Square Fire Cleanup, Downtown Renovation Continues

Cleanup from the Square Fire and the Downtown Renovation Project continued. Wood from the Nielsen Building, which collapsed and was condemned by the city, will be removed. The city is looking into a demolition grant for the west side of the square; Arnie Kreek of the Northwest Missouri Regional Council gave a presentation. While the demolition grant is highly competitive, he said that Grant City would have a better than usual chance of getting it because of the fire. The maximum amount is $300,000 and the city has to wait to apply next year since the deadline has already passed for this year. Work on the Downtown Project, paid for by a federal appropriation, is continuing on the west and south sides with drainage issues being addressed. They were hoping that the lights would go up next week. Work on the project is running ahead of schedule.

The city signed a revised contract with the Rural Water District which includes no shutoff fee as had initially been proposed. Public Works Director Carl Staton said that they had always been easy to work with and had always kept them informed when they needed to shut the water off. The term of the new contract is 35 years, which is the same as the old one that was signed.

Economic Developer Charity Austin discussed needs of the city. She said that Porter Trash has a recycling program and was willing to work with the city. A recycling bin would have to be locked since there was a risk of people dumping stuff into the wrong bin or dumping trash instead of recyclables. Austin said that Porter had told her that without people monitoring the bin, such a program would not work. The city decided to pursue a solid waste grant for the playground and to pursue a recycling deal with Porter on their own.

The city approved a new letter of violation and job description for the code enforcement officer. Current officer Patsy Worthington would sign off on letters and keep regular office hours so that people would be able to contact her.

The city will meet with Francis Goff and discuss the design of a new sign for the 46 and 169 intersection to replace the old one, which rotted at the base.

Work on the Bathhouse was discussed. Scott Davidson is going to pour the concrete for the floor while the roof work will be bid out. The city is looking for volunteer labor to count towards their match for the project.

The city decided to go with concrete instead of asphalt for the Nature Trail because they said it was much cheaper. Spec will be drawn up and the concrete will be bid out and awarded at the June meeting.

Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that he had read meters and mowed lawns. The city will sweep the streets ahead of the Sesquicentennial Celebration. The city fixed two small water leaks and removed two old gas lines. They got equipment for the trail and are getting water, electricity, and sewer ready for the bathhouse.

The county renewed the note on the pool; they still have $30,000 to pay off.

The council approved a liquor license from the Dollar General Store to sell packaged drinks subject to state approval.

The council voted to enter closed session to hire pool personnel for the summer.