Council approves resolution to condemn fire‑damaged house at 221 East Main

The Augusta City Council on March 3 approved Resolution 2025‑04 authorizing condemnation of a fire‑damaged residential structure at 221 East Main Street under KSA 12‑17‑50.

City staff said the house was damaged by a November 26, 2024 fire that began in an interior stairway and affected two second‑story rooms, with smoke and water damage through the remainder of the house. “This property was damaged by a fire on 11/26/2024. It was occupied at the time, and there were no injuries,” Travis, a city staff member presenting the case, told the council. An exterior inspection by the city’s structural engineer noted framing issues and lateral foundation movement; interior access was not available for the engineer’s assessment.

Staff told the council the property carried insurance and that the insurer’s settlement exceeded 75% of the claim. Under the city’s process the insurer had already distributed 15% of the claim proceeds to the city; staff said those funds may be used to cover demolition costs if the owner does not remove the structure. Staff also said the owner plans to remove the structure and, if demolition proceeds by the owner, the city would release the funds back to the insurer.

After opening and closing a public hearing, a council member moved to approve the resolution citing KSA 12‑17‑50. The motion passed with no recorded opposition. Staff said the approved resolution would allow 30 days for the structure to be removed before the city would proceed with demolition.

The council’s action allows staff to move forward with condemnation procedures consistent with state statute and local ordinance; staff will release funds to the insurer if the owner demonstrates the demolition has been completed to the city’s satisfaction.

The resolution was a formal, voteable action; council members complimented the clarity of the staff presentation before voting.