During the Nov. 3 council meeting, members used the council-comments portion of the agenda to raise a pending court judgment in a pension/back-pay dispute involving Scott Jones and to press city staff about nuisance and safety concerns posed by a dilapidated house off Biddle Street.

Councilmembers said a judgment was entered that the council described as "a little over $300,000" owed to Scott Jones. Council members stated the city intends to file a motion to correct errors and plans to appeal the judgment; they noted the timeline for an appeal is shorter than the typical 120-day period and that filings were expected in the coming two weeks.

Separately, councilmembers asked staff about repeated reports of a deteriorated, partly collapsed house near Billows Street and one block off Sykes Street (going west on Biddle). Members said the structure has been an eyesore for months, is taped off, and presents a public-safety risk if it is not cleaned or secured. A councilmember asked staff to check on the property and explore removal or remediation options.

Why it matters: A judgment of the size discussed could have financial implications for the city, depending on appeals and insurance coverage. The blighted property discussion relates to code enforcement and public-safety risk for nearby residents.

Process and next steps: Council indicated it will file a motion to correct errors and pursue appeal steps in the Jones matter. For the dilapidated property, the mayor or staff will follow up (one councilmember said they would drive by and check with the appropriate official). Members also noted committee scheduling (finance and utility committee meetings tentatively set for Nov. 17) for follow-up items.