PORTAGE | The Authority for the Enforcement of Building Standards stopped short Thursday of taking official action to condemn a house at 2893 May St.

Attorney Scott McClure recommended the board first make an official contact with two of the owners of the property, instead of taking the word of the third owner that it would be OK to demolish the house.

Code Enforcement Officer John Siroky said the city ordered the owner to repair the roof of the house in December 2007. Walter Smith got the permit, but no work was done.

In April a letter was sent to Smith, said Building Commissioner Doug Sweeney, but he never responded. The city then obtained a court order to enter the house and did an inspection on Oct. 23 where officials found several problems including holes in the outside walls, no potable water and an inoperable furnace. They ordered Smith to vacate the home the same day and he did so willingly, said Sweeney.

Siroky said the home also is owned by Smith's parents who live outside the area. Smith gave verbal approval for the city to demolish the home and place a lien on the property to recoup the costs.

His parents were never officially notified. McClure said he was "a little hesitant at this point" to have the board issue an order to demolish the house without the parents given an official notification and chance to appear before the board. Smith was not at the meeting Thursday.

McClure said he will draft a letter and send it to Smith's parents asking for a voluntary agreement for the demolition and lien. If they agree, the city can move ahead. If they don't agree or don't answer the letter, the board will have to meet again to take formal action.