By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Now that a new store has opened near US-50 at the east edge of Peabody, downtown stores are working on ways to attract some of that traffic.

One idea city council members liked Monday night was sprucing up 9th St. and putting up signs directing travelers to businesses on Walnut St.

Susan Marshall talked to council members about putting up a sign to entice people who stop at Dollar General to visit downtown merchants.

Downtown business owners are in favor of the idea as well.

“I think it would be a great idea. I think it would help,” Tim Peterson, owner of Pop’s Diner, said.

Pop’s Diner has been open five years on Walnut.

“I would like to see that, absolutely,” Jadina Crow, co-owner of Peabody Market, said. “There’s more to Peabody than Highway 50. When Highway 50 decided to go around Peabody, Peabody lost. Peabody is quaint down here.”

However, Marshall said several properties along 9th St. are in poor repair.

“In conjunction with that, I’ve heard some complaints about the condition 9th St. is in,” Marshall said.

Several specific properties were discussed.

Arnold Jagt, 1001 N Vine St., has a building falling down after a tree fell on it.

“It’s a harbor for vermin and in unsafe condition,” mayor Larry Larsen said. “He’s flat told us he’s not going to do anything.”

Council members discussed beginning condemnation procedures so the building can be removed.

Larsen also told police chief Bruce Burke to check the status of a salvage license for an address at 9th St. and Vine.

“Let’s look into it because it’s definitely an eyesore,” Larsen said.

In other matters:

• Peabody’s swimming pool will close Thursday and reopen for Labor Day weekend, except for already-reserved private parties. Pool manager Rylie McDowell said most pool staff are returning to school and will no longer be available on an ongoing basis.
• After an executive session for non-elected personnel, council members voted to hire city treasurer Jonna Munson as city clerk after the resignation of current clerk Barb Sweeney. Munson has been treasurer for two years.