By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Guthrie Center city council on Aug. 26, the council heard a request from Dr. Kelly Bast who asked the council to allow time for the residents of 100 N. 12th St. to clean out, tear down and remove the garage on the property. Bast explained that this is the Cathy Morrell property, and that he’s been helping those living at that address to make progress on cleanup and disposal to comply with the city ordinances.
Bast said those living at the house have been dealing with significant health challenges, and he asked the council to take this into consideration.
“Give them a break. They need it,” Bast said.
Councilmembers said they are generally willing to allow adequate time, if clear progress is being made. Councilmember Ian Steensen shared that the city has seen many instances when progress stalls, so he asked for assurances that the work will get done.
“In the past, when we just let people be, what they say is going to happen never happens,” Steensen said.
Bast said he’s allowing Morrell to borrow his pickup to take loads to the landfill, and he plans to keep helping when able.
After discussion, the council voted unanimously to allow until Jan. 1 for the garage to be emptied. At that time, the city will check for compliance. If this deadline is met, the city will allow until May 1 for the garage to be razed and removed. If necessary, the city will perform the work, with costs assessed to the property’s taxes.
The council also approved the consent agenda, which included a liquor/beer license for Incredi-Bowl.
The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.