Residents protest notification and costs during Jasper City nuisance-abatement hearing; council sets costs with one exception

The Jasper City Council conducted a public hearing on a set of roughly 10 nuisance-abatement cases and set costs for most of the properties, while a number of property owners and neighbors questioned the city’s notification process and the size of assessed charges.

City staff introduced the nuisance-abatement list and said the cases involved removal of unsafe structures across multiple districts. Staff gave itemized figures for several properties: 800 Fifteenth Avenue (Cathy Marquis) $8,069; 68 Falcon (unsafe structure) $9,733 (rounded from transcript); 2807 Corona Avenue (Phyllis Bowers) $6,505; 811 Highland Avenue (Bridal L. Gann) $5,605; 3302 Calumet Road (James E. and Brenda Aldridge) $14,225; and 2900 Gerald Kennedy Drive (Rhonda L. Knowles) $6,561. The city stated these are costs for removal of unsafe structures carried out by the city or by a contracted demolisher.

Several residents spoke at the hearing. Brenda Aldridge told the council she disputed the mailing and address shown on the city’s notices and said she “didn't get a chance to do anything about it” because certified letters were not receivable in her name and she and her husband have been focused on recent serious health issues. Aldridge said the certified letter for the addressed property was mailed in someone else’s name at the same address, which prevented her from signing for it. The city attorney, identified in the transcript as Mr. Bolton, acknowledged that one of the mailed certified letters had the wrong name while also explaining that other letters for the same case were returned undeliverable and that the city posted the required signs on the property. Mr. Bolton said the city attempted three mailings and had posted notices as required.

Phyllis Bowers, who said she owns multiple properties listed in the hearings, said the costs were “outrageous” and that she and her elderly mother could not afford the assessed liens. Bowers said she lives in Huntsville and therefore did not receive or act on the mailed notices until a city official visited. City staff explained the process available to property owners: they have 30 days after notice to present a plan, obtain permits or request to perform the work themselves; purchasing a building permit can extend certain timelines by six months.

A member of the public criticized the city’s contracting costs and suggested local contractors could perform demolitions for lower amounts; council and staff responded that contractors must be licensed, insured and have proper credentials and city business licenses before being permitted to perform demolitions in the city.

After discussion, the council voted to adopt the resolution setting costs for the nuisance abatements with the exception of one District 4 property (the council explicitly “left that one out” for further discussion). The motion to adopt the resolution (with the stated exception) carried by voice vote (recorded as yes votes). The council offered to have staff and the city attorney meet with residents who raised disputes after the meeting to try to resolve issues such as mistaken mailing names or address inconsistencies.

Why this matters: Nuisance-abatement liens become a charge against properties and can affect owners’ ability to sell or transfer property; residents who assert they did not receive notice said they lost opportunity to respond before work was performed or liens assessed.

What residents said (selected quotes): Brenda Aldridge: “I don't feel like I owe this. I didn't get a chance to do anything about it.” Phyllis Bowers: “The cost is outrageous … my mother … can't afford to pay it.” City attorney Mr. Bolton: multiple mailings were sent and notices were posted; one mailing used the wrong name and some letters were returned undeliverable.

Clarifying details provided in the hearing: the city reported three certified-letter attempts and posted signs on properties; property owners have a 30-day response window before the city moves forward with abatement procedures, and purchasing a building permit can provide a six-month extension to pursue repairs.

Next steps: Council asked residents with unresolved concerns to remain after the meeting and meet with the city attorney and staff to attempt on-the-spot resolution; the council will review the one District 4 property separately as requested.