Council asks staff to draft lien‑reduction ordinance with clearer standards and fee recovery for code‑enforcement liens

Town staff and the town attorney presented a proposal to create an interim code‑compliance lien reduction and release policy, plus a fee resolution for processing requests. The packet included an ordinance, a policy draft and a resolution to recover administrative processing costs.

Community standards staff described the current statutory authority: the town already permits applications for lien reduction but lacks written standards that would guide staff, applicants and the special magistrate. Council members questioned whether a denial should bar refiling for a defined period; the town attorney advised a lengthy automatic bar is likely unreasonable and suggested alternatives. Council also debated whether reductions tied to life‑or‑health safety violations should require special handling.

Several council members proposed that where a lien arises from an egregious or life‑safety code violation, the town’s recommendation to the special magistrate should be set by council direction (one council-member suggested requiring a unanimous council recommendation to reduce life‑safety fines). Staff and the attorney said the magistrate typically asks for the town’s position at hearing, and ordinance language can guide the magistrate (for example, minimum reduction thresholds or credits for corrective work).

Council asked that the ordinance ensure the town recoups administrative costs; staff said fees will be calculated to recover town costs (including staff time and contractor charges). Staff also described the special-magistrate process and said changes to a magistrate’s role or the town’s position can be enacted by ordinance. Council gave direction to proceed: staff and the town attorney will prepare the ordinance and the fee resolution for first reading (target: August).