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by DENISE MARTIN

The cleanup of the Springs Inn site in Taylors Falls was granted an extension Monday this week.  The property owner now has until August 22 before the city will pursue action on legally abating debris left behind after the structure burned in February.  

The extra time,  granted by Judge Jesse Seabrooks II was requested by city attorney Fritz Knaak.  He explained to the judge in a remote hearing that the city has confidence in the new contractors and stated the “scope” of the tasks ahead are well understood.  He guessed that the property owner was not there to participate in the court hearing this week because the city had been communicating that it would continue to work on cleanup cooperatively.  

Knaak acknowledged the site is a “stewing mess” partially due to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recommendation to keep the heaped materials damp; but he added that the city doesn’t desire a court order to “come crashing down” at this time on the motel owner.  Knaak added that the owner, Richard Berget, has been working with the city and he knew that authorities are supportive of allowing for more time.

As of the end of this three week extension, however, Taylors Falls is poised to enforce a default of the earlier clean-up agreement.

The state fire marshal has not released a report on a cause for the fire that destroyed the downtown Springs Inn six months ago. 

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