RECAP/UPDATES
-Guest- Kermit Kauffman of the Bates County Fair Board addressed the council to update them on the building progress. With the weather delay, the building will not be up so they will be putting up a tent structure (he provided a map drawing) to use for a few of the animals to improvise this year. He has coordinated with the public works director about getting temporary power, etc (no cost to the city). He informed us that there will be an MSTPA Tractor Pull during the fair, a concert, as well as other activities, including the fair parade using the normal route. Council approved his changes and commended the Fair Board on their efforts to revitalize the Bates County Fair! I would ask the public to please make an effort to show your support at the fair this year! Folks- that is how we will keep building this community and improving!
-The City Attorney updated the council about the medical marijuana ordinances that we have been working on. The new state statutes were just released with required changes, therefore, they are still finalizing our wording. We will review again next meeting.
-The acting City Administrator had two positive conversations with potential grocery stores this week. The survey that was requested of us to do has not been completed yet, but hopefully in a few weeks time. But, this is all positive news and steps in the right direction! Remember- if we get a store- we HAVE to support it to keep it!
-The Code Inspector addressed the council during his report and expressed concern regarding several intersections in town that have trees that block vision and have actually caused several traffic accidents. It was discussed and determined that the property owners of these locations (approximately 15) would be contacted about correcting these situations.
The council also discussed the process with the code violations (tall grass, etc) and it was agreed that property owners in violation will have a sign placed on their property letting the citizens know that they have been cited, as well as published in the paper. The council feels strongly that we need to make a citywide effort to clean up our community and hopefully this will encourage everyone to pitch in and do their part.
The Code Inspector also presented council with two updated bids for demolition of 303 S Main and 114 E Dakota. The prior bids were not accepted by the property owners for their portion of the haul off costs. The property owners have accepted the news bids and council approved to proceed. There is no additional cost to the City.
-Another question was brought to council regarding the responsibility for the trees on Business 71/Orange street. It was discussed that MODOT was responsible and there will be future decisions as to what needs to take place to keep this road safe(the concern was the trees distracting view, growing out into the roadway, maintenance, etc).
-The Personnel Committee met at 5pm and started discussing the goals of the city administrator position. There will be another meeting on this soon. The City Owned Facilities Committee met at 6pm to discuss several policies regarding the city shop, baseball concession stands, parks, etc.
-The Public Works Director updated the council on the current water line work being done. They are finishing up a project currently and they will be looking at next working on the water pressure issue near the southwest corner of the square. This will require some work to dig up the bricks, etc.
-The Council also voted to add the parking area on Dakota Street to the street project as there were some funds left that were budgeted. The street project start date has been changed to June 19th as the weather has been a delay.
Courtesy of Council Member Heather Diehl
