Auburn: We Won't Bulldoze With Man Inside

AUBURN – The Auburn City Council approved demolition of nuisance properties at its meeting Monday, including one home where someone might still be living.

City Attorney Angelo Ligouri said Ronald Munson of 910 L St. was notified of a public nuisance a year ago, but city officials did not report any personal contact with the homeowner. A window airconditioner  was running at the house, with a pickup truck in front, but no one answers knocks on the door.

Ligouri said Munson will be notified to vacate the premises.

Ligouri: “We’re not going to bulldozer the house over with him inside. We’ll give him 30 day notice.”

Coucilman Tom Clark said the demolition bid is too high and he is not sure the timing is right for demolition.

Tom Clark: “Furthermore, I would vote no on it because I don’t want to evict somebody out of their home. Let’s give another 30 days notice and try to get The Lumberjack Company to resubmit some bids, a little bit lower and reword it a little bit better. I just can’t see kicking somebody out of their home.”

Councilman Shawn Clark said it is his understanding that there are to be no evictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ligouri said it is not an eviction, but a remedy of a public nuisance in the interest of public safety.

Ligouri: “It was undisputed. I know why you approved it, because nobody disputed it. Mr. Munson doesn’t even dispute it.”

The council also voted to demolish a house at 714 Central Ave. Both demolitions are backed by a district court order.