Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

City condemns three more old properties

Three more properties have been added to those condemned by the City of Gurdon.

The Gurdon City Council took action on the condemnations during its meeting on Monday, Aug. 20.

After hearing recommendations from Gurdon Mayor Clayton Franklin, the council approved the condemnation of a mobile home at 301 N. First St., and a mobile home at 303 N. First St. Austin Capps is the owner of record for both of these properties, according to the condemnation resolutions. The two mobile homes are located next to the carwash near Gurdon City Hall.

The third property condemned by the council was a house at 309 E. Joslyn St. The owner of record is Norman Hansen.

Franklin said the Joslyn Street house had been discussed by the council before, but the owner had pledged to clean it up.

We backed off, Franklin said.

After only minimal work was done on the property, Franklin said the city decided to move forward with the condemnation.

Another property discussed by the council is also owned by Hansen. Franklin said the property on U.S. 67 across from the Gurdon City Park had once again become overgrown and littered with old cars.

The city was able to get Hansen to clean up the lot once before by sending a letter outlining a city ordinance that pertains to keeping properties clean, Franklin said.

The council agreed to send another letter in an effort to get the property back in shape. Franklin said condemnation of the property is a possibility.

The council also discussed the property that was once the Bell High School. The property is beginning to deteriorate, and Franklin said officials have attempted to contact those responsible for its upkeep.

The council agreed to have the mayor send a letter to the property owners requesting a written plan describing their plans for the property and its upkeep.

Also during the meeting, Franklin told the council that the citys garbage contract had been bought out by a local independent contractor. Bobby Walker, who previously worked for the company that has picked up garbage in Gurdon for several years, has purchased the remainder of the citys contract and will begin picking up the garbage soon.

The council approved going into a three year contract with Walker. Franklin said the extended contract for garbage services were to give Walker more security in his new business.

Gurdon Recorder/Treasurer Tambra Childres said the garbage truck will be running early through the remainder of the hot weather. If possible, she recommends putting ones trash out the night before.