Wellman approves purchase of groomer

By John Butters
Posted 7/8/20

The Wellman City Council approved the purchase of a ballfield groomer for the North Park ballfields at its Monday meeting.

Currently, the infields are maintained with a drag pulled by a golf cart. …

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Wellman approves purchase of groomer

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The Wellman City Council approved the purchase of a ballfield groomer for the North Park ballfields at its Monday meeting.

Currently, the infields are maintained with a drag pulled by a golf cart. City Administrator Kelly Litwiller said a groomer could be purchased for $567. The machine would till the surface and smooth out divots and levels the field, resulting in a better surface.

Litwiller said the YMCA was ready to begin their summer programs and the ballfield needed additional work. She said a groomer could be borrowed from Kalona if necessary.

Mayor Ryan Miller said he thought the machine was being offered at a good price, though routine dragging was generally effective for maintenance. Following further discussion, council members agreed that the city had the ultimate responsibility for the condition of the park and approved the purchase of the groomer.

The council approved Nancy Temple’s request to keep 4 chickens at 1010 Circle Dr. Litwiller said Temple’s request was in accordance with city ordinances limiting the number of chickens to six and forbiding the inclusion of roosters and that Temple had the consent of adjacent property owners.

Council members approved some minor city office renovations that would improve security for the building and protect city staff from exposure to the coronavirus.

In the final item on the agenda, Litwiller asked council members for direction on the future of the Starbeck/Miller building.

Council members agreed the building would have to come down and that there would likely be asbestos abatement to pay for. They said they would like to see a business built at the location and would likely give some assistance if the property was developed.

The city council met in a special meeting June 26 to consider Resolution No. 20-22; a resolution approving the plat review subdivision for the GAN Garden Second Addition. Councilperson Anthony Evans moved to approve the resolution and it carried with a unanimous vote.

At its June 15 meeting, the council discussed and took action on the Borsdorf Property located at 500 4th  St. Litwiller gave the council an update regarding the clean-up of the property.

Borsdorf was present and explained to the council what she had done so far and requested an extension due to the COVID-19 situation. Council members discussed options of potential help to assist Borsdorf in cleaning her property and how much extra time should be allowed for completion of the cleanup.

Councilperson Shannon McCain made a motion to give Borsdorf an extension until August 1. The motion was approved.

In other business, council members made the decision to stay with the same health insurance plan, approved a contract with Gronewold, Bell, Kyhnn & Co. P.C. for the FY20 Annual Examination, accepted a quote from Stout Seed for $1,881.60 for an infield conditioner for the North Park Ballfields and approved a parcel split for the Bohr Property at Hwy 22 & 1st Ave.