The Knox City Council members amended their agenda Tuesday night to accept gifts from the Starke County Historical Society and Gateway, Inc.
Mayor Dennis Estok reported that after years of negotiation, the three entities came to an amicable agreement. The Historical Society gifted the Depot on U.S. 35 and Gateway, Inc, a corporation that was formed to help construct the stone wall at the City’s entrance, gifted the surrounding land on both sides of the highway.
Since transfer discussions have been ongoing for several years, Council President Ron Parker asked why the organizations suddenly decided gift these items to the City. Mayor Estok explained that with some outside assistance, they were able to clear up some confusion and prove the City owns the right-of-way that the Depot is on.
Additionally, Estok said that during this process, they discovered they have been insuring that land, the entrance wall, the Depot and the caboose without having technical ownership. Estok said the groups were advised that it would be less complicated to gift everything to the City than it would be to try and transfer insurance.
Estok mentioned that though the deeds have been recorded, there are some agreements that still need to be made. Specifically, they need to address the various services that rent out the Depot for their office spaces such as Starke County Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce.
Once the discussion wrapped up, members voted unanimously to accept the gifts from the Historical Society and Gateway.
Now that the property belongs to the City of Knox, they will be able to erect the double sided digital sign near the entrance of the City. City officials have also discussed using that land for a proposed parking lot expansion project near the band stage and splash pad.
Mayor Estok added that Gateway is in the process of dissolving their corporation. He noted that representatives will likely form an advisory committee which will coordinate with the City about maintenance for the Depot and the entrance wall. Their organization still has about $25,000 that will be saved for future maintenance.
