Resident questions zoning

Published 7:22 pm Wednesday, July 10, 2013

For the second council meeting in a row, the Luverne City Council heard from resident Roy Johnston.

Johnston is concerned that the zoning laws are not being enforced in his neighborhood.

Johnston’s main complaint is that there is a home on Hawkins Avenue on cinderblocks, which he said harms property values.

Email newsletter signup

Johnston said he would like to see the property owner move the home.

“Can we get something done about it?” he said. “I’ll make the first contribution.”

Luverne Mayor Joe Rex Sport told Johnston he had spoken to the property owner about the condition of the home.

“I spoke with the owner and his plans were to make it a livable place within about three months,” Sport said. “I went to see about after you asked about it at the last meeting.”

Johnston told Sport “whatever your decision is, I’ll respect it.”

“I just don’t want to wind up with zero property value,” he said. “I appreciate your leadership.”

Johnston had questions about certain zoning laws and city attorney Mike Jones said he would follow-up with him about the zoning laws.

In other business, the council:

• Discussed a dog ordinance, and agreed to invite the City of Troy’s animal control officer to speak at a work session at 4 p.m. on July 22.

• Heard from City Engineer Morris Tate about the paving of Mt. Ida Road. Bids will be let on Aug. 8.