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Resident says code-enforcement notice arrived too late; asks city to review inspector conduct and ADA accommodations
Summary
Donald Schaefer told the council he received a code-enforcement letter after the compliance deadline, said items were removed from his property and requested an itemized fee statement and better accommodations for residents with disabilities. City leadership committed to follow up with the building inspector and to review notification timing.
Donald Schaefer, a Madison resident, addressed the council during public comment on Nov. 4 to raise concerns about a recent code-enforcement action at his home.
Schaefer said the code-enforcement notice gave his household five days to comply but that the letter did not arrive until the sixth day, leaving no practical opportunity to act. He told the council that hand tools and hardware were removed from his property and that he felt the inspector had decided the outcome before speaking with the family.
"We had 5 days to comply or else. Well, we didn't get the notice till 6 day," Schaefer said. "There was no chance for us." He also asked for an itemized statement for fees he says have been assessed and described the total he received as nearly $700, which he called excessive for the work described.
Schaefer also emphasized his health limitations and asked the city to consider ADA accommodations in enforcement notices. He said he has mobility issues and asked for clearer, accessible notices and follow-up processes so residents with disabilities are not disadvantaged.
Mayor (unnamed) acknowledged the concern and said staff would follow up with the building inspector and that the city is working on process improvements to avoid mail-timing problems in enforcement notifications.
Provenance: Public comment begins at 00:22:26 when Schaefer approaches the podium and his remarks continue through 00:27:25; staff comment and pledge to follow up occur immediately after.
