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Council reviews lengthy code‑enforcement timelines for three dilapidated properties; staff to work with owners
Summary
City staff presented detailed histories of three dilapidated‑structure cases (103 and 106 7th Street; 113 Isom Street), including inspections, missed notices, contractor quotes and prior council resolutions authorizing demolition. Council asked staff to improve notice processes and to work with owners, particularly older residents, before enforcement moves forward.
City planning and code-enforcement staff delivered a detailed timeline of work and communications on three dilapidated-structure cases, prompting council questions about notice, statutory procedure and protections for elderly owners.
Andrew Odom summarized the histories: code enforcement flagged properties in 2024, building officials found violations of the 2021 International Building Codes, and paperwork errors led to restarted timelines. Staff reported multiple demolition quotes for one property (quotes cited in the record ranged from about $17,000 to $20,007.50) and said that, after corrections, the council previously authorized demolition and awarded a contract to a local vendor (record references to “82 Auto Parts” and later corrected language in council resolutions). Odom and code enforcement explained that the statutory notice requirement is to mail to the tax address of record, and when numerous heirs exist staff advised running publication to reach parties.
Councilors pressed staff on two issues: whether certified mail had reached all heirs and whether the new dilapidated-structure permit application and short turnarounds posed undue burdens on elderly owners who may not use electronic forms. Councilor Jackson said he had spoken with family members who indicated contact did take place and suggested the packet had incomplete heir contact evidence; he asked the council to revisit the application steps in a work session so elected officials can better explain the process to constituents.
The mayor and staff said the revised process offers more flexibility and added “safety-net” steps, and committed to working with the property owners to ensure they understand requirements. The council directed staff to gather additional documentation on a separate property (107 7th Street) and to send the library stabilization matter to the Facilities Committee for a timely recommendation.
Quotes "Per the state code, what we're required to do for dilapidated structures is send it to the tax address of record," Andrew Odom said in explaining notice requirements.
"This is all new to them as well," Councilor Jackson said, urging patience and a review of the process for senior residents.
What happens next: staff will follow up with affected owners and return to council with additional documentation; council members proposed a work session early in the new year to examine the process and ordinances.
