Champion pays city after settlement reached on proposal

GARFIELD — A settlement was reached in the city’s proposal to place a lien on Judith Champion’s Garfield property after a public hearing prior to the October City Council meeting.

Champion, of Dallas, was represented by attorney William P. Watkins III of Rogers. The property on North Wimpy Jones has been the subject of discussion for several months and through several public hearings. Mayor Gary Blackburn presented the City Council with a request to place a lien on the property for more than $10,000. Watkins pointed out that the statements provided proving costs were not specific and didn’t justify the money.

“My client is prepared to pay $7,500 and call it quits,” Watkins told city officials.

Watkins said a copy of a ledger page from the city shows payments made to Waste Management, city attorney Howard Slinkard and Northwest Utilities but said there is no indication that the charges were for work specifically for Champion’s property.

Watkins said that according to state statute, the city can charge for appropriate, fair and accurate costs associated with the clean up.

“This is not a situation she created. She had tenants,” Watkins said.

“I think $7,500 is fair due to the holes in the records,” alderman Kathryn Shook said. The council unanimously agreed to accept the amount offered.