GAS — On recommendation of their planning commission, Gas council members agreed to vacate an alley behind the Antique Hatchery, between Taylor and McRae streets on the north side of U.S. 54, to accommodate construction of a Dollar General store.
No time element was mentioned, although it was noted the store, a sister to one at the north edge of Humboldt, would be 85 by 85 feet along with 30 parking spaces.
Gas will connect water and sewer to the store without charge. While the alley will be vacated, building over it will be prohibited to maintain access to utility lines.
Dollar General stores offer a general line of merchandise, from groceries and over-the-counter drugs to household goods and pet supplies.
More will be announced about the store, including projected opening date, later.
DEBBIE SAGER, appointed to the council a year ago, resigned her position because of a pending move from Gas to Iola. Ross Albertini, Gas attorney, said the position must be filled by appointment within 60 days or a special election would be required.
City Clerk Rhonda Hill also pointed that councilmen Mark Henry and Kenny Baker would stand for election this year unless they deferred. Both told the Register they had not decided whether to seek re-election.
Mayor Darrell Catron’s term also expires this year. He was absent Tuesday evening because of health reasons.
Hill noted candidates must file with Allen County Clerk Sherrie Riebel by June 1, with a $20 filing fee or a petition containing three — that’s correct — signatures of qualified voters.
State law changed city and school elections from April to November, starting this year.
In other business, council members:
— Raised rent for the community building from $50 to $75 to help defray heating and cooling costs. An event this weekend will remain at original $50 charge, as will one already scheduled for September.
— Accepted a bid of $125 per hour from Ray Maloney to remove a condemned house at 214 N. Wall St. Maloney assured cost would not exceed $1,875, or 25 hours and probably would require about 15 hours.
— Accepted a bid of $4,800 from Central Kansas Siding, Sedgwick, to replace the City Hall roof, damaged last month by hail. Insurance will pay $4,300, Gas the remainder.
— Approved an ordinance raising the trash pick-up rate from $7.50 to $8.50, decided a month ago and made official with the ordinance.
— Pointed out city-wide spring cleanup would start Monday.
