Staff writer
Peabody City Council granted a 30-day extension May 31 to rectify problems on a nuisance property at 509 N. Locust St. owned by Marvin Schmidt.
City Administrator Mac Manning had been in touch with Schmidt’s son, Kevin, that day. Kevin Schmidt said he had been to Peabody several times and had made some progress on his father’s property, but that weather and his work schedule had prevented him from doing as much as he had hoped.
Council members agreed that there was visible progress. After discussion, the council agreed to a 30-day extension and instructed Manning to contact Kevin Schmidt about the decision.
Police Chief Bruce Burke said that the vehicles on the property were taken off the original list of nuisance items several years ago and would need to be added to the list. His officers will review whether the vehicles are inoperable.
If abatement has not taken place by June 27, the city will fix the problem and bill the owner.
Council to refuse pay
The council voted to forego the annual stipend to the mayor and council members for the remainder of 2011, all of 2012, and January through April of 2013. After the 2013 election, the mayor and council will need to address the issue. The council approved the proposal because they had asked department heads to reduce their budgets by 10 percent.
In other business:
- Lisa Hodges reported on the progress of the 2011 Independence Day celebration. Her request that the city pay one-half of the cost for four extra security officers July Fourth was approved.
- Swimming pool manager Beth Peter said that despite chilly temperatures on opening day May 28, six children visited the pool to swim.
- The council instructed Public Works Director Darren Pickens that city employees should not change light bulbs and do electrical work at Peabody Township Library, as the library isn’t the city’s responsibility. Pickens said the council and Peabody Township need to establish who is responsible for such issues in the future.
- County workers will trim trees on the west side of Peabody Street in preparation for street work. They will also trim trees on the east side of the park and on Prairie Lawn Road. Pickens said 12 trees at the city park need to be cut down this summer.
- The council discussed tree trimming done by Westar Energy to correct a problem with power lines in front of the former Tumbleweed building. The council will review the streetscape plan before removing the tree. Extensive sidewalk repair will be needed when it is removed.
- Manning announced Kansas Department of Transportation will add two passing lanes on U.S. 50. The state has not released a timeline for the projects.
- Manning told the council that new city health and safety officer Samantha Sattler has compiled a list of nuisance properties and properties with mowing violations. The city will notify residents in violation of city ordinances.
The next council meeting is 7 p.m. Monday