AgState seeks to buy city land for scale project

The Royal City Council indicated willingness to sell a parcel located near the AgState elevator and agreed to take the required legal steps to complete the transaction.

During the council meeting on April 17, North Region Leader Jason Huff said that AgState intends to construct a scale at the north end of their grain storage complex. They need to acquire a small parcel of city-owned land if the scale is located there.

“We’re not set on where we have to have it today,” Huff explained. “If that property is not for sale, then we go to Plan B, which I don’t know what that is.”

Mayor Josh Toft asked if AgState was only interested in enough land for the scale project.

“That would be ideal,” Huff said. “We want as little as necessary for what we need.”

A surveyor was scheduled to mark out property lines so AgState can determine the best location for the scale.

Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen noted there is a water main in that area, which would have to be taken into consideration.

With a scale located in that area, traffic to the elevator would be directed away from Memorial Park.

“The sooner we can get traffic away from the park, the better,” Nielsen said.

City Clerk Barb Fletcher was instructed to contact the city attorney to begin the sale process. The council will discuss the matter at its meeting on May 8.

• Nuisances, budget approval

Letters were sent to the owners of 53 properties which were identified as not being in compliance with Royal’s nuisance ordinance. They have 30 days to address the issues outlined in the letters.

After the 30-day period, another survey will be done. According to discussion, properties where little or no progress is observed will be referred to Northwest Iowa Planning and Development, which will document violations and proceed with further enforcement.

Council Member Mitch Fahnlander said the process is intended to get properties cleaned up soon as possible.

No comments were received in regard to the city’s budget for 2024-25. Estimated expenses will exceed revenues by approximately $8,800.

“We have enough in reserve. Most years we take in way more than we spend,” Fletcher noted.

A building permit previously granted to Austin Speight was amended to allow concrete to be added to the existing driveway. The council stipulated that no additional structures could be constructed without another permit.

• 125th committee, updates

A small group is making plans for Royal Fun Days, which are scheduled for July 19-21. Council Member Jeff Van Westen said planning for Royal’s 125th celebration in 2025 will also begin soon. He volunteered to represent the city on the celebration committee.

Twenty-three ash trees at the park were removed. The remaining trees will be removed later. Additional concrete for the sidewalk at the park will be poured whenever possible.

Fletcher reported the generator for the lift station will be delivered on Aug. 20. The project is funded by a grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.