Everly to target nuisance properties

Solutions to address two eyesore properties in Everly were a main topic of discussion by the city council on June 19.

Members targeted 313 E 2nd St. and 206 N Ocheyedan St. According to online property records, Shawn Hamrick, of Dickens, owns both residences.

“I think it’s to the point that the city should step in and do something about it,” said Council Member Shaun Iske.

The council discussed the dilapidated state of the East Second Street property most significantly. Members expressed interest in condemning the home as a potentially unsafe building and getting it demolished if possible. City Attorney Dennis Cmelik will be enlisted to review options for the council to pursue based on existing code.

“I think everybody in that neighborhood will be ecstatic [if we do something],” said Council Member Denise Cook.

Additionally, the council expressed support for city staff to drive around town and note other nuisance violations in an effort to clean up problematic properties.

In other business, the council approved appointments to a variety of local boards: Ron Chapman and Kendra Hanson to the library board with terms ending on June 30, 2026; Lavonne Peters to the gas utility board with a term ending on June 30, 2029; Clayton Kahl to the Hap Ketelsen Community Center Board with a term ending on June 30, 2025; and Jill Reiser and Katie Stanley to the Hap Ketelsen Community Center Board with terms ending June 30, 2026.

City Clerk Kristi Fliss also noted council seats up for elections this fall. They include: Iske, Cook and Tara Patrick, as well as Mayor Ron Thompson.