Schell City makes progress on dangerous building

Debris from the building on the northwest corner of Main and First streets in Schell City blocks the side walk along First Street. Gabe Franklin/Daily Mail

gfranklin.nevadadailymail@gmail.com

During Schell City's monthly meeting Wednesday evening, City Clerk Erin Lee reported progress on the clean up of the collapsed building on the northwest corner of First Street and Main Street.

"The property owner has agreed to let the city clean up the outside of the building but not the inside of the building," Lee said.

According to Lee, the rear half property partially collapsed during a windstorm this past spring, and completely collapsed during a following storm.

"That doesn't solve the problem," councilwoman Vicky McKinney said about the clean up.

"That will get everything off the sidewalk that has fallen out there," Lee replied.

According to Vernon County records, the property described as Lot 1, Block 18, of the original town was bought by Wayne Cline of Milo on August 26, 2014 at a tax sale. However, Cline has not finished transferring the property to his name, and the property remains deeded to the previous owner, Shell Tex Inc.

This presents a problem for Schell City. According to Lee, Cline offered to sell the property to Schell City for the price he bought it for $500.

McKinney said the deed would have to be cleared up before the city could consider buying the property.

"If it was in his name, I would advise we jump on it right now," Lee said.

"We need verification," said McKinney in regards to the deed to the property. "But it is progress."

No listing for Shell Tex Inc. could be found on the Missouri Secretary of State's website or by Internet search.

In other business:

* The city tax levy will remain unchanged at 82.17 cents per $100 assessed valuation.

* The culvert replacement project at First and Maple streets has been completed.

* There are indications of a minor water leak. City meters measuring the amount water going into the system have had higher than normal readings for the past three days but each day the reading is closer to normal. Lee said, "there is no indication where it is."

* According to Lee, the last billed water meter reading will now be written onto monthly water bills.

* The city will spray for mosquitos before the Sept. 9-10 Fall Festival.

* The council has chosen a Citizen of the Year to be announced at the Fall Festival.