[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6632641,"mediaKeyId","2671235-8974c942b3da9c0c7917604fa881905a","parentId",2671235,"title","Residents report sewage backups and apartment maintenance failures; council refers backflow and enforcement policy to committees","audioSeconds",2451,"startMs",2737000,"endMs",5188000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2671235-8974c942b3da9c0c7917604fa881905a&start=2737&end=5188","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2671235-8974c942b3da9c0c7917604fa881905a/thumbnail_2737000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6632641/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Residents-report-sewage-backups-and-apartment-maintenance-failures-council-refers-backflow-and-enforcement-policy-to-committees","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632641-e8670f9f7a6322d31399b34a9fcabf1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524279&Signature=N7NAQqYzlg-Klw1eYa6Tz6YzKqOs7EXbg9BDgKdWchk9GAiFlwY0gyHjVsQBSX8gzCW6mZjVG8XgV3sn9R74XGCf-BWh3dYPGJ-vCztaV4o4mEWeUSnyaDZG~7pEgfso3Nuo7ZSzjhKUmSQblfcJFgZ8qINnjxvzQiI8BlO~khw3~nQ-qGppyhtZ~n3A8vY4qRsuSxOsoMP7EeDnpglYrKzYmjQKMZDaZPiK4HY3a0GeEX8myVO~VvtHZvm0UJx9tAEsdgFQ5tTSnruxCmRRg7YKDR-lJijz8h7LDFQCzdYEzb1PkYxXUE7Irn-2pocr7kqFraqoKK-FX7E7cdojtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Southfield","date","2025-03-18T17:00:09.35Z","article","Multiple renters and residents told the Southfield City Council on March 17 that apartment sewage backups and chronic maintenance problems are affecting tenants’ health and safety, and they urged the city to compel better owner compliance and enforcement.

Stacy Jackson, who identified herself as a Southfield resident, told the council there had been prior public testimony about sewer backups (including raw sewage) and said she was alarmed that the city had not held some large multifamily property owners accountable after years of noncompliance. “Shutting off a resident’s water is not an option,” Jackson said, stressing the potential public-health consequences if enforcement relies on water shutoffs.

Several other speakers described similar concerns. Keith Harris said tenants had experienced raw sewage backing up into kitchens and bathrooms and that renters face large bills and poor living conditions. Alicia Clabon raised a separate complaint about a deteriorated fence at the Webster and Peers intersection and cited a code reference she said applied (she referenced “Code 4 34”).

Council response and next steps: Council President (presiding) and the city administrator told residents that the city does not currently shut off water in multifamily-residential enforcement cases and that the Neighborhood Services Subcommittee will review policy options with the Department of Public Works and the building department. The city administrator advised renters with unaddressed in-unit sewage or habitability issues to contact the Building Department at (248) 796-4100 so staff can perform an inspection and require repairs if code violations are found.

City administrator’s summary (paraphrased from the meeting): the building department conducts routine inspections for homes and apartments, and it will step in when landlords fail to address sewage or other health and safety issues. The administration acknowledged that backflow-preventer requirements are relatively new and enforcing compliance in multifamily properties nationwide is challenging; many jurisdictions respond to noncompliance by shutting off water, but Southfield’s approach is to seek other remedies because water shutoffs would affect many residents.

Why it matters: Several speakers described raw sewage and unsanitary conditions that, if verified, pose health and habitability concerns for tenants and could require legal or enforcement action by the city. Council members and the administrator said they will review enforcement tools, consider a “heavier hammer” for noncompliant property owners and ask staff and committees to develop options.

Resources and contacts mentioned at the meeting:
- Southfield Building Department inspections and code complaints: (248) 796-4100 (as noted by the city administrator)

