08/10/2009 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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27501 Butternut Ridge Road and the annex building at 27253 Butternut Ridge Road. The district requests to demolish the house due to its poor condition and vacancy, which makes it uninsurable. Before the schools purchased the house the copper plumbing was stolen making the heating system nonoperational. The school district liability insurance covers the house to some degree, but fire insurance is not possible. The insurance company inspected the house and considers it a nuisance structure. They are not comfortable with the many safety and security concerns and have requested the windows be boarded. The Board of Education has done everything they can to secure the property short of boarding up the windows. Currently there is no outdoor lighting; they do not want to be a nuisance to neighbors. Mr. Thomas suggested lights be left on in the house. Mr. Matson agreed that was a possibility; doors show evidence of attempted forced entry. There is also a garage and a shed on the property slated for demolition. Mr. Schock suggested the installation of a motion detector or alarm system. Mr. Matson indicated the Board of Education would prefer to spend the money in and for the schools. Mr. Matson said the Board of Education has some flexibility concerning the timetable of demolition, although the potential liability and lack of fire insurance is an issue. They recognize and respect the Historic District and have sought to keep the property maintained and clear of overgrowth. The goal is to create a blended campus atmosphere with additional green space and landscaping on this lot; no structure is planned. The butternut tree on the property will be saved. Mr. Schock wondered why the Board of Education bought the house just to tear it down for green space. Mr. Schumann noted the house was owned by the Board of Education in 1952 for about a year and then sold it to Henry Caster. Mr. Matson said during that year it was used as an administrative center. Properties were sold to fund building projects. It was purchased again recently to square off the school property; it gives the board more control over the campus. Mr. Matson feels the property is landlocked, and the BOE has consistently discussed acquiring property. The home was vacant and for sale for an extended period of time, and was badly damaged when the schools bought it. Mr. Schock noted that building preservation consultant Steve McQuillen suggested other uses for the house such as a residence for visiting teachers, staff, or as a daycare center. Mr. Matson said some of those ideas have been discussed. The school system is not in the rental business; it would distract from the mission of educating students. It is not suitable for a daycare. The board discussed offering all day kindergarten, but the structure is too small and does not suit the needs of active young children. Mr. Schumann asked about the possibility of moving the home to Frostville Museum. He said a dialogue could be opened between the Olmsted Historical Society and the Board of Education. Mr. Schumann asked if the board would be willing to pay part of the moving cost. Mr. Matson replied he does not think the board would stand in the way of the home being relocated. With regards to funding, he would have to present the request to the board. The North Olmsted Schools are facing financial challenges. Mr. Thomas noted the demolition application listed a cost of $7500. He suggested that money could instead be used to move the house. Mr. Matson said the $7500 was a guess. Mr. Schumann offered an estimate of between $22,000 and $25,000 to move the home to Frostville. Mr. Matson asked if only the original portion would be moved. If so, there would also be disassembly costs and other expenses associated with clearing and leveling the property. Mr. Herwick asked, as an alternate plan, if the board would allow the Olmsted Historical Society to take parts of the home, such as wood and stones for future use.