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City attorney outlines costs and next steps for possible acquisition and abatement of fire‑damaged Berkner property
Summary
City Attorney Brad Anderson briefed the Council that acquiring the fire‑damaged Berkner property at 506 First Street would require paying roughly $1,225.54 in taxes, forgiving Fire Department charges and about $1 to acquire title; Anderson estimated roughly $3,000 in immediate acquisition/clearance costs plus removal and title work. Council discussed funding, Abatement Committee budget limits and took no action.
City Attorney Brad Anderson briefed the Jackson City Council on July 7 about options to secure and abate the fire‑damaged Berkner apartment building at 506 First Street.
Anderson described the near‑term costs to acquire the property: payment of outstanding taxes (approximately $1,225.54) and forgiving Fire Department charges, with a nominal $1 payment to transfer title from the owner. He cautioned that a tax lien remains on the property that he believes expires in September 2027 and that title work will be required to clear ownership. Anderson estimated “you’re probably looking at close to $3,000 of actual cost or debt forgiveness that was owed to the City and then your follow‑up costs for the actual removal of the building.”
Councilmembers raised practical concerns about ongoing maintenance and the City’s capacity. Alderman Joe Pell noted the number of properties the City has acquired recently and urged caution about taking on additional lots because of mowing and maintenance obligations. City Administrator Bret Heitkamp said the Abatement Committee’s $10,000 budget is likely exhausted, that additional legal and restoration costs were not included in the presented estimates, and that the Council should set mutual expectations for 2027 code enforcement funding.
Alderman John Weland confirmed the property’s buildability depends on floodplain status (flood fringe versus floodway) and City Clerk Dave Maschoff said raising the lot with fill could make it buildable in the fringe. Paul Hargus noted the Abatement Committee has discussed the property and suggested exploring whether adjacent property owners might share costs.
No formal motion or vote was taken on acquiring the Berkner property at the July 7 meeting; Council members asked staff to continue evaluating options and to return with more detailed cost estimates and legal/title work options.
