Detroit Lakes council orders abatements at two properties, extends Wilson Avenue deadline to July 31

The Detroit Lakes City Council on June 9 adopted resolutions declaring two residential properties public nuisances and ordered abatement and assessment of the associated costs.

Code compliance official Priscilla presented photographs and a history of violations at 912 Rosman Avenue, saying the property "has not been maintained in a clean, safe, or sanitary condition as required by city code section 1002A.04," and recommended council approval of a resolution to abate and assess costs. The council closed the public hearing on Rosman with no members of the public speaking and voted to adopt the resolution to abate the nuisance.

The council also held a public hearing on 1118 Wilson Avenue. Priscilla described repeated and longstanding outdoor storage and potentially hazardous items—batteries, propane tanks, automotive parts and other materials—citing violations of the screening, exterior storage and public-nuisance provisions of the city code. Occupant Jason Shaughness addressed the council and said he is working to clean up but lacks the financial resources and physical help to remove all items immediately; he asked for 60 days. "60 days should allow me plenty to get the front and back done," Jason said during public comment.

Council members debated whether to allow more time. Staff counsel Kelsey noted the draft resolution provided abatement on or after June 24 but said the council could amend the abatement date. A motion to amend the resolution setting the abatement date on or before July 31 carried, and the council then voted to adopt the resolution as amended, ordering abatement and authorizing the city to assess abatement costs as a service fee or to place an assessment on the property if necessary.

Council members asked staff to explain the abatement process: the city will hire a contractor to remove items not allowed under ordinance, place removed property into storage for at least one year, and require payment of fees to reclaim items or sell items to offset abatement costs. Priscilla told the council that some progress had been made at both properties during inspection follow-ups but that deadlines had been missed and the violations persisted.

The resolutions adopt formal abatement orders, authorize staff to contract for removal if owners do not comply by the deadlines, and permit the city to assess costs to the property tax roll or recover costs through sale of stored items. For 1118 Wilson the deadline established by the council is on or before July 31, 2026; for 912 Rosman the council adopted the abatement order as presented.

The council record shows motions on both items were moved, seconded and carried.