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Ellinwood Council holds special meeting for hearings on properties of concern
Resolutions for demolition of two to be considered in November
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ELLINWOOD — The Ellinwood City Council met in special session on Wednesday night, Oct. 24. The agenda included four items, each a public hearing regarding properties in the city that were reported to be either unsafe, dangerous and dilapidated structures, or otherwise considered a health nuisance. 


The Great Bend Tribune spoke with Ellinwood City Manager Chris Komarek by phone on Monday. He explained the actions taken by the council. 


The first property is located at 106 W. 4th St. The owner is deceased, and the estate was represented at the hearing by Chris McCord, Ellinwood. Several neighbors of the property were at the hearing and listed complaints about the property. The council found the property to be unsafe, dangerous and dilapidated. There will be a resolution considered at the Tuesday, Nov. 13 meeting, which will include an order for the property to be demolished, Komarek said. 


The second property, located at 518 E. 4th St., was similarly represented by Chris McCord. The council found the property to have excessive vegetative growth, a hole in the roof, broken windows and trash accumulation. McCord notified the council he is interested in acquiring the property and is willing to perform repairs and cleanup, as well as pay accumulated unpaid taxes, Komarek said. 


City Attorney Bob Peter will investigate how to proceed with freeing both 106 W. 4th and 518 E. 4th from probate so McCord and the city can gain title to the respective properties. The council agreed to allow McCord until Dec. 31 to clean, secure and make necessary improvements to the structure at 518 E. 4th, Komarek said. 

The third property, located at 404 E. 4th St., had no representation. The structure was damaged by fire and the owners have since moved away and have not responded to communication from the city. The council found the property to be unsafe, dangerous and dilapidated, and a resolution will be considered for its demolition at the November meeting, Komarek said. 


The fourth property, located at 601 N. Hirsch St., was found to be a health nuisance, Komarek said. While there was no representation from the owners of the property, neighbors were present and shared their complaint of an excessive odor presumed to be caused by cats. There is also a deteriorating and dilapidated accessory building on the property, and some windows that have been broken out are covered only by cardboard, Komarek said. The council ordered the owners have until Nov. 25 to make the structure secure and remove the source of the odor, or the city will take action to abate and the cost will be added to the taxes owed. According to Komarek, the main structure has been neglected but is not dilapidated, so not in need of demolition at this time. The city has been in touch with the owners of the property and they are aware of the condition, Komarek said.