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Resident presses Tell City officials on Obrecht house; staff cites pending lawsuit
Summary
Resident Larry Clement told the board the Obrecht house remains unsecured and not ready for occupancy; staff said a lawsuit related to the property remains technically pending and the city will pursue owner contact and certified notice before further action.
During public comment at the March 2 Tell City Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, resident Larry Clement asked the mayor and board about the status of the Obrecht house, reporting he saw the front door left wide open and expressing concern that needed repairs were incomplete.
Clement told the board he had tried to reach the property owner and that staff had observed improvement in some structural areas but that the house remained "not ready for occupancy." He urged the city to resolve the matter amid nearby development. The mayor and board discussed next steps, including staff attempts to contact the owner and, if unsuccessful, sending a formal certified letter to the recorded property owner, Benedict Brown.
A city staff member told the board the lawsuit tied to the property is "technically still pending," noting that either party could revive court action, which affects the city's available enforcement options. The board discussed sending a certified notice and continued staff outreach. No formal enforcement outcome was decided at the meeting; staff described administrative follow-up steps.
The matter will proceed administratively: staff are to attempt direct contact, prepare certified written notice if contact fails and report back to the board on the owner's response and any next enforcement steps.
