Focus Area: Economy; Legal
Staff Contact: Jamie Robichaud; Ryan Arter; Ron Shaver
________________________________________________________________________________
title:
title
Consideration of Resolution No. 26-1039 fixing a date and time for a public hearing on July 21, 2026, regarding the structure at 617 N. Water Street.
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
recommended motion:
Approve as part of the Consent Agenda.
________________________________________________________________________________
Summary:
The property located at 617 N. Water Street is a single-family residence formerly owned by Roger C. Huggins and Eleanor L. Huggins. Mr. Huggins died in July 1982, and Mrs. Huggins died on June 27, 2004. The deed still lists them as the owners. The City was in communication with a surviving son, Roger C, Huggins, Jr as to the condition of the property.
On March 12, 2024, the City sent certified notice to Roger C. Huggins, Jr. regarding the safety concerns related to the structure and violations of Olathe Municipal Code. The City later discovered that Roger C. Huggins, Jr. died June 23, 2024. Since that time, the City has had no contact with his siblings or any other parties with an apparent interest in the property.
No action has been taken to address the condition of the property, and City staff tagged the building as an unsafe structure on September 2, 2025. The structure now presents an imminent danger to the surrounding neighborhood and is in violation of multiple provisions of the Olathe Municipal Code. Following a visual inspection of the structure, the Chief Building Official prepared findings documenting these conditions (Attachment A).
Accordingly, staff requests that the City Council adopt a resolution setting a public hearing on July 21, 2026, concerning the imminent danger posed by this dangerous structure (Attachment B).
Background
The structure is in a severely deteriorated and unsafe condition. The brick façade is separating from the exterior wall due to compromised brick ties, and the foundation is exhibiting signs of settling and cracking. In addition, the west wall is bowing outward, the floor system on the west side of the structure has collapsed, and the home is unsafe to enter. The roof is collapsing in multiple locations, with open holes exposing the interior to the exterior. Further, the entire house is open to the elements, as windows and doors are broken or missing, and wood rot around the windows and throughout the exterior is so extensive that it is no longer preventing water intrusion into the home. The ongoing deterioration and condition of the structure present a continuing risk to public health, safety, and welfare, as well as a blighting influence on surrounding properties.
Current Conditions
The City’s Chief Building Official’s report (Attachment A) made the following findings:
- The structure is severely deteriorated and unsafe.
- Major structural components have experienced decay or collapse.
- The property contains unsanitary and hazardous conditions.
Based on these observations, the Chief Building Official has determined that the building is unsafe and dangerous.
This agenda item is the first step in the process authorized by K.S.A. 12-1750 et seq. for the City Council to order demolition or repair, and, if needed eventually, for the City to demolish or repair and assess the costs to the property.
Attachment B is a resolution setting a public hearing for July 21, 2026, to allow the owner and any lienholders to show cause why the City should not declare the structure unsafe and order the owner to demolish or repair the structure within a reasonable time. The owner’s failure to act by the deadline set by the governing body would allow the City to repair or raze the structure and to assess the costs against the property.
Staff recommends that the City Council set the Public Hearing and direct staff to provide notice as required by law.
________________________________________________________________________________
Financial Information:
None
________________________________________________________________________________
Attachment(s):
A. Statement of Unsafe and Dangerous Structure 617 N. Water St.
B. Resolution 26-1039 unsafe structure hearing 617 N. Water St.