GLOBE — Dr. Glenn Wilt, ASU professor of economics and owner of various properties in the local area, appeared in Globe Justice Court on Friday, Feb. 26 in another status hearing regarding the condition of the East Globe School and Hill Street School buildings.

The City of Globe mandated that Wilt make repairs to the buildings before Feb. 23 or he would face sanctions of $480 per day for noncompliance.

City Attorney Kane Graves represented the City of Globe at the hearing, while Wilt represented himself.

Judge Patty Nolan oversaw the proceedings.

The hearing first addressed the mandated improvements to East Globe School, which included the replacement of broken windows, removal of plywood window coverings, repair of the building’s sprinkler system, removal of excessive weed growth, and the removal of six large conex containers from the premise.

Globe Building Inspector Chris Collopy testified and produced pictures showing that not all the windows had replaced, nor had all the containers been removed. Graves presented a fax from Wilt, in which Wilt stated that all windows had been replaced and the plywood removed, calling it a false statement, and adding that “Dr. Wilt has been less than truthful” and is still “not in compliance.” Wilt’s cross-examination of Collopy focused on the plywood coverings still up on a number of the windows. Wilt argued that although there are still a few coverings, most of the windows have been replaced. Wilt then asked about the specific city ordinance which makes plywood coverings unlawful. Collopy testified that plywood is not an approved covering for window frames due to both safety reasons as well as overall property appearance.

Wilt began his defense saying that much progress has been made, but due to the weather, many delays had to be taken into account. In regard to the conex boxes, two had already been removed, but then the truck developed mechanical problems, leaving four still on the property. Wilt commented that the truck would be operational again on Monday, March 1 and that one box per day could be removed after that. Wilt called Paul Shaub to the stand to testify about further progress. Shaub, who oversees the repairs to Wilt’s buildings, also produced photographs showing that most of the windows had been repaired except for three through which the air conditioner runs. These cannot be replaced, argued Wilt, without having to remove the air conditioner. Wilt also testified that the sprinkler system in the building has been repaired and all combustible materials were taken from the building. Globe Fire Marshall Joe Bracamonte was called to verify this, and he stated that the sprinkler system was now in compliance with fire codes.





For the complete article see the 03-03-2010 issue.

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