Owosso committee seeks City Attorney briefing on deed reverter and quiet‑title issues; resident urges formal accessibility presentation

Committee members raised questions about the deed for the Owosso Carnegie Library property and a reverter clause during the April 23 meeting, asking for legal clarification at the committee's next session.

The committee "expressed a desire to hear directly from the City Attorney at the May meeting regarding the quiet title process and his efforts to date in contacting members of the Woodard family," according to the minutes. No legal determination was made at the April meeting; members asked staff and legal counsel to report back at the May 28 meeting.

During public comment, resident Nicky Sheldon urged that the disability accessibility consultant present at a formal public meeting rather than at a library walkthrough so that members of the public could hear from the consultant. Sheldon also described the Carnegie Library as "an important community asset with deep ties for residents of all ages" and cautioned that "when cities sell assets, the community benefit tends to be less lasting than retaining ownership for future generations." The minutes do not record a direct response from the committee to that comment.

Committee members asked staff to prepare a package of materials for the May meeting: financial information on utilities and maintenance, a copy of the existing lease agreement, a list of known maintenance needs, whether the property is referenced in the City Master Plan and in what context, current zoning, the number of available parking spaces, any appraisal on file, and building floor plans. They also requested information on whether the City has any current or anticipated need for the space for municipal operations.

The committee did not take legal action at the April meeting; it set a May 28 follow‑up date to receive the requested information and a legal briefing.