Commission directs repair or removal of unsafe structure at 1105 South Scott

After a public hearing on Nov. 19, the Fort Scott City Commission approved Resolution 31-20-24 directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 1105 South Scott.

The action followed testimony from city code enforcement staff that the house had received multiple notices over several years for yard maintenance, repair, and condemnation and that the property’s exterior and interior showed structural problems, including rotted siding, sagging roof sections and an unsafe exterior stair.

Why it matters: The resolution gives the city formal authority to require the property be repaired or removed if the owner does not take action, and it preserves the city’s option to solicit bids for demolition. City staff said there is local interest from at least one adjacent property owner in acquiring the lot if the structure is removed.

Leroy, the city’s code official (name as recorded in the meeting), summarized the property history: letters and condemnation notices had gone unanswered and the owner appeared to be out of state. "The roof is... it looks like it's ready to give way," Leroy said during the hearing, and he said interior conditions and rotten siding posed safety issues.

During the hearing commissioners asked about attempts to contact the owner and whether interested local parties could salvage the building. Leroy said one neighbor had expressed interest in the parcel if the structure were removed but the city had not received a firm redevelopment proposal.

The commission debated whether to direct repair or removal. Commissioner comments noted the house appears structurally repairable, and several commissioners urged one last effort to contact the out-of-state owner before demolition. The commission moved to approve the resolution "directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 1105 South Scott" while leaving both repair and removal as options pending bids and owner response.

Recorded vote on Resolution 31-20-24: Matthew Wells — No; Dylan Olsen — No; Catherine Salisbury — Yes; Tim Van Hooky — Yes; Tracy Dancer — Yes. The motion passed, 3–2.

After the vote staff were asked to make additional contact attempts to the owner and to keep the commission posted. The city indicated it would accept a donation or sale to an interested adjacent owner if the property owner cooperates; otherwise the city will proceed with bids for repair or removal according to the resolution’s language and procurement rules.

Ending: Staff will continue outreach to the owner, provide the commission with any redevelopment offers from community members, and bring back demolition bid results if removal is needed.