12-24-19 fdl judge temporarily stays demolition of fdl convent building

A Fond du Lac judge has temporarily stayed the demolition of a vacant convent building pending an appeal by the owner of the building.  Fond du Lac County Circuit judge Robert Wirtz issued his decision regarding the Sisters of the Holy Nativity Convent on East Division Street following a motion hearing Monday afternoon.  Fond du Lac city attorney Deb Hoffman says she is satisfied with the judge’s decision.  “The owner of the building has indicated he is going to appeal to the Court of Appeals and during the time of his appeal there will be a stay in the city taking the building down,”  Hoffman told WFDL news.  The judge also ordered that during the appeal the owner also has to file a $30,000 performance bond.  The convent owner filed  the appeal to prevent the city from demolishing the building.  Monday’s hearing follows a ruling last month where the judge lifted a temporary restraining order clearing the way for demolition of  the building.   The building was severely damaged by  an arson fire in June 2015.  The city has argued that no significant effort has been made to repair the convent and that it presents a danger to the community.   Hoffman says the city didn’t have a choice but to raze the structure.   “No we really don’t,”  Hoffman said.  “My understanding is the owner didn’t have insurance on the property anymore so there’s been no funds he can use to fix the property.   That’s been a problem.”