Another “Street” Dispute In Kahoka?
Another “Street” Dispute In Kahoka?
By Mike Scott
Is it a street or an alley? Neither, according to Kahoka Mayor Wayne Blum.
At issue is the extension of Court Street west of Cleveland Street, along the north side of the former railroad right-of-way. ?Past 769 W. Court, (formerly Delbert Huckey’s house) the property has provided access to the rear of Hank and Sandy Kleine’s property at 512 Newton Street
“The new owners do not want anyone to use it as a street or alley,” Sandy Kleine told Kahoka Board of Aldermen members at their Monday night, September 12 meeting.
Complicating the issue is the assertion that Huckey’s property boundaries may have been misrepresented at the auction sale.
Kleine gave the council a document provided by Oak Hills Title Company/Lewis County Abstract and recorded at the Clark County Courthouse showing the street was never officially closed.
Blum countered that the city has no record it ever was a street.
“It was an old wagon road that followed the railroad to Medill,” Blum said.
“This sounds like it may be another private property dispute,” said City Attorney April Wilson. She explained that the city does not regularly maintain the property as a street or alley.
“I understand you’re upset,” Wilson said, “ But it may not be the city’s responsibility.”
Mayor Blum directed Wilson research the matter and report at a future meeting.
Kahoka/Clark County Chamber of Commerce President Tim Bertram asked the council to close the street on the north side of the square at noon on Friday, September 23 in preparation of the Old Settlers Day activities. The chamber also request the alley behind Pamida be blocked off to traffic on Saturday to prevent cars from driving into the area reserved for the Car Show.
The council also agreed to pay $100 towards the Old Settlers Celebration for the public address system.
The board discussed creating a street excavation policy, which would require contractors that need to excavate the street restore the street afterwards.
“Right now we don’t have any policy place,” said City Assistant Jim Sherwood.
Sherwood also reported that the city received new information from MoDOT regarding the Safe Routes To School grant. Sherwood has prepared a draft request for qualifications to allow the city to select an engineer for the project.
The board passed an ordinance instructing Mayor Blum to sign the grant agreement.
The Downtown Enhancement grant bids specification are being prepared. Bids will be advertised in October, and due in November.
In other business, the council:
–Discussed the Variable Frequency Drive controller for the water system pump in Wayland. Alderman Curtis Mack expressed his displeasure that it has taken more than six month, and the city still does not have the engineering work completed by French Reneker and Associates.
–Approved building permits for Brian Alderton and the Clark County Middle School.
–Agreed to renew the airport contract with the Paul Rowe Memorial Airport Association.
–Discussed the sale of a drafting table. A buyer has approached the city, but the board asked Wilson to find out if they could sell it or whether they had to take bids. ?Wilson is to investigate.
–Alderman Jeff Wood reported that changes in the emergency warning system on television may require new equipment.
–Sherwood reported the city received the TRIM grant, and contractors will be removing nine trees, with city crews removing 15. Several trees will be planted in the parks.
–The council discussed the renewal of the 5-year contract for the city farm ground, currently farmed by Kevin Buford. The 50/50 contract brings in $7-11,000 per year to the city in income.
–The board was pleased to welcome back Alderman Jerry Webber, who suffered a stroke earlier this year.
