New London trying to clean up nuisances

By TRISHA PHELPS

Mt. Pleasant News

NEW LONDON ? The City of New London is doing its best to clean up the city when it comes to abandoned and dangerous houses.

At a recent council meeting, the council discussed with City Attorney Steve Ort the nuisance abatement and the structures located at 315 N. Maple St. and 300 E. Jefferson St., identified by city officials as dangerous buildings.

According to city officials, New London Mayor Ron Sadler sent owners of both properties letters regarding the condition of the property.

It was reported that the owners of the dangerous building at 300 E. Jefferson St. received their letter but made little progress. It was recommended by Ort that Sadler meet with the property owners personally and inform them of the particular problems that need to be addressed. If the problems are not addressed after Sadler meets with the owners, Ort suggested, the owners could then be charged with a municipal infraction rather than take the risk of having city workers clean up the property themselves.

The letter for the property at 315 N. Maple St. was returned due to the owner of the property being deceased.

Ort?s recommendation to the council was to petition the district court for possession of the property under chapter 657.A of the Iowa Code. While this was the option Ort advised, he also noted to the council this option would come at a cost to them because they would need a new abstract and title to the property, but with the property lacking an owner it would be the city?s best option.

Also during the meeting, council members accepted the resignation of Gretchen Parton from the H.J. Nugen Library Board and appointed Tori Kennel to fill the vacancy for a term ending June 30, 2015.

Council members heard an update on the progress of the improvements to the wastewater treatment plant. Matt Walker of French-Reneker Engineering informed the council that the blowers are running at the plant and the ultra-violet units are in the building. Walker also informed the council that the Iowa DNR extension has been filed and Bi-State will be close to making the substantial completion date of Sept. 1, but according to Walker, it is unclear if they will make the deadline or not.

Concern was raised at the council meeting about parallel parking on the south side of the 300 block of West Main Street in front of the veteran?s memorial. Council members Greg Thu and Frank Staley noted that it was not a safe place for cars to park due to traffic coming over the hill.

The next New London City Council meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 5:30 p.m. at the city office.