Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Hutchinson County court to notify owner of dilapidated Matador Street property; condemnation process discussed
Loading...
Summary
A resident told the Hutchinson County Commissioners Court the long-vacant structure on Matador Street is a fire and health hazard. The court approved sending a formal notice and directed staff to consult the fire marshal about condemnation steps and next actions if the owner does not comply.
Hutchinson County Commissioners agreed to send a formal notice to the owner of a dilapidated building on Matador Street after a neighbor described the site as an immediate fire and public‑health hazard.
Resident Theresa Heffley told the court the single‑story structure — brought into the area decades ago and used at times as a church and scout house — has deteriorated into a fire risk surrounded by residences and is attracting animals and trespassers. “It’s a fire hazard, number 1. … It’s surrounded by other residences,” Heffley said, describing collapsed roofing, insulation loss and reports of animals and drug activity at the site.
County staff said the property appears to meet nuisance criteria that can lead to condemnation and seizure if voluntary compliance is not obtained. County attorney Jerry (last name not specified in the transcript) told the court the typical next steps are to send the owner a written notice, request voluntary compliance and involve the fire marshal for an inspection. If the owner fails to comply, the county may seek a court order to abate the nuisance and place a lien or seize the property under applicable nuisance procedures. “When it comes back to the court … the court will issue that. It’s pretty much a seizure warrant,” Jerry said.
The court approved sending the revised notification letter drafted by staff to the owner of the Matador Street property and asked staff to consult the fire marshal about whether to post or condemn the structure. Commissioners also asked staff to include two other properties on the county’s nuisance list for letters and follow‑up; court staff said there are more reports incoming and they intend to bring additional properties back to future meetings in a staged way.
Court members and staff emphasized this is the first step in a multistep process that can take weeks to months, depending on property owner response and the extent of cleanup required. Staff said the work anticipated for Matador Street goes beyond mowing — it likely will require removal of vehicles, metal and other debris and possibly contracting for demolition or hauling if compliance is not voluntary.
The court did not set a demolition timetable at the meeting. Staff said they will pursue the written notice immediately and will report back after the fire marshal’s assessment and any owner response.
Ending: The county’s immediate action is administrative: sending the letter and coordinating a fire marshal inspection. If the owner does not comply, the county’s next steps, as outlined by staff, are condemnation procedures that could include a seizure warrant and lien to cover abatement costs.
