Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning and Development Services Department

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Development Services Staff
CC:	Scott McCullough, Director Planning & Development Services
DATE:	March 30, 2015
RE:	2040 Louisiana St.  – Resolution No. 7112

Background

On March 2, 2015, a significant fire damaged the vacant bi-level single-family structure located at 2040 Louisiana Street that is owned by Glenn and Elizabeth Kappelman. 

On March 3, 2015, staff inspected the property and declared the structure as unsafe and unfit for human occupancy due to the extensive damage observed. Staff posted condemnation placards in accordance with the City’s adopted Property Maintenance Code and took pictures of the structure. 

On March 4, 2015, staff received a call from Melanie Kappelman, the daughter of the owners.  Ms. Kappelman advised her father is deceased and that her mother has delegated decision-making regarding the property to her and her brother.  Ms. Kappelman stated the property is mortgage-free, but is not covered by an insurance policy.  She further advised the family did not have the financial resources or the desire to re-build or proceed with the demolition.  She stated the family’s plan of action is to sell the property “as is” to a person that would demolish the structure and/or begin the re-build.  She thought the property would be sold within 30 days.

On March 26, 2015, Ms. Kappelman advised staff that she had a meeting scheduled with a realtor on March 27, 2015 to finalize a contract for the realtor to assist the family in finding a buyer. 

On March 30, 2015, Ms. Kappelman called staff and advised the family had received several purchase offers for the property, and that she hoped to have a contract signed within a few weeks.

Due to the severely fire-damaged and unsafe condition of the property at 2040 Louisiana St., staff has prepared Resolution No. 7112 for possible adoption by the City Commission, which sets a City Commission public hearing date of May 19, 2015, pursuant to K.S.A 12-1750 et. seq., to hear from the owner, owner’s agent, or any lienholder to show why such structure should not be ordered repaired or demolished.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends that the City Commission adopt Resolution No 7112, setting a City Commission public hearing date of May 19, 2015 to consider ordering the fire-damaged residential structure at 2040 Louisiana St. be repaired or demolished.

Action

Adopt Resolution No. 7112 to set a City Commission public hearing date of May 19, 2015, pursuant to K.S.A. 12-1750 Et. Seq., to consider ordering the fire-damaged dangerous and unsafe structure to be repaired or demolished.