Cleanup continues for Underwood properties
By Brenda L. Shelkey
Commissioners got an update on the progress concerning the cleanup letters that were sent out in June. City Auditor Diane Schell explained that property owners had until July 15 to either cut their lawns or clean up their properties, depending on which ordinance was involved. Letters ranged from residential to commercial property concerns. Schell said that some of the property issues had been addressed, some even before they got the letter. Other property owners were in various stages of completion, some had done very little to follow through on the clean-up projects under question. "We need to follow through on this," said Mayor Rick Olson. "What do you want from us? What can we do to make sure we follow through till this is done?" Schell asked that commissioners designate somebody to coordinate the cleanup effort and follow through on the letter and the deadline. Some of the tougher issues involved tall weeds, abandoned vehicles and dirt piles. Olson said, "Some of the neighbors are talking about requiring fences around some of the properties. The neighbors are not happy." Commissioners agreed that they will direct Jerry Radke to deal with property owners as needed. Commissioner Leon Weisenburger expressed his concern about a commercial property. He said, "If we’re going to clean it up, we’re going to have to do it right. He’s the first place people see when they come into town."
