Quitman board adjudicates two nuisance properties, orders notices to owners

The Quitman board on a unanimous voice vote moved to adjudicate two properties that code enforcement described as threats to public health and safety.

The board approved a motion to adjudicate 217 Long Boulevard for ‘‘public nuisance’’ and an ‘‘unsafe structure’’ after staff described fire damage and extensive debris at the site. The motion carried with one abstention; the board directed staff to send the formal adjudication notice and begin the hearing process that may lead to condemnation and assessment of demolition costs. ‘‘It needs adjudication — it’s fire damage, unsafe structure,’’ a staff member told the board during the discussion.

The board also moved to adjudicate 307 Pine View Circle for yard clutter and exterior debris that staff said posed a public-health risk. Staff reported the homeowner is in a nursing facility and the house is unoccupied; the board approved sending an adjudication notice so the property owner or relatives may respond at a hearing. The staff member said the next step after adjudication would be a hearing and, if the board so orders, condemnation with costs assessed back as a tax or lien.

Mayor and staff reminded owners that the board has discretion to set fines and fees (statutorily capped) and to assess the cost of demolition or cleanup back to the property. The board did not set specific dollar assessments at the meeting; it approved moving each case forward in the statutory adjudication process and asked staff to pursue the required mailings and publication notices.