Unsafe properties targeted for clean-up

Kimball City Council recently took another step forward on properties deemed unsafe within city limits.

During the recent City Council meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 17, council considered properties at 106 and 106 ½ Washington Street.

These properties are listed as fire hazards and unsafe for neighbors; they have non-operational vehicles, and debris that can harbor vermin, as well as broken windows that could allow access into the dwellings.

City attorney Kent Hadenfeldt counseled city leaders to add abatement procedures to the posted notice, allowing property owners to reduce the dangers.

"The notice needs to be more specific. There has got to be something for them to abate or correct," Hadenfeldt said. "The notice that was attached to our agenda did not have specific items, like the windows, for example. One thing I want to emphasize that you have to do in the future is that you have to give people notice and you have to give them something to abate."

A third property, located at 612 S. Elm was also discussed due to broken windows.

Council agreed to add the specific problems to each notice, with input from Police Chief Andy Bremer and Building Inspector John Heidemann, and allow the owners to remedy the situation.