Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council discusses temporary abatement options for 521 Pullen Ave; city can lien abatement costs under nuisance code
Summary
Council discussed options to mitigate a deteriorating house at 521 Pullen Ave—currently attracting raccoons after a hole in the roof—and staff said the city can contract repairs and lien costs under an abatement ordinance (chapter 13.07) if there is no responsible owner.
Council members raised public-health and nuisance concerns about a vacant house at 521 Pullen Avenue that has a large hole in the roof and has attracted wildlife. Code enforcement staff said family members are deceased and Mahoning County has acquired unpaid taxes; the house may ultimately go to sheriff’s sale.
What the city can do: Staff cited the city’s existing real-property nuisance abatement authority (referenced in the meeting as “chapter 13.07, real property public nuisance abatement”) that allows the city to contract for corrective work, charge the cost to the property owner and place a lien that can be certified to the county auditor for collection. Council members discussed contracting to “patch the hole” so animals stop entering and to preserve the structure for eventual sale, but emphasized that the city should lien any abatement costs and file liens promptly so the charge is effective if the property goes to sheriff’s sale.
Why it matters: Council members said the immediate problem—open roof and animals—creates nuisance and safety issues and can otherwise accelerate structural decline. They weighed whether the city should use a contractor under the abatement ordinance or leave the county to pursue taxes and sheriff’s sale. Multiple members argued that the city could contract and then lien the property so it can recoup costs when the property transfers.
Next steps and constraints: Staff agreed to obtain quotes from contractors, and council asked that any abatement work be invoiced and the lien filed promptly. Council discussed that abatement contracts generally fall below formal bidding thresholds (the threshold discussed was the $50,000 figure for competitive bidding) and that the city would contract out the work rather than use city crews for that purpose. Staff will also contact Mahoning County to confirm tax-acquisition status and timelines.
Discussion vs. decision: Council did not direct immediate city-paid repairs that are unpaid without filing a lien; members approved pursuing a contract quote and filing a lien promptly on completion if the city performs or pays for the work.
