Bourbon Town Council Deals With Unkempt Properties

November 15, 2017 at 7:57 p.m.

By Carol Anders-

BOURBON – The Bourbon Town Council is continuing its efforts to deal with unsafe and unsightly properties.

During its meeting Tuesday, board members discussed the progress of their efforts. For many months, attorney Mark Wagner has been meeting with the managers of the Shell industry to set deadlines for hauling away large piles of debris. It was noted that Shell has been removing more of the debris, but the council will still monitor the progress.

The next meeting between Wagner and Shell representatives has been scheduled for Jan. 10.

The council members responded favorably to a suggestion by Bill Keyser, Zoning and Building, to make a counter offer on a property on Center Street the town owns with a potential buyer.



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It was noted that today is the deadline for four properties to be listed for sale with a realtor, or further action would be taken. Karen Holmes had paid $10,000 on past due utility bills with an agreement that there would be a grace period where no billing would be added. If the abandoned properties are not listed by today’s deadline, the base utility changes will be reinstated. The council agreed to take further legal action if the deadline is not met.

RVs on a West Center Street will be removed within the next few days. Keyser was named executor of the property in a court judgment that has allowed the town to make improvements.

Keyser received permission to get quotes to demolish another house on West Park Street. According to Wagner, the owner of the property is uncertain.

Council members voted unanimously to accept a quote of $42,761 from Thomas Excavating to extend a sewer line and development for the new Dollar General site. According to Steve Stacy, wastewater superintendent, the quote was $2,000 less than the estimated cost.

Stacy and Kenneth Jones Jr. Of JPR spoke to the needs to upgrade water and sewer equipment.

Stacy said, “We need a couple of lift stations. We have to get this under control.”

Stacy said they average 120,000 to 140,000 gallons of water treated daily; however, during the recent 2-inch rainfall, the figure rose to 900,000 gallons. There was a short discussion as to the amount generated by sump pumps in private homes.

Later in the meeting, the council approved going forward with paying for the services of a grant writer to prepare a planning grant for the east lift station and other needs. The grant awards would be made in February 2019.

Roger Terry, street department superintendent, said the last day for leaf pickup will be Dec. 1, weather permitting.

Plans are in place for the town’s annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. The official lighting will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2.

BOURBON – The Bourbon Town Council is continuing its efforts to deal with unsafe and unsightly properties.

During its meeting Tuesday, board members discussed the progress of their efforts. For many months, attorney Mark Wagner has been meeting with the managers of the Shell industry to set deadlines for hauling away large piles of debris. It was noted that Shell has been removing more of the debris, but the council will still monitor the progress.

The next meeting between Wagner and Shell representatives has been scheduled for Jan. 10.

The council members responded favorably to a suggestion by Bill Keyser, Zoning and Building, to make a counter offer on a property on Center Street the town owns with a potential buyer.



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It was noted that today is the deadline for four properties to be listed for sale with a realtor, or further action would be taken. Karen Holmes had paid $10,000 on past due utility bills with an agreement that there would be a grace period where no billing would be added. If the abandoned properties are not listed by today’s deadline, the base utility changes will be reinstated. The council agreed to take further legal action if the deadline is not met.

RVs on a West Center Street will be removed within the next few days. Keyser was named executor of the property in a court judgment that has allowed the town to make improvements.

Keyser received permission to get quotes to demolish another house on West Park Street. According to Wagner, the owner of the property is uncertain.

Council members voted unanimously to accept a quote of $42,761 from Thomas Excavating to extend a sewer line and development for the new Dollar General site. According to Steve Stacy, wastewater superintendent, the quote was $2,000 less than the estimated cost.

Stacy and Kenneth Jones Jr. Of JPR spoke to the needs to upgrade water and sewer equipment.

Stacy said, “We need a couple of lift stations. We have to get this under control.”

Stacy said they average 120,000 to 140,000 gallons of water treated daily; however, during the recent 2-inch rainfall, the figure rose to 900,000 gallons. There was a short discussion as to the amount generated by sump pumps in private homes.

Later in the meeting, the council approved going forward with paying for the services of a grant writer to prepare a planning grant for the east lift station and other needs. The grant awards would be made in February 2019.

Roger Terry, street department superintendent, said the last day for leaf pickup will be Dec. 1, weather permitting.

Plans are in place for the town’s annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. The official lighting will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2.
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