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MINUTES Mankato City Council Emergency Meeting July 30, 2026 - 8:00 a.m. IGC - Minnesota River Room |
1.
Call Meeting to Order
Members Present: Dennis Dieken, Michael McLaughlin, Jessica Hatanpa, Mike Laven, Jenn Melby-Kelley, Kevin Mettler, and Mayor Najwa Massad.
Staff Present: City Manager Susan Arntz, Director of Community Development Mark Konz, Building and Development Services Coordinator Tom Krause, City Attorney Pam Whitmore, and City Clerk Renae Kopischke.
Members Present: Dennis Dieken, Michael McLaughlin, Jessica Hatanpa, Mike Laven, Jenn Melby-Kelley, Kevin Mettler, and Mayor Najwa Massad.
Staff Present: City Manager Susan Arntz, Director of Community Development Mark Konz, Building and Development Services Coordinator Tom Krause, City Attorney Pam Whitmore, and City Clerk Renae Kopischke.
2.
Motion re Emergency Ordinance for the immediate securing of 312 Hubbell Avenue in the City of Mankato
Ms. Arntz reported on conditions at 312 Hubbell Avenue following a consent inspection of the property conducted on July 13, 2026. She noted that the city has previously worked with the property owners through two voluntary abatement agreements to address debris and nuisance conditions on the property. She indicated that during the interior inspection, the Building Official identified multiple building code violations and safety hazards that posed an immediate danger to public health and safety. She stated that based on these findings, an Order to Vacate the residence was issued on July 29, 2026, under the authority of Minnesota building code regulations. She added that utility services were also disconnected due to significant electrical and mechanical hazards, and the sole legal occupant vacated the property.
Staff explained that the residence is now vacant and, due to the hazardous conditions—including structurally unsafe basement stairs, standing sewage in the basement, and other life safety concerns—is requesting Council approval of an emergency ordinance to secure the building. The ordinance is authorized under state law and the City Charter to address public emergencies affecting life, health, and safety. Costs incurred to secure the property would be billed to the property owner and, if unpaid, may become a lien against the property and be collected as a special assessment.
Ms. Whitmore provided a history of the steps taken to date and reviewed the abatement process as well as was available for any questions.
Brief discussion centered on the timeline and the urgency to clean up the property, in addition to making sure that any domestic animals, if found, were safely transferred and taken care of. It was noted that a Resolution related to the abatement would likely come before the Council in August.
Mr. Laven moved and Mr. Mettler seconded a motion to approve the adoption of an Emergency Ordinance for the immediate securing of 312 Hubbell Avenue in the City of Mankato. The motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Arntz reported on conditions at 312 Hubbell Avenue following a consent inspection of the property conducted on July 13, 2026. She noted that the city has previously worked with the property owners through two voluntary abatement agreements to address debris and nuisance conditions on the property. She indicated that during the interior inspection, the Building Official identified multiple building code violations and safety hazards that posed an immediate danger to public health and safety. She stated that based on these findings, an Order to Vacate the residence was issued on July 29, 2026, under the authority of Minnesota building code regulations. She added that utility services were also disconnected due to significant electrical and mechanical hazards, and the sole legal occupant vacated the property.
Staff explained that the residence is now vacant and, due to the hazardous conditions—including structurally unsafe basement stairs, standing sewage in the basement, and other life safety concerns—is requesting Council approval of an emergency ordinance to secure the building. The ordinance is authorized under state law and the City Charter to address public emergencies affecting life, health, and safety. Costs incurred to secure the property would be billed to the property owner and, if unpaid, may become a lien against the property and be collected as a special assessment.
Ms. Whitmore provided a history of the steps taken to date and reviewed the abatement process as well as was available for any questions.
Brief discussion centered on the timeline and the urgency to clean up the property, in addition to making sure that any domestic animals, if found, were safely transferred and taken care of. It was noted that a Resolution related to the abatement would likely come before the Council in August.
Mr. Laven moved and Mr. Mettler seconded a motion to approve the adoption of an Emergency Ordinance for the immediate securing of 312 Hubbell Avenue in the City of Mankato. The motion carried unanimously.
3.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mr. Laven moved and Mr. Mettler seconded a motion to adjourn. With all members voting in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
There being no further business, Mr. Laven moved and Mr. Mettler seconded a motion to adjourn. With all members voting in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
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Minutes Approved.
_________________________ Mayor Massad |
ATTEST:
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Renae Kopischke
City Clerk
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Renae Kopischke
City Clerk