MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Hutchinson City Council will consider the possible condemnation of five residential structures and hear updates on several city projects when it meets Tuesday evening.
The council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, in the City Council Chambers.
One of the major items on the agenda is a public hearing concerning five structures that city staff has determined are unsafe and dangerous. The properties are located at 102 W. 9th Ave., 300 E. Avenue F, 315½ N. Cleveland St., 615 E. Avenue A and 1109 N. Elm St.
According to a staff report from Building Official Jason Lady, inspections found significant health, safety or structural hazards at the properties. Staff said the buildings have experienced ongoing issues including structural deterioration, unstable roofs or walls, unsecured access points and other health and safety code violations. The council approved a resolution July 7 setting Tuesday's public hearing.
Among the properties is 102 W. 9th Ave., which has been vacant since 2024 and was damaged by a structure fire that year. The property has been boarded up since 2024 and has had four property maintenance cases since 2020, according to the agenda packet.
The property at 300 E. Avenue F has been vacant since 2022 and has had 12 property maintenance cases since 2018. The residence has been boarded up since May, and the agenda packet says there have been no active utilities at the structure since 2022.
The residence at 315½ N. Cleveland St. is also vacant and has no active utilities. City staff said it has been boarded up and that attempts to contact the owners have been unsuccessful.
At 615 E. Avenue A, the residence was damaged by a November 2024 fire and was subsequently deemed uninhabitable. The property remains vacant and boarded up.
The fifth property, 1109 N. Elm St., has been vacant since 2023. City records included in the packet show 11 property maintenance violations since 2023, and the structure has been boarded up since October 2025.
Also on tap for Tuesday evening's meeting is the consideration of issuing general obligation (GO) bonds to pay for a cost of demolishing an unsafe or dangerous structure.
The structure at 211 East 4th Ave. has been condemned following the process through code enforcement. The bid for demolition has been awarded to Miller Earthworks.
The project includes the demolition of the structure and accessory buildings, asbestos removal, and debris collection.
The city usually issues bonds once or twice a year. Delaying the issuance of the bonds could delay and raise the cost of the project.
Several discussion items are also scheduled under new business. The council is expected to receive an update on 17th and Plum, discuss school zones, and hear an update on the city's water reuse project at Carey Park.