Title
Release of Property to Open Door Ministries (B)
Explanation
In order to clear Codes Enforcement fines, Gladys Deese transferred by Quit Claim Deed four parcels of property to the City. The City recorded these documents in November 2001.
Open Door Ministries has now come forward with a prior claim to one of the parcels (Tax Parcel # 10940-000-000). Ms. Deese transferred by Warranty Deed this 0.08-acre parcel to the church December 1997. This Warranty Deed was never recorded, so records remained under Ms. Deese's name and checks with the County Property Appraiser's Office did not reveal this prior claim.
The City has no use for this parcel and would like to Quit Claim Deed this property to Open Door Ministries in order to clear this cloud on the title. The property is vacant and has never been maintained by the City for streets or utilities.
Normally, the City would go through a surplus process to rid itself of property. However, in this case, the successful bidder would then have to go through litigation with Open Door Ministries to see which claim is the superior. The City would be drawn into the litigation process, tying up personnel and monetary resources. Since the parcel is so small (.08 acres) and of no use to the City, it is felt the least costly and most expedient route would be to deed the property directly to the church.
Fiscal Note
None
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the release of any claimed rights to the property; 2) approve the issuance of a Quit Claim Deed to Open Door Ministries; and 3) authorize the City Manager to execute the Quit Claim Deed.