News (Media Awareness Project) - CN BC: Safety, Health Violation Inspections On Way |
| Title: | CN BC: Safety, Health Violation Inspections On Way |
| Published On: | 2005-11-19 |
| Source: | Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-08-19 05:07:09 |
SAFETY, HEALTH VIOLATION INSPECTIONS ON WAY
An integrated team of municipal and health officials will be
inspecting two drug houses next week to look for safety and health
violations.
Police said the houses at 822 and 826 Esquimalt Rd. were in deplorable
condition when they burst in early Friday and arrested 17 people, but
the municipality is limited in actions it can take with so-called
nuisance properties.
"Esquimalt wasn't advised of the investigation or the raid," said
Brenda Warner, Esquimalt director of corporate services.
"We have no authority to go in without giving proper notice. We have
to give 24 hours notice to go in."
The houses are owned by the estate of John Ruffolo. Ruby Ann Ruffolo,
47, his widow, has been charged with first-degree murder in the 2003
death of her husband.
Ruby Ann Ruffolo is embroiled in a legal dispute with her
father-in-law over her husband's estate, which also includes a
property at 1127 Norma Court, a cul-de-sac near the corner of Lampson
Street and Esquimalt Road that also has been a problem house for Esquimalt.
Described by neighbours as a flophouse for drug users, the Norma Court
house has been the subject of numerous neighbourhood complaints.
The Ruffolo properties are being administered by a court-appointed
trustee, lawyer Dale Henley.
Henley said he's trying to work with all parties, including the
municipality, to resolve the problems. He could not comment on whether
the properties were slated for sale.
"I have to act in the best interest of all the parties who have an
interest in this estate," Henley said.
Warner said the municipality's integrated bylaw enforcement team had
been to the Esquimalt Road properties Sept. 29 and only minor bylaw
infractions and health concerns were found.
The inspection team is composed of a bylaw enforcement officer,
building and plumbing inspector, fire inspector, electrical inspector,
health officer, a human-resources representative and police.
The police wanted the team to go in Friday, Warner
said.
"Well, we have no authority to go in [Friday.]"
An integrated team of municipal and health officials will be
inspecting two drug houses next week to look for safety and health
violations.
Police said the houses at 822 and 826 Esquimalt Rd. were in deplorable
condition when they burst in early Friday and arrested 17 people, but
the municipality is limited in actions it can take with so-called
nuisance properties.
"Esquimalt wasn't advised of the investigation or the raid," said
Brenda Warner, Esquimalt director of corporate services.
"We have no authority to go in without giving proper notice. We have
to give 24 hours notice to go in."
The houses are owned by the estate of John Ruffolo. Ruby Ann Ruffolo,
47, his widow, has been charged with first-degree murder in the 2003
death of her husband.
Ruby Ann Ruffolo is embroiled in a legal dispute with her
father-in-law over her husband's estate, which also includes a
property at 1127 Norma Court, a cul-de-sac near the corner of Lampson
Street and Esquimalt Road that also has been a problem house for Esquimalt.
Described by neighbours as a flophouse for drug users, the Norma Court
house has been the subject of numerous neighbourhood complaints.
The Ruffolo properties are being administered by a court-appointed
trustee, lawyer Dale Henley.
Henley said he's trying to work with all parties, including the
municipality, to resolve the problems. He could not comment on whether
the properties were slated for sale.
"I have to act in the best interest of all the parties who have an
interest in this estate," Henley said.
Warner said the municipality's integrated bylaw enforcement team had
been to the Esquimalt Road properties Sept. 29 and only minor bylaw
infractions and health concerns were found.
The inspection team is composed of a bylaw enforcement officer,
building and plumbing inspector, fire inspector, electrical inspector,
health officer, a human-resources representative and police.
The police wanted the team to go in Friday, Warner
said.
"Well, we have no authority to go in [Friday.]"
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