- The Pawhuska City Council voted to continue the ordinance-based abatement process regarding a damaged building owned by Jay Mitchell.
- Mitchell has defended his actions, characterizing himself as a “preservationist” and denouncing his detractors as “busybodies.”
Pawhuska city councilors voted, 5-to-0, on March 11 to allow City Inspector Mike Bayro to continue with the ordinance-based abatement process of the building located at 119 E. Main St.
Bayro explained to councilors that Jay Mitchell, the building owner, arranged for someone to do enough additional work to the building during the weekend of March 1 for it to be considered closed up. The back wall of the building collapsed March 14, 2024 and city government had never been completely satisfied with Mitchell’s response to the problem.
Bayro said that the person Mitchell assigned to work on the building did not go through the proper procedure. The person did not provide proof of being licensed and insured, and did not get a permit. Bayro said he could fine Mitchell $500 for that but was inclined to suspend the fine as a way of demonstrating that the city is willing to work to resolve the issue. Bayro indicated he was close to closing the book on this abatement effort…