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Planning commission reviews unsuccessful cleanup bid for blighted property; no bids received
Summary
Planning staff reported no bids were received for cleanup of a long-term code enforcement violation on two parcels at 2966 (area near Port Troy/Walkerton); staff described enforcement challenges and possible alternative cleanup options.
Planning staff reported to the Marshall County Planning Commission that a county bid solicitation for cleanup of a property located at 2966 and adjacent parcel (noted as near Port Troy/Walkerton) received no bids, leaving the county to consider alternative enforcement or cleanup methods.
Nick, planning staff, said the property has been a code-enforcement case for more than a year, that the property owner has since died and that code enforcement has faced hostility from family members involved. Staff published the cleanup bid in the newspaper, had several inquiries but ultimately received no offers to perform the cleanup.
Photos shown at the meeting depicted debris piles, burned material and a trailer on the two parcels. Staff said some piles are burned after repeated warnings and that involvement of the health department or EPA may be necessary if treated materials were burned. Staff estimated the situation could be addressed with hand crews and limited heavy equipment, but said no contractor stepped forward to bid on the work.
Commissioners asked about alternative approaches, including using inmate labor programs and other county resources; staff said they have discussed those options with commissioners but no programmatic solution is currently in place. The code enforcement officer has used sheriff escorts when court orders are required; staff reported an instance of verbal assault against the officer during enforcement visits.
No formal action was required or taken by the planning commission on this item. Staff said they will keep the matter on file and consider future steps, including re-bidding or pursuing court-based remedies. The commission requested staff return with options if the case remains unresolved.