Provenance: public comments describing sewage backups began with a resident statement about apartment water and backup problems; the city administrator’s procedural response and referral of enforcement review to committee occurred later in the meeting when staff and administration responded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","MARCH 17, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple renters and residents told the Southfield City Council on March 17 that apartment sewage backups and chronic maintenance failures are creating unsanitary conditions; council leaders said the city will review enforcement and inspection options through its Neighborhood Services Subcommittee and building department.","taxTitle","Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan","taxId",76298,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632646,"Southfield council approves consent agenda, two ordinances and joint resolutions; Greenfield resurfacing includes $50,000 city share",2532,1679000,4211000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2671235-8974c942b3da9c0c7917604fa881905a&start=1679&end=4211","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2671235-8974c942b3da9c0c7917604fa881905a/thumbnail_1679000.jpg","/articles/6632646/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Southfield-council-approves-consent-agenda-two-ordinances-and-joint-resolutions-Greenfield-resurfacing-includes-50000-city-share","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632646-8ea42a7c4e583ea5c0bd7451e6be42b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524279&Signature=C4DakOGAi3pv3K9~brFATzDFKRhV1oOLAqiJ8T6j5MDPbafxUkIDcPakKXaHC6s3G~fvENLhb2QanMQg5i5Lt2sfp-wVE9kVoMAQL~Dc03zEtLMS5T9eG3fHzbADXpvl86AdSo-er83Z~xS6oU2GrA4CgRQOkwVqqSD2vazNkNuvoQyyXDA2YYjM57ZE1aOGuxwmTAxMv7mxO2V2yPJd8FzyM17jGboDO9UvRKih4UNqs1i3F4b7~dRYTcVTMSrj46FtMJFFOTFJuEb3w5bcWO4Pd7wZRRRRCHNCDmWXZ-m4l6FCMSiBCl61Bo6qA~7l3uM24-bVazLwunqDjjON0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Southfield City Council on March 17 approved a package of routine and time-sensitive items, including a 12-item consent agenda, two enacted ordinances and two joint resolutions, and authorized a cost participation for a Greenfield Road resurfacing project.

The council voted to accept the consent agenda (items A–L), which included purchases, contract extensions and a cross-participation agreement for Greenfield Road resurfacing between 12 Mile and 13 Mile. Council members noted the city’s share for that resurfacing is $50,000 of a roughly $3,000,000 total project, with the balance provided through county and federal funding.

Other actions approved with brief motions:
- Joint resolution proclaiming March 2025 as Women’s History Month (moved by Councilman Cruz; supported by Councilman Hicks; motion carried).
- Joint resolution recognizing World Water Day on March 22, 2025 (moved by Councilman Cruz; supported by Councilman Hicks; motion carried).
- Enactment of Ordinance No. 1807 (moved by Councilman Brightwell; supported by Councilman Cruz; motion carried).
- Enactment of Ordinance No. 1808 (moved by Councilman Brightwell; supported by Councilman Hicks; motion carried).
- Approval of travel expense for Councilwoman Hogue for a January NML meeting (moved by Councilman Hicks; supported by Councilwoman Haynes; motion carried).

Votes and movers: Many items were approved by voice vote after a single motion and second. Where recorded on the transcript, motions were moved and supported as noted above; the meeting used an aye/no voice vote and motions were recorded as carried when no opposition was voiced.

Why it matters: The Greenfield Road resurfacing is the most substantive infrastructure commitment approved at the meeting. The city’s $50,000 contribution is a small local share of a multi-jurisdictional $3,000,000 resurfacing project scheduled for this summer; councilmembers highlighted the relatively low local cost because of county and federal funding partnerships.

What happened next: Council set a public-hearing date for the Middle Point project under the consent agenda (the development file is large and the administration said it will be distributed in smaller parts for review). The council also pulled item G (extension of irrigation system maintenance) for clarification during consent-agenda consideration before approving the full package.

Provenance: motions and voice votes for the joint resolutions begin at the March 17 meeting’s presentation of resolutions; the consent-agenda motion and Greenfield Road cost-share remarks appear later in the meeting when the clerk called the consent agenda and the mayor described the Greenfield Road funding split.","At its March 17 meeting the Southfield City Council approved 12 consent-agenda items, enacted ordinances 1807 and 1808, accepted joint resolutions proclaiming Women’s History Month and World Water Day, and approved a county cost-participation for Greenfield Road resurfacing. Most items passed with routine motions and no extended debate.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632651,"Oakland County treasurer urges residents to seek help before March 31 tax-foreclosure deadline",608,91000,699000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2671235-8974c942b3da9c0c7917604fa881905a&start=91&end=699","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2671235-8974c942b3da9c0c7917604fa881905a/thumbnail_91000.jpg","/articles/6632651/Southfield/Oakland-County/Michigan/Oakland-County-treasurer-urges-residents-to-seek-help-before-March-31-tax-foreclosure-deadline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632651-7df6d9bd0e33f665bc86077d7235a537/orig.mp4?Expires=1770524279&Signature=imUUJQW046bZB0-vqS4kZTMCF~nfgYa5PyK0yQuFVuRgMl~YgdBTNTAr~Tb-SYrjF9HXAN3TVDPOWkdEV7NjbYL0GYY8yUbPvY2l9sckANDoC7cI3tHQXpYSKt5PAlxoXphSC2MtUgQOwYvcH45euvnQgY9cSY6MBmUlYt7nFVYkQT2Dsf6BCqWcCMJTPY01ZMiLHK0LsxVSbEuaez8V0-7xZO9S32j89mFTmeyQCfxQP32APxuUZfQ2fy4IA7caZC~ykosdMd-rY261kn55YZBEuP~ZM4~vjlkZhQXcSwTp3dKWMYHhsEoVV1jAqD1pHmBbxoNDBv2owspg7NcanA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oakland County Treasurer Robert told the Southfield City Council on March 17 that March 31 is the foreclosure deadline for taxes three years and older and urged residents who owe 2022 and prior tax years to contact the treasurer’s office for repayment plans or other assistance.

