City attorney Richard S. Manley informed the Demopolis City Council on Monday that he planned to go forth with lawsuits for 16 vacant properties in the city. He said the filing process would take place within the next couple of weeks, saying he needed to find the addresses of the owners of three more properties.

Legal action was the final step in getting those properties cleaned up or in satisfactory condition. Numerous letters were sent from the city to the owners asking them to take care of their properties, but those letters went unanswered.

“He has not (filed suit) as of this moment, but it will be done shortly,” said Demopolis mayor Mike Grayson on Tuesday. “Regrettably, it’s what needs to be done. It’s the right thing to do.”

At the council meeting on Monday, Grayson issued a proclamation making Oct. 25-31 Pro Bono Week for the City of Demopolis, giving the city the distinction of being the first in Alabama to issue such a proclamation after Gov. Bob Riley issued a statewide proclamation in June.

Pro Bono Week is an opportunity to increase awareness for the need for legal aid for no cost or at a reduced rate for those in need.

Demopolis native and Northport attorney Alyce Manley Spruell was at the meeting and praised the city for its efforts in promoting Pro Bono Week.