The Knox Board of Public Works recently voted on the approval of their July 23rd minutes. In that agenda, the July 23rd minutes were included and they read as follows:
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY REGULAR MEETING July 23, 2025
The Board of Public Works and Safety met for a regular session at the Knox City Hall on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 9:30 AM CST. With the following members present: Mayor Dennis Estok, Clerk-Treasurer Cyndi Kidder, Board Members Steve Dodge. Jim Collins was absent. There was no amendment to the agenda.
RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES REGULAR MEETING 6/25/25
Minutes of the previous regular meeting were mailed to the Board Members prior to the meeting for their review. Steve Dodge made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Mayor Estok and passed by a vote of Two {2) ayes and No {0) nays.
RE: SUPERINTENDENTS REPORTS
Street Superintendent Jeff Borg informed the Board that his crew has been trimming back trees and bushes in all the alleys and street intersections. They have been doing roadside mowing and servicing the power equipment plus their everyday duties.
Sewer Superintendent Jason Clemons informed the Board that with the hot temperatures they are dealing with extreme foaming in the digesters. 17,670 gallons of liquid biosolids were put out in the reed beds. The sewer crew did some hydro vaccing out of manholes and they oversaw a sewer lateral repair in the alley by 404 S Pearl and assisted with the Vac Truck. They completed a root cut in 5 sections of sewer with camera and the Vac Truck. DC Garage Door company replaced the overhead door for the Vac Truck garage. The cost was $11,847.00.
Water Superintendent Tim Lindewald informed the Board they had to rebuild the hydrant used for Bulk Water Sales. They completed 3 new construction home pit and tap combos. They are continuing efforts to replace non-functioning meters, this month 6 were completed. The crew also did their normal monthly duties.
Chief of Police Chad Dulin informed the Board that Officer Joe West is still attending the Academy. They had a total of 715 calls last month and 120 of them were business checks.
RE: 254 W LOCUST -PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Estok opened the Public Hearing for 254 W Locust. The property owner attended the meeting this case opened in March 2024 with an order to repair home and clean up property. In April 2024 a vacate order was issued. As of June 2025, no timeline of repairs or updates were received. As of June 27, 2025, an order to demolish was given. The owner stated that her and her son have done some exterior cleanup, she said financial hardship is the reason for no progress. Director Boley recommended to go forward with demolish since it is still inhabitable and unauthorized people are still going in and out of there, we don’t want anyone to get hurt. The owner informed the board that it is not insured. She also would like permission to get in there to remove some of her mother’s and son’s things. The owner would sell it if someone wanted to purchase it. Mayor Estok asked if we found a buyer if she would sell and said she would. Mayor Estok made a motion to lift the vacate order to allow the owner to clean it out with a deadline by the August meeting. He added he would help find a buyer or investor or even the City may buy it. The motion was seconded by Steve Dodge and passed by a vote of Two (2) ayes and No (0) nays. Mayor Estok closed the Public Hearing.
RE: 203 N MAIN STREET -PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Estok opened the Public Hearing. Director Boley informed the Board the complaints and order are for the rear apartment. July 1, 2025, an order was issued to the owner to take action. The owner went to court and got an order to vacate was issued for the renters. Once the renters are out the owner plans on cleaning out the apartment and having it treated for bed bugs. Director Boley recommended putting this issue on hold for now until next month’s meeting. Mayor Estok made a motion to put a hold on this situation until next month’s meeting: The motion was seconded by Steve Dodge and passed by a vote of Two (2) ayes and No (0) nays. Mayor Estok closed the Public Hearing.
RE: 301 DANKER STREET
Director Boley updated the Board on the motel repairs since the fire have not been done. There has been no progress for months. The owner was present, he said the plumber and electrician can’t come until the end of September or beginning of October. The motel has been under enforcement since way before the fire on January 15, 2024. Director Boley recommended to issue a non-compliant fine of $2,500.00. Mayor Estok made a motion assessing the $2,500.00 fine for non-compliance. The motion was seconded by Steve Dodge and passed by a vote of Two (2) ayes and No (0) nays.
RE: 802 E WASHINGTON
Director Boley updated the board on this case after the owner requested a court hearing last month. The owner came in on July 2 to Boley’s Office and registered the rental property. On July 22 Director Boley was able to inspect the rental. He recommended that the citations be suspended. Steve Dodge made a motion to suspend the fines. The motion was seconded by Mayor Estok and passed by a vote of Two (2) ayes and No (0) nays.
RE: 6 N PEARL STREET -UPDATE
On June 18 Director Boley sent a certified letter with an inspection consent form included. At the time of this meeting, he has not received the form back. City Attorney Justin Schramm reminded the Board that this property had been in past litigation. It was dismissed, so a different cause number was issued. This case will be headed back to court.
RE: 202 N FISHER STREET -REVIEW
The owner is deceased, the son sent a notarized letter claiming he was taking responsibility, but nothing was ever filed through the county by him. There was $2,500.00 assessment at the beginning of 2025. There has been no contact from the son since. Director Boley’s recommendation is to access the $5,000.00 fine for non-compliance. Steve Dodge made a motion approving the $5,000.00 non-compliance fine to be accessed. The motion was seconded by Mayor Estok and passed by a vote of Two (2) ayes and No (0) nays.
RE: 406 W ELM -REVIEW
Director Boley updated the Board that on December 29, 2023, an order was issued to remove junk vehicles, garbage, furniture and all refuse. March 2025 an order to vacate was issued as well as an order to demolish. The only thing being done is the grass gets mowed occasionally. The owner was in attendance and requested 10 more days. A discussion was held. Mayor Estok made a motion to give the owner 10 more days to get the junk hauled away. Steve Dodge seconded the motion, and it passed by a vote of Two (2) ayes and No (0) nays. Steve Dodge made an additional motion giving 10 more days to also get arrangements made for the demolition of the single wide trailer in writing. The motion was seconded by Mayor Estok and passed by a vote of Two (2) ayes and No (0) nays.
There being no further business to come before the Board at this time the meeting upon motion was duly adjourned.
