Marion council extends deadline for landowners to remove structure

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 04 December 2012 18:37

The Marion City Council at its Nov. 26 meeting agreed to give two new landowners 45 days to take down a structure at 700 N. Cedar St., but if it’s not completed by then, the city will move on the process.

City Administrator Doug Kjellin said that prior to the bid opening to destroy the structure, Pat Bernhardt, former property owner, said he sold the parcel and the owner was willing to tear down the building.

“When the notice was received, Mr. Bernhardt requested until Christmas to complete the demolition,” Kjellin said.

“I have spoken to Dalke Construction and they are aware of the possible delay (or cancellation) if the structure is removed by the landowners.”

Kjellin said he would recommend allowing the new landowners 45 days to remove the structure.

“If the structure is not removed in this timeframe,” he said, “Dalke Construction would be contacted to begin the demolition process, with all costs levied against the parcel.”

Kjellin said Bryan Grosse and Chris Helmer would take possession of the two northern lots on North Cedar from Bernhardt by taking care of the demolition of the west building.

“From the city’s standpoint,” he said, “we want to get (the structure) down as soon as possible. If the new owners are willing to take care of it as part of the transfer of ground, we have a time period to get it down.”

Councilor Todd Heitschmidt asked how agreeing to this 45 days would affect the bid.

Kjellin said he told the bidder what was going on and was told Dalke Construction was fine with it for 60 days.

“This was the only bid we received, not the winning bid, just the only one,” he said.

Kjellin said he would contact the new owners by letter and let them know the deadline to remove the structure.

“The only reason I stress 45 days is due to budgeting purposes,” he said. “We might want to encumber 2012 funds for demolition of the building.”

After some discussion about whether to encumber funds at the last meeting in December or sooner, Heitschmidt suggested it be done now.

The council approved setting a 45-day timeframe on the demolition and encumbering $5,450 in case the work is not completed by the new owners.

In other business, the council:

• approved a financial advisory services agreement with Ranson Financial Consultants with fees remaining the same as last year.

• unanimously agreed to have Kjellin dispose of fire equipment via Purple Wave Auction. Heitschmidt asked where the money goes back after the auction. Kjellin said anything sold on Purple Wave is tagged for a specific department.

• approved the second phase of the contract with Wilson & Co for engineering services for accreditation of the Marion Levee System as mandated by FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The seven-page document offers details showing scope of services, payments and responsibilities