The clock is ticking for cleanup efforts at 710 North St.
Iola City Council members unanimously approved Tuesday evening a resolution declaring the property a nuisance and danger to its inhabitants, the neighborhood and the city.
Owners now have 10 days to clean up the property and ensure the premises are safe and secure. If not, the city will take bids on doing so of its own accord — and then pass the costs on to the property owners.
City Code Officer Gregg Hutton informed council members that since 2017, his office has observed 42 code violations, sent 75 letters, and made 31 citations on the property. Hutton also said he personally delivered a letter to property owners in municipal court on Sept. 10.
All to no avail, said Hutton.
“Is it safe to say and assume that there’s been no effort to even remotely try to clean up the property?” asked Council member Joelle Shallah.
“Did anybody go by that property on their way to the council meeting tonight?” Hutton responded. “That dumpster has been there for two weeks with the same stuff on it. There’s trash all over the front yard. There’s junk everywhere. There’s no change.”
Iola Mayor Steve French asked Hutton if he has documented the home’s condition with photos.
“Steve,” Hutton replied, “I have so many photos I’m surprised our new IT guy isn’t on me for eating up so much space on the server. I wish it looked as good now as it did in 2017.”
The council moved briskly to approve the nuisance and code violation removal presented by Hutton. Council member Benedict Middleton asked Hutton if the property has had the same owners since 2017; Hutton confirmed that is the case.
The city’s ability to oblige owners to clean up property deemed dangerous stems from Ordinance 3542, approved by Iola’s council at their Aug. 25 meeting. That ordinance clarifies that if owners refuse to act, the city can bill property owners for the cost.
If they do not pay, the cost is then assessed to property taxes.
