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Residents press Stanhope council on Parker Street hazard, snow clearing and unpaid utilities
Summary
At the Jan. 13 Stanhope council meeting residents urged action on a deteriorating property at 600–610 Parker St., raised complaints about snow not cleared on city sidewalks and asked about delinquent utility accounts; the city clerk said the owners filed an asbestos report and described steps to identify unpaid accounts.
Residents pressed the Stanhope City Council on Jan. 13 about a privately owned property at 600 and 610 Parker St. and raised other neighborhood concerns.
Resident Gary Green asked for an update on 600 and 610 Parker St.; Council member Beau Jensen said the building owners had filed an asbestos report with the Department of Natural Resources. Resident Erma Bockoven told the council she considers the building a health hazard. Paul Block asked whether the building’s foundation is rock and whether the city could repurpose foundation material around the depot; Jensen replied the property is private and that owners will handle disposal per state and DNR requirements, and said the current owner previously indicated intent to preserve the garage facing south.
City Clerk Jori Young, speaking as a private citizen, recounted that the former mayor pro tem worked with the city attorney last fall to extend the court date for the owners to allow more time for arrangements and to avoid a possible civil penalty. Young also explained earlier in the meeting that the asbestos report was delivered to the clerk’s office on Jan. 2 and an email with the report was sent to all council members that day, though Haman said she did not open the email.
Council member Jill Haman relayed resident concerns that some city-owned sidewalks were not cleared of snow in a timely manner. Haman also raised questions about prior delinquent utility balances and what mitigation steps the city is taking; City Clerk Young said the council previously approved participation in the State Setoff program to pursue delinquent balances and described upgrades to metering (Itron electronic meter reading) that produce reports for high/low/no readings and prompt follow-up with homeowners.
Mayor Jeff Schroeder and Council member Beau Jensen said the council will wait for confirmation that the DNR received the asbestos report, after which the council will work with the owner on a plan and timeline for partial demolition. No enforcement action or demolition schedule was specified in the meeting minutes.
The meeting record shows multiple residents raised concerns; the council directed staff and councilors to pursue confirmation from state authorities before taking further steps.
The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
