Frustrated builders said they are tempted to bring their businesses to different towns at the last Kimball City Council meeting, Monday, Nov. 3. “All of these codes, rules and regulations make it hard to build in Kimball,” Jeff Orbeck said. “You want Kimball to grow, but the building code [detracts business owners].” The council noted that the building codes were passed in 2000 and they ensure safety in buildings. They also ask the owner to hire an architect and engineer to oversee the project. Business owners also have to run building plans by building official Kyle Christensen. These requirements are costing owners money. Orbeck said it makes him want to construct his new building in Maine Prairie because the codes aren’t as tough there. In defense of the city, Christensen said that the building codes ensure safety for local home-dwellers and employees. “[In regards to the building], we are going to want to know that it meets the State Building Code on a structural and non-structural basis.” Included in these standards are determining what the building will be used for, if it needs a ventilation system, requirements for stairs and material of partitions within the building, to name a few. Bob Johnson of Rail Repair also attended the meeting. Both he and Orbeck purchased buildings that they would like to assemble. Johnson left the meeting after hearing about requirements. Councilmember Mickey Fischer said that both men should get to know Christensen and work with him. “He is going to be a great resource [when it comes to building].” Christensen stated that he helps the builders construct safe buildings. “I am fair. I don’t go above the code or below it. That is the way it is supposed to be.” In other action, the council: • Approved the municipal contribution of $4,202 to the Fire Relief Association. • Discussed plowing the streets in the new Greenly Edition. The city has a five year development agreement with Keek Developers on this land. The council was going to check with City Attorney Tim Young regarding the implications of this action. They wanted to make sure valves were marked and that they were only plowing the area where new residents live. After discussion, the council said they will work with Keek Developers on this issue. • Granted a request for the Scheelers to lease land for irrigation. The council said that they want to have the duration of lease longer than a year at a time. They will look into this more when approving the lease next time. • Offered the public works position to one of two finalists. The city said that the new employee could start after acceptance of the council. The new public works worker will be paid $11.25 an hour. • Determined they would give the Express ball team $425 for a flag pole. The Kimball American Legion gave the city funds to distribute to area organizations. They asked the city to grant financial requests in hopes that local groups wouldn’t come to them. “The Legion made it clear that they were giving the city money to use for cultural activities,” Mayor Karla Davis said. • Passed a motion to make Paul Harvego of Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing to be hired for the 2003 end of the year audit. • Heard that potential buyer of Don Stein’s land, Tom Crouch was not going to conduct a study about the use of land for residential , commercial or industrial buildings. He found the study would cost around $8,000. • Heard from Kimball Chamber representative Keith Markwardt. He asked the city if they were interested in forming a long range planning committee. With businesses coming into town, Markwardt felt this would be a wise time to determine what the future of Kimball will be and look like. Markwardt said he would find three or four more interested people to sit on the committee. The council said they would check with the League of Minnesota cities to see if there are any rules on this type of committee. • Adjourned the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
