Judge hears arguments on Taraba building

A judge in Le Sueur County heard arguments Monday on a building the city has declared hazardous and wants torn down.

The building is located at 100 First Street South (corner of Vine Avenue and First Street).

Robert Whipps of the law firm Christian, Keogh, Moran & King represented the City of Montgomery. Montgomery resident, Francis Meger represented Bob Taraba, the property owner. Meger, who has the power of attorney for Taraba, stated he is in a nursing home and was unable to attend the proceedings.

Whipps called two witnesses to the stand: City Administrator Brian Heck, and Building Inspector Corey Block.

Over the course of several questions, Heck recounted the fire on July 29, 2020, at Taraba’s property at 104 First Street, which spread to 102 First Street owned by Jeff and Maureen Franek. That property butted up to Taraba’s 100 First Street property.

Heck answered questions about how he, Block and the fire department went into the 100 building after the fire, saw the basement was full of water and that the property was full of materials from the previous businesses. Heck also stated the suspended ceiling and insulation in the back of the building was falling down. He also saw broken windows, and issues with the roof.

Heck talked about the action the City Council took last fall when it...

To see more on this story pick up the June 17, 2021 print edition of the Montgomery Messenger.