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Council deadlocks on payment for emergency demolition of 402–404 E. Shawnee after owner contests process
Summary
Council considered a $19,700 emergency demolition invoice for 402–404 E. Shawnee but the resolution to remit payment did not receive the votes required; the building owner and staff disputed whether court filings were served before demolition.
The council failed to approve payment for an emergency demolition invoice related to 402–404 East Shawnee after debate about the timing and legal process surrounding the demolition.
Director Wayne Duckman said the property had been declared a chronic nuisance and dangerous structure; bids for emergency demolition were solicited and Albert and Son Earthworks was selected as the lowest responsible bidder at $19,700. Staff reported the demolition was completed December 27, 2024, “within the 120 days of the original posting in accordance with Illinois statute.”
Property owner Akia Sanders (joined by Tiffany Sanders) disputed the city's description of events, saying she had filed paperwork and warned staff not to demolish the building; she told the council she had documentation she said proved she had served the city. Duckman said he was not served and that two prior petitions had been dismissed before the December 27 demolition date; he identified ongoing court activity with a status hearing scheduled March 28.
Council voted on a resolution to remit payment to the contractor; the roll call produced a 3–3 split with one abstention and later the mayor's vote did not produce the five‑member majority the city requires for that resolution. The mayor stated the result did not meet the rule for passage, and the resolution therefore failed. Director Duckman warned that rejecting the invoice could expose the city to additional legal and contractor costs; he said the contractor had a signed bid and had completed the work. Public comment included the owner’s objection and claims of a court‑imposed stay that staff said had not been provided.
Council members asked for clarification about notices, petition and court filings. Duckman provided the timeline: the property was posted for statutory fast‑track demolition on September 3, 2024; petitions filed October 27 and December 19 were dismissed; the December 27 petition was also dismissed and the demolition occurred the same day. A later petition has a status hearing at the county circuit court on March 28.
Because the resolution failed, the invoice was not approved at the meeting. Staff and legal counsel said the contractor may pursue collection through the courts, which could increase city legal costs. The owner said she would pursue her court remedies as well.
