00:19:48,640 Not counting the electrical and the gas. Five out of nine or 55% were in 230 00:19:46,080 --> 00:19:54,000 violation. If we consider the electrical meter and the gas meters uh disconnected 231 00:19:51,280 --> 00:19:58,520 the day after, then that makes it seven out of nine or 78% violation. 232 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:09,520 There is a small metal storage building in the back uh that has some damage and 233 00:20:05,280 --> 00:20:17,200 and and uh not in great shape. Uh the property is is concerned in the 234 00:20:13,360 --> 00:20:22,080 neighbors and there is some significant life safety concerns at this house 235 00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:26,799 inside 10 out of 17 without the electric and 236 00:20:24,320 --> 00:20:33,039 gas [clears throat] 12 out of 17 counting the electric and gas 59% or 237 00:20:29,120 --> 00:20:38,559 71%. Either way is in excess of 51% in violation. 238 00:20:35,360 --> 00:20:42,039 There are no previous cases. Uh leans only are $3,500. 239 00:20:42,640 --> 00:20:50,240 As of this morning, things are saved. I put the second photo in one of our in 240 00:20:48,799 --> 00:20:55,679 two of the conversations with Mr. Combmes. This van in the driveway had 241 00:20:52,799 --> 00:21:02,080 been there for several years with with expired license. And I encouraged him to 242 00:20:59,919 --> 00:21:05,840 find a way to get it moved before we put a citation on it so we would so the city 243 00:21:04,080 --> 00:21:12,120 would not pull it. So I encouraging him to at least be able to save that vehicle 244 00:21:08,159 --> 00:21:12,120 in whatever way he can. 245 00:21:13,334 --> 00:21:15,354 [clears throat] 246 00:21:18,320 --> 00:21:21,559 » Yes, ma'am. 247 00:21:25,280 --> 00:21:31,600 » The the initial visit was was August the 10th. 248 00:21:29,840 --> 00:21:36,240 Conversation with utilities was on the 10th. They showed up on the 11th, 249 00:21:33,679 --> 00:21:40,640 disconnected the power. My only other visit there inside was on the 20th. I 250 00:21:38,240 --> 00:21:43,760 was to take photos of it, but the power the power and the gas had been 251 00:21:41,919 --> 00:21:46,919 disconnected. They were disconnected on the 11th. 252 00:21:49,200 --> 00:21:56,480 There is an extension cord on the door, but but the power the meter was removed 253 00:21:54,159 --> 00:21:59,480 as well as cut the wires cut at the weather. 254 00:22:09,010 --> 00:22:11,030 » [clears throat] 255 00:22:11,039 --> 00:22:17,520 » Okay. I don't have any other question. Any other board members have questions 256 00:22:14,480 --> 00:22:23,840 for Mr. Dearm? Okay. Thank you, sir. 257 00:22:21,120 --> 00:22:27,480 Okay. Mr. Combmes, can you come up to the podium, please? 258 00:22:29,315 --> 00:22:34,000 » [clears throat] >> Okay. You've already been sworn in, but 259 00:22:32,080 --> 00:22:36,320 for the record, can you please state your full name and address for the 260 00:22:35,919 --> 00:22:40,559 record? >> Yes, sir. Justin Edward Combmes. Address 261 00:22:38,480 --> 00:22:44,159 413 Caramel Drive, Hopkinsville, Kentucky. 262 00:22:41,760 --> 00:22:48,000 » Okay. Mr. Combmes, can you uh tell us about your property here? 263 00:22:46,000 --> 00:22:52,799 » Yes, sir. For the past several months, uh the condition has deteriorated. I'm 264 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:58,480 not blind to that. Um however, that is my only space of living. I've been 265 00:22:55,679 --> 00:23:04,000 working to line up contractors. I've had refused to work all together either out 266 00:23:00,640 --> 00:23:09,360 of scope or out of availability. I've had to give me vague 267 00:23:07,280 --> 00:23:15,120 verbal estimates and not return a written estimate so I can't proceed with 268 00:23:11,760 --> 00:23:20,960 getting financing to proceed further uh to initiate repairs. Um over the past 269 00:23:19,200 --> 00:23:24,640 several months I've been trying to get those contractors lined up to keep the 270 00:23:23,280 --> 00:23:29,840 condition from deteriorating which obviously it has. Um and I've just 271 00:23:27,280 --> 00:23:34,440 basically making the best of it to try to keep the property maintained as best 272 00:23:31,280 --> 00:23:34,440 I could. 