Staff writer
Peabody City Council approved a recommendation from Peabody Planning and Zoning Committee to allow the construction of a storm shelter at Indian Guide Terrace at 501 N. Vine St.
The apartment complex has no facility available to protect residents in the event of a violent storm.
Plans call for the construction of a shelter at the south end of the property. A variance is necessary because the plans for the shelter infringe upon existing setback requirements.
The proposed addition will match the exterior of Indian Guide and will be constructed to code. The shelter will be able to accommodate the residents and be rated to withstand winds of up to 245 mph.
No one was present from the public to speak in favor of the project or against it. The council approved the variance.
The council also approved the sale of a small parcel of land adjacent to the north side of the U.S. 50 overpass at Newell Road.
Mark Dieker offered $500 for the property, which is across Newell Road from his home.
The council approved the sale with the provisions that proper easements are in place and Dieker pay the closing costs.
In other business:
- City Administrator Shane Marler was given permission to issue a “request for quote” from area veterinarians for the city’s contract animal services. The city entered into a contract with Spur Ridge Veterinary Clinic in 2005, but due to rising costs would like to review its options.
- In related business, Police Chief Bruce Burke told the council that Katy King will resign her position as animal control officer, but will remain on duty until a replacement is hired.
- Marler said that he and Peabody Public Works Director Darren Pickens had met with a Wildflower Telecommunications official and presented a counter-proposal for fiber optics service, but had not yet received a response.
- Marler and Mayor Larry Larsen commended the city employees for the job they did on snow removal following the two blizzards the last two weeks of February.
- Marler said he had been working with Peabody Fire Chief Mark Penner to complete a grant application for equipment for the fire department.
- Pickens reported the “shark” vacuum that cleans the municipal swimming pool quit working during the pool season in 2012. It will either need to be replaced at a cost of $2,056 or repaired at a cost of $1,200 with no warranty. The council tabled the issue until a future meeting.
- A review of impending repairs on the city mowers was heard, but no action was taken.
- Council member Tom Schmidt said the tree replacement program at the park was ready to plant five new trees at the end of February, but the snow storms postponed the project.
- Burke reported the Kansas Department of Animal Health had inspected the city dog kennel and animal control records and found no violations.
The next meeting of Peabody City Council will be at 7 p.m. Monday in the city building.