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Council fixes $9,239.12 lien for abatement at 310 Hines Street after staff says debris reduced drainage capacity
Summary
After public comment and owner's objection, Athens City Council approved a resolution assessing the city’s abatement cost of $9,239.12 for debris removed from 310 Hines Street, following staff testimony that the material reduced drainage capacity; vote 5-0.
The Athens City Council voted Jan. 12 to fix and assess a lien for $9,239.12 to cover city costs for removing debris from 310 Hines Street.
Public works staff told the council that a debris pile on the lot had been found to occupy a low depression across three adjacent lots and was reducing the site’s capacity to hold stormwater. Staff said they obtained a temporary construction easement from an adjacent property owner, cut a swale to restore drainage to the west and removed rock and concrete debris that they concluded was causing runoff onto neighboring property. The staff presentation noted permit thresholds for engineered fill (applications required above approximately 200 cubic yards) and said the removal restored the original capacity of the depression.
Tito Bridal, who identified himself as the owner of 310 Hines, disputed the city’s characterization and argued the neighboring property also had the same condition and that the city had worked on the neighbor’s lot. He said the city should have assessed the neighbor as well. Resident Amanda Schulte asked whether assessments are automatic or whether the city would re-examine shared drainage effects; staff clarified the assessment determination is made before the council action.
Councilman Creasy moved the resolution to fix and assess costs; after a recorded second the council adopted the resolution by roll call vote, 5-0. The council record shows the abatement action was carried out by the city because the debris was found to disturb a natural drainage way and to harbor pests. The city will place the lien for the abatement costs on the property.
