Hartley council discusses old elementary school

The new owner of the former Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary School received pointed criticism from the Hartley City Council on Monday.

Members discussed a perceived lack of progress at the building, which was sold by the school board to Hestia Investments last December for $100. The council was concerned about a lack of exterior upkeep at the building as well as allegations of standing water inside.

Members believed nothing had been done that was promised when the building was sold late last year.

"This should be a [school] district problem, not a City of Hartley problem," said Council Member Ron Hengeveld.

"Now it's a city problem," responded Council Member Mary Westphalen.

No citations have been issued to Hestia Investments for maintenance-related infractions, according to City Administrator Erica Haack. She said the city has contacted Michael Reese, director of Hestia Investments, when issues arise at the property.

"We have invited Michael Reese to present his plans to city council but he hasn't done so yet," Haack said after the meeting. "Truthfully, we would have liked to see some progress on the property like we were told would happen by now. We have been in contact with him regarding mowing, weeds and other nuisance issues at the property and are working with him to get those things taken care of."

The newspaper emailed Reese a list of questions immediately after Monday's council meeting and also attempted to reach him via text message on Tuesday night. He responded to the text message Wednesday at 9:10 a.m. and confirmed receipt of the email; however, he was unable to return his responses or call the newspaper prior to press deadline.

Hestia Investments was the lone bidder for the building last year. The school board had originally intended to demolish the facility, but reneged after the firm approached the district. Its sale was approved on a 4-1 vote with Board Member Ryan Haack casting the lone dissention.

Reese said during a public hearing in December that renovation of the building would be financed through a group of companies and not only by Moving Mountains, the non-profit which is supposed to coordinate programming housed in the facility.

"If we were just a developer, this wouldn't make any sense," Reese said six months ago. "The reason why we are 100 percent confident that we will be successful is because we are drawing in from all of our other businesses."

According to Reese's presentation in December, plans are to physically convert the building into a safe and efficient facility; implement and manage ventures so they can thrive; and execute initiatives that "complement needs of the community with an emphasis on children, students and families in O'Brien County."

After concerns were raised about Reese's proposal at the December public hearing, he presented a signed a letter accepting responsibility for the building should the venture fail.