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Owner given deadline to demolish condemned 953 Tuttle; council approves diversion agreement
Summary
After a public condemnation hearing, Ottumwa City approved a diversion agreement letting the property owner complete demolition of a structurally failing house at 953 Tuttle by April 30, 2025, instead of proceeding with formal condemnation.
Council convened a public condemnation hearing for 953 Tuttle after staff reported the building’s foundation is failing and the structure was placarded Aug. 3, 2023. City staff presented a proposed acknowledgement-of-public-nuisance and diversion agreement allowing the owners to demolish and remove the structure themselves rather than have the city proceed with condemnation.
At the podium, owner David LEL said the property is his and asked the city to “make sure we’re bettering the community” as removals proceed; Tammy LEL asked for six months after the house is removed to relocate or sell an adjacent garage, saying the paperwork provided to them did not reflect an earlier six-month discussion. Staff replied the property has been placarded since 2023 and recommended the owners complete demolition by April 30, 2025, and bring any remaining garage uses into zoning compliance.
Following public comment the council voted to close the condemnation hearing and approved the diversion agreement allowing the owners to complete demolition by April 30, 2025. The council’s action also required the city official listed in the agreement to sign on the city’s behalf.
The decision ends the immediate condemnation process while keeping regulatory timelines in place; staff emphasized the property has been placarded for an extended period and urged owners to take responsibility for remediation. The council did not adopt any extension beyond the April 30 date and indicated the city retains enforcement authority if the agreement’s terms are not met.
