By Mari Radtke
The Primghar Council listed to comments at a special meeting held Wednesday September 20 from Darren Bumgarner, Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission (NWIPDC) and Thor Klinker about nuisance abatement ordinances. Klinker updated council on the progress of standing or new nuisance cases in Primghar. Eugene Schiefen owns many properties in Primghar that have been under scrutiny of the City for abatement purposes for an estimated 2 years. Progress has slowed and council decided to pursue additional effort to further the property improvements. Due to a conflict of interest, Klinker cannot handle the case. Katie Morgan, Sheldon, was selected and once appointed by council agreed to handle the case. Council made the official appointment that night.
The broken water line in the alley behind the empty lot between 110 1st Street NE, Bob & Scott’s and 120 1st Street NE, Jons Gallery was discussed. The water line connects the city main to what is now an empty lot, used by Jons Gallery and records say is owned by Michelle Schueder. Council reached the conclusion during open session that a broken pipe between the main and private property is the responsibility of the property owner.
The argument is that when the building originally on the lot was torn down, the water was to be disconnected at the main, not at the building shutoff. The discussion will continue.
Schmillen Construction was awarded a concrete crushing contract several months ago, but claim they did not received the documents. Council will approach the company and try to work out an agreement to help with further clearing of the dump to allow staging of equipment for the lagoon expansion project.