Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Condemnation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Owner present but financially unable to repair; council condemns 116 S. Walnut
Summary
Keegan Donovan told the council he wants the property at 116 S. Walnut torn down but cannot afford it; after reviewing photos and noting DCF declared the house unfit for habitation, the council adopted Resolution 2026-12 to condemn the property and discussed tax-based payment options.
At the April 14 meeting, owner Keegan Donovan attended the condemnation hearing for 116 S. Walnut and told the council he intended to clean up the property but lacked time and funds. Donovan said he believed title had been put in his name in December and that he had previously spoken with the council about cleanup. He said he had considered burning debris but had been told not to.
Attorney Marshall Blinzler asked Donovan whether he wanted the building torn down; Donovan said yes but that he could not afford demolition. Chief of Police Joey Adelman reported that the Department for Children and Families (DCF) had deemed the house unfit for human habitation and that it had been empty more than six years; Donovan said a homeless person had been inside the house, which the council noted posed a safety concern. Mayor Randy Jones and council members weighed Donovan’s intentions but concluded he lacked the resources to proceed; TJ Duncan moved to adopt Resolution 2026-12 to condemn the property, Debra Rice seconded, and the motion carried.
Council discussed options for city action, including rapid demolition and placing costs on the tax roll; Marshall indicated the city could place the expense on taxes so Donovan could make payments. The minutes do not include a timetable or a demolition cost estimate.
