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Property owner says he quitclaimed title, will deliver repair plan by Friday
Summary
A resident presenting as Bernard told the Bell Isle City Council he paused repairs at a code-violation property, quitclaimed ownership to himself and will provide written proof and a repair schedule by Friday; council agreed to re‑place the item on the Feb. 3 agenda for an update.
Bernard, who appeared before the council on the matter of property case 3904, said he halted work this week to sort out title and financing and that he has now received a quitclaim deed. “I paused the project because I need order,” Bernard told the council, saying he had been frustrated by stop‑and‑start contractor availability and financing changes. He added he had asked the previous owner to remain in the house under an agreement and that an attorney prepared paperwork; he said he would record the deed and provide documentation to the city.
Mayor Jason Carson and council members pressed Bernard for specifics about mortgage and title status. Bernard said he expects to provide “much information as I can” by Friday and to identify remaining work and a phased schedule. “I can have everything with paperwork about the property and what’s going on by Friday,” he said.
City Attorney Dan Langley reminded the council that the city’s enforcement order runs with the property and that a change of ownership alone does not vacate code enforcement obligations. Langley also advised Bernard to ensure the mortgage and title companies were notified so lenders and title interests are properly recorded. Mr. Smith noted the practical risk that the borrower on the note could remain liable unless liens and mortgage issues were resolved.
Council members said they would place a status update on the Feb. 3 agenda and asked Bernard to email documentation to the city manager in the interim so staff can circulate it to commissioners. The council made clear it expects a written schedule of repairs tied to measurable milestones rather than indefinite delays.
