Board ratifies $70,000 emergency cleanup at abandoned recycling site, authorizes lien filing

Chair opened discussion of 291 North Broadway, and Bruce, a staff member, told the board the facility behind Hardee's had been abandoned and was packed with baled nonrecycled material that presented a significant fire risk. "We found out that it was full of not recycled material that was bailed and stuff clear full in the building, which was a huge fire risk for us," Bruce said.

Bruce said staff, the mayor and the fire department treated the situation as an emergency, contracted for removal and paid bills to clear the material so the city could take control of the property. He provided an itemized reconciliation and said the total cost to the city was $70,000. "We just like you to say yes. It really did cost $70,000 to get that cleaned up," Bruce said.

A committee member asked whether city personnel, including fire department staff, were used in the cleanup and whether that created potential liability. Bruce confirmed a city fire employee worked on the cleanup during department time. Chair made a motion to record that the action was an emergency order, that the city paid cleanup expenses, and that the board confirm the listed costs so the city may file a lien. A board member seconded the motion and the board voted in favor.

The board did not discuss a repayment schedule or a specific lien amount beyond confirming the listed, detailed receipts. Staff said invoices and further documentation are available on request.

The board moved on to the next item after the vote; staff will proceed with the administrative step of placing the lien to recover the city's costs.