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Council grants resident extra time to clean up 2435 Lake Road property after extended debate
Summary
After a lengthy exchange, the Detroit Lakes City Council approved a motion to give resident Doug Branchhog 60 days to clean up the front yard of his property at 2435 Lake Road and set a later deadline for the back-of-property work; staff will inspect progress and the city warned it may hire a vendor and put costs on Branchhog's taxes if the work is not done.
Doug Branchhog told the Detroit Lakes City Council he needs more time to comply with a nuisance-abatement resolution for 2435 Lake Road, citing long-haul trucking work, repeated thefts from his lot and the time required to move heavy equipment. “I don't have a plan, but I was going to ask for at least 60 days to get the front all straightened out,” Branchhog said.
Council members debated whether to give Branchhog a short extension or a longer deadline that would let him finish both the front and back of the property. One council member said neighbors near Branchhog's house had not complained and urged leniency; other members warned that repeated extensions had delayed enforcement since the property was annexed in 2022.
The council discussed practical obstacles, including winter weather and the city's obligation to hire a contractor if the deadline passes. Kelsey, a city staff member, told the council that if the city must remove materials after a missed deadline, it will need to locate a vendor and that doing such work in snow would increase costs. Councilors noted the city could clean the property and place the bill on the owner's tax roll.
After amendments and discussion, the council consolidated motions and voted to grant 60 days to clear the front yard, with a later, council-specified deadline for removal of items from the back of the lot (the motion was made, seconded and carried). The council also said Priscilla will inspect Branchhog's progress. Branchhog said he would work with staff and try to secure a trailer and cameras — he estimated needing about $1,500 to install cameras after repeated break-ins — to protect removed items while he finishes the cleanup.
The council did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the chair announced the motion carried. If the property remains in violation after the deadline, staff said the city will arrange cleanup and bill Branchhog or place costs on the tax roll.
The council moved on to the next agenda items after confirming the amended schedule and inspection plan.
