Augusta council orders nuisance abatement for 242 East 12th Avenue

Augusta City Council on Tuesday approved a nuisance abatement resolution for a residential property at 242 East 12th Avenue, starting a 10‑day compliance clock for the owner or occupant to correct violations.

City code enforcement officer Tanner Thomas told the council the case was first reported in July 2024 and that follow‑up efforts included a courtesy letter in October, a certified letter that was returned as undeliverable, and a phone call with the tenant on Nov. 25. "At the time, she was pretty willing to work with me," Thomas said, adding that he left contact information but received no further communications. Thomas said he sent another notice Jan. 16 informing the owner the matter would be brought to council.

If the resolution stands, Thomas said the 10‑day period will give the owner or tenant time to remedy the violations; if they do not, the city may hire a contractor to perform removal and recovery and place the cost as a lien on the property. Thomas said certified mail to the owner had been returned undeliverable and that he had used the utility office to reach the tenant.

The motion to approve the resolution (identified in the meeting as resolution number 2025‑02) passed with the council’s vocal aye vote. The resolution cites state statute language referenced during the motion; the motion referenced "KSA 12 16 e" as the authority for the abatement process.

The council did not discuss specific cost estimates for abatement during the vote. Thomas said staff will again contact the property owner and the tenant if the resolution is adopted and will pursue abatement and contractor bids after the 10‑day window if necessary.

The action is a procedural step under the city’s nuisance abatement process; it does not itself authorize immediate demolition or removal prior to the end of the compliance period.