Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning and Development Services Department

TO:	Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager
FROM:	Development Services Staff
CC:	Scott McCullough, Director Planning & Development Services
Date:	September 9, 2015
RE:	912 Chalk Hill Ct

Background

On August 11, 2015, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 7130, which set a public hearing date of September 22, 2015 to consider condemning the bi-level structure (house) located at 912 Chalk Hill Court as an unsafe and dangerous structure.  Staff provided a memorandum dated July 29, 2015 that summarized the condition of the house as viewed on July 9, 2015 through the execution of a search warrant.

As required by state statute, staff mailed Resolution No. 7130 to Karen Braley (owner) and to Capitol Federal Savings, which holds a mortgage for the property.  Staff has not had any correspondence  with Ms. Braley.  Staff has been in contact with Mike Cast, First Vice President of Capitol Federal Savings and has learned that the bank has initiated legal proceedings in regards to pursuing the foreclosure of the property.  It is unknown if a representative of Capitol Federal Savings will appear at the public hearing.

Staff’s Recommendation

Due to Ms. Braley’s failure to respond to City notices or to initiate any work to correct the unsafe and dangerous conditions, staff has prepared Resolution No. 7139 for consideration.  Resolution No. 7139 declares the house to be unsafe and dangerous and orders the owner to complete repairs to the structure or to raze and remove the structure by no later than October 23, 2015.  If substantial repairs are not commenced or the structure is not razed and removed by the owner by October 23, 2015, Resolution No. 7139 states that the City Commission may, at its November 10, 2015 regular meeting, direct the Enforcing Officer tol proceed to raze and remove the structure, with all incurred costs and expenses to be assessed against the property.  Staff recommends adoption of Resolution No. 7139, if appropriate.

Action

Conduct the public hearing and adopt Resolution No. 7139, declaring the house to be unsafe and dangerous, and order the property owner to commence substantial repairs to the structure or to raze and remove the structure within the specified period of time, if appropriate.