City attorney details condemnation process; owner offers to donate burned property at 620 Plaza

City staff and the city attorney described ongoing code-enforcement work and the legal process for condemnation, notifying council that code enforcement had mailed many notices and that hearings will be scheduled for affected properties.

The city attorney told council that code enforcement had sent roughly 100–200 letters in a concentrated area and that hearings will be set for June 16 for properties that do not comply. He explained the affidavit process that leads to warrants and criminal or civil proceedings and said one individual was served recently.

Separately, staff presented four properties recommended for condemnation or demolition. For 620 Plaza, the owner’s power of attorney told staff the owner is in a nursing home and would like to donate the lot to the city so it can be cleared. City attorneys cautioned that accepting ownership would make the city responsible for demolition and maintenance, and suggested staff return with a plan and cost estimate. Council asked to visit the site and requested full condemnation packets and green cards before further action.