Magistrate approves reduced lien payouts for 217 Sandy Lane and 108 South Myrtle

A special magistrate approved reduced payoff amounts for liens on two properties, setting a lump-sum payment of $2,500 to satisfy liens on 217 Sandy Lane and approving a $1,000 reduction for liens on 108 South Myrtle Avenue, contingent on payment within 15 business days.

City staff reviewed the lien histories for 217 Sandy Lane and said the combined outstanding lien total, including interest, was $22,130.92. Staff explained portions of the liens are not eligible for reduction (demolition and mowing costs) but noted eligibility for reductions under an adopted city resolution (Resolution 31-22). Staff calculated a revised total to satisfy the three liens at $4,744.35 under those rules before the magistrate’s final rounding.

Steven Yates, who said he owns the adjacent property at 215 Sandy Lane and acquired 217 Sandy Lane by quick-claim deed in 2021, told the magistrate he had mowed and maintained the lot and offered to pay the city’s hard costs immediately. “My offer is $1,439.35 for hard cost back to the city,” Yates said.

After considering the factors, the magistrate said he would reduce the total to a lump sum of $2,500 and ordered payment within 15 business days; if payment is received, staff will forward a release to the city attorney’s office and a satisfaction will be filed to clear the lien of record. The magistrate made a similar, rounded reduction in a second case: for 108 South Myrtle Avenue, staff presented a recent fine total of roughly $3,850 and recommended a reduced payment; the magistrate approved a reduction to $1,000, also payable within 15 business days, or the lien reverts to the full amount.

Both orders specify that failure to pay within the deadline will revert the accounts to the original lien amounts. Staff said the city will file satisfaction paperwork upon receipt of cleared payment to release title issues.