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Resident says city removed sentimental items; council affirms lien for cleanup at 416 Summerhill Road
Summary
After the council adopted a lien to recover $62,625.24 for garbage removal at 416 Summerhill Road, resident Violet Williams publicly protested, saying the city removed sentimental property and demanded answers about liability and reinstatement of home access. Councilors noted ongoing review of code-enforcement procedures.
The Prattville City Council voted to establish a lien of $62,625.24 (including legal expenses) against the property at 416 Summerhill Road to recover costs for removal of garbage and rubbish, citing code-enforcement notices and procedures under the City of Prattville code of ordinances. The council adopted similar liens for 1840 East Main Street ($570.24) and for 423 Summerhill Road (amount recorded in the meeting transcript as “$6.25 24”).
After the council reconvened from an executive session, Violet Williams of 416 Summerhill Road addressed the council during public comment. Williams said the city removed items that belonged to her late mother — including steps, a bird feeder and keepsakes — and disputed the characterization of the material as rubbish. She said staff removed items without notice, pressed that she cannot afford the $625 charge she was told to pay, and asked who would replace sentimental property or the steps she needs to exit her home safely.
Councilors and staff previously discussed code-enforcement notice improvements earlier in the meeting: the mayor said staff will add an additional yard-sign notification (similar to overgrown-lot signage) and has started an early-notification process that includes providing photos to the council. The city attorney confirmed required notice steps were followed in the cases presented at the meeting, while the council signaled an ongoing review of enforcement procedures and a desire to explore clarifying ordinance language and notice practices.
What happened next: the council approved the liens as presented. Several council members later urged process improvements and indicated they have discussed potential policy changes with the mayor, code enforcement and the police chief. The resident’s request for return or replacement of sentimental items was recorded in public comment but no immediate remedial action was announced at the meeting.
