Included on the list is the historic Rose Lambert-Hynes-Whitlow home at 904 S. Alamo St. The home was built in 1905. Among those properties recommended for demolition is the structure across the street from H-E-B.
The councilmen spent 30 minutes in a workshop prior to the meeting to review the recommendations of inspector Michael Henry.
Of the 31 properties inspected, Henry recommended 21 be demolished, seven were listed as substandard, one is “borderline substandard and dilapidated,” two buildings were declared “substandard” with dilapidated garages that “should be demolished.”
The owners of the homes will have 30 days to appeal the decision.
According to the inspector’s letter, the properties were listed on a letter submitted by Karen Watts, council member, on behalf of a “committee.”
“This letter and invoice reflects my inspections to properties that your committee has targeted as substandard and/or dilapidated,” Henry wrote in a letter addressed to Watts at a mailbox not listed as the city’s.
However, prior to the workshop, Mayor Ray Jaso said he did not know what committee the inspector was talking about and he knew of no meeting by any committee to select the list.
“The committee is the council but I think the letter was submitted by Mrs. Watts,” Jaso said.
Councilman Ron Nelson said it was his understanding as well that the council would serve as the committee.
“Who made up the list? I don’t know,” Nelson said. “There was no committee formed other than the council, as far as I am aware.”
Councilman Frank Hosey said he was also unaware of the alleged committee list.
“There was no meeting that I am aware of in regard to this list of properties,” Hosey said.
The council voted unanimously to adopt the inspector’s recommendations.
Following the meeting, Callie Shreckengost, city secretary, said the list consisted of structures that had complaints filed against them.
In other matters, the council approved a request from Henry’s Mexican Food to serve beer and wine at its new location in the shopping center.
Michael Villarreal said the restaurant will open in September at the former L&L Barbecue location after renovations have been completed.
The council also contracted with Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP for the collection of unpaid municipal court citations. In conjunction with the contract, the council approved an ordinance allowing the firm to tack on a 30 percent charge on any fines collected.
The council also approved a raise in pay for Daniel Tellez in the parks department. Tellez completed his probationary period.
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