DIDC controls blight sites

DUNKIRK — Council members got some clarity Monday on the future of blighted properties.

In response to questions that had arisen about responsibility for blighted properties in the city after they are torn down using grant money from Indiana’s Hardest Hit Blight Elimination Fund, city attorney Wes Schemenaur told Dunkirk City Council that decisions would fall to Dunkirk Industrial Development Corporation.

DIDC has been the official applicant for the grant funds through Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

“It’s a separate entity,” Schemenaur said. “DIDC doesn’t require the council’s approval to transfer real estate that it owns. It owns those buildings and DIDC has the authority to sell those things.”

This means the council will turn all of its contracts on the blight projects over to DIDC. Dunkirk Mayor Gene Ritter said this should not cost the city any money.

Typically after blighted properties are torn down they are offered for purchase to adjacent property owners. If those property owners are not interested, the future of the properties would be up to DIDC’s discretion.

Also Monday, council approved transferring $760 from the rainy day fund for maintenance and mulching at West Jay Community Center.

“We got the park, pool and community building as our draw to town,” council member Jack Robbins said. “I think we need to help, I think we need to take care of it.”

Robbins also said the street department will mill Barbier Street and Highland Avenue on Thursday and Friday. The department will then pave the streets Monday.

In addition to street paving, council discussed a variety of community-wide events that will take place in Dunkirk in the coming weeks.

One of those was Optimist Club Appreciation Day, which is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. July 21 in Dunkirk City Park.

There will be free food, live entertainment and free admission to the pool.

“A lot of the local clubs are participating,” clerk-treasurer Tina Elliot said. “Everybody is just pitching in. There’s going to be food, there’s going to be games, there’s going to be a cakewalk and everything is free. It’s going to be a big event.”

There will also be a citywide rummage sale August 3 and 4. Council unanimously voted to waive all fees associated with the sale.

Elliot also asked that all those interested in being on the council agenda file a request at the city building by noon on the Friday prior to the meeting.

In other news, council:

•Approved $330 for installation of a new pump at the pool.

•Agreed to have gravel placed behind the water plant at a cost of $1,308.

•Paid claims totaling $149,484.