Staff photo by Fritz Busch The Sleepy Eye City Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday ordering the razing, removing, or correction of hazardous building conditions within 90 days at the former 14 New China Restaurant, 132 Main Street East.

SLEEPY EYE — After discussion Tuesday, the Sleepy Eye City Council unanimously approved a resolution for the owner of a former downtown restaurant to make repairs within 90 days or face legal consequences.

The resolution orders the razing, removing, or corrections of hazardous building conditions at the former 14 New China Restaurant, 132 Main Street East. The last property owner Yi Xiang Zhou, according to Brown County records.

Sleepy Eye City Attorney Alissa Fischer said the status of the building came up some time ago after neighbors voiced concerns about possible mold in the former restaurant.

“You can see from the outside that a building window is open, creating possible health and safety concerns of the property. We got a warrant from a Brown County Judge for the city building inspector Randy King to enter the property and view its condition in January. His report included concerns of significant mold and mildew, very substantial on the second floor,” said Fischer.

Other building concerns were damaged and compromised structural safety of the roof, continued weather exposure, basement wood member damage, personal belongings, fire concerns, unsanitary food preparation areas and restrooms, restricted access and interior door operation preventing adequate exit and entry in case of an emergency.

According to the resolution, the building owner or occupant must remove all personal property and/or fixtures that would interfere with repair work. If property and/or fixtures are not removed and the city enforces the order, the city may sell personal property, fixtures and/or salvage materials at a public auction after three days posted notice.

All order enforcement costs will be specially assessed against the property and collected in according with state laws. The city attorney is authorized to serve the order to the property owner and all lien-holders of record.

The repair resolution originally allowed the building owner 30 days to make repairs. Sleepy Eye City Manager Bob Elston recommended allowing 90 days to make repairs due to the severity of needed repairs. The city council agreed.

Fischer said the building owner is aware the warrant was served and she believes they understand what it means.

“If repairs are not made within 90 days, I could petition the court for summary order enforcement and a hearing about eight weeks later,” she said.

Fischer said if no repairs are made, the City of Sleepy Eye could become the first to own the property prior to it going up for sale. She said to her knowledge, property taxes are up to date on the property.

Taxable market value of the property that ceased doing business several years ago was $86,700 in 2024, according to Brown County records.

“We attempted to work with the owner multiple times over a number of years. We tried to help him out of the situation,” said Councilor Gary Windschitl.

Resolution action came on a motion by Councilor Doug Pelzel, seconded by Christina Andres.