City to offer free building lots
During the past several years the City of Peabody has purchased a number of properties deemed a chronic nuisance in an effort to abate the problem. In most instances structures on the property have been torn down leaving an empty lot which the city mows and maintains.
Most of the lots are for sale, but not many have new owners.
Currently under consideration is a plan to give the lots to individuals or developers who meet certain criteria and promise to build a home on the property within two years of receiving the property.
Details of the project have not yet been finalized. Council members agreed to meet with the Peabody Housing Authority, which owns additional vacant lots, and try to coordinate the give-away with that group.
The city hopes to have the criteria set by spring.
Mayor Randy Dallke announced to the council that the city had retained the services of Midland Mediation to try and resolve pending litigation against the city. Dallke said that he, city attorney Audie Strotkamp, and the complainant will meet with the mediators in an effort to resolve the dispute.
City administrator Jeff Benbrook later confirmed that the city has been notified that a suit has been filed with the Human Rights Commission in Topeka, against the city of Peabody for age and sex discrimination.
No other information was available.
The council also discussed creating a disclaimer to be signed by citizens buying water from the city for irrigation purposes. The council felt that since it had little control over the product once it left the city water lines, it would be prudent to have those buying the water sign a disclaimer relieving the city of liability.
The city council also:
— announced the date for the annual Christmas dinner for employees, council members, and mayor. The dinner will be Dec. 6 at the American Legion.
— requested that Benbrook check the renewal date of the city's contract with Cox Communications and Atmos Energy. Any changes to the contracts with those companies need to be made at the time of renewal.
— heard a report that the Alltell tower at the south end of Peabody appears to have been completed, but the city has not heard from the company about a connection date. The city administrator will contact them.
— heard from the mayor that the "light survey" for the city is proceeding. Dallke said that when the survey is complete the city will have a blueprint of areas that need additional lighting as well those which may no longer need to be lighted.
— instructed the city clerk to order the installation of a street light on Ninth Street in front of the Middle Creek Mining building.
— agreed to have the 1880s Main Street sign re-installed at Ninth and Peabody Streets as well as the cautionary yellow arrow signs at each end of Ninth Street where the pavement ends.
— heard a report from Jeff Benbrook on many of the topics covered in the week-long city clerk school he attended in Wichita.
