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Resident accuses county weed program of 20‑year non‑enforcement at Falcon Lakes Golf Course
Summary
Terry Abel told the board that Falcon Lakes Golf Course has harbored noxious weeds for two decades and asked the county to direct its weed officer to issue a statutory eradication notice; county staff said the weed officer is fulfilling statutory duties and offered to meet with the complainant.
Terry Abel, a Fountain Lakes resident, told the Leavenworth County Board of County Commissioners that Falcon Lakes Golf Course has been a ‘‘massive biological repository’’ of noxious weeds for 20 years and asked the board to order a documented, property‑level audit and, if necessary, to issue a 15‑day statutory eradication notice to the property owner.
Abel cited Kansas law (KSA 2‑13‑14) and said the county’s weed program and its manager, Mister Phillips, have failed to enforce the statute, causing seed spread, property‑value loss and pest problems for adjacent homeowners. Abel said he provided commissioners a packet with photographs and documentation and requested that Mister Phillips be directed to perform a full, documented on‑site audit and bring the matter back to the commission.
County staff (speaker 5) responded that Phillips is performing his statutory duties and that legal counsel has reviewed the matter. Staff offered to meet with Abel and review the submitted evidence. Chair (speaker 1) asked staff to coordinate a meeting between Abel and County Administrator Mark so the county can determine whether further board action is required.
Why it matters: Abel said residents are incurring time and expense to treat infestations migrating from the golf course and that property values have suffered; he asked the board to use its statutory authority to prompt enforcement measures and public compliance.
What happens next: Staff said they would meet with Abel and review the records and photographs he provided. The board did not vote to order abatement at the meeting; it directed staff to meet with the complainant and report back.
