Council authorizes raise-and-remove proceedings for unsafe building at 194 S. Wisconsin St.

The Berlin City Council on June 9 directed staff to proceed with raise-and-remove proceedings for the property at 194 South Wisconsin Street after building inspectors and the county health department concluded the building is unsafe for habitation.

Tim, a city staff member, told the council the property has been boarded and inspectors have documented structural concerns; the county health department reported significant sanitation issues in a May 13, 2026 determination. "The building is still unfit for human occupancy," Tim said, and staff said the estimated repairs would probably exceed the property's value.

Council members pressed staff on process and cost: an internal inspection by building inspectors is expected during the 30-day notice period before the council considers further action. Staff said the owner has been provided information about assistance programs but has not engaged with those options. A council member confirmed law enforcement had been on site in May.

A motion directing staff to continue the raise-and-remove order proceedings, have building inspectors complete an inspection and draft a notice, and to initiate the process outlined in the attorney's opinion was moved and seconded; the chair announced the motion carried. Staff cautioned the next steps could include litigation depending on the owner's response and the inspectors' report.

The council did not specify a cost estimate for the city should it need to effectuate removal; staff said that would depend on the inspector's comprehensive report and the outcome of the 30-day period.