Council weighs tougher enforcement after repeated roof, sign and safety complaints at downtown mall

City staff updated the council on longstanding concerns about the downtown mall’s condition and recommended reissuing a 30-day notice to the property owner to repair a failing roof and remove or repair an unsafe sign.

Council and staff described prior attempts at communication and a 30-day repair window in an earlier letter sent last November; staff reported no follow-up documentation. City staff said enforcement tools include citation fines (e.g., $500 first offense for sign; $750–$1,000 for roof repeats), civil actions that could take several months if contested, nuisance-abatement procedures that can allow the city to address hazards and assess costs to the property, and, in extreme cases where a building is abandoned, a statutory process (cited in the meeting as code chapter 657A) that could allow the city to take title to an abandoned building and seek remediation or resale.

Council members pressed staff about whether condemnation is available for commercial buildings and were told the processes differ: condemnation commonly leaves title with the owner while the city can demolish a dangerous structure at the city’s expense and later assess costs. Public commenters and council members reiterated concerns about tenant safety and the mall owner’s lack of responsiveness; one audience member said the owner owns many similar properties and has been slow to make repairs.

Staff recommended reissuing the notice, pursuing citations if there is noncompliance, and continuing both “carrot and stick” approaches (additional offers to work with the owner and formal enforcement if necessary). Council directed staff to reissue the letter, follow up within 30 days and report back to council on next steps.

No immediate demolition action was taken; council did not vote to take title or condemn the property during the meeting.