Othello listens to input concerning containers

OTHELLO — The Othello City Council listened to citizen suggestions concerning how to formulate manageable regulations on the placement of cargo containers in the city.

Council listened to business owners and citizens owning or renting cargo containers. The issue came to light after there was a concern about code enforcement about placement and care for containers.

Mayor Shannon McKay said cargo containers in the community do not appear to be a problem but could be in the future so they asked citizens for suggestions on how to manage them.

Larry Linderman said he rented a cargo container in 2002 to store items because he needed additional space at a business location. He explained how he received a letter from the city advising him he could not have the container there because it was visible from the street.

He made arrangements to move the container and complied with the city.

Linderman said he was concerned because he often sees cargo containers visible from the street.

“I wonder why I’m singled out,” he asked.

McKay said the purpose of the meeting was also to determine why enforcement was taken against Linderman and not others.

Bob Boersma said he has a cargo container on Broadway Avenue. He explained he needed additional power for his business so he transformed his container into a power house. It was the most economical option and he painted the container the same color as the business to match.

Boersma asked council to be considerate to keep costs low when making regulations.

Micah Gearheart said his cargo container used for his business is visible from the street on Broadway Avenue.

“We needed the additional storage,” he said. “It’s noticeable from the street. I think it blends in fairly well with what else is in the neighborhoods.”

He said he keeps his cargo container neat and presentable.

Gearheart explained cargo containers seal tightly. Dust and rodents do not enter as opposed to what can happen at a storage unit facility, he said.

He suggested adding regulations to the ordinance requiring people to make their container aesthetically pleasing. Gearheart explained if the container is damaged, it’s possible to install siding to make it appear in better condition.

McKay discussed a previous suggestion to permit the containers on a conditional use through a permitting process. He said the cost is too expensive because it roughly equals the cost to build an on-site storage facility.

Gearheart said he agreed and thought a smaller fee could be justified to pay for expenses related to staff driving to the sites to view the containers to ensure they are in compliance.

Bill Burk said he has a cargo container on Broadway Avenue. He explained he cares for his by installing footings to slightly lift it from the ground to spray for weeds.

He suggested requiring footings and painting the containers to match their surroundings as part of the ordinance.

“That’s the only thing that I’ve had that hasn’t been broken into,” Burk said. “I would really like to see that continue.”

City Planner Darryl Piercy said the suggestions made during the council meeting are already part of the ordinance regulating cargo containers. He said there needs to be a greater effort in enforcing the ordinance with consistency so no one feels singled out.

McKay said the city can allow containers with a few regulations.

Cargo containers are allowed in industrial zones and commercial zones except for C-1 commercial zones. They are not allowed in residential zones.

The price range of the containers is from $1,000 to $2,500.

McKay said the people testifying about the issue were responsible cargo container owners. He said before a decision was made he wanted to hear from more people.

Action was not taken because the meeting was an informal study session.

Councilmembers Ken Caylor and Dan Dever were absent from the meeting.