Magistrate orders cleanup at 533 NE Washington Street; fines will begin if property not brought into compliance

Special Magistrate Stephanie Marchman on May 1 ordered that the property at 533 Northeast Washington Street be cleaned up within 15 days after finding that the city followed notice requirements and that the property is in violation of city code.

City staff testified that certified notices were mailed, that a notice of hearing was posted at the property and city hall, and that photographs show tree debris and refuse across the vacant lot. The city sought a 15-day compliance period and requested a $50-per-day fine beginning on the 16th day and administrative postage fees of $19.28.

Francine Cole Ruffin (on the record as “Miss Ruffin”) contested ownership during earlier proceedings, but the city confirmed ownership records through the Columbia County Property Appraiser. Marchman said, “I’m gonna find that the city followed the notice requirements in the code,” and granted the city’s requested abatement timeline and fines.

A caller and others on the record discussed whether the city could seek foreclosure after fines accrue; city staff asked whether the order could include language to allow foreclosure after statutory waiting periods. Magistrate Marchman said she could not order foreclosure at this time and explained the city must first allow fines to accrue and follow statutory processes.

The order requires cleanup within 15 days. If the property is not brought into compliance within 15 days, a $50 daily fine will begin to accrue on day 16 as a lien on the property; the city was awarded administrative postage costs of $19.28. The magistrate will send a written order to the address on file.