Council willing to work to improve Kellogg Street

By Editor | August 9, 2022 |

By BETH ZUMWALT

Harrison Lane, owner of Hollow Ground Guide Service and an employee of Pioneer Land Service, has worked diligently this summer to clean up a property on North Kellogg Street.

But, when going forward with his plans he has hit an obstacle with the city. Lane was at the Aug. 2 meeting of the Pittsfield City Council to discuss the matter.

“Currently the lot in question has two mobile homes on it. Those mobile homes were grandfathered in,” Tom Reinhardt, zoning coordinator for the city, who has been working with Lane on the project.

“Our ordinances say no multiple dwellings on one lot.”

But, according to Reinhardt, there are different ordinances pertaining to a mobile home park.

Lane would like to replace at least one of the existing trailers soon and perhaps the other in the future. He has also torn down a house in poor repair that was also on the lot and would like to replace it with a mobile home for a total of three.

The council appeared willing to work with Lane on his project and said it would have to go to the review board and the zoning board. Lane would also have to adhere to set backs as required by the mobile home ordinance and assure ingress and egress for emergency vehicle. All mobile home replaced in the city must be no older than 15 years of age, but Lane said his would be younger than that.

The council also approved the disc golf shelter house proposed by the Rotary and Picture Pittsfield, who will buy the materials and do some of the construction, but, would like assistance from city employees, especially with pouring the concrete pad.

The structure will be 20 X 36 and will overlook the lake

The council gave tentative approval but needs a copy of the spec and building plans.

The council is moving ahead with expanding city hall into the building next door.

“We have an architect working on drawing the mechanicals and electric need we have,” Gary Mendenhall, mayor, said. “We are also working make the front door HDA.”

The council heard a street status report.

Presently work is on-going at 365th Street, near Pike County Lumber.

The council also heard Fayette Street needs milled and replaced with hot asphalt but that is a costly repair. Illinois Street at Washington needs repair, Fair and HIgbee street intersection needs work, Cherry Street needs to have the crown removed,but that will involved moving water lines and the city will need the cooperation of the neighborhood along Cherry.

Mendenhall said he has received complaints from residents as well as the area’s state senator about the new garbage service in Pittsfield.

“I got a call from our senator,” Mendenhall said. “Apparently he’s getting calls about the rate structure with the new operations. People who receive the same service are paying different amounts. Plus the rates have skyrocketed and there is no recycling. I am going to look into it.”