Staff reports on Hawkins House, multiple nuisance cases; owners working with city

Planning‑staff provided updates on ongoing nuisance enforcement and property cleanups, including the burned Hawkins House and several dilapidated properties in residential neighborhoods.

Staff said she had spoken with the owner of the Hawkins House (Mr. Morris), who lives out of state, opened a nuisance case, sent a notification and planned follow‑up. The owner reportedly did not have insurance; staff said he had been cooperative and that she would continue outreach to determine whether he will demolish the structure voluntarily.

Staff also described multiple nuisance complaints on properties near Second Street and Arkansas, reporting that some owners have cleaned up or begun demolition, that one owner initiated their own demo, and that other properties require further documentation. Staff credited increased on‑the‑ground attention and frequent photographic record‑keeping for quicker voluntary compliance in many cases.

The commission and staff reviewed the administrative timeline for enforcement: property owners have a 30‑day appeal window after notice; if an appeal is not resolved or the owner does not act, the city can notify lien holders and proceed toward demolition, with an additional administrative period (described as about 45 days) before city‑led demolition and lien placement. Staff said that since a dedicated staff member (Troy) has been focusing on cases full time, many issues have been resolved without sending crews.

No formal enforcement votes were recorded. Staff said they will continue outreach to the owners and proceed with appeals or lien notifications as required by the city’s nuisance process.