Staff writer
By putting his signature to an ordinance agreeing to annex a parcel of land into the Peabody city limits, Mayor Larry Larsen took the first step Monday night toward finalization of an agreement between the city and representatives of Dollar General to open a Dollar General store in Peabody.
The city has been involved in talks with Dollar General, its engineer, developer, and legal counsel for a couple of months, according to city clerk Stephanie Lago.
“The ordinance passed by the city council and signed by Mayor Larsen is a sign of forward movement,” Lago said.
The parcel of land, owned by Gilbert Loewen, adjoins the eastern city limits and is adjacent to the south side of U.S. Highway 50. It contains 1.13 acres with available access to city utilities.
No information was available about a timeline for development of the project.
In other business:
- Official election results were shared with council members. It was noted that Peabody’s special 1 per cent sales tax for street projects squeaked by on 13 votes, 195 in favor and 182 opposed. The tax will be in effect 10 years and the money generated must be spent on street projects only.
- Public works director Ronnie Harms informed council members that there has been a steady increase in illegal dumping at the burn pit. The facility is inspected by Kansas Department of Health and Environment annually. Harms said the amount of lumber and construction/demolition debris is probably enough for KDHE to close it. Peabody residents would then have to haul it to Marion for disposal.
- Harms also was instructed to bring information for the council to consider about the purchase of a dump truck, a city pickup, and new mowers.