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City Council hears blighted property report
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HOISINGTON — The Hoisington City Council heard a report this week on blighted properties from Don Doerschlag, the city’s code enforcement officer.

Doerschlag presented the formal documents he has developed to move forward with enforcing city codes. Doerschlag works ten hours per week on this issue.

The council passed resolution 08-2011 fixing a time and date, 7:30 p.m. on June 27 for a hearing on the property at 171 S. Main to determine whether it is unsafe or dangerous according to city code.

Pictures of the second story and rear of the building were shown. The rear of the building has an addition which has a gaping hole in the roof. Pigeons now inhabit the second story of the building. The interior of the second story is covered in pigeon droppings.

He also showed photos of other dilapidated property in the community and discussed with the council where he is at in getting those problems corrected.

In other business, the council passed a resolution to make the city eligible to apply for Safe Routes to School funding. The grant is for $250,000 to improve infrastructure around the two elementary schools and the middle school. The grant is a 100 percent reimbursement program. City Manager Jonathan Mitchell reported that the grant is for Phase II of the project. Phase I of the project has already been completed and involved planning for improvements.

In his report, Mitchell said that a few electrical modifications are required to the water plant to fully begin softening the water. Additional water softening capabilities have been added in recent months, but the softening can’t begin until after the electric improvements are completed.

In final business, the Mitchell reported:

•Ambulance Director Brent Rouse to moving on to another department in early June. The city is in the process of finding another director. "We are sorry to see Brent leave," said Mitchell.

•The city’s new bucket truck has arrived and is already in use.

•The city approved the Barton County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan will allow the city to qualify for grant funds, participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and in the Community Rating System.