The City of Winona Board of Aldermen meeting on July 2 began with newly elected Ward 3 Alderman Archie Flowers taking the oath of office. Alderman Flowers then joined the Board at the table, finally filling the seat that had been vacant since Sylvia Clark's resignation.
The first order of business was approving the minutes from the June 4 and June 18 regular Board meetings. Once approved, the guest presentation began. Property owner Thelma C. Purnell joined the meeting via telephone to discuss the property at 117 Branch Street. She informed the Board that she lives out of state in Louisiana and had received a Notice of Public Hearing at the end of May.
“The notice said a lot of things, but it did say that the property was in need of cleaning and a hearing would be held on June 18,” Purnell said.
She then stated that she had sent a response to the City on June 3, indicating that the lot had been mowed and that she had arranged for regular maintenance of the property. She added that if any additional action was needed, to please advise.
Purnell added that she hadn't received any further communication from the city, leading her to assume her response about the land cleaning was satisfactory. However, on June 18, she was informed by a Winona resident that the Board was considering the property for condemnation. She stated that she is here now to discuss with the Board ways to rectify the situation.
“At this point, we are requesting clarifications since the notice did not clearly state that it was a condemnation, and we want to be provided with specific items that are an issue at this property and we want to be given sufficient time and the opportunity to address those issues,” Thelma Purnell said.
As the property is in Ward 4, Alderman Charles Harris, who represents that ward, addressed Purnell.
“It's not that the land is being condemned, it’s the home. The home is falling in and is unlivable. It’s just a nuisance to the neighbors. I'm getting several complaints about buzzards, and wild animals, and wildlife,” Alderman Harris said. “I noticed that the property has been cut. You're not going to lose the property, but the house has already been condemned.”
Purnell stated that they were not given an opportunity to repair the home. However, Alderman Harris informed Purnell that the Code Enforcer had followed the proper protocol. Alderman Harris also explained to Purnell that property owners are responsible for maintaining their houses, and this particular home has been in poor condition for years. He added that a property in such bad shape negatively impacts the value of neighboring houses. Following a lengthy discussion, during which Purnell frequently interrupted Alderman Harris, the Board agreed to email Purnell a list of items to be repaired on the property, along with a corresponding time frame.
In other news, the Board:
• Approved the water and sewer adjustments.
• Approved the payment of regular bills.
• Approved the rental deposit reimbursements for the community center and community house, with one exception, due to the space not being cleaned.
• Heard a report from Police Chief Roshaun Daniels.
• Approved to hire Krystal Guess as the accounts payable clerk, effective July 8.
• Approved to apply for the Home Grant.
