At the May 8 meeting, the Peterson council, led by Mayor Chris Stenzel, discussed the results of the annual walkabout. Each councilor reviewed properties within city limits to determine non-compliance with the Junk Ordinance. The ordinance was enacted in 2022 to curb the accumulation of visible junk or clutter on properties after years of dealing with no response from several properties.
The ordinance prohibits the storage of any clutter, disabled automobiles, other motor vehicles or motorized equipment, implements or machinery or any parts, and household appliances. It also prohibits the leaving out of upholstered furniture, mattresses, materials, and similar products not intended for outdoor use unless located entirely within an enclosed area attached to the building. Lumber or other building materials or equipment, except for those materials or equipment related to projects for which a current valid building permit is also a violation. The ordinance piggybacks the previously enacted junk vehicle ordinance.
Non-compliant properties received a letter from city hall noting a date by which the issue must be remedied. After that period, the matter is referred for administrative citation. If the property owner fails to address the matter, it will result in a fine of not less than $100 or more than $300 per day until rectified.
According to City Clerk Chris Grindland, 11 properties were identified as non-compliant and each will be sent a letter. “It’s important to see progress,” he added.
Councilor Justin Simon asked specifically about the property at 214 Church Street, which has been vacant for some time. “It would be wonderful to see that out of there. That’s a project,” he said.
The council noted the specific hardships related to the property and the intention of the property owner to demolish it after previous notices. Councilor Kristina Grindland asked how the council could address the situation and suggested that there may be a different method.
“They’ve been sent letters years ago? Any progress then? Are they cooperative?” she asked.
Councilor Gail Boyum suggested the city could get the health department involved. “It really has become a health hazard,” she noted. “The roof is bad; open to the elements. Maybe the health department would help?”
Stenzel agreed that a different approach is warranted for the property, but a timeline is needed.
“It’s expensive to demo something like that. It’s difficult to find funds for the average person,” added Clerk Grindland. The property is an older structure built in 1878, according to Fillmore County GIS.
According to Public Works Director Tim Hallum, the owner was planning on trying to tear it down and came to the city to look for agencies to help. To complicate matters, the owner has suffered health issues for the past two years.
“They know it’s an eyesore, but they don’t have the money and their health is not good,” stated Hallum.
“The biggest thing is I don’t think a builder will touch it,” said Councilor Tracy Seelbinder. He described a friend who did something similar and noted the high costs to remove components of the house, through lead or asbestos abatement, long before the additional cost of taking the structure down. Seelbinder suggested someone on the council meet with the owner.
“We’ll look and see what the plan is and see what we can do and see what they’re willing to do,” concluded Stenzel.
The council is also looking to update the city website. According to Boyum, it was created for no cost, and up until recently the city was not being charged to update it. $300 was paid in both 2023 and 2024 for updates. Boyum requested additional funds for ongoing updates.
“Could I take a crack at it before you spend the money?” asked Simon. “I’ve got resources. If it’s going to take hours and hours, I’ll pass. I’m coming in blind, but I’ve done this stuff before.”
The council gave Simon the go-ahead to work on the Squarespace-based site.
In other news, the Peterson Station Museum has created a series of four promotional and informational videos. Part of the reason, according to Boyum, was to apply for grants, showing the site is handicap accessible. The videos feature the late renowned Peterson historian John Erickson, who provided the historical narration. The city will create a YouTube channel and post the videos to the site.
Lastly, the 2023 financial audit is done. Grindland noted the information was provided in February and the final audit copy will need approval. The city has met the obligations for audit and submitted it to the state.
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