The request for lien reduction was spearheaded by Julianne Elizabeth Stoell, identified as a granddaughter of Rita M. Goldberg. She provided a detailed account of the family’s challenges, which included multiple hospitalizations and deaths that affected their capacity to communicate and comply with city regulations. Stoell emphasized the family’s history of maintaining properties in the community for over four decades, highlighting that they had previously been prompt in complying with city codes.

Stoell recounted that in September 2024, the family was under the impression that their property was free from any citations or fines, based on documentation reviewed at that time. This misunderstanding persisted until a neighbor expressed interest in purchasing the property and informed the family of the outstanding liens. Subsequently, Jennifer Childs, another granddaughter, contacted the city to clarify the situation, uncovering the full extent of the fines.

The family’s appeal included a request to reduce the lien to $8,200, a figure they calculated based on the period from July 22, 2020, to the end of that year, asserting that they had addressed the citations within that timeframe. However, the city’s position remained firm, denying the reduction on the grounds that compliance was only confirmed on May 9, 2025, nearly five years after the initial violations, and citing incurred administrative costs and attorney fees.

The magistrate, Rick Geller, clarified the procedural requirements for the application, explaining that it must be executed under oath and notarized, and include documentation such as the order of the code enforcement and the date of compliance. Geller elaborated on the factors considered in determining the outcome of the application, including administrative costs, the nature and quantity of violations, and the time taken to achieve compliance.

During the meeting, personal testimonies revealed the family’s significant struggles during the period of non-compliance. Barbara Stoa, the mother, described her role as the sole operator of a housekeeping business amidst dealing with extensive family losses, including “10 deaths” over two years. The family’s health challenges were detailed, including the death of Roy Goldberg, who had been residing at the property and was suffering from cancer, and Charles Stoa Jr., who experienced serious health issues while attempting repairs on the property.

The magistrate sought clarification on the timeline of these personal events and the repairs made to the property, which included cutting grass and repairing a fence. Stoell acknowledged difficulties in providing formal documentation for maintenance activities performed without contracts but mentioned that some online evidence might exist.

The magistrate also inquired about the property’s value, which was appraised at “1 million 22,” and expressed concerns about the severity of the violations, particularly noting the presence of a swimming pool as a potential “imminent and continuing threat to public health and safety.”

While the city maintained its stance on the lien amount, the magistrate suggested considering the family’s health issues as mitigating circumstances in the lien reduction request.