Robert said the county’s tax-foreclosure process runs on a three-year cycle: year one is delinquency, year two is forfeiture and year three is foreclosure. He described taxpayer assistance meetings, repayment agreements and outreach the treasurer’s office uses to avoid sales, and noted that county law now allows some former owners to claim surplus proceeds if a foreclosed property sells for more than taxes, interest and fees.

Why it matters: foreclosure sales permanently transfer title under state procedure and — unlike many mortgage foreclosures — Michigan law provides no redemption period after the third year. The treasurer emphasized that prevention depends on people contacting the office before the March 31 deadline.

Key details from the presentation:
- Deadline: March 31 is the foreclosure deadline for any tax year three years old or older; in 2025 that means taxes for 2022 and earlier are subject to foreclosure.
- County scale: Treasurer cited 41,465 parcels turned over as delinquent across Oakland County in a recent cycle and said about 39,000 taxpayers paid in full or entered repayment arrangements; he said the county sold far fewer parcels at auction (131 foreclosures cited for a recent year) than were turned over delinquent.
- Local figures: the treasurer reviewed Southfield-specific data for earlier cycles (the treasurer read figures for 2020 and 2021 tax cycles and said Southfield’s recent foreclosure counts were low compared with past years).
- Claim form: the treasurer said the law was changed in recent years so that after a foreclosure sale anyone with a recognized interest may submit a claim form (the treasurer said the county proactively sends the form) and judges then decide entitlement to surplus proceeds; the deadline to file the claim form was given as July 1 following foreclosure.
- Assistance and limits: the treasurer said the office can offer repayment agreements and help residents find grants or counseling, but it cannot reduce the principal tax, interest or statutory fees.

Resources and referrals cited by the treasurer:
- Oakland County Treasurer’s general number: (248) 858-0611 (for information and appointments)
- Financial Empowerment Center (budgeting and coaching): (248) 858-0672
- Treasurer’s web page: oakgov.com/treasurer
- Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund (myHAP) — a MSHDA program funded with federal COVID-era dollars that previously provided up to $25,000 per household for qualified households; the treasurer said that program’s funds are exhausted.
- Lakeshore Legal Aid (free legal help for low-income residents and seniors; excludes criminal matters): 1-888-783-8190, lakeshorelegalaid.org

What the treasurer said about outreach: “We are not trying to foreclose on people,” Robert told the council, saying his office visits properties, posts notices and sends multiple statutorily required mailings to inform owners. He said the treasurer’s office is producing short informational videos explaining the tax timeline and options.

Council discussion and questions: Council members thanked the treasurer for outreach and asked about the timeline and past programs. Councilman Brightwell asked for clarification about surplus proceeds and the judicial claim process; the treasurer replied that multiple claimants must submit forms and the judge allocates any surplus. The mayor and other council members asked whether federal relief programs remain available; the treasurer said the Step Forward program had been exhausted earlier and that myHAP funds had been spent by late 2023 or early 2024.

Takeaway: the treasurer emphasized that homeowners or anyone aware of residents owing 2022 and earlier taxes should contact the treasurer’s office immediately to request a taxpayer assistance meeting or learn about potential exemptions or third-party resources. After March 31 the county’s foreclosure process advances and options narrow under state statute.","Oakland County Treasurer Robert told the Southfield City Council on March 17 that March 31 is the statutory deadline for foreclosing on tax years three years old or older and urged residents owing 2022 and earlier taxes to contact the county for repayment options and assistance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents report sewage backups and apartment maintenance failures; council refers backflow and enforcement policy to committees

Southfield council approves consent agenda, two ordinances and joint resolutions; Greenfield resurfacing includes $50,000 city share

Oakland County treasurer urges residents to seek help before March 31 tax-foreclosure deadline