Committee forwards 10 foreclosure ordinances to council after staff updates, three properties set aside

Chair Avalos told the committee at the Aug. 4 hearing that at the mayor's request two properties were being withdrawn from the package and one would be delayed to allow the owner's family more time to resolve liens. "At the mayor's request, we are withdrawing 2 items from the agenda and referring these back to the mayor's office," Avalos said.

Kevin Foster, the city's foreclosure prevention manager, updated the committee on engagement with owners and parties of interest; he reported recent communications had resolved or narrowed issues for a small number of properties but that several remained on track for foreclosure action. Foster said one property had produced an attorney and steps toward certificates of occupancy and completion, and therefore would not move forward with foreclosure at this time.

After discussion about individual properties and requests that particular items not be placed on a consent agenda at council, Chair Avalos moved—and Vice Chair Green moved, with Councilor Novick seconding—to forward ordinances for 10 properties to full council with a recommendation to pass. Diego called the roll; the clerk recorded five 'Aye' votes and the committee's recommendation will accompany the items to full council.

The committee also clarified that three properties were returned to the mayor's office for administrative handling and one property (document 202626259) will remain on the committee docket and be continued to a later date to allow the homeowner more time to engage.

The committee did not adopt additional enforcement steps at the hearing; staff said they will continue outreach to owners and return with further updates if engagement progresses.