Broken Bow Council OKs action to abate longstanding nuisance at 843 North 6th Avenue

After a public hearing on Sept. 12, the Broken Bow City Council unanimously approved a course of action directing city administration and the legal department to begin abatement and removal steps for the property at 843 North 6th Avenue.

City Administrator David Schmidt told the council the property has been under city review for several years and has generated multiple public complaints. Police Chief Steve Scott reported that a first 60-day notice was sent May 26, 2021 (signed May 27, 2021) and a second 60-day notice was signed June 25, 2023, and that officers have been in contact with the owner, who “is not interested in cleaning or fixing up the property” and has indicated a willingness to sign the property over to the city.

Streets and Parks Overseer Darren Marten described physical hazards at the site, saying the garage is near collapse and the house interior is unsafe to enter because floors and ceilings are caving in; he also raised concerns about possible mold and asbestos. Mayor Rod Sonnichsen and Councilmember Chris Myers noted the city must test for asbestos before using city crews or taking material to the CD Cell; the council discussed the option of disposing material at a sealed landfill such as Lexington Landfill.

Councilmember Russ Smith moved to approve the recommended course of action and Councilmember David Baltz seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor, and the mayor said the matter will be turned over to administration and the city attorney to begin formal removal/abatement steps.

The council record does not show a timeline for removal, the amount of funds to be expended, or whether the city will seek cost recovery from the property owner; those details were not specified in the minutes.