(KLZA)-- Frustrations over the burnt buildings are continuing to grow amongst Council members and neighboring business owners in Pawnee City.

Monday night the Council learned the Jerry Graham, who owns the burnt properties has undergone shoulder surgery and then traveled to his home in Hawaii. Council members also learned that Graham has not yet been served with a letter from the city advising he has 30 days to repair or demolish the buildings.  

City Clerk Tammy Stephens informed Council members that in visiting with City Attorney Joe Stehlik, the Graham is working on dealing with the buildings in a different manner. 

City Council President Charlie Hatfield was presiding in the absence of Mayor Deborah Klein. Hatfield noted that he has had a Seneca, Kansas company look at the burned buildings to get an estimate for demolition.

Councilman John Dahlgren said that there are a number of organizations working at getting the buildings signed over to the City. Council member Sandi Corbitt-Sears said it is likely the buildings would need to be signed over to an organization such as the Community Foundation. 

An estimate to have the back wall of the burnt buildings reviewed by a structural engineer was from $2-$5000. The Council was not in favor of spending that kind of money.