Gary R. Tannehill

The meeting involved discussions and actions regarding several properties cited for code violations. Key discussions centered on property 939 East Street Southeast, including the status of multiple vehicles (cars, a truck, two Incos trailers, and a utility trailer) and a camper that needs to be torn out. The board discussed the property owner's efforts to secure titles, insurance, and arrange for vehicle disposal, ultimately agreeing to extend the compliance deadline for this property until the next meeting. Another property discussed was 89 Southeast Sixth Street, where the demolition of a house was pending bid submission; the opening of these bids was postponed until the October 1st meeting. The board also referenced concerns about a neglected property on Lake Street involving a two-story house with tarps on the roof and a detached garage, for which bids also needed to be sought.

The City Council meeting commenced with the approval of the October meeting minutes and the claims properly signed, as well as the payroll allowance docket. A discussion was held regarding the appointment to the redevelopment commission, specifically replacing Greg Sap with Mark Walton, which was ultimately voted upon after clarifying the appointment authority. The fund report was approved. The appropriation report was tabled pending a required public hearing, which will be scheduled prior to the next meeting. Key operational updates included the approval of the updated 2025 City of Linton final ADA transition plan, which was noted to be extensive. Department reports covered statistics for the police department, plans to establish a 501c3 for the Dash Night Out program in 2026, and the establishment of a safe exchange zone at the Police Department for child exchanges and internet sales transactions. The Fire Department reported receiving a $5,000 DNR matching grant for new brush gear. The Street Department provided an update on trash pickup schedules around the Thanksgiving holiday and requested patience due to personnel injuries affecting brush and leaf pickup. The Gas and Water Department reported on meter locates, leak repairs, and scheduled fire hydrant flushing for later that week. The Electric Department reported on setting new poles, upgrading transformer banks following an outage at a gas station, and reconductoring lines near specific apartment complexes, noting progress on pole replacement priorities identified in a past study.

The meeting included a discussion regarding property compliance issues, focusing heavily on 939 B Street Southeast. Key topics involved the status of vehicles, campers, and trailers at this property, challenges related to expired registrations and obtaining consent regarding vehicle titles involving family members, and the possibility of towing or tagging non-compliant vehicles under city ordinance, contingent upon valuation thresholds. The board voted to issue an enforcement notice requiring removal of items at 939 B Street Southeast by the next meeting, with authorization for tagging and towing to follow if compliance is not met. Additionally, the board addressed the demolition of the structure at 129 B Street Southeast, which was already completed, and voted to assess the full cost, including processing fees, to the property owner. Other properties discussed included 909 East Vincent Street regarding overgrown conditions requiring mowing, and 1028th Street Southwest where rubbish near a trailer was noted to be similar to previous reports, though the area appeared tidier than some others. Property 1039 A Street Southeast was noted as being maintained by the homeowner since the city's last mowing action.

The document primarily details a public hearing concerning additional appropriations and transfers of funds, including specific amounts requested for the General Fund, Humphrey Park, and the Golf Course. Key agenda items discussed during the subsequent council meeting involved the adoption of Ordinance 2025-12, which revises right-of-way policies to better regulate underground fiber installation and street cuts, ensuring city utility line protection and homeowner recourse. Further resolutions addressed other additional appropriations (Resolution 2025-05), year-end fund transfers (Resolution 2025-06), and fund transfers related to pool chemicals due to an ordering error (Resolution 2025-07). Department reports included police statistics (with a noted error in call count), the interim appointment of the Fire Chief, and public works updates covering sewer cleaning, street maintenance, and sanitation services. The council also approved the 2026 calendar for city holidays and future board/council meetings.

The Board of Public Works meeting agenda included discussion on an ongoing property issue at 102 8th Street Southwest regarding the removal of a camper, with discussions centered on granting an extension for the property owner, Mr. Pearson, to dismantle the structure and the logistics of providing or paying for a dumpster, as well as dealing with accumulated debris and overgrowth, especially near the alleyway. The Board decided to issue an enforcement order with a one-month extension, contingent on the owner securing proper removal arrangements, otherwise, the Board would seek bids for cleanup. Additionally, the Board addressed the status of the old City Hall fire station project, noting that while the roof was reportedly fixed, significant damage remains, including an exterior door off its frame and holes in windows, leading to internal issues like bird infestation. The Board plans to contact the owner, Mr. Doris, to discuss repair plans versus demolition costs.