More city-owned lots sold in Everly

The Everly City Council on Monday moved more real estate.

Derrick Nestvold and Steve Schuver will soon become the owners of city-owned lots at 502 N Adams St. and 203 E 5th St., respectively. The former property was sold for $4,000 and the latter went for $3,500.

As it did in January for two other properties, the council held a special auction for the lots. The minimum bid for each was $2,000.

Nestvold and Schuver exchanged five competing bids for 502 N Adams St. The pair squared off again for 203 E 5th St., exchanging four bids.

Nestvold and Schuver will take ownership of the lots once a public hearing is held next month and proper notice is published.

Once the checks clear, land sales over the past year will have netted the city $18,752. The recent transactions were a priority for the council, as members wished to get certain lots off the city’s books and back onto the tax rolls.

• Complaints

The council addressed a variety of citizen complaints on several topics, but ultimately voted to keep things as-is.

First up was the city’s siren. Some residents have complained about the noon and 6 p.m. whistle, as they either work the night shift or don’t appreciate its volume. The council mulled shortening the length of the siren, but ultimately unanimously voted to keep it the same.

Next up were the stop signs at the intersections of Harrison Street and E 3rd Street and Harrison Street and E 2nd Street. A petition was submitted to City Hall asking for their removal; however, the council believed they served a vital purpose in slowing down traffic and improving pedestrian safety.

Finally, complaints about stray cats were fielded by the council. Mayor Ron Thompson said the city actively traps strays and removes them from city limits. He explained the existing ordinance adequately covers the issue already, and believed there was nothing more the council could do.

“They are a nuisance, no doubt,” he said.

Thompson noted that cats without collars are considered stray and reminded residents to register their pets at City Hall. City Clerk Kristi Fliss estimated that less than 10 cats are registered right now.

No action was taken on the matter.

• Other business

Spring cleanup day was set for Tuesday, May 7, along with the hazardous materials trailer and beggar’s night on Monday, May 6. Citywide garage sales will be held on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5.

Additionally, Fliss reported the nuisance violations at 401 E 2nd St. had been addressed by property owner Kevin Dillingham prior to city intervention.