Fireworks come early at Humboldt Council meeting
The Humboldt Fire Department's Engine No. 10 was one of the entries in the annual 4th of July parade. Firefighters had a busy day, marching in the parade and setting off the fireworks at 10 p.m. that evening. Humboldt Independent photo by Phil Monson.
By KENT THOMPSON
It was 28 hours before the 4th of July light show but there were some fireworks at the Humboldt City Council’s July 3 meeting.
Discussion about the Reasoner Dam and the activeness of city of Humboldt in the repair and restoration of the dam took center stage at the meeting.
Third Ward Councilman Joel Goodell said he feels like the dam issue has stalled and an effort to earmark the funds the city receives from the sale of the 16.49 acres would provide a good jump start to the dam rehabilitation effort.
“My constituents have reached out to me, I’ve had private people reach out and want to donate to the project. This is a way to get the process started and give it a push,” Goodell said.
As reported earlier in the Independent, the appraised value of the property is $255,595.
“My feeling is that the money received (from the sale of this property) should go to something in the city, for parks or trails and not toward a county project,” at large Councilman Kirk Whittlesey stated.
“The county has considered it for how long and haven’t made a move. I don’t know if it’s the Conservation Board or the County Board of Supervisors who need to act. Ultimately no matter where the funds come from (on the city side), it’s public tax dollars,” City Administrator Cole Bockelmann reminded the Council.
Goodell made a motion to earmark funds from the sale of the triangular-shaped property south of 14th Avenue SW to go for the restoration efforts of the Reasoner Dam. At large Councilman Jeff Harklau seconded the motion, after which time more discussion occurred.
Councilman Matt Dominick said he supports repairing the dam and doesn't have an issue with the city contributing, but said the sale of the property needs to happen first and the county should be driving the matter, not the city council of Humboldt.
When the vote was taken, Goodell and Harklau supported the motion and Dominick and Whittlesey voted no. With no fifth Council member there to break the tie, the motion failed.
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