Hays City Commission approves three nuisance abatements; staff to monitor 10-day compliance window

The Hays City Commission on Sept. 11 approved three resolutions authorizing city staff to abate nuisance items and inoperable vehicles at 515 East 11th Street, 1716 Douglas Drive and 231 East 12th Street, with each abatement to proceed 10 days after the approval date if property owners do not correct conditions.

The actions give the city authority to remove or otherwise abate debris, abandoned items and vehicles the city classified as inoperable. Planning and development superintendent Curtis Dines told the commission contractors had already mowed high weeds at 515 East 11th, which will make it easier for staff to identify and remove nuisance items. "The owner is still not available to be there and take care of that items," Dines said; the owner was later described as being in the Ellis County Jail.

The three abatement resolutions were presented individually. Commissioner Cunningham moved to approve Resolution No. 2025-017 to abate the nuisance items at 515 East 11th Street 10 days after approval; Commissioner Reuter seconded. The motion passed on a 5-0 voice vote.

For 1716 Douglas Drive, Dines said property condition has improved since prior notices and that only one vehicle remained that staff considered subject to removal. He told the commission the household lacked water and power and that the police had conducted a welfare check. Commissioner Musil moved to approve Resolution No. 2025-018 to abate the remaining inoperable vehicle and nuisance items 10 days after approval; Commissioner Barrack seconded. The motion passed 5-0. Dines said staff would continue to monitor the property and could give additional time if residents reported someone was coming to retrieve the vehicle.

At 231 East 12th Street, Dines reported little significant improvement since prior notices and recommended abatement of both backyard debris and an untagged truck with the truck bed removed, which staff declared inoperable. Commissioner Rooter moved to approve Resolution No. 2025-019 to abate the nuisance items and inoperable vehicle 10 days after approval; Commissioner Cunningham seconded. The motion passed 5-0.

Commissioners and staff emphasized that the 10-day timeline is administrative and that staff retain discretion to work with residents when there is clear, reasonable progress. "If for some reason they call us and say, hey, I'm waiting for someone to come get the vehicle, we can give them a little more time," Dines said. The commission did not authorize any other penalties during the meeting; enforcement steps will follow the established abatement process if owners do not act.

Votes at a glance: Resolution No. 2025-017 (515 E. 11th) — moved by Commissioner Cunningham, seconded by Commissioner Reuter; outcome: approved 5-0. Resolution No. 2025-018 (1716 Douglas Dr.) — moved by Commissioner Musil, seconded by Commissioner Barrack; outcome: approved 5-0. Resolution No. 2025-019 (231 E. 12th) — moved by Commissioner Rooter, seconded by Commissioner Cunningham; outcome: approved 5-0.