Owner of Black Building in downtown Fargo faces possible arrest for boiler problems

Lobby of the Black Building

The Black Building is seen Tuesday, April 1, 2014, in Fargo, N.D. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor

The Black Building is seen in this composite photo Tuesday, April 1, 2014, in Fargo, N.D. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor

The Black Building is seen Tuesday, April 1, 2014, in Fargo, N.D. Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor

FARGO - A Fargo city prosecutor says he may soon issue an arrest warrant for an owner of the historic downtown Black Building for allegedly failing to properly install a new boiler system in the 84-year-old building.

City officials say the boiler system, which inspectors ordered to be fixed last year, isnt bringing in enough clean air to operate and so may be recycling old air throughout the building, which could cause dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide.

A city prosecutor who was unable to serve a subpoena on co-owner Lloyd Sampson said an arrest warrant may be issued in municipal court to get Sampsons brother, Daniel, another co-owner, before a judge to compel addressing the issue.

Theyre not cooperative at all, Assistant City Attorney Jason Loos said.

DTL Properties, which owns the Black Building, could face a fine of up to $81,000, or $1,000 per day for each day the company is alleged to have been in non-compliance. The city accuses the owners of DTL Properties of failing to comply with city code from Dec. 6 through Feb. 25.

Lloyd Sampson said in an interview Monday he is aware the city was trying to bring them to court, but he called the entire situation a misunderstanding.

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Owner of Black Building in downtown Fargo faces possible arrest for boiler problems