An appeal for more time ended in disappointment when the City Council found that the Old City Hall property at 34 SE Dorion Ave constituted a nuisance, and refused to grant an extension for repairs. In July 2015, Eduardo Quezada was making flash powder when it exploded, costing him his life.
The Quezada family has purchased most of the materials needed to replace the roof and has them stored on the property. The family estimates that three weeks of good weather is all that is needed to complete the roof. Weather conditions and delivery delays are said to be the reason why the roof is not done.
The hearing began with Pendleton City Attorney Nancy Kerns summarizing the events that led to this point. On July 21st, 2015 an explosion severely damaged the property. Pendleton’s Nuisance Ordinance says that the owner of a building that has been damaged by fire must begin repairs or demolition within 120 days of the fire. This deadline was extended on February 1st, 2016.
On September 23rd, 2016 the City Manager sent a nuisance finding by letter, finding the building to be a nuisance. This was appealed on September 26th by Diana Quezada.
On October 4th, the Pendleton City Council heard the appeal and postponed a decision until October 18th, when the Council affirmed that the property is a nuisance. At the request of the property owner, the Council postponed enforcement of the Nuisance Ordinance on the condition that a new roof be installed before the first City Council meeting of 2017. The deadline was narrowly missed.
According to local contractor and family friend Casey Severe, the family is acting as its own contractor. His voice cracked at times as he described the work currently being done by the family. According to Severe, the Quezadas are “victims of the weather.”
Diana Quezada pleaded, saying that “all the material is there. Not finishing is not an option.”
Councillor Paul Chalmers questioned them about various progress reports that allegedly had never been asked for. According to Chalmers, this is a case of “calling a nuisance for what it is.”
Councillor Becky Marks was not pleased with construction debris in the alley behind the property. “That alley needs to clean up immediately!”
After discussion the City Council found that the property continues to be a nuisance and voted to begin code enforcement. This prompted an outburst from Miguel Quezada: “Thanks for doing your jobs. Jerks!”