City council studies future of city's shop
Having been denied a Heritage Trust grant in May to repair the city shop, Peabody City Council began a process Monday night to determine the future of the building.
It has been estimated that addressing all repair needs of the building will cost approximately $90,000. Even if the budget allowed for spending that kind of money and the work was done, the building still would be inadequate for the city's needs.
Mayor Randy Dallke asked council members to consider the "whole picture" when assessing a solution for the city shop.
"We have several departments that need to expand and easily could use more space," said Dallke. "The police department has cramped quarters and the front office (of the city building) has nowhere to go for more space or storage."
Also under consideration is the downtown historic designation which discourages the destruction of buildings that contribute to the historic integrity of the area.
After considerable discussion, council members agreed to a "retreat" July 19 at a location to be announced. Joanna Brazil, Peabody Main Street director, will contact someone to act as a facilitator for the meeting.
City administrator Jeff Benbrook will request reports from all city departments to determine needs. A second meeting will be scheduled if it is needed.
The council plans to reach an agreement and have a plan for the building by the end of summer.
Benbrook addressed another issue of importance to the future of the city.
The city of Hillsboro has requested communities in Marion County served by Marion Reservoir contribute a letter of support to a request from Hillsboro to state and local officials for treating algae problems.
Water treatment plants are currently able to keep the algae from affecting the drinking water in Hillsboro, Marion, and Peabody. However, the county is expected to take a major financial hit if the level of recreational use drops because of danger posed by algae blooms.
Hillsboro and county officials would like to see a state or federal agency step in, treat the reservoir, and establish guidelines for contamination levels.
Peabody council members authorized Benbrook to draft a letter of support.
An item added to the agenda was re-reading and clarification of a motion passed in May to authorize funds for a rock facade on the new park concession stand/press box. Benbrook retrieved the minutes from that meeting and council reviewed the parameters of the city's contribution to the structure.
Council members agreed the motion confirmed their intent to pay up to $4,800 for a rock facade which would blend with the rock used in the original WPA construction.
In other business, the council:
— heard that a formal "letter of work orders" had been sent to Westar Energy by Benbrook for repair and replacement of street lights. Several sensors were destroyed during the hail storm. Included is a new light pole for Ninth Street in front of Middle Creek Mining.
— appointed Deanna Wingert as the city's representative to the Peabody-Burns Recreation Commission.
— reviewed a report by the park committee on replacing and/or repairing playground equipment and improving the surface of "landing areas" under the equipment. Work orders have been issued to city crews to repair some of the equipment as their schedules allow. An estimate of $50,000 was presented to council from a contractor to replace or fix the remaining items and resurface the "landing areas." Council made no decision.
— in a related matter, council members were told that park gates and restrooms are being locked at night in an attempt to reduce problems in the park. An issue of a citizen stealing water from the park was reported and will be turned over to the police department.
— discussed changing the building code ordinance to include licensing roofers and contractors coming into the city to repair storm damage. Benbrook was instructed to contact other communities and compile a report for a future meeting.
— accepted a suggestion from Benbrook to eliminate from advance council packets the detailed monthly expense and revenue reports. Council members still will receive reports in spreadsheet form.
— approved a request from Robert and Marjorie Morgan to look into the status of an empty mobile home on Spruce Street which is not up to code and could qualify as a nuisance property.
— tabled until the next meeting a decision on repair to city properties damaged by hail. Benbrook will have a list of damages and insurance claims for the council to consider.
— approved a $100 contribution to July Fourth parade prizes.
— heard a report from pool manager Deanna Baker about pool attendance and repair issues. Baker also requested installation of a light at the deep end of the pool to make evening swim-time safer. She reported a pool cleaner she had ordered had not yet arrived.
— discussed installing a well somewhere downtown to facilitate Dave and Esther Stucky's efforts to water the plants and flowers in the downtown area. Benbrook and Darren Pickens will look into selecting a location.
— approved a policy for new water customers who request service after meter-reading day. New customers will be rolled over into the next meter reading cycle.
— set dates for three nights of special meetings to discuss and review the budget. Council's intention is to have the budget finished before the end of July.
— entered an executive session to discuss the acquisition of property. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
