By SARAH PARKER | County Line Editor
Four of the five Kendall properties that were on the list for FEMA buyouts have signed offers to purchase with the Village of Kendall, board president Richard Martin reported at the village board’s meeting April 12.
All sustained significant damage in the August 2018 flood. Two of the properties are on White Street; the third, on Glenwood Road; and the fourth, on Glen Street.
Though FEMA ultimately approves whether homeowners are eligible for voluntary buyouts, the village will assume ownership of the properties and the responsibility for demolishing them.
During a public-comment session of the meeting, Craig Buswell of Kendall registered disappointment that the buildings were slated for demolition, saying, “FEMA think that’s a good idea. That’s like shooting ourselves in the foot.”
In particular, the loss of tax base would hurt Kendall, Buswell said. He suggested the houses could be sold for a small amount with a codicil that they wouldn’t be eligible for flood insurance.
But village government has limited control over the final fate of the properties; those decisions mostly lie with the property owners, all of whom have decided they would prefer buyouts. And once an owner agrees to buyout, the affected property must be demolished and the land must remain open green space, according to federal law. The Village of Kendall is not allowed to sell the property.
Livestock/poultry ordinance approved
According to the village’s newly adopted amendment to its livestock and poultry ordinance, residents may have poultry (not roosters) based on the size and configuration of their properties. The board will approve requests on a case-by-case basis.
On a related note, the board approve a request for 10 chickens and five ducks at 318 George St.
Other business
• The board met with a Bug Tussel Wireless and considered its suggestion that a mini tower could be installed in Kendall if at least 10 households sign up for the internet service. The village will continue to work with Bug Tussel.
• Bids will be posted May 6 for improvements at wells No. 2 and No. 4, and the bids will be opened June 9, according to Andy Zimmer of MSA, the village’s engineering firm.
• Noting that a vehicle repair shop seemed to be in operation near the former Kendall Lumber building, the board decided it would look into addressing the lack of facilities (e.g., bathrooms) at the business and attempt to prevent mud being dragged onto the street.
• Meghan Bemis, who cuts hair at a building adjacent to Dorset Valley Restaurant in rural Wilton, asked permission to set up a mobile barbershop in the village. It would offer only simple haircuts — no perms, dye jobs, etc., and would be parked in Kendall one day a week, Bemis said.
Board member Art Keenan noted that the village had a brick-and-mortar salon — Village Hair Designers — on S. Railroad Street that pays property taxes and is a water/sewer customer.
“I’d hate to lose that,” he said.
Board member Lee Wyttenbach concurred. “We do have to talk to the business across the street.”
In the end, the board tabled Bemis’ request until the board could discuss the matter with the Village Hair Designers owner.
• The board agreed to a $42,900 loan at 2 percent from Farmers State Bank for a new dump truck. The village will continue to apply for grants for the vehicle.
• On Wednesday, May 12, open book will be from 12–2 p.m.; and board of review, from 2–4 p.m.
• After a closed session, the board agreed to raise the wage for part-time summer help by $2 to $12 an hour.
• The board agreed to a plan for Royall third- through sixth-graders to use the ballfield at Glenwood Park. Mostly practices will be conducted, plus a game or two may be offered.
• The board hired E.O. Johnson to scan and digitize village paperwork, including historical documents.
• The board approved a picnic license for the Kendall Fire Department’s annual banquet, which is set for Saturday, May 8.
• The board approved operator’s licenses for Katelyn Klipstein, who will work at the Hidden Inn, and Sarah Haralson, who will work at the Zzip Stop.