W. Court Street Debate Settled?

By Mike?Scott

Is it a city street? Or private property?
Extensive research by Kahoka City Attorney April Wilson has caused the City of Kahoka to reverse its October 10 opinion that the property extending west from the intersection of West Court and Cleveland is a city street.
At the Monday, December 12, meeting of the Kahoka Board of Aldermen, Wilson presented maps obtained from the Clark County Recorder and Clark County Assessor, which appear to show the property in question is actually owned by Thomas and Terry Matlock of 769 W. Court.
At several previous meetings, Hank and Sandy Kleine had argued that the property was a city street, based on a map provided by Oak Hills Title Company/Lewis County Abstract. Kleines and others previously accessed the back of their properties via that property, but that access has been prevented since the Matlocks purchased the property
Wilson’s research indicates Anthony Gray is the owner of the property immediately west of Matlocks, and that in 1992, then-owners Mike and Janie Dunning added the railroad property to the south to theirs. However, Matlock’s property does not include the Burlington Northern property, according to the maps.
“We don’t have a say in this issue. It’s a private battle. I understand people want us to solve this, but we cannot,” Wilson said. “And if we are sued, we’ll file a motion for dismissal. We are not the proper party to be in a lawsuit.”
The board heard from John Hummel, of MECO Engineering in Hannibal, concerning the Downtown Enhancement Grant.
At a special meeting held December 12, the board tentatively awarded a construction bid. ?That bid, however, needs MoDOT approval.
“All the documents have been submitted to MoDOT,” Hummel said. “MoDOT has to approve before we can move forward.”
If MoDOT approves, sidewalk replacement in downtown Kahoka could begin this spring.
In other business, the board:
-Discussed the unfinished snow emergency route plans. Aldermen Jerry Webber and Curtis Mack will meet with Police Chief Bill Conger.
-Reported city workers have started smoke testing the sewer system.
-Awarded a bid to Cannon Electric for Vine St. lift station repair, at a cost of $4100.
-Approved a FEMA required floodplain ordinance, which will allow Kahoka homeowners to purchase flood insurance.
-Discussed an issue with a dog at large on Westwood Drive. The owner has been previously ticketed.
-Fire Chief Lary Fountain reported fire volunteer’s pay was $3500 less than 2010, due to fewer incidents.
-Alderman Larry Young is compiling expense figure for the ball field improvements.
-Discussed what could be done if someone does not comply with building permit ordinance. The ordinance allows the city to remove the structure at the cost of the owner.
-Paul Rowe Airport Assoc. president Mike Scott requested that the police watch for vehicles driving on the runway. Vehicles cutting ruts in the runway surface could result an accident.