Council updated on developing projects

At September’s regular meeting, the council heard news of several new and ongoing development projects. The first was an update on the corner lot where the North Pole meat locker once stood, which is currently in the city’s hands.

An individual has contacted the council to express interest in buying it and has been provided with an appraisal of the potential cost, said Clerk Treasurer Kathy Lenz. The person’s intent is to build an art gallery, she said, asking if the council wants to pursue selling the lot.

“Our intent was never to hold that lot, our intent was to get a business back in there and a storefront on Main Street,” said Mayor Paul Brooks.

Selling the lot will require following the correct legal procedure, which involves advertising intent to sell. However, said City Attorney Mark Hughes, the council cannot determine whether the proposal will bring economic benefit to Sundance until it hears a “solid bid” and definite proposal.

The council also heard that the Crook County School District has made an offer on the Sewell Street property that has been designated a nuisance that the city has been moving towards abating. No response has been heard on the offer, said Hughes; the city along with the school district would take responsibility for demolishing the current building and clearing the debris.

A project floated a while ago that went dormant for a while, the council heard that plans to build a Family Dollar in Sundance are moving forward. Discussion was held on the water and sewer line plans for the building.

Attending on behalf of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, which owns the adjacent land, Joe Baron stated that he has been in conversation with the new owner of the project and the church is aiming to ensure the lines come to the property line. That way, whether the church builds there or sells it, the utilities are adequate.

Council Member Callie Hilty assured Baron that the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) process for the utilities does take into consideration what future development may occur. DEQ would need to approve the plans before the city would consider taking over the lines.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the council was also asked to consider enveloping pee wee football into its recreation program, bringing it under the wing of the city. This, explained Lenz, has been requested as the group is concerned with COVID-19 regulations and the associated liability.

Hughes expressed concern due to there being more catastrophic injuries in football than any other sport and suggested parents be asked to sign a waiver. Lenz offered to secure a copy of the waiver already in use and the council approved the request contingent on Hughes approving the waiver.

The council also heard updates from Trihydro’s Karla Greaser on the city’s ongoing water projects. A notice to proceed has been issued for the new water tank in the canyon area, she said, with Lenz indicating that the city is expecting to receive a schedule from the contractor this week.

The 50% design plans have meanwhile been prepared and submitted for the new tank on the opposite side of the interstate and a design meeting for review of those plans is expected soon.

The next regular meeting of the Sundance City Council is scheduled for October 6.