Ongoing Code Violations at Ostrander Court Residence Addressed by Knox Board of Works

Knox Board of Works members held a public hearing on Wednesday morning to go over a handful of rental properties that have been a topic of discussion for months.

Building Administrator Kenny Pfost has issued several orders against Melvin Zeiters for properties with code violations, starting back in March. He also informed members in the past that none of the properties have been registered for 2018.

The property owner was present at the hearing. When addressed about the registration and inspection fees not being turned in for the year, Zeiters told the members that he did fill out and mail in the paperwork and it must have been lost somehow.

The individual who assists Zeiters with repairs and property maintenance also explained that they were waiting to pay the fees associated with registration until all the excess fines were assessed for the properties with issues. They both expressed their willingness to turn in the papers and get the fine paid immediately.

Members acknowledged that progress has been made at the other properties owned by Zeiters and that the main problem that remains is the residence situated at 310 Ostrander Court where lots of junk is in the yard, including a boat and a car on trailers. If you’re in a similar situation, check out cash for scrap cars Wollongong.

Zeiters explained that there is a former tenant of his who was evicted from a Lewis Street property for not paying rent who is living at the Ostrander house. Zeiters said that individual is responsible for a majority of the junk on the property. Zeiters claims they had it all cleaned up a few weeks ago and new vehicles were brought in.

He added that he talked with an employee at the courthouse and was told that he could only evict the person on the lease and since the resident is an unofficial tenant he doesn’t appear on the lease so he cannot be evicted. He also noted that he’s hesitant to have the items hauled off since there’s a chance the individual could file a police report against him for theft.

Zeiters was advised by member Steve Dodge that there are legal avenues he can take to address the issue.

He told Zeiters, “There are attorneys that you can talk to and pay that can give you the advice that you’re supposed to get.” Dodge went on, “It’s not our job to give you advice, it’s not our job to figure out how you’re going to get it done, it’s our job to make sure the property gets cleaned up and stays that way.”

After a bit more discussion, members passed a motion to forgo the overdue charges for the late registration as long as Zeiters addressed that immediately. Additionally, the motion stated that Zeiters has until the next meeting to get the junk cleared from the yard or he will face additional financial consequences.

Pfost noted that Zeiters stayed after the meeting to fill out and turn in the necessary paperwork and paid the standard associated fees. Zeiters indicated that he is going to speak with an attorney about the items owned by the unofficial occupant residing at the Ostrander Court residence.