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Council approves settlement agreement and cleanup plan for fire‑damaged lot at 208 S. 4th St.
Summary
The council authorized a settlement and related cleanup steps for the fire‑damaged property at 208 S. 4th St., approving a process that gives the owner 15 days to comply before the city abates and assesses costs; the council also approved hiring a contractor for immediate debris removal ($2,600).
The Escondaba City Council approved a settlement agreement and directed remediation steps for a fire‑damaged property at 208 South 4th Street during its June 4 meeting.
Administration presented the agreement as an alternative to a lengthy civil court process. Staff described the lot as the remains of a 2023 house fire — a hole in the ground, a partial treated‑lumber deck, an intact garage and a fence along an alley — with prior citations issued and paid. Public safety staff said citations had been issued in escalating amounts ($50, $250, $500, $500) but the property remained in violation. Under the proposed settlement the owner would receive a letter from the city attorney and have 15 days to complete the required cleanup; if the owner fails to act the city may perform the work and place the cost on the property tax roll as a special assessment.
A council motion also authorized hiring Plea Logging & Tree Service for $2,600 to address remaining debris and below‑grade conditions at the site. A public‑safety official who had been working the case told the council the city solicited bids and is prepared to proceed if the owner does not comply. The motions passed on roll call.