273 00:23:34,960 --> 00:23:41,280 » Okay. Sir, um are you still residing there? 274 00:23:40,080 --> 00:23:45,200 » Uh currently, no, sir. >> No. Okay. Okay. I didn't think you were, 275 00:23:43,120 --> 00:23:53,200 but um so you're trying to reach contractors to 276 00:23:49,600 --> 00:23:58,640 um fix the the damage that that we've seen that's been deteriorating over the 277 00:23:55,200 --> 00:24:02,480 last uh few months. And you say that the contractors hadn't responded or 278 00:24:01,120 --> 00:24:06,799 » I've either gotten vague verbal estimates, not written signed estimates, 279 00:24:04,640 --> 00:24:12,720 so I could take it to get financing for that. I can't approach getting a loan 280 00:24:09,280 --> 00:24:17,760 with a quote verbal estimate or I've had just to just not respond or have just 281 00:24:15,520 --> 00:24:22,360 refused to do work either out of scope or out of out of availability. 282 00:24:22,400 --> 00:24:31,600 » Okay. And so uh what is your desire for this 283 00:24:28,400 --> 00:24:36,960 property? Are you um are you you wanting to rehab this 284 00:24:34,400 --> 00:24:41,120 property to remain living there or >> Yes sir. Ideally that has been the home 285 00:24:39,039 --> 00:24:45,279 for all 42 years of my life. That is my childhood home. That's where I took care 286 00:24:42,400 --> 00:24:51,120 of my sick parents. Uh hence the hospital bed. Um I just not have a 287 00:24:48,159 --> 00:24:54,600 chance to resell it. Um, ideally that would be the case. 288 00:24:57,679 --> 00:25:06,640 » Okay. And um, in order to rehab this place, you're going to have to obtain 289 00:25:03,600 --> 00:25:09,792 financing to get a lot of this done, right? 290 00:25:07,039 --> 00:25:11,919 » Yes, sir. >> [clears throat] 291 00:25:10,240 --> 00:25:17,640 » Well, sir, you know, from seeing the condition of the house, um 292 00:25:18,159 --> 00:25:25,679 uh you understand that for this board, we're limited in the amount of time we 293 00:25:23,360 --> 00:25:32,799 could give you to uh to rehab this property. 294 00:25:30,480 --> 00:25:37,200 So, do you you think that you would be able to accomplish that? 295 00:25:34,880 --> 00:25:42,320 » U if given the 90-day timeline, I would do my absolute to obtain financing and 296 00:25:39,840 --> 00:25:46,720 contractors to do so. If not, I have an option B to sell the property as is. 297 00:25:45,279 --> 00:25:50,799 » If not, say it again. >> I'm sorry. Uh, an option B would to sell 298 00:25:49,120 --> 00:25:53,799 the property as is. >> Okay. 299 00:25:55,039 --> 00:26:02,400 » Well, you know, you know, the property can't be sold in that in that condition. 300 00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:07,919 I don't know if you're aware of that. If if the property is unsafe for you, 301 00:26:06,159 --> 00:26:13,600 the the city is not going to give you permission to sell it to someone else 302 00:26:10,080 --> 00:26:19,440 where it's in in that condition >> unless to a flipper or to real estate 303 00:26:16,640 --> 00:26:22,799 that's willing to invest in it to repair it. 304 00:26:21,279 --> 00:26:28,159 » Well, I I don't know. Maybe our city attorney can speak to that, but maybe um 305 00:26:26,000 --> 00:26:32,320 you know, you could get a a special waiver in order to allow be to sell the 306 00:26:30,480 --> 00:26:37,200 property, but but that might be 307 00:26:34,880 --> 00:26:42,640 a challenge, you know. Um Okay. Anything else you want to share 308 00:26:39,679 --> 00:26:44,880 with us about this this property? Um can can I You say you've been living there 309 00:26:43,919 --> 00:26:48,559 your entire life? >> Yes, sir. 310 00:26:45,679 --> 00:26:51,279 » Okay. But you you're staying with family or friends for now? 311 00:26:49,679 --> 00:26:57,360 » I have housing lined up at the moment. Yes, sir. Okay. All right. 