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Magistrate reduces one property lien to 10% and denies another lien‑reduction request
Summary
The magistrate reduced a $23,263 lien on a storm‑damaged property to 10% ($2,326.32) plus administrative fees for one owner but denied a separate request to cut a $2,800 lien, leaving administrative fees intact.
Two lien‑reduction petitions were considered at the July 13 hearing. The magistrate used remedial discretion in one case and declined reduction in the other.
Marilyn Nolan asked to reduce a lien that had accrued to roughly $23,263 because she had not received mailed notices after the storm and had health and personal hardships that affected timely remediation. Nolan and a supporting witness described communication difficulties, storm damage, and delays in permitting. The magistrate acknowledged the city followed statutory notice procedures but applied equitable discretion: she reduced the fine to 10% of the assessed amount — $2,326.32 — and ordered payment plus $3.30 administrative costs and an $18.50 recording fee, payable within 30 days. If Nolan does not pay within 30 days the lien will revert to the full original amount.
Robert E. Pardo asked to reduce a $2,800 lien to $870, arguing progress has been made on repairs and offering communications with the city about inspection delays. The city opposed the reduction and the magistrate declined the request, citing that the prior enforcement proceedings and the amount previously assessed had already been considered; she left the lien at $2,800 plus $330 administrative costs.
The magistrate said these matters reflect remedial statutory authority balanced against municipal costs and administrative recordkeeping; she will issue written orders for both decisions.
