Council affirms condemnation order for sidewalk repairs; drainage concerns and cost estimates debated

Council on Monday approved a resolution affirming a condemnation order and directing public sidewalk repairs tied to a property owned by Tony Taylor; the action includes a timeline for the owner to complete repairs before the village takes further steps.

Mark introduced the resolution, described as an affirmative step to require repair of a sidewalk that has standing water and algae buildup. "This is the dot our i's cross our r t's, and I will issue this to him and all the residents on it," Mark said when describing the paperwork and notice process.

Council and staff discussed the scope and cost of fixes. Maintenance staff member Nate collected options and quotes: a basic sidewalk repair option was estimated at about $3,500, while tying the drainage into a catch basin or running drainage farther downhill was described as a much more expensive option (discussion indicated a larger estimate in the tens of thousands). Council asked that the estimate be provided to the property owner and copied to council; the owner will have the time specified in the notice to respond. "If he doesn't, we will" perform the work and assess the cost to the property, Mark said.

Council members raised public-safety and nuisance concerns about standing water that does not drain and can accumulate dirt and algae; they discussed the difference between sidewalk repair (owner responsibility in this case) and larger drainage work that may involve the village and greater expense. Staff said the owner will be given a written estimate and a 45-day response window; if the owner fails to act the village will perform the repairs and assess the cost to the property tax record.