Council declares 618 Morrison Avenue a public nuisance and orders cleanup

The Jackson City Council voted June 16 to issue an order declaring 618 Morrison Avenue a public nuisance and health and safety hazard, advancing a city-initiated cleanup process and potential special assessment.

City Attorney Brad Anderson told the Council the Abatement Committee recommends the order and summarized the proposed timeline: the order would be served on the property owners, who would have 20 days to clean the property or file an answer; if there is no consent or compliance, the city would seek a court order authorizing the city to enter the property and remove outside debris. Anderson said any cleanup cost would be paid initially by the city and later placed as a special assessment on the property tax roll.

Anderson cautioned that collection is uncertain. He said the city previously placed a special assessment tied to a motel demolition "something in the neighborhood of $160,000" and that tax forfeiture and foreclosure processes can take years, meaning the city may not recover costs promptly.

Owner Chris Tusa told the Council he has performed some cleanup after receiving a May letter and asked when the photos Anderson referenced were taken. Anderson offered to make the full set of supporting photos and affidavits available in his office and encouraged the Tusa family to communicate an alternative plan if they need more time.

Alderman Nathan Peterson moved to issue the order; Joe Pell seconded the motion. Voting in favor were Aldermen Mark Titus, Nathan Peterson, Joe Pell and John Weland. Alderman Mike Schwartz abstained. The motion carried.

The order, as described by the city attorney, would remove outside materials and refuse while leaving the dwelling, garage and properly licensed vehicles; the city might secure or cover a damaged garage door if needed for safety. Anderson said owners who wish to preserve specific items or need a different timeline should communicate with the city and may contest the order through the court process.

Next steps: the Mayor must sign the order, it will be served on the owners, and the 20‑day compliance or answer period will begin. If the owners do not comply or contest the order in court, the city anticipates seeking court permission to perform the cleanup and assess costs to the property.

Clarifying details: the Abatement Committee reported it has identified roughly 47 properties for attention and the city budgeted $10,000 this year to support abatement work; Anderson noted prior demolition assessments remain outstanding and collection timing is uncertain.