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City Council hears lawsuit threat, moves ahead on street abandonment

GLENWOOD CITY — The city council heard a threat of a lawsuit against the city and the police chief at their regular monthly meeting Monday night, December 3rd. They also moved ahead with abandoning part of Sixth Street.

 David Relf, a Town of Glenwood resident, appeared before the council to ask for their input about what their feeling was about the police chief not doing fingerprints or vehicle registration for him. Relf said, “that Darwin (Police Chief Robert Darwin) told him that he only does finger printing for teachers and EMTs.” Relf continued, “that’s discrimination, what is he so busy doing that he cannot take care of this?” Relf asked. He also told the council that Darwin is not allowed on his property, which is on Rutson Road.

Relf handed council members a statement in an attempt to tell the council about his story. “He could not take three minutes out of his life as a public service officer?” Relf questioned. But members of the council seem to have no idea of what was transpiring, and so gave no comment. Mayor Larson told Relf that they had allowed him to talk, but that they would not have any comment on the matter until they have studied it and Larson also explained to him about how one files a complaint about the police and he stressed the part about it has to be in writing and must be signed.

The mayor indicated that he had talked to Relf on the phone and explained to process to him. Relf indicated that he was visiting a lawyer on Wednesday and would be filing a lawsuit against Chief Darwin and the City of Glenwood City.

Vacating Sixth Street

At the council meeting on November 6th they heard from Glenhaven administrator, David Prissel about the need to abandon that part of Sixth Street north of Oak Street to allow for Glenhaven’s Construction Project.

Monday night the council took the first step in that process. Kevin Oium of Cedar Corporation explained that the council needed to pass a resolution to get the project going and then a public hearing would be set in February to give the local people a chance to comment on the street abandonment and then the council can proceed after that hearing. Glenhaven is planning to build a new structure to the west of the present facility and needs that street land for that project.

Also during the meeting Oium reported to the council that field work on the Third and Elm Street project would be done by weekend and the planning process would begin and the council would be able to make a determination on how to proceed with the work sometime next year.

Reports

During his report to the council the mayor presented a copy of a letter from the DNR about a recent inspection of the City’s Recycling Center. The letter concluded the following: “The material recovery facility and operation appeared to be in compliance at the time of the inspection and meeting all requirements necessary for your license. There was no windblown litter visible on site. It also appears there is adequate room for bales being stored inside at this time. It is positive to see the City of Glenwood City working diligently to manage and operate such an efficient recycling program.”

The letter also praised the center by saying; “As a rural responsible unit, you are expected to collect 82.40 pounds per capita of recyclables. For 2011, you reported a collection rate of 116.27, for 2010 you reported a collection rate of 137.80. Your numbers demonstrate your strong recycling program; keep up the great work!” The letter was signed by Anna McCabe; Waste & Materials Management Specialist for the DNR.

The mayor also discussed the need for another machine that would be used to bale up plastic recyclables.

Council member Nancy Hover presented the Library report, which indicated that over 100 children attended the library and visited with Santa. She recognized several people that made the event very special.