Council OKs downtown event barricades, grants demolition extension and seeks inspector input on unsafe building

The Center Point City Council approved several community requests and asked staff to follow up on building-safety and parking issues at its July 14 meeting.

Chris Peacock of the American Legion asked to close the 900 block of Main Street for a barbecue Aug. 8; Public Works indicated it can provide barricades and council advised that if the event grows to include a beer tent the group should coordinate security with the Linn County Sheriff. Administrator Sarah Tritle also asked Peacock for an update on the Legion building; Peacock said building plans should be ready in the coming weeks.

Property owner Adam Reece reported that the building at 815 Main Street is demolished but a remaining wall between 815 and MJ Dawghouse is in questionable condition. Reece requested an extra 30 days to finish removal of remaining walls; council granted that 30-day extension.

Administrator Tritle updated the council that a grant was awarded for 901 Main St and that construction should begin in early August; staff continue to work on nuisance properties and address one critical finding from an insurance risk management audit. Council discussed vehicles parked long-term in the municipal lot across from the library — including inoperable vehicles, campers and trailers — and agreed such items should be prohibited but noted an ordinance is needed to authorize ticketing and towing. For 900 Main St, council granted an extension to Aug. 21 to obtain permits while staff check with the Linn County inspector to determine which parts of the structure are considered unsafe.

The council adjourned at 7:08 p.m.