MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - A meeting was held on Sept. 6 in Marysville to discuss Hotel Marysville’s destiny following the June 15 fire that destroyed the hotel.

A panel of three building officials not affiliated with the City of Marysville and Dan Flores, Community Development Director, presided over the ‘Appeal Notice of Violation’ hearing. There have been six notices filed and sent to Feather River Plaza LLC, owners of Hotel Marysville, beginning in 2022 with a ‘Notice to Correct’ the building’s issues.

Several witnesses testified that no action had been taken. The attorney representing Feather River Plaza LLC, Caroline Gill stated, “The evidence shows we’ve been talking to the city. There are emails and phone calls,” although she did not present that evidence openly at the meeting. 

Brant Bordsen, the attorney representing the City of Marysville, called upon multiple experts and professionals who gave various testimony as to why the failing structure should be demolished and as soon as possible; since the rainy season is imminent. The building, which has been tested and contains lead and asbestos, can become a health hazard if contaminants enter storm drains and are washed away.

The three main exhibits admitted into evidence were Exhibit 29 which displays asbestos levels, Exhibit 30 that shows the lead report, and Exhibit 31 is the biological report. Adam Jahnsen, Certified Asbestos Consultant, testified that, “Over 89 samples were taken, and Exhibit 19 was the abatement plan for asbestos.”

Jason Zumalt, Public Works Manager, was clearly concerned about rains and storm drains, as he presented a video showing the heavy rains after the June 15 fire, which showed debris movement. He said, “The city blocked drains with towels during the rains to prevent debris from entering.”

John Mallen, Consultant City Engineer, said about the building, “It presents a hazard for surrounding structures and there is no way of controlling ‘in and outs’ of contaminants. And it is my opinion that the top could collapse causing the rest to collapse. It should be demolished at once.”

Other witnesses added that the building is, “unsafe and has to be condemned.” In order to address public safety issues, Public Works Director Vincenzo Corazza gave reassurance that currently there is a 105 feet ‘collapse zone’ surrounded by metal fencing and two security guards positioned near the hotel.

Gill asked very few questions of the opposing witnesses upon cross examination. She concluded during her closing argument that the owners needed more time to produce documents and added, “What is really happening here is that you have the government trying to cut corners trying to take property. It’s unconstitutional. This is not due process. It is absolutely relevant how the fire started.” She also reiterated the fact that the hotel is ‘historic’. Witnesses for the City of Marysville rebutted that ‘public safety precedes the historic element’ of the hotel.

The meeting wrapped up with Bordsen requesting an order to demolish the hotel along with penalties. Flores concluded that the panel needed to make a decision and needed to sift through the documents. And all agreed to take under submission written rulings in the near future.