regular city council meeting last week, the Hoisington City Council once again discussed code enforcement and the direction that the city will take in the coming year.
Code Enforcement Officer Don Doerschlag gave his report regarding the hundreds of letters sent out to home owners that had no numbers on their houses. He said many had complied but 75 needed a follow up letter.
In addition, the council considered bids for demotion of structures at 851 W. Second owned by Donna Rehak. It includes two outbuildings and a storm shelter.
Doerschlag received bids for demolition. The council went with TSI for $1,750 with the condition that the storm shelter is filled with dirt, not compost. A time limit of completion of demolition of Dec. 31 was named.
Doerschlag said that most of the seriously dilapidated houses have been dealt with and then discussed the next steps in code enforcement. City Manager Jonathan Mitchell said that quality of life issues such as an attractive community were essential to attracting young families back to the city.
Doerschlag said that flaking house paint was a major issue in the community. He suggested that if the house had over 50 percent flaking paint, that the owner gets a letter. There were suggestions by the council about looking for a reimbursement type program.    
Council Member Jim Sekavec thought some people could not afford to fix  up their houses. Council Member Chris Smith said that if the property is let go year after year, that the condition continues to deteriorate and takes more money to fix.
The council took no action on the flaking paint.
They also discussed nuisance vehicles, and unsafe sidewalks.
Council member Brian Wilborn thanked Don Doerschlag for all of his hard work.

Pinkies LLC
The city purchased the property at 171 S. Main at the Barton County tax sale. The city worked out a real estate agreement with Pinkies LLC owned by Melinda Thompson.
She plans to open a restaurant.
The city will remove waste and debris from the property and will improve windows and doors.
Any improvements or upgrades needed to operate a restaurant will be borne by the tenant. Pinkies will take possession not later than March 1, 2015.
After Pinkies takes possession, they will be responsible for payment of real estate and personal property tax and pay the city $500 per month in rent, which will be used to reimburse the city for all acquisition costs, materials cost in cleaning the building and improvements.