Springfield Council

OKs annexation

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD -- The Springfield City Council unanimously approved the annexation of 16 acres of land just southeast of the city limits Tuesday night.

A motion made by Phil Jensen, seconded by Jeff Carlson paved the way for property acquisition for a multi-family housing project and 8 acres of residential lots that the city intends to sell for single family homes. The property was purchased at $10,000 per acre from St. John Lutheran Home.

The planned apartment package includes six two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units with garages. The units will rent for $580-$600 per month and could be completed by as early as next summer.

A special assessment public hearing for curb, gutter, sewer and street work on the newly-annexed property is expected to be held at the next city council meeting.

The council also:

* Unanimously passed a resolution allowing the Springfield Fire Department to purchase badges for shirts at a cost of $50 per badge. The resolution will allow for the purchase of new jackets at $140-$150 each for all 26 firefighters next calender year.

Money from the sale of the old fire department van will go to the city to help pay for the new gear. An open house at the new fire hall will be held 3-9 p.m. on Oct. 12.

* Unanimously approved the addition of 8-10 new camping sites with water and electricity hookups.

* Unanimously approved a resolution to terminate the part-time services of City Manager Gary Hale as of Oct. 1. Hale may still perform work in an as-needed basis.

* Learned that a dozen applications have been received for the vacant city manager position. Jensen and Pietz will review applications with City Attorney Paul Muske Thursday morning and determine which applicants will be interviewed.

Applicants will be interviewed in a closed meeting Oct. 9.