Council Accepts Bid For Delinquent Property Tax
During the regular Tuesday meeting, Southwest City’s board of alderman accepted a bid on a property the city recently acquired through delinquent tax debts. Council members received one bid regarding 503 S. Broadway St. from Abel Corral — the adjoining property’s owner.
“The property is no benefit to the city and is currently out of the tax revenue,” said Mayor David Blake.
The council voted to accept Corral’s bid of $2,200. City Clerk Missy Zinn will research closing costs, add the fees to the total bid, then present it to Corral for approval or denial.
Council members also agreed to purchase a security system for Blankenship Park. The equipment will feature eight cameras, be night-vision equipped and have a range distance of 800 feet.
“We know there’s vandalism going on down there, drug-dealing and whatever else,” said Blake, regarding a number of isolated spots along the park’s walking trail.
The council voted to purchase the security system at a cost of $699. Members also voted to install a light over the playground to illuminate the area after dark.
Departmental Reports
Mayor Blake informed the council of a party interested in removing unwanted gravel from Honey Creek, most notably a gravel bar that was deposited by a flood last year. Since gravel is a natural resource, the materials can’t be sold, but allowing a party to remove the gravel while abiding by DNR regulations negates the need to hire someone to remove it.
Public works director Shane Clark updated members on activities. He said the street department has spread two more loads of cold-patch, mowed an out-of-compliance property on North Main Street and cleared the south side of the park for the upcoming fireworks display. The water department repaired a water leak on Main Street. Clark said he installed new parts in the control panel at the wastewater plant. He is currently working to clean the standby clarifier and fix the repair sampler.
City Clerk Zinn spoke about remote storage of the city’s data software and associated costs. She also presented council members with a draft copy of the city’s recent audit.
In other business, the council accepted a $300 donation from Southwest Aviation, via Craig Martin, to be used toward additional fireworks to celebrate the 50th annual celebration; and was informed of the upcoming meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission at 6 p.m., Monday, July 9, at City Hall.