312 00:26:54,960 --> 00:27:00,679 Any other questions from board members? Mr. Conser, 313 00:27:02,080 --> 00:27:07,760 does he have the ability to sell that house to somebody who can fix it up? 314 00:27:05,679 --> 00:27:13,360 » Yeah, let me expand on that. There's an ordinance that provides that it if a 315 00:27:11,440 --> 00:27:18,640 structure is deemed unsafe or if there's pending code violations, the owner is 316 00:27:15,600 --> 00:27:25,679 not allowed to sell. However, um in the event the code enforcement officer and 317 00:27:21,760 --> 00:27:30,640 the agrees with the potential buyer that they will bring it up to code 318 00:27:28,400 --> 00:27:35,520 uh in the same manner that you could, then it's possible that that could 319 00:27:33,679 --> 00:27:41,120 happen, but time is still working against you because you're going to be 320 00:27:37,279 --> 00:27:44,679 bound to that same 90 days max. >> Yes, sir. Understood. 321 00:27:45,440 --> 00:27:51,039 » Okay. Anything else you want to share with us, sir? 322 00:27:48,320 --> 00:27:55,600 » Um, if lining up contracting does work out, um, how would utilities work? 323 00:27:54,159 --> 00:27:59,039 Obviously, they would need electricity to 324 00:27:57,279 --> 00:28:03,360 do the job. Would they have to provide theirs or can temporary be hooked and 325 00:28:00,960 --> 00:28:08,720 unhooked or >> Yeah, that I don't know. Maybe the code 326 00:28:05,919 --> 00:28:13,760 officers can can inform you on that. I don't know, Mr. arm if you want to uh 327 00:28:10,640 --> 00:28:18,320 address that right now, but uh I don't know what our contractor would need and 328 00:28:16,000 --> 00:28:20,960 and you'd have to work out something with the electric company, I'm sure, 329 00:28:19,600 --> 00:28:24,480 too. >> Any construction site will have 330 00:28:22,320 --> 00:28:28,960 temporary power. It will not be to the house. It'll be to a temporary pole or 331 00:28:26,880 --> 00:28:32,080 standing in the yard for the contractor to have electricity, but it will not go 332 00:28:30,480 --> 00:28:35,080 to the house. >> Okay. 333 00:28:36,559 --> 00:28:44,720 » Okay. Uh anything else, sir? Um, I'm just asking for enough time to, 334 00:28:42,559 --> 00:28:51,880 you know, get a legitimate estimate written or otherwise to save my house. I 335 00:28:47,840 --> 00:28:51,880 mean, that's where I grew up. 336 00:28:54,080 --> 00:29:00,409 » Okay. All right, sir. Thank you. 337 00:28:56,720 --> 00:29:00,409 » Thank you. [clears throat] 338 00:29:01,279 --> 00:29:10,640 » Okay. Okay, we're going to close the hearing on this uh case so the board can 339 00:29:06,080 --> 00:29:16,159 deliberate in open session. Um so what we have before us in this case, 340 00:29:12,559 --> 00:29:20,880 we have a um two things we have to accomplish here. First of all, we need 341 00:29:18,480 --> 00:29:31,600 uh to determine whether or not a violation exist uh for this property um 342 00:29:26,080 --> 00:29:36,320 by a motion and a and a vote. um where the violation exists and then if a 343 00:29:33,760 --> 00:29:42,559 violation exists we would discuss the the penalty and maybe allowance of time 344 00:29:40,399 --> 00:29:48,799 uh that type of thing. So first of all the floor is open for um discussion 345 00:29:45,440 --> 00:29:53,600 deliberation uh or entertain a vote. >> Mr. Chairman I move that the city has 346 00:29:51,440 --> 00:29:59,120 met their obligation and showed that this is an unsafe structure. So I move 347 00:29:55,919 --> 00:30:03,600 that there is a violation second. Okay, it's been moved and properly second. Any 348 00:30:01,440 --> 00:30:06,320 questions on the motion? All those in favor let me know by sign 349 00:30:05,039 --> 00:30:13,715 of I >> opposed the eyes have it. Okay, now we 350 