Lloyd Sparks planning to fix rentals

ROYAL CITY - The apartments at 310 Acacia Street have been declared uninhabitable and condemned, but owner Lloyd Sparks is not giving up on them.

After Sparks was served a court order by the city recently that called for vacating the apartments, Sparks informed the city he will upgrade them to meet the city building code. According to Royal City Finance Officer Greg Pike, City Planner Darryl Piercy is working with Sparks to that end.

"He has given Mr. Sparks a list of requirements that must be met," Pike said.

Pike added that Piercy will be inspecting work on the building that contains 10 units.

Pike said Sparks faces a daunting task, but he added that City Attorney Katherine Kennison advised the city council on March 3 to allow him to make the attempt.

In other action on March 3, t he city declared surplus three Spencer Universal Blower Pac aeration blower assemblies. They have 25 horse power motors.

Also declared surplus was a 1989 International Jetter Vac. It is used for clearing clogged sewer lines and has been replaced by a new one.

Persons who would like to inquire about buying these Items may contact Public Works Director John Lasen.

A presentation was made by Georgene Ricker and Sharon Chesterman and other friends of the Royal City Library about expanding the facility.

The group noted the library is circulating about 2,500 books per month and that the number doubles in the summer. But their request may have to wait.

In discussion, Mayor Kent Anderson reminded the council that, although the city is in a strong financial position, it is in need of several major infrastructure projects in the next few years.

The consent agenda was passed. It included council meeting minutes from Feb. 17, payroll for 02/28/15 in the amount of $38,957.46 and claims for 03/03/15, Nos. 26707-26732, in the amount of $23,531.02

On the request of Police Chief Darin Smith, the council approved a $500-600 expenditure for costs of an officer attending a two-day training in April.

Lasen reported that water main replacement on Fern Street will start soon. He said the reported sewer blockage at Royal Coachman has been resolved.

Piercy told the council that Royal Schools Ag teacher Rick Kannely is proposing to construct an animal enclosure near the school. It be used and managed by students in the FFA program.

The enclosure would be approximately 16 x 24 feet. The council voted to support the project.

Piercy reported that a stop work order was issued for a building project on Fern Street. It had been started without a permit from the city. According to Pike, the property owner has secured the permit.