Pawnee City Council approves purchase of lots next to HealthFirst Pharmacy to resolve nuisance

Following a closed executive session on Oct. 14, the Pawnee City Council voted to purchase two 24-foot-wide lots adjacent to HealthFirst Pharmacy to resolve an ongoing nuisance and prevent immediate contractor action.

City Attorney Stehlik-Ladman reviewed steps the City had taken to notify the property owner, including publishing a nuisance-abatement notice in the Pawnee Republican and sending certified notices. Council moved into executive session for a strategy discussion on real-estate purchases and returned to public session to act.

Council Member Susan Eisenhauer moved to approve purchasing the two lots from owner Eileen Hines for $4,500; Council Member Pat Hatfield seconded. Roll call indicated all members present voted in favor. City Attorney Stehlik-Ladman said she will contact Hines’ attorney to prepare a purchase agreement and noted that if a signed purchase agreement is not obtained within a month the City intends to proceed with abatement actions.

The purchase was presented as a way to halt an ongoing property-dispute process and avoid a scenario where a contractor begins debris removal before the City can secure the lots. The council directed the city attorney to proceed immediately to secure legal documentation and oversee the conveyance or, failing that, start the abatement process documented in prior notices.

Next steps: City Attorney to contact opposing counsel to finalize a purchase agreement and report back to council; if agreement is not secured within the month, the city will proceed with abatement.