BY TONY FURSE | October 25, 2023

Among actions at the regular La Cygne council meeting last Wednesday, Oct. 18, was a split vote in which the city accepts a draft agreement for title search and warranty deed preparation of seven lots at 402 S. Broadway in exchange for absorbing a $16,400 house demolition bill.

The 3-2 decision, with David Brenneman and Danny Curtis casting dissenting votes, will require the owner to pay for the deed and title search prior to the final transaction.

Thomas Capp, who seconded Jerome Mitzner’s motion to accept the agreement, said that “it has been made clear that the bill is not going to be paid, and it’s located near a new house.” If not for the agreement, Capp reasoned that the $16,400 bill would otherwise go onto the tax rolls as a property lien.

During her mayor’s comments, Debra Wilson reminded attendees of upcoming Halloween activities, including the Broadway trunk-or-treat Friday starting at 6 p.m., Family Cafe’s trunk-or-treat at 5 p.m. Tuesday, and the city fire department’s annual Halloween hot dog offering late Tuesday afternoon at Thayer Park. 

Concerning the sewer system rehabilitation project, the council concurred that Dan Nasalroad, public works superintendent, reach out to project engineer BG Consultants, Inc., Lawrence, before the city will agree to enter a one-year extended warranty with SAK Construction, O’Fallon, Mo., for four specified lining wrinkles.

Nasalroad, who recommended the extended warranty, said the wrinkles “are just enough not to meet specifications but not enough to dig back up.”

Asked by Mitzner about the risk involved with the cited wrinkles, Nasalroad said that “they can obstruct flow.” Added Mitzner, “A big concern might be debris.”

Curtis said the city will be paying for this project for 40 years--”is this something that could get worse?”

Nasalroad said that once the affected joints harden, “then they’re hard.”

In other business before the council:

--The council accepted the resignation of Ronald Wier from the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission after 20 years of service. Noting that “small cities run on volunteers,” Wilson issued a formal thank-you and said the city will send Wier a letter of gratitude.

--Nasalroad reported that concrete flooring has been poured for the new fire station and that water has been shut off and bathrooms closed at the city park for the season.

--Wilson reminded patrons that mailed surveys to identify copper/lead pipes are due to be returned to City Hall next Tuesday.

--No public action followed a five-minute executive session for non-elected personnel individual employee’s performance.