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Sheldon applies for one grant, postpones second
Nevada Daily Mail
After failing to get the support needed in previous years to apply for a grant to help pay for the demolition of dangerous and deteriorating buildings, the Sheldon Board of Aldermen learned at its meeting Thursday night that this time almost 70 percent of property owners were willing to participate, and the city had submitted its application for the grant.
The grant will help pay to have those buildings in the city demolished with a $1,000 commitment from each participant.
Originally believing the application deadline was June 1, grants director Phyllis Sprenkle said they learned it was actually May 1, but were still able to get it submitted on time, and now wait to see if they will receive it.
In the meantime, the board decided they would send letters to those participating to continue to share information and the options they have in making payments for their participation. Letters will also be sent to those who chose not to participate, to make sure they know something still needs to be done if their structures are deemed hazardous and a violation of city ordinances.
The board continues to work on updating that dangerous buildings ordinance, tabling consideration of approving it until a future meeting.
But while that demolition grant application was completed, the board decided to wait on applying for a 40/60 grant that would help provide money to purchase more trees for the city, to replace others that are decaying and even potentially dangerous.
Just last year, the city put in numerous new trees after receiving a donation to finance them, but Sprenkle said three of those have been damaged, and an arborist identified more than 30 other trees that are damaged and need replacing.
But while those new trees would help move along the city's revitalization plan, newly appointed board president Joshua Lamb said he fears that may add up to more trees than the city can care for, since they are watered and maintained chiefly by volunteers.
"I'd hate to see a bunch of trees die because they're not cared for," alderman Perry Fowler said. "I just don't see this as being prudent at this time."
Lamb said a lot of work has already been done in improvements to the city, and he would like the city to first focus on their current new trees and care for those. He said the park board is also considering making other changes to the park such as by adding picnic tables.
Although the board decided to wait to apply for the annual grant, it is still looking for community members and groups such as FFA or other organizations to help the city care for the trees.
During their monthly meeting, the board also discussed the issue of damaged or missing street signs. Prior to the next meeting, the board and other city employees will determine how many signs might need replaced.
Other business included complaints concerning tall grass at residences and how to enforce ordinances requiring the grass be kept less than 12 inches in height. If the grass gets that tall, the city will notify residents that they are in violation and if nothing is done, then write a citation. If they still refuse to comply, the city will mow the lawn and put a tax lean on the property.
The board also presented former alderman John Scifers with a plaque for his years serving on the city board.