Heated, emotional remarks from property owner Paul Mundt after being on the stand to answer questions regarding 1170 Hollywood Dr. building — You can hear part of the exchange in the raw video

JACKSON Tenn — Mundt Properties owner Paul Mundt was back in Jackson Environmental Court for a status update on his 1170 Hollywood property.

On Monday Mundt was supposed to have answers to the court and city’s questions from his last appearance on September 15. Questions regarding the disposition and steps made to demolish the building at the 1170 Hollywood complex that was destroyed by fire on January 28, 2014.

Mundt was placed under oath and the city attorney, Lewis Cobb, questioned him about what progress had been made towards demolition. Specifically, contracts for asbestos testing, demolition, and cleaning up debris.

Mundt told Cobb that he had a contract with Bosco Contracting for the demolition and brought the agreement to court. However, Mundt did not know who was being used for asbestos, which is the first step before the demolition can begin. Cobb also questioned Mundt about how long it was taking to get work started.

Judge Anderson asked Mundt why he had not followed his order in June to demolish the building.

Mundt defended his decisions by saying he was always making progress and he was considering multiple options including whether to rebuild or sell property. Mundt said in June he had a serious offer for the property evaluate, a claim he said he notified Lewis Cobb’s office about in writing.

On the stand Mundt became very defensive about the line of questions Cobb was taking, telling the court he was having to repeat answers and was being asked to provide information not earlier requested. Mundt said he brought the contract for the demolition as told to do but had left the asbestos decision to Bosco because that was part of the agreement.

Cobb said that it seemed Mundt was still not taking the issue serious and he wanted to him to understand it is serious to the city, the court, and the neighbors. Cobb told Mundt it was his property, his obligation and his responsibilty to bring all the documents necessary and to have the answers to questions. Cobb said Mundt continues to not make this a priority.

In one exchange on the stand Mundt said to Cobb, regarding why he couldn’t recall certain information, “Do you really believe I would get on this stand and lie? Cobb said “I expect you to come to court with dates and information” Mundt said “I didn’t realize (the asbestos company name) it was important” Cobb said “Do you realize it now?”  Cobb told the Judge he was being very specific because in the past he and Mr Mundt had “to quote Cool Hand Luke, “a failure to communicate””

Cobb told the court the reason he wanted the information was he wanted to know if for example the reason the work had not begun was because payment was required and it hadn’t been paid.

Mundt told the court and Cobb he had the required funds to make payment when it was necessary.

Mundt became even more defensive by the direct comments of the city attorney and by the direction of the questions. Mundt told the court he was being harassed by the city attorney and unfairly targeted. He said he had done everything he had been told to do and “Why am I being treated the way I am being treated, it’s not right”.  Mundt said he has had dealings with the city in the past and he has never been treated like he is being treated this time.  He accused the city attorney of having a personal grudge or vendetta against him.

Mundt then directed his own questions to the court and attorney Cobb. The most serious of the questions were regarding allegations of insurance fraud and why Mr Mundt had received two fire reports. the second report he said was filled with discrepancies and erroneous information. He said the false information cost him a 120 thousand dollar insurance judgement. Mundt asked several time what Cobb knew about a second fire report and the way it was obtained.

At the conclusion, Mundt was fined $50 a day until the work is done and he must return to court next Monday for a status update.