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Business considers moving to Hoisington and occupying the former Duckwall building
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HOISINGTON — The Hoisington City Council heard good news last night when the Hoisington Community Development Corporation announced that they had a home and farm business considering opening a location in Hoisington in the old Duckwall store. It would create six new jobs for Hoisington.

The business was not named, but plans are to take acquisition of the building on Nov. 1. and open up for business in March of 2012.

The council agreed to purchase the property at 161 S. Main for $10,500 and to authorize the city manager to proceed with demolition on the site. This site will be used for outdoor storage for the new company. The demolitions costs will be paid through a Community Improvement District designation.

Duckwall went out of business last November, and in June of this year, the local hardware store closed. The owner of the new business has visited Hoisington and was pleased with community facilities.

The council held a hearing on the 2012 budget. Rates will remain the same except for an increase to sewer of 50 cents to the base rate. There will also be an increase of 25 cents per 1,000 above the minimum.

The mill levy assessment will remain at 61.533 mills. The council approved the budget.

The improvements to the water treatment plant are completed. The cost of the project was $648,710 and the city received a grant for $400,000. The enhancements included a new clarifier, painting, new lime slaker, filter media and other improvements. The grant meeting was closed.

Code Enforcement Officer Don Doerschlag was present. Demolition was started at 271 W. Broadway, and the building should be down next week.

The city received a reimbursement of $4800 from the mortgage company on the demolition of the property at 723 E. 4th.

Lonnie Philbern, owner of the property at 171 S. Main was present. He explained that he did not realize how poor condition the building was in. He was given until Sept. 22 to get a roof on the building by the council. He is also to fix the concrete sidewalk in front.

Concerning the property at 569 W. 3rd. Doerschlag has met with the owner on several occasions to find someone to help with cleanup. At the next meeting, a resolution will be made to show cause to tear down the house as no progress has been made.

The council:

•Passed the appropriations ordinance. There was $8,010 written off from the ambulance service due to uncollected accounts due to death and closure of estates. Efforts are going to be made to reduce that number.

•Was informed that there is still brick leftover from the reconstruction of Main Street that is available to the public.