The board reviewed language from a property-control ordinance and a complementary incentive program intended to encourage rehabilitation of vacant or underused downtown buildings. Discussion covered enforcement tools (civil fines, liens, potential foreclosure), minimum property standards, and a new targeted-building grant approach intended to catalyze redevelopment of specific priority properties.

Staff clarified that some of the language being discussed appears in existing codes or state law (for example, statutory lien remedies) and that the proposed local program would identify a small number of targeted buildings for additional incentives rather than a blanket grant program. The board listed candidate buildings for targeted incentives (the Rialto, an unnamed hotel, the Travelers building and a locally referenced "cat/piano" building) and discussed criteria to determine whether a property is being actively reused: permits pulled, lease activity, demonstrated repair/permit work, or use other than storage.

Members asked how enforcement would operate in practice (fines vs. incentives) and whether the city could, in extreme cases, acquire property (imminent domain) or rely on tax-liens and auctions. Staff noted enforcement historically has been uneven and that the new policy intends both to incentivize redevelopment and to provide clarity on when enforcement actions would follow. Several members emphasized incentives and targeted redevelopment grants rather than broad punitive measures.

No final ordinance vote was taken; staff said the ordinance and incentive frameworks will return for more formal review and that property owners will be given notice consistent with statutory requirements.