City Council talks Family Dollar Store

Malta City Council held their second monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 22, in the City Chambers.

Council members present were Bonnie Wiederrick, Bill Hicks and David Rummel. Councilman Jim Sintler was not present.

Following the pledge to the flag, members voted to approve minutes and audit as presented.

Public Works Director, Jim Truelove stated two digs had recently been fixed. He also reported there had been trouble with a lift station; the cause of the problem ended up being a mop head.

PWD Truelove stated he had "experienced a unique call"; when a woman traveling in the area ended up being flown out from the local hospital.

Jim further explained the woman left two small dogs in the car; he was contacted by the hospital and dispatch about the situation, stating he took the dogs and cared for them. "I'd do it again in a minute", clarified the PWD. The woman was hospitalized for five days before returning.

C&A Paving had completed the maintenance on the tennis court. Jim further reported the restrooms in Trafton were being replaced. The age-old fixture was being replaced at a cost of approximately $100K.

City Clerk Lorie Bond said the 4-U group had used the Event Center last year and inquired about using it again this year; the council agreed to allow the event. The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum had contacted the City about an upcoming dig they will be doing, they inquired as to their basing out of Trafton Park and using the electrical and water facilities; the City agreed to work with them on the matter.

The clerk then announced the MMIA would like to bring some child abuse and prevention classes to Malta, and the council and Mayor wholeheartedly gave their support to the cause.

Clerk Bond, PWD Truelove, city employee Laurie Barrett and the Mayor will be attending a State League of Cities meetings, traveling by train.

In attendance at the meeting were Doug and Bonny Ost, updating the City on the sale of property they own where the current "Promises" building is.

Ost stated that a family dollar (general merchandise/goods) store will be erected, the approximate size is 10,500 sq. ft. and it will bring job opportunities to the area.

The plans have been in the works for quite some time and presently they are waiting for the final sign-off from the corporate entities involved. As to when that will happen, Doug Ost stated "...the best plans can go to heck quickly," expanding that as with most businesses nowadays getting and keeping employees is an issue. Ost's have been told "in three weeks" and "any day now" in response to their inquiries as to closing on the deal.

Mayor Demarais stated issues with storm water in Hill Crest need to be considered. "It becomes a precarious situation."

The topic of a Compliance Officer was the next topic, with the Mayor stating three letters regarding compliance issues had been sent to property owners. Junked out, non-running vehicles and unkempt premises need to be addressed. He suggested the hiring of a Compliance Officer, stating he had written three tickets. "I don't want to do this as Mayor", stating the individual hired would have to be able to take a lot of guff from residents; screaming and abusive talk/language could be expected.

Asking for a motion to hire a Compliance Officer, Councilperson Bonnie Wiederrick made a motion which was seconded by Councilperson Bill Hicks; the Mayor then called for a vote. The motion passed with Wiederrick and Hicks voting for the motion and one Councilperson voting nay.

Clerk Bond stated she, Laurie Barrett, and PWD Truelove would compose a job description and the position would be advertised. Once someone is cited, the matter is between them and the City Judge.

Closing out the meeting, Rhei Tharp, EMT Coordinator, appeared seeking approval of the Council to construct a loft in the ambulance station. The Council stated their approval, however, the matter needs to start with Yancey Beston, the State Building Inspector.