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After thefts and a viral 'door-kick' trend, Hugo council asks staff to study rental housing ordinance
Summary
Following reports of thefts and door-kicking incidents in the Water's Edge neighborhood — attributed to a TikTok 'door kick challenge' — the Hugo City Council asked staff to research options for a rental-housing ordinance and return recommendations during 2025 goal-setting.
City staff told the Hugo City Council on Oct. 7 that a Water's Edge Homeowners Association meeting raised concerns about a series of thefts, door-frame damage from forced door kicks, juvenile activity at night and questions about rental properties in the neighborhood. Staff and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department attended the neighborhood meeting and encouraged residents to report incidents and provide any leads.
Staff described the door-kick incidents as part of a social-media prank trend and said similar activity has occurred recently in nearby communities. Some residents asked the city to consider a rental housing ordinance; staff advised what other cities’ enforcement had accomplished and cautioned about likely outcomes and limits of such ordinances.
Councilmembers expressed support for re-examining a rental-housing ordinance (the city discussed the topic roughly 12–13 years earlier). Councilmember Cline moved, and Councilmember Petrick seconded, a direction for staff to explore options and bring a report to the council during 2025 goal setting; the motion passed.
Council and staff said the sheriff’s office is investigating and encouraged residents with evidence (including doorbell camera footage) to share it with law enforcement. Staff recommended returning the rental-ordinance discussion early in 2025 as city goals are established, though the council could accelerate the work if it prefers.
