GOSHEN BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS: $5,000 fine issued to Goshen property owner

Feb. 22—GOSHEN — In a situation described as involving "willful failure," the Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety at its Thursday meeting approved a $5,000 fine against Goshen residential property owner Ron Davidhizar.

The move stems specifically from ongoing maintenance and habitability issues at Davidhizar's three-unit residential property at 601 N. Fifth St. One of the units was occupied as recently as Thursday morning, while the other two unoccupied units have had longstanding safety and sanitary issues, including trash, vermin and animal excrement which remain around the property.

"I haven't seen any improvement," said Rental Building Inspector Ryan Conrad of the city's Building Department, who has been monitoring the situation.

Davidhizar himself spoke on his own behalf at the public hearing.

"We're taking load after load of trash out of the house," he told the board. "We're working on it an making good progress."

Board member Orv Myers asked Davidhizar for an estimate as to when cleanup of the property can be expected to be completed. In reply, Davidhizar said he hopes to have one unit available for rental within 30 days.

Mayor Gina Leichty indicated such a timeframe would not be acceptable, and that all three units would need to be habitable. Davidhizar replied that he would need 90 days to meet such a deadline. Leichty also noted the city has a responsibility to look out for adjoining property owners as well.

After discussing the matter, a motion was introduced to issue a civil fine of $5,000, discounting a suggestion to delay the issuance until March 14.

The board also affirmed an order of demolition for another property at 304 W. Oakridge Ave., for which property owner Roman Navarro spoke about.

Leichty also swore in four new members of the City Shade Tree Board; Emma Conrad, Natasha Kauffman, Pippen Roth and Kyle Strain.

"Glad to have you on board," Leichty told the new board members.

In other items, the board:

* Approved a number of hirings and promotions for the Goshen Police and Fire departments. Goshen Police hired David M. Stump. Goshen Fire promoted Scott Thomas, John Evans, Travis Peak, Lyle Wingard, Lucas Mason and Jeremy Krezel.

* Considered and approved a refund for homeowners Jeffrey and Cindy Grant of $120.50 (reduced from $241) for irrigation water meter bill charges;

* Denied removal of two stop signs at Hay Parkway and Northstone Road;

* Approved the purchase of a 2024 Chevy Tahoe and 2024 Chevy Silverado for the Goshen Fire Department from Kelley Chevrolet for $97,845.

Steve Wilson is news editor for The Goshen News. You can reach him at steve.wilson@goshennews.com.