Nuisance properties back on city's agenda
By SUSAN MARSHALL
News editor
Peabody City Council on Monday night heard from five citizens who had received letters identifying them as owners of nuisance properties.
All were present to request additional time to address the issues outlined by Peabody Health and Safety officer Tammy Whiteside.
According to Whiteside each property owner had either begun the process of cleaning up the property or had a plan to get the job done. Council members agreed to defer to Whiteside and allow her to review the nuisance properties as long as progress is being made.
Once there is an indication that the homeowner is not pursuing cleanup or repair, Whiteside will send another letter entering into formal procedures that could eventually result in demolition of the property if abatement is not completed in a timely manner.
Council members approved a resolution authorizing improvements to the water tower. General obligation bonds will be issued to pay for painting and cleaning the water tower.
In other business the council:
— heard from Janice Woodruff that parking at a recent swim meet at Peabody City Park had created traffic problems for people living in the park and pool area, as well as for people trying to get through Locust, Division, Second, and Third streets. Woodruff wondered why the park couldn't have been open that day to accommodate some of the out-of-town visitors. The council took no action.
— postponed until the July 30 meeting a decision on spending up to the budget limit on park beautification. Park committee chairman Tom Schmidt will bring in figures for the council's consideration.
— heard from city administrator Jeff Benbrook that Bill Straight of Bucher, Willis, and Ratliff had submitted a bill for final payment as grant administrator for the sewer upgrades. Council members voted unanimously to deny payment until the sewer project is complete.
— heard from Benbrook that because of the weather during June, Integrated Solutions, Inc. had not been to the former sewer plant to remove the final drum of contaminated debris and dirt. They currently are scheduled to do the work Thursday.
— heard from Peabody Main Street director Kristen Hooper that five downtown buildings have had curtains hung in the second story windows. The city building was included in that project by the design committee. Hooper also tracked the impact of Peabody Bucks in local businesses since the fourth quarter of 2006. She announced that Kansas State Historical Society will have an architect in Peabody July 19 to visit with building owners and explain the 45 percent tax credits available for building renovations.
— approved proceeding with action against Chris and Jennifer Young for drilling a well after their application was denied. The application was denied because the contractor doing the work was not licensed. A citation will be issued requiring a court appearance.
— discussed special assessments to homeowners in the blocks where the sewer has collapsed from Third to Eighth Street between Plum and Locust. No decision was made.
— approved a $100 subsidy for the block beautification project.
