The Sweetwater City Council on Jan. 13 ordered repair, rehabilitation or demolition within 35 days for two residential properties deemed dilapidated after a public hearing and sworn testimony by code enforcement officers.

Samantha Morrow, the city attorney, swore in two code enforcement officers before the hearing on 204 East Alabama Avenue. A code enforcement officer described extensive damage at that property, saying, “The whole property is is just garbage. ... The roof is caved in. There’s actually dogs living in there,” and added that the interior was “atrocious” and the smell “nauseating.” Staff said written notices had been mailed beginning in early November and that no owner representatives appeared at the hearing.

After closing the public comment period, the council voted to declare the property dilapidated and ordered the owner to repair, rehabilitate or demolish the structure within 35 days of the order.

The council then reopened a public hearing on 1212 Kiowa Street. Code enforcement told the council the house is “totally dilapidated,” visible from the public right‑of‑way, and sits on a corner lot that would be attractive for redevelopment if cleared. Staff said certification mailings were returned and that no responsible party appeared. The council closed the hearing, returned to regular session and approved an identical 35‑day order for repair, rehabilitation or demolition.

Both actions carried on voice votes with all members present saying “aye.” The city attorney and code enforcement officers were present for both hearings and the council read the orders into the record before voting.

What happens next: the orders require the property owners to comply within 35 days or the city may pursue demolition or other remedies outlined in code enforcement procedures. The council did not specify a demolition contractor or exact follow‑up timeline beyond the 35‑day compliance window.