Speer v. City of Dodge City

Parks, J.:

Plaintiff Kenneth I. Speer brought this action to recover damages for conversion of personal property. The trial court entered judgment for $16,641 actual damages and $1,500 punitive damages against defendant City of Dodge City and $555 actual damages against defendant James Kemper. Both defendants appeal.

In May 1978, the governing body of Dodge City sought to clean up a vacant lot owned by Everett Kemper and his son, James. The City passed a resolution attempting to condemn personal property on the land and to compel its repair or removal as unsafe or dangerous. The personal…