Council hears complaint about Elm Street Apartments; city says code and KDHE steps under way

A council member on Jan. 13 read an anonymous email asking Marysville city officials to address alleged bed-bug and roach infestations at Elm Street Apartments and to protect a resident who the writer said is mentally impaired and suffering bites and sores.

The email said local public-health and housing enforcement require a city housing-code ordinance to act. City Attorney Luke Sunderland and City Administrator Josh told the council they have started steps to address the complaint and are coordinating with the apartment management and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

“That does the code need to be revised? Any shape, way, or form?” one councilmember asked; Sunderland said the city’s existing minimum housing code covers the issue but that the process and next steps require coordination so the matter is handled correctly.

Sunderland said staff and the city attorney’s office have already begun outreach and are working to ensure KDHE and other parties are aware. “We are definitely pursuing it,” he said, adding the situation is difficult and “it will take time,” but that the city is working with management and the health department.

Councilmembers asked whether the code itself needs revision; Sunderland said the code allows action but that the council and staff must consider the process and remedies to ensure they are appropriate for a larger or systemic problem.

The council did not adopt new ordinances at the meeting; staff said they would continue work with KDHE, management and the complainant and report back to the council as the inquiry develops.