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Council reopens condemnation matter for 304 North Douglas, then tables action to revise resolution
Summary
Following a public hearing on the condition of 304 North Douglas, the council heard the property owner and tenants, debated salvaging parts of the building and ultimately voted to table final condemnation action so inspectors and staff can draft amended language that would condemn only the unsafe garage portion.
The Ellsworth City Council reopened consideration of condemnation at 304 North Douglas during its Sept. 23 meeting, heard testimony from the owner and tenants, and then tabled final action so staff can amend the resolution and inspectors can further evaluate which portions of the structure are unsafe.
At the hearing owner representatives described settling under the garage slab, dislodged bricks on the south wall and prior bids they had received for demolition or repair. "Our son said that... we should, consider looking at demo demoing the entire building, or the back of the building because it can't be salvaged," the owner told the council, describing the extent of foundation and mortar failures.
Tenants of the building said they had been surprised and upset by a city document that contained private business details they felt did not belong on city letterhead. One tenant said, "We did not even know any of this was happening," and called for clearer communication and corrections to public materials.
Council members and staff discussed the legal effect of a condemnation finding: staff explained that condemning a structure declares it legally unsafe to occupy but does not automatically obligate the city to demolish it the same day; owners may be given time to repair and the city can later solicit bids if demolition is required. Several councilors said they were uncomfortable with immediate full demolition and favored narrower language that would condemn only the garage portion that inspectors deem unsafe.
After debate the council voted to table the item to the next meeting so staff can redraft the resolution to specify that the garage will be condemned and to give the inspector time to confirm any parts safe for occupancy. The motion to table carried.
Councilors said the goal is to balance public safety with fairness to tenants and property owners while clarifying the city's communications and process going forward.
