It appears one man’s code violations are another man’s treasure.
The Oxford-based Valley Building & Repair Co. last week was awarded $19,970 worth of work to correct building and fire code violations at the Oxford Veterans Memoral Civic Center (28 N. Washington St.), which is owned and operated by the township.
Officials admitted they were ‘not crazy? about having to spend all this money, but it’s necessary to bring the old building into compliance and avoid potential lawsuits stemming from someone getting injured as a result of a violation. ‘I would hate to have an accident or an injury,? said Clerk Clara Sanderson.
On Oct. 15, the building, commonly known at the Vets Hall, which hosts senior citizen activities, alcoholics anonymous meetings and township meetings, was written up for having 18 fire code violations.
Some of those violations included using extension cords as permanent wiring for a freezer in the basement, an overloaded power strip above a refrigerator, storage in stairways and insufficient clearance around heating units and electrical panels.
Valley Building & Repair was hired by the township for $2,500 to correct the fire code violations and relocate an existing electric heater to the east masonry wall for another $600. The heater currently sits under a coat rack. Officials also approved $1,200 for permits.
On Oct. 22, the township was notified by the village building inspector that the Vets Hall’s southern exterior wall at the stairway leading from the second floor ‘needs immediate repairs.? Valley Building & Repair was hired to construct new brick walls and a new porch at a cost of $15,670 plus any permit costs.
It was noted the company was the only bidder for the job. ‘I tried to solicit bids (over the phone),? said Treasurer Joe Ferrari. ‘Unfortunately, I think they realized the type of problem and the breadth of the problem that we’re dealing with. I only got one person to submit a bid.?
‘There are only certain people that will fix these old buildings,? noted Trustee Sue Bellairs. ‘I know Valley Building does a good job. I think they might be a little more expensive, but maybe not in the long-run.?
Speaking as a former builder, Supervisor Bill Dunn said, ‘Any time you end up doing a (remodeling) or (work) in an older building, you have to put some sort of a higher price on stuff because you don’t know what in the world you’re going to uncover when you open up a wall.?