Tienter building still topic for L.S. City Council

LIME SPRINGS - Mayor Chris Chilson gave an update on the Curt Tienter building on Willard St., which is falling down.

 He told council members at the Nov. 3 meeting, the unpaid property taxes were purchased by Forrest Holdings, which also purchased the taxes for Lime Springs Locker. Chilson spoke with a representative about taking care of the building and was told the company has no interest in the buildings. “Their company is willing to sell it back to the City for $1,000. If they hold onto it, they will let it lapse, and it’ll be 2023 before it can be sold again. They don’t have the deed. Curt still owns the property.”

The City is kind of at a standstill on the issue until a new City attorney can be hired. Council approved the previous attorney, Thais Folta’s, resignation at the same meeting.

• In other business, council again discussed the office of Public Works Director Tyler Smith. Should it be used by Smith or the library?

Council person Kris Kraft said, “Tyler needs the space. He’ll need all of that and more, when he starts on the wastewater project.”

Kristi McNamara countered, “Janet needs an office, too.”

Eddie Miller brought up the fact the library paid for the roof to be fixed many years ago, and the City promised to pay it back, which hasn’t happened.

The possibility of building onto the library toward the west, into Kitchen Park was mentioned. With Smith’s carpentry background, he would possibly do the work.

The issue will be discussed at future meetings.

• Smith also noted the sump pump at the well house was replaced.

• Rock was put on Howard St.  by Mehmerts. It cost about $1,600. Meeting attendee Dale Schwade said the farmers really appreciated the road after the City had to put a weight limit on the Merrill St. bridge. 

• Smith has been burning at the tree dump to get rid of some refuse.

• A building permit was issued to Austin Hrdlicka, who purchased the old Bruce Fortney house.

The PWD stated, “Jane and I looked at the boundary lines at the school and found most of the property behind the old school is City property.”

• Smith also looked at the fire wall between Spring Ahead Learning Center (SALC) and the fire door. “The door is steel and has a one hour, 45 minute [safety] time on it. The learning center side is at code or above, so if [Richard Cottrell] has a problem on his side, he can fix that.”

Council authorized the purchase of a lap top computer for Smith to use for monthly reports, research and on-line classes.

• Fire Chief Nate Schwickerath reported there were no calls for the month of October. He did participate in some fire prevention programs at SALC.

There are enough signed up that a FireFighter I class will be held in Lime Springs this winter. 

The chief noted after purchasing some flashlights, every piece of equipment used by the firefighters has been replaced in the last four years. 

The new tower going up at Davis Corners should be running by Dec. 15. “Once it is up, it will be a huge help in the western part of the county. We’ve been having a hard time communicating.”

• Miller stated the silent auction at the Library was taking place from Nov. 1-30. 

Ten people participated in the Halloween Cake Decorating Contest. There were also 17 people who attended the special Halloween Bingo Night.

Spring Ahead Preschool and Daycare visited the library on Oct. 30. The children showed their costumes, and 28 received a treat 

• Jill Tibbals explained the Pool & Park Board was applying for Mitchell and Howard County Community Foundation grants. She also updated her list of board members. “There were a couple people listed as members but haven’t attended for awhile. I contacted them, and they wanted off.”

• Council accepted the lease agreement with SALC for $150 per month, which is the same as last year. They also sent a note saying they didn’t feel the fence in the back has anything to do with them.

• A second letter will be sent to the Eagen house that has a semi and other vehicles blocking the sidewalk on North Miller St.

• Help wanted ads went out in the utility bill for a part-time deputy clerk and deputy maintenance person.

• A complaint letter will be sent to Walter Hoopman’s sister about the property, which still has debris in the yard.

• A dog complaint will be sent to Terry Johnson.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1.