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The big news out of last week’s Center City Council meeting had to be that the DNR is providing a new fishing pier. The one on North Center Lake is over 20 years old, more like 40 years by some estimates, and the state has it on the replacement cycle for 2023.

Also, the fire department’s  representative attending the meeting, Dan Twohy, reports the tanker posted for sale may have a suitable purchase offer.  The possible buyer will work through the acquisition, title transfer, etc. with city staff. Purchase price is announced at $8,000.  

Council, minus member Lloyd Vetter, voted to approve the sale in advance contingent on the appropriate paperwork.

The former “Grumpy Minnow” has applied under a new name for a charitable gaming permit to sell fire relief association pull tabs and run raffles and bingo.  The restaurant/bar is now going by the name Hodge Lodge, but details about reopening were not shared.

Council voted to authorize the fire relief gambling for the new business 4-0.

A few street segments will be paved in coming months, under a quote from Bluhm Contracting for about $33,000.  The routes are in the old town area; involving  Moody Avenue, to Center to Busch.

Public Works Supervisor Eric Garner said he sent out many requests for quotes and only got two responses and Bluhm’s price per ton of bituminous was easily the lowest and best.

Clerk Dana Miron was approved to attend a three-day conference training in St. Cloud later this month. She was also given permission to stay twice overnight. Approximate room cost is $110 daily and the sessions are $305 total registration.

The Board of Appeals & Equalization which is convened once per year for residents to contest property valuations, is April 20, at 6 p.m. at city hall.  Any revisions would affect next year’s taxes.

The update on the legal situation with Hursh Ironworks was fairly status quo. City Attorney Ted Alliegro said the threatened lawsuit is not yet given a court scheduling order.  

The city maintains the company, located north of downtown near Pioneer Lake, is operating in an unsanctioned manner and has been notified to cease but has not.

The county has notified the city of plans to demolish the vacant jail and next door stucco building located on “commissioners alley’ this spring/summer.
Garner said discussions with county officials are that the county will be responsible to get all necessary permits, including for working near the lake.  The parcel has been listed for sale for years and the county hopes the land becomes more marketable with the two old buildings razed.

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