During its regular monthly meeting last Tuesday afternoon, the Merrill Board of Public Works held a status hearing with city Zoning and Building Inspector Darin Pagel in reference to blighted residential property located at 101 N. Park St.
At last month’s meeting, Pagel advised the board of a variety of structural and cosmetic issues which needed to be addressed at the location. At that time, an audience member advised Pagel the issues had been addressed, but Pagel disagreed. The board then authorized Pagel to issue the property owner a list of problems still requiring attention. The issues were required to be resolved by Aug. 20. If the property owner failed to comply with the order, condemnation would commence immediately.
Tuesday afternoon, Pagel advised the Board no further action had been taken to address the issues he had listed last month and stated orders to raze the property have been sent.
The board also heard Pagel’s concerns of residential property located at 122 S. Prospect St. In his report, Pagel stated some painting had been started, but several other issues still remain.
Board member Pete Lokemoen stated he had been contacted by neighbors of the property who indicated rats and other rodents had taken up residence at the property. Lokemoen motioned for the board to allow until Oct. 24 for the outstanding issues to be corrected to Pagel’s satisfaction. The resolution was seconded by board member Ryan Schwartzman and garnered board approval.
In other matters on Tuesday, City Administrator Dave Johnson advised the board of securing $15,000 in grant funding from the Bierman Family Foundation, for the replacement of “Welcome” signs for the city. According to Johnson, the signs would replace the faded and worn signs currently in place and would stand on both the east and west sides of the city. The east side sign would be placed on the north side of STH 64 near the old Walmart building while the west side sign would stand near the bus turn around near Glen Drive.
“The signs will have the same style as the MARC sign with the new logo approved by the common council,” Johnson said.
The board also reviewed and discussed a 10-year capital and draft plan in which Johnson advised the board of improvements needed at various city properties including city hall, street and utility projects as well as outdoor warning sirens.