Bill King and John Rankine, who own the property at 1 Washington St., scolded Planning commissioners during public comments for discussing that property in open session without notifying them.
King described the “lengthy discussion” at the October commission meeting as “unprofessional.” He said he could have easily clarified the misinformation presented at that meeting had he been notified.
In October, commissioners questioned the property’s status as a legal, non-conforming fourplex. “We’ve been down this road before,” King said, as he explained that former Building Inspector and Code Enforcement official Bobby Ray had researched and found the property already divided into apartments in the 1980s. King and Rankine bought the property in 2003, and it should have appeared on a 2005 list of similar multi-family properties.
King further stated that parking has never been an issue for his tenants. He also noted that the fourplex had been occupied long before the current neighbors moved in.
Rankine agreed with King’s statements, and added, “During the election, everyone said affordable housing would be their top priority — just not in their neighborhood.”
Newly hired Building Inspector Jacob Coburn had been scheduled to attend the meeting, but his visit will be postponed until January. The commissioners had hoped to discuss the topic of minimum property maintenance with him, and they brought out some areas to pursue.
Commissioner Susan Harman asked about ordinances which have been adopted by the city, but not codified, and Chair Ann Tandy-Sallee said she had seen some important ordinances not codified. The commission will return to that topic in coming meetings.
City Historic Preservation Officer Kyle Palmer said he will check to see if the International Building Code, which the city has adopted, has a section dealing with property maintenance. Tandy-Sallee said that would simplify the commission’s work.
The commission will next meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Officers will be elected for 2023. Commissioners were asked to bring topics for a “wish list” for the coming year.