Staff writer
In Peabody, all city council positions are “at large” positions – winners are determined by the number of votes received, not by the area of the city in which he or she resides. All registered voters within city limits are entitled to vote for the mayoral candidates as well.
The council confirmed Monday evening that three council positions and the mayor’s position will be on the ballot in the April 2015 election.
In addition to Mayor Larry Larsen’s spot, council positions that will expire are those of Steve Rose, Tim Peterson (appointed to fill the unexpired term of David Scott), and Travis Wilson (appointed to fill the unexpired term of Pam Lamborn). Filing must be made by noon on January 27, 2015.
In other business:
- Linda Martinez of Peabody Planning and Zoning presented a new proposal for an ordinance to create minimum maintenance standards for owners of downtown buildings. Since the council had not had time to read the proposed ordinance, Larsen asked Martinez if she would return at a future meeting to allow council members time to examine the proposal. She agreed to return on Dec. 29.
- Ax reported that Funk Electric had repaired and updated the electrical service at the city tennis courts near the grade school.
- With the completion of the Olive St. brick and curbing replacement by Vogts Parga Company, Ax said several people from the community had commented on the success of the project and asked if other streets would considered for similar repair in the future.
- Ax told the council that on Dec. 1, she had completed and returned the closing documents for the city on the property at 213 E. Division, but had heard nothing in return from Coldwell Banker.
- Council members discussed the expired building permits for 707 N. Elm St. and 210 W. First St. and voted to pursue the issues according to the city’s building codes and ordinances.
- The council went into executive session for 10 minutes to discuss non-elected personnel. Members took no action on return to open meeting.