00:30:09,600 --> 00:30:20,880 need to discuss the um the penalty [snorts] uh for this case 351 00:30:16,240 --> 00:30:27,279 by motion and second. Um you've heard the testimony of the Mr. combs what he's 352 00:30:23,919 --> 00:30:31,279 requesting and the you know the situation of the home but so what's your 353 00:30:29,600 --> 00:30:34,159 pleasure any discussion or >> what's the penalty 354 00:30:33,440 --> 00:30:42,520 » oh >> are 350 minimum 700 maximum plus $200 355 00:30:38,880 --> 00:30:42,520 administrative fee 356 00:30:43,440 --> 00:30:51,679 » Mr. Mr. Chairman, I move that we um go ahead and assess the minimum fine of 357 00:30:48,399 --> 00:30:59,200 $350, $200 administrative fee that we give the owner the the the 90 days, 358 00:30:56,159 --> 00:31:05,440 that's 45 days within a plan and 45 days more to get it up to code on that 359 00:31:02,320 --> 00:31:11,440 allowed to us by ordinance. and that if that hasn't occurred within that 90-day 360 00:31:08,080 --> 00:31:16,799 period that the house and the out the out building 361 00:31:13,840 --> 00:31:24,200 be demolished. >> Okay. Okay. It's been moved and properly 362 00:31:18,960 --> 00:31:24,200 second. Any questions on that motion? 363 00:31:24,320 --> 00:31:29,200 Okay. All in favor let me know by the sign of I 364 00:31:27,440 --> 00:31:34,320 » oppose. Eyes have it. 365 00:31:31,919 --> 00:31:39,679 Okay. Mr. uh combs, we we're giving you the 90 days in which to u see what you 366 00:31:37,679 --> 00:31:46,080 can get done. I I would encourage you to work very closely with the code officers 367 00:31:43,360 --> 00:31:53,360 and um understand the requirements that they have set before you 368 00:31:49,840 --> 00:31:58,159 to um to get the house up to code. If if not within those at those 90 days, the 369 00:31:55,919 --> 00:32:03,000 city will take action um to remedy the violation. 370 00:32:06,240 --> 00:32:14,640 Okay. All right. Um, next on our agenda is unfinished business. B business other 371 00:32:12,480 --> 00:32:18,640 than hearings. There's none. New business other than hearings. There's 372 00:32:16,000 --> 00:32:22,600 none. Any announcements from uh board members or staff? 373 00:32:23,600 --> 00:32:32,399 Okay. Uh, I just want to say say this. I know there's been a lot of uh discussion 374 00:32:30,159 --> 00:32:39,600 and a lot of things you may have seen in the news regarding um the addicts 375 00:32:36,880 --> 00:32:43,440 property that we was on our agenda last week. Um 376 00:32:42,000 --> 00:32:52,880 there's been a lot of questions from from people. Uh I have been referring 377 00:32:47,279 --> 00:32:59,360 people to the um code officers uh or the city YouTube page to to watch the watch 378 00:32:57,519 --> 00:33:03,679 the case, watch the video and see the the evidence that has been presented and 379 00:33:01,840 --> 00:33:07,600 the testimony that's been presented. I don't know what you may have anyone has 380 00:33:05,519 --> 00:33:15,360 ever uh question you or approach you, but I I would say um uh keep keep that 381 00:33:12,320 --> 00:33:20,799 to what we've discussed in the case. You know, we can't try retry this out in in 382 00:33:18,559 --> 00:33:25,840 the public. And I don't know if the city attorney got any other advice that we 383 00:33:23,440 --> 00:33:32,399 might need to consider. Well, my advice would be um to refrain from any 384 00:33:29,679 --> 00:33:37,760 discussion with anybody because you're just like a jury that just tried a case. 385 00:33:34,720 --> 00:33:42,240 So, uh until this is resolved one way or the other, it's my recommendation that 386 00:33:40,000 --> 00:33:47,760 you just defer any questions, be glad to send them to my office and I'll uh do my 387 00:33:44,880 --> 00:33:51,440 best to answer any any questions. >> Okay. 388 00:33:49,519 --> 00:33:57,480 All right then. Okay. Well, if there's nothing further, we will stand 389 00:33:52,960 --> 00:33:57,480 adjourned. Thank you everyone.