Council affirms order to remove derelict mobile home amid estate cleanup

The French Lick Town Council authorized staff to proceed with enforcement steps to remove a derelict mobile home on private property after hearing that the homeowner is in a nursing facility and family members are not returning the resident to the trailer.

A resident who had spoken with Aubrey, described as the husband of one of the owner’s daughters, told the council the trailer is “just a mess” and that family members living out of state were not available to help with cleanup. Council members said they had received a copy of a title showing the mobile home had been signed over and noted unpaid 2024 taxes on the parcel.

Council discussed options including towing or demolition, documenting the unit with exterior photos, obtaining a copy of the title before action, and giving the property owners 30 days to remove the unit. Staff was instructed to solicit bids for removal after the notice period and to document communications in the minutes.

The council took a formal step—by motion and voice vote—to affirm the order to proceed with enforcement consistent with municipal code and to place the matter on the next steps list for staff follow-up. Council members emphasized that estate filings by the owner’s relatives (identified in conversation as Amy Gilbert and her brother) would be the family’s next administrative step once the unit was removed.

Next steps: staff will obtain and file a copy of title evidence, document the condition with photos, serve the 30‑day notice, solicit removal bids if the unit is not removed, and return to council with the results.