MONTEVIDEO -- Orders to repair and improve manufactured homes -- or demolish those not meeting safety and building codes -- will be presented to the owners of multiple units in the Northdale Community park in Montevideo.
Montevideo City Council members approved resolutions directing the improvements after reviewing inspection reports by the city building inspector. The report identified improvements needed on 20 different units.
City Manager Steve Jones said the inspections listed a substantial number of improvements that are needed. In some cases the repairs needed are relatively minor. Some of the units lack tie-downs, for examples.
But other hazards identified in the inspections range from broken windows and inoperable furnaces to deteriorating floors and hanging electrical wires.
The council approved sending the orders to owners John Strommer, Marlys Strommer, John Strommer, Ronald Strommer and Laura Sears for 18 different units.
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Staff reported that they have had prior contact with the Strommers about the needed improvements but have not seen any of the issues addressed.
Council members also approved orders for making corrections to Susan Armstrong and Douglas Kruger for two separate units.
In other business Monday, council members approved a recommendation from the traffic safety committee to return Washington Avenue (from Fifth to Fourth Streets) to two-way traffic. They also approved action to return one-way portions of Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Street from one-way to two-way.
The change is expected to occur Dec. 17.
Council members also went on record as supporting the eventual removal of the dam on the Chippewa River in Lagoon Park.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources currently has funding proposed for its removal.
The council members voiced support to move ahead, but said they would only approve a final plan after examining options for its replacements. The council is interested in seeing some of the river elevation created by the dam maintained, possibly through the development of rock rapids. They also expressed concerns about how the removal could affect the upstream area and Lagoon Park, as well as what happens to the silt that has accumulated behind the dam.
