Residents press city on long-vacant properties and one resident alleges nursing-home mistreatment of late sister

Residents at public comment pressed the city for faster action on long-vacant, dilapidated properties and raised a related, emotional allegation about nursing-home mistreatment.

Resident Teria Ford asked about the status of a neighboring property that has been empty for four years. City staff explained that properties in similar situations are being prepared for courthouse sale under condemnation procedures but that the city must identify heirs and defendants and notify lienholders (tax and Medicaid) before a sale can clear title; staff estimated the legal steps could take roughly three to six months and said the city intends to file multiple properties together to streamline processing.

In a separate, extended statement, resident Judy Goth recounted years-long guardianship and court interactions concerning her sister Margaret and alleged she repeatedly found Margaret in poor condition while under the care of a nursing facility. Goth said she collected documents and pursued legal remedies; she asserted that her sister "weighed about 70 pounds, was starved to death," and asked the city for help clearing liens on the house and for permission to clean and repair the property. City staff offered to help with mowing and cleanup where feasible but said resolving title and lien issues requires legal counsel and coordination with state and county agencies.

Staff advised that where Medicaid liens or other creditor claims exist, potential buyers must bid in accordance with the public-sale process and settlement of liens is prioritized by law; staff recommended the resident obtain counsel to pursue title searches and to negotiate lien releases. The city agreed to assist with cleanup tasks within administrative limits.