Opelika approves $30,000 settlement in long‑running code‑enforcement lien case over city objection
Summary
The commission voted 3‑2 to accept a $30,000 mediated settlement with the owner of 2060 Rutland Street, resolving a code‑enforcement lien that had grown to $184,000; some commissioners criticized the settlement as setting a poor precedent.
The City Commission approved a mediated settlement with Papucius LLC over a long‑running code‑enforcement dispute tied to 2060 Rutland Street. The lien had accumulated daily fines dating to 2017 and reached approximately $184,000 before the parties entered mediation. The owner offered $30,000 as a settlement, which the commission approved by a 3‑2 vote. Vice Mayor Kelly and Commissioner Santiago argued against accepting such a steep reduction and cited the city’s earlier amnesty offer (which the owner declined) and the need to enforce city codes consistently. Vice Mayor Kelly said accepting the settlement could set a precedent for other properties with large fines. Commissioner Santiago defended the settlement as a pragmatic recognition that some liens are difficult to collect in full. City staff explained the litigation history: enforcement began in 2017 over unsightly conditions and accumulating fines; the matter entered mediation in 2024. The city attorney advised that settlement was within the city’s legal options and that the lien would remain a recorded encumbrance if applicable. After debate, the clerk recorded a 3‑2 vote to accept $30,000 to resolve the claim. Speakers included Vice Mayor Joseph K. L. Kelly, Commissioner Louis B. Santiago, City Manager and city legal staff.
