Bradley County panel directs attorney to seek quotes for full cleanup of 1770 Spring Place

The Bradley County finance committee on Feb. 5 authorized the county attorney to obtain quotes to remediate property at 1770 Spring Place after a recent court hearing expanded the scope of cleanup.

Crystal Fryberg, the county attorney, told the committee the court’s drafted order "will include everything on the property, all automobiles, all structures, so basically completely clear off the property," a change she said will likely increase cleanup costs. Fryberg said the court issued permissive timing to give the county discretion about how to proceed.

Fryberg urged the committee to seek quotes from firms the county normally uses for environmental cleanups and noted a procurement threshold: projects under $25,000 do not require formal bidding; projects above that amount must be bid. "If the quotes are more than $25,000, obviously, we're gonna have to punt, go back, and we would have to bid out the project," she said.

Commissioners asked whether cleanup would prevent people from re‑occupying the property. Fryberg said the court order bars the named resident, Walter Ratcliffe, from residing on the property and requires a no‑trespassing sign; the county would pursue enforcement through law enforcement and could place a lien to recoup cleanup costs. "We would put a lien on the property for that amount," she said, adding that recovery depends on whether the property ever sells.

Commissioner Denny Hughes moved to direct the county attorney to obtain quotes; Commissioner Slater seconded. The motion carried 5–0.

The committee instructed Fryberg to proceed with getting estimates and return with recommended next steps, including whether formal bidding will be required and the expected cost implications.