Council discusses leaf pickup, repaving plan and several building permits; cell-tower sale option deferred

At the Dec. 4 meeting the Town of Pines council discussed street maintenance and building-and-zoning items, reviewed an access agreement for heavy trucks and heard options from a cell-tower owner about purchasing Pines Park.

Rob, from the street department, reported he is finishing leaf pickup and detailed areas with heavier leaf buildup; he asked for fair weather to complete the work. Vicki Kuzio requested the tonnage of leaves removed so she can file a state report; Rob agreed to provide that figure. James Prast said he will talk to Matt about completing streets and outlined a plan to finish the first round of town repaving, identifying which shorter streets will be repaved and when. James also asked about incomplete tree work by Jon.

Phil presented building permits including new roofs at 1617 Hickory Street (JB West), 3024 2nd Place (AV Roofing), 2826 W Dunes Hwy (Arnett Const.), 1506 Louisiana Street (Universal Construction), and 1500 Birch Street (JB West); a chain-link fence at 3305 W Dunes Hwy (Casey Petro); and a billboard update. Phil said there is a new Access Agreement that Matt and the town attorney reviewed related to truck weights and well drilling on Kansas; James explained the contract changes and presented the agreement for the council’s signature and the council had no questions on that matter.

James also summarized options proposed by the cell-tower owner to buy Pines Park — a lump-sum offer, a set-payment plan, or keeping current rent with a 3% increase — and said the town attorney advised waiting until the lease term expires before making any changes. No formal vote or sale decision was taken.