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Talking familiar topics
Neglected properties revisited in Hoisington
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HOISINGTON — The Hoisington City Council revisited a familiar topic at its Monday night meeting as Code Enforcement Officer Dolores Kepper reported on the property at 408 E. First Street. 

“As you probably all remember, initially when we decided to include this as a potential house to be demolished, it changed ownership last minute within the family and so we have to start the entire process all over again,” she said. The new owner, Janet Hood, was present to ask for more time to make repairs. 

When asked about time and money to make significant improvements, “the weather’s snowy and the wind blows all the time, and I’m trying to do all that,” Hood said. “I have the money.”

So far, a car port has been razed but the debris remains on the property. Hood noted the furnace as well as windows have been replaced. Hood’s son had lived in the house until recently. 

Council member Darren Reinert proposed and the council agreed to extended the final date in the resolution draft to March 20.  

The Council also discussed the progress of property improvement at 1229 N. Center St. The last visible improvements were made in December 2022.  Kepper noted that neighbors of the property are in regular contact with her expressing their concerns with the lack of progress. Currently, the crawl spaces are open and could be homes to animals escaping the cold weather.


Other business

• The council approved Commission on Aging Title VI procedures and policies and the Family Dollar Corporate cereal malt beverage sales license. 

• The council was updated about the bids for new mowers from the parks and cemetery. The city tries to trade for new mowers yearly. 

This year, Micah Ehler of Ehler Chevolet suggested that the city sell the used mowers on Purple Wave rather than offer to trade them in. He said, “it’s just better for us.” The dealers do not always have buyers interested in the used mowers. 

• City Manager Jonathan Mitchell presented the amounts of the actual year-end transfers. Funds were prioritized for expected expenditures for tornado sirens replacements, columbarium at the cemetery, painting the water tower, and Windgate Apartment clean up.  

• The council also discussed the timing to send out forms to register for season passes for the swimming pool. With the pool opening at the beginning of the season this year, the council suggested the form be sent out with the next city bill. The deadline for returning the form is May 1. 

Council member Jim Morris suggested that those interested in the season pass to fill out the form immediately and return it with their payment. Those who use auto-pay for city bills will receive a mailing that includes the pool form noted City Clerk Cecilia Conrad.  

• The city staff selected the bid of $12,781.88 from Key Equipment and Supply of Great Bend for a purchase of a push camera. The camera is used to inspect for blockage in the wastewater infrastructure.  

• The Russell County Rural Water District #3 is making progress with its expansion. “On Friday they sent me a an agreement that they have with the city of Otis,” explained Mitchell. 

“It is a starting point for a discussions of what an agreement will look like but that the language would be suitable for us.” Mitchell reminded the council that Hoisington residents will always have priority to water should circumstances threaten supplies.