CC MIN 1970 - Laserfiche WebLink

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279 effect that Anderson Bros. had been issued permits to demolish 15 buildings on the property, and verified by contract documents, by Mr. Steinhart, attorney for Mr. Benjamin H. Swig, owner of the property. In addition, Mr. Steinhart had also verified to Chief Building Official that pest control operator has been authorized to work with the demolition contractor. These developments were considered indication of owner's cooperation. A series of photographic slides, identified by number within the Report and Recommendation, were shown, illustrating deterioration of the buildings, unsafe wiring, accumulation of debris, and various other violations enumerated in the report. At the request of City Attorney, Chief Building Official stated for the record that the fifty-nine (59) pictures shown were true representations of actual conditions, and the pictures shown to Council were then ordered as received in evidence. Chief Building Official then presented his formal report (copies submitted to Council) titled "Report and Recommendation Regarding Frank's Tannery - 'Notice to Abate Nuisance', Assessor's Parcel #052-385-010 - Owner: Benjamin H. Swig". (See City Clerk's file for full text Abatement) Investigation had been initiated in November, 1969, when the Building Department had been contacted by the County Health Department concerning extensive rodent harborage and other health hazards, and investigation by Fire Department, as well as Building Department, was requested. Authorization to inspect the premises was obtained from the owner, and findings from investigation forwarded to attorney for the owner with the advice that property would be posted within thirty days. Extension to May 20, 1970 was requested and granted, and subsequently, notice was given that the property would be posted June 8, establishing June 22, 1970 for public hearing. In addition to fourteen buildings, there were two other structures, a water tower and brick chimney. The water tower was specifically excluded from the requirement for abatement. It was noted in the report that the Fire Department had responded to 19 alarms at the site since September 1967, one of which, on June 13, 1968, required service of the entire Redwood City Department and the assistance of Woodside, San Carlos and Menlo Park, and which represented cost to the Fire Department of $7,775.00 for man hours and equipment, plus equipment losses of $3,612.00. Costs to abate by demolition were estimated at $12,500 to $25,000, and coordination with the San Mateo County Vector Control specialist would be required, to prevent dispersal of rodents to other areas. Recommendation was that the property and structures, excepting the water tower be declared a public nuisance and be abated by demolition and removal of all debris.