“This whole town is screwed up with right of ways.” That was the sentiment from Fountain Public Works Director John Hanson at the Wednesday, April 3 council meeting.
During the meeting, Clerk Rhonda Flattum and Mayor Jim Schott detailed for the council that the city had done some investigating with Fillmore County. It was determined that Cedar Street, which runs parallel to Main Street, used to be old Highway 52. Therefore, the right of way is a notably wider than typical 80 feet.
“Cedar Street was platted as 80-foot when it was a village, many, many years ago,” said Flattum. “The Karst [Brewing] property, lumberyard, all the buildings are sitting on the right of way. We have to vacate some property.”
In order to determine new right of ways and which property pieces need to be vacated along Cedar Street, from First to Third Streets, the city is having the area surveyed. Once new right of way is determined, the city will legally vacate portions of the properties. Those property owners will need to seek a new legal property description for records.
Eric Luoma, owner of Karst Brewing, was at the meeting to discuss his plans for expansion, which is what prompted the in-depth look into the right of ways. Luoma has purchased the former Fountain Building Center, which sits just north of Karst Brewing on the corner of First and Cedar Streets. Plans include construction of a fence from corner to corner and a possible addition on the alley side of the property, flush with the current west wall. Luoma noted the addition is to extend 16 feet and there is 23 feet to the property line. Plans are tentative and have not yet been permitted or approved by the Zoning Committee or City Council.
“In the future, it’s good for anyone who wants to develop that property,” said Luoma. “There are water meter shut offs three feet from the buildings. It needs to be described so the shut off is still on the city.”
Councilor Ron Reisner questioned whether or not septic could be removed and pumped into sewer. It was noted that the line is likely too small for this. Luoma asked whether or not his two-building business could combine water meters, having just one base charge. It was noted this has been asked before and that it creates more issues for the city.
“If you do that for one, you have to do it for all,” said Schott.
The council voted unanimously to vacate the portion of Luoma’s properties that are no longer city right of way. Other properties that need a similar process in the future will need a public hearing prior to the city vacating portions of them.
In other news, Seth and Jordan Arnold, proprietors of the new AJ’s Diner were on hand to seek an on-sale liquor license for the restaurant. The two are owners of the former Los Gables Mexican Restaurant. The council approved the license, noting former owner Julie Kulsrud had always maintained one. The Arnolds are also looking into the option of e-pull tabs, but no decision was made on that request.
While the city is enjoying growth in its business sector, it’s also gearing up for another potential growth. The council briefly discussed a proposal by Simon Hershberger to construct 60-foot by 192-foot shed in an area he is looking to develop. There was some concern over whether or not the whole area would need to be rezoned and Schott noted that a Conditional Use Permit could be obtained for the commercial building if the area is rezoned.
Another concern is bathrooms in the building and Schott noted more needs to be determined. A septic tank is possible and likely, due to the size of line, but would need a pump, according to Hanson, who is concerned over the elevation. “I’m not sure how far the sewer lines go. We’ll have to look at maps and find out,” he said. “If he does a development, we’ll have to see about replacing it up to an eight-inch line or better and we’d need grinder pumps in north lift station to be able to take it to the plant.” No action was taken by the council at this time.
The city is also looking forward to the 150th Celebration this summer. In preparation, several areas around town have been inspected and are in need of upgrades. This includes the park gazebo, picnic tables, baseball field and volleyball court. The city is seeking volunteers from both within the city and outlying rural areas to assist with the work.
“We could use all the help we could get,” said Schott. “There’s so much that has to be done. We need to get volunteers up front so we can have scheduled times. Please come forward as soon as possible to help make it a real good 150th celebration.”
As part of clean up efforts, a Citywide Spring Clean has been scheduled for Monday, May 13, 4-8 p.m.
Lastly, an open house reception for former Mayor Richard Kujath is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2-4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged.
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