Kahoka To Seek Repayment of Material Expenses For CountryEdge Development
Kahoka To Seek Repayment of Material Expenses For CountryEdge Development
By Mike Scott
The City of Kahoka will seek to recover one half of the costs of material that went into the extension of utilities to the CountyEdge Estate subdivision in 2007. The Board of Aldermen made the decision during their Monday, July 13 meeting.
In late 2006, the City of Kahoka signed an agreement with KGKK, LLP, of which Kent Nixon is a partner, to extend city utilities, including water and sewer, electricity and cable TV to the subdivision. In exchange, the group promised to construct at least three homes between of July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2009. To date, only one home has been built.
In late June, Nixon contacted the city, asking for an extension, citing the national economic condition and current glut of available housing.
“We discussed everything that could happen at the time,” said Alderman Larry Young. “He told us he had a couple of homes already sold.”
The 2006 agreement states that KGKK, LLP would repay the city for one-half of the material costs of the utilities extension if they did not build the required homes.
“We’re probably looking at $15,000 to $17,000 for their half,” said Alderman Curtis Mack. “I think we should get the exact figures and send them a bill.”
On a 3-0 vote, the council agreed to compile the exact material costs and submit a bill to KGKK, LLP, for one-half of that amount.
Clark County Sheriff Paul Gaudette was on hand to discuss after-hours call-out procedures in the event on water breaks or power outages.
“We have a list of people that need to be notified if we are going to shut the water off,” Mayor Wayne Blum explained. The list includes the Clark County Nursing Home, local restaurants, schools and a few businesses. During normal business hours, city employees make the calls.
“We’re willing to do whatever is necessary to accommodate your needs,” Gaudette said, and asked that a new agreement be drafted.
In other business, the council:
–Heard a report from City Attorney Rick Roberts that of 60 delinquent tax collections, all but three have been settled, and 20 are uncollectable.
–Discussed a request for wind generator tower near the airport. The airport board will be contacted to check FAA regulations.
–Steve Hausner of French-Renecker Engineering presented the engineering services agreement for year five of the waterline replacement project. The council agreed to pay the $7745.
–Local Boy Scouts want to place a bench in a city park in memory of Chis Lentz. The city agreed to work with them to find a location.
–Discussed drainage issues in the Martin Ave. and Sherwood area.
–Discussed recent problems with cable TV. The problems are on the broadcasters’ end, and they are working on them.
–Curtis Mack reported recent vandalism at the pool, including bikes in the pool at night. He suggested the lights be left on at night.
–Discussed an Army Corps of Engineers estimate for river bank stabilization where the water supply line crosses the Fox River. Estimated cost to the city is over $70,000, and the city is looking at other options.
