Centerville Tidbits
Foreclosed Properties Causing Concern
Tough action will be taken on foreclosed properties which are allowed to fall into disrepair.
That decision was made by the Centerville City Council at a meeting on Feb. 27 aft er hearing a personal complaint from Council Member Jeff Paar, who said a neighboring property had been foreclosed upon.
"Our neighbor had a pool," he explained. "The water is now black and there are ducks living in there."
City Administrator Dallas Larson said the city could begin to take certain action against properties which were not abiding by ordinances.
"The grass and the sidewalks are fairly easy and routine to do," he said.
"If we take that a step further where we look at swimming pools or buildings that aren't secure, that should maybe involve the city attorney."
He added, "We can assess those costs to the property whether it's the bank or still in the hands of the owner."
The council decided to declare the pool in question a health hazard, and asked Larson to contact the city attorney to start the relevant process.
In other action, the council:
. Heard from Sergeant Pat Aldrich that one person was given a citation at the Ice Fishing Contest for possession of drug paraphernalia.
. Received a report from city engineer Mark Statz, who presented a series of recommendations on the 2009 street improvement project following the public open house event on Feb. 21. He suggested downgrading several parts of the project as a result of people's comments, and leaving out sections of 73rd Street, Prairie Drive, Fox Run, Hayfi eld Road, Peterson Trail and Houle Circle until 2014. The council will decide what action to take on Statz's recommendations following a work session at the March 12 meeting.
. Met Dan Crimmins, a new Community Service Offi cer with responsibility for Centerville.
. Approved the payment of $17,472.97 to Precision Excavating and Grading LLC for work done in the Old Mill Road utility and street improvement project.
. Gave its stamp of approval to a request by the Centennial Soccer Club to use soccer fields at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park for the 2008 season.
. Accepted the figure of $7,190.92 in 2007 franchise fees from the North Metro Telecommunications Cable Commission.
. Met with Kenneth Tolzmann, who will be providing property assessment services in Centerville aft er the previous provider, Anoka County, raised its fees. The council authorized that a contract be prepared.