Alva Review-Courier -

Three properties were declared dilapidated during the Alva City Council meeting Monday, July 20. Before the action, the council held a public hearing on the properties. One man spoke asking that if the city does anything, they make sure to get the correct address. He said he had received two city notices at 116 E. Flynn when the property in question is located at 116 Flynn. (East Flynn is the portion of Flynn located east of Noble Street.)

The man did say if the city was in that area, he'd appreciate it if they'd fix his driveway. He said "the water department or whatever" tore up his driveway to service the house next door. "They were going to come back and replace the concrete, but it's still the asphalt there. I think it's three or four years now."

With no more public comments, the council proceeded to the discussion and action part of the agenda. City Inspector Derrick Courson said since the letters to owners were sent out, the property at 228 Center had been purchased. The new owner intends to demolish the structure in the next six to eight months after finishing another project. Courson suggested the council might want to remove that property from the list.

"Really the only one left is 116 Flynn. That one's been complained about ever since I started. It's not East Flynn," he said.

The owners at 719 Seiling contacted him after he sent the letters, Courson said. "They kind of have a plan. It's still got a lien on it from the bank." He said they plan to take down that structure within the next eight months as well.

Mayor Kelly Parker asked if there would be any benefit to the owners to declare the properties dilapidated, but Courson said no. Councilman Daniel Winters said one owner indicated there would be a benefit, but City Business Manager Angelica Brady said that was a different situation. That was an address on Olive Street that was not currently being considered for action.

Councilman Bo Hannaford asked about the time frame the two owners had requested for demolition. Courson said eight months max. At 228 Center, the yard "was getting out of control." The house had a hole in the roof, and pests like skunks were getting inside. The people who bought the property are taking care of the yard and have cleaned two or three trailer loads from the house already. There are also no skunks or other pests inside now.

Councilwoman Mary Hamilton asked if the neighbors knew it could be eight months before the cleanup is finished. Parker said the neighbor who bought it was the one who had been turning in complaints to the city.

The discussion turned to 719 Seiling. Brady said because the property had a bank lien, the city cannot do anything about abatement.

Hannaford asked if those two properties were taken off, would the city go back and look at others for action. Courson said he has several on his list.

Councilman Randy Stelling said if the city gives these two property owners some time to take down structures, they need to understand they still need to take care of weeds and mowing. He asked about a way the city could insure the properties are cleared within the eight month time frame.

Winters asked if it would hurt the property owners if the property was declared dilapidated. Courson said he didn't think it would hurt them, and it would help the city. Stelling said, "It would kind of show that we're serious about it."

Each of the properties was handled in a separate motion. All three addresses (228 Center, 116 Flynn and 719 Seiling) were declared dilapidated and staff is authorized to take appropriate action to abate the nuisance.

The city has budgeted $20,000 this year for dilapidated buildings. The last time the city was required to abate a nuisance, the cost was $6,000 to $7,000 per property.