-(KMJ) –November 25, 2015, Mayor Ashley Swearengin has signed a Proclamation declaring a local emergency to address the crisis at the Summerset Village Apartments in Central Fresno where residents have been without heat or hot water since November 12.
Fresno Municipal Code Section 2-503 empowers the Mayor to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency when the Council is not in session.
“This has become a crisis due to irresponsible ownership and blatant neglect that has put the health and safety of over a thousand people in jeopardy, this declaration of local emergency gives our administration the authority to ensure that the work is done to our standards.” – Mayor Ashley Swearengin.
The Mayor’s Office contacted the City Attorney’s Office yesterday to begin the legal process. The declaration of emergency will allow the City to waive the requirement for advertised bidding so repairs can commence immediately and expedite the permitting process to move construction forward as soon as possible.
The landlord, Chris Henry, has to begin work on Tuesday, December 1st or the City of Fresno will do the work and bill him for the project.
If the city ends up having to do the work, Mayor Swearengin says the landlord will pay the cost of the needed repairs.
“We are determined to hold the property owner accountable and ensure that the repairs are made as soon as possible and just as determined to make sure that all code violations are addressed.” – Mayor Swearengin.
She said she has spoken to landlord, Chris Henry, and he has agreed to fix the gas line as required.
