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Hobbs commissioners enforce condemnations, give owners 30 days to clean or make repairs
Summary
After public hearings on two condemned properties, the commission voted to enforce condemnation timelines for 2225 North Kingsley and 400 North Turner and set 30-day deadlines for remediation or further action.
The Hobbs City Commission heard two public hearings Jan. 28 on previously declared condemned properties and voted to keep both properties under condemnation, giving owners 30 days to address code violations.
At 2225 North Kingsley, owner Tracy Hedstrom and occupant Howell (Hal) Headstream addressed commissioners. Jessica Silva, community services superintendent and supervisor of code enforcement, presented a history of citations dating back to 2019 for unsanitary premises, bulky solid waste and related violations. Silva told the commission she had attempted contact through property records and Portico, and that certified mailings were returned; she said the city published the condemnation notice after attempts to contact the owner failed. Silva said the property remained covered with trash and debris and staff recommended enforcing the condemnation to establish a timeline for cleanup.
Owner Tracy Hedstrom told the commission he had not received earlier notice and said he could arrange cleanup once he was contacted. Commissioners and staff emphasized that enforcement would not automatically demolish the house but would set a deadline for abatement; the owner said he would work to clean the property. The commission voted to enforce the condemnation and keep the property subject to the condemned designation, with a 30-day timeline for remediation. The roll-call vote was recorded yes by all members.
At 400 North Turner, Assistant City Attorney Amber Lehi and staff reported that the property had been vacant for about 20 years but that recent steps — repaired doors and cut weeds — had reduced risk of public entry. Staff said the owner (Laundry Lounge LLC) has secured bids and contracted a contractor to address soffits and other repairs. Building-inspector testimony noted exposed soffit areas could provide access and pose safety concerns; staff said boarding and sealing those access points would mitigate the risk.
Commission debate focused on whether to rescind condemnation because work had begun or to maintain the condemnation to ensure remaining work was completed. After discussion the commission voted to maintain (enforce) the condemnation status and require remaining repairs (including sealing soffits/boarding entrances) within 30 days; staff indicated they would inspect and return to the commission to rescind the condemnation if corrected. The roll-call vote to enforce was unanimous.
Records presented by city staff included multiple signed citations to the occupant for unsanitary premises and bulky-solid-waste violations (dates in record: 01/28/2019; 03/04/2021; 06/10/2021; 08/31/2021; 08/02/2022; 10/20/2022). Staff said the enforcement step is intended to compel cleanup through a required timeline and to allow staff to abate if owners do not comply and do not seek extensions.
The commission’s actions keep both properties on the condemned list and direct staff to monitor compliance and report back when remediation is complete. Staff stressed that enforcement in these cases is intended to secure public health and safety and to give property owners a clear, enforceable timeline to abate violations.
