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Resident says city handled junkyard enforcement poorly; building official says court action delayed and a site meeting is planned
Summary
Jeff Clark used public comment time to criticize city enforcement notices and the tone of staff interactions; building official Jason Liddy and city staff said they granted extensions, delayed court action and will conduct an on‑site meeting to clarify compliance requirements.
Jeff Clark, who said he has owned a South Main property since 1988, told the Hutchinson City Council on Oct. 21 he felt singled out and disrespected after the city cited his lot for a ‘‘junkyard’’ and set a 15‑day compliance deadline while he was caring for an ill spouse.
"I will spend my last dime to have respect," Clark said during a raucous, emotional public comment period, recounting letters and a subsequent summons tied to alleged junkyard conditions and a storage container on his property.
City staff response and next steps
Jason Liddy, Hutchinson building official, told the council he and staff met with Clark after the notices and that staff placed an extension on enforcement and instructed the code department to delay court action while they work with him. Mr. Liddy said staff arranged a site visit and will work with Clark on options including screening, fencing or removal of materials as appropriate under the city’s zoning and code requirements.
Council member Scott Fast and other staff stressed they routinely give extensions and try to work with property owners prior to court enforcement but said they could not discuss specifics of an active case in open session. The building official said the city had delayed the court date and asked Clark to meet for a site inspection.
Context and public reaction
Clark said he gave away materials to comply, that he felt neighborhood peers with similar storage were not cited, and that the city’s initial approach left him feeling humiliated. Council members encouraged staff and Clark to continue working toward a resolution and for the city to explain compliance options clearly in the follow‑up site meeting.
Outcome
There was no council vote; staff confirmed the court date was delayed/dismissed and promised a site meeting and additional communications with Mr. Clark.
