Crofton

The Crofton City Council signed and sealed a second option on land that could be possibly used for the new sewer lagoon plans by the City in the future, if the current land doesn’t work out.

At the City’s regular meeting on August 1, the Council heard from Dale Guenther, owner of a second parcel of land the City had considered for the new lagoon, and the option paperwork that had been presented.

The City was requesting an option, with near the same terms as the previously signed option for the “Potts Land” east of Crofton in Cedar County, with Guenther for land located about a mile “as the crow files” northwest of Crofton.

Guenther’s land was described as the Northwest Quarter of Section 14, T32, R2 in Eastern Township, placing it northwest across Section 14 from the City limits, but a few miles closer than the previously selected land.

The option price would remain the same, $11,500 per acre for up to 35 acres total.

Guenther was present at the meeting, and expressed some concern about the crop that might be in the field if the City were to exercise its option at a time of planting or harvesting, but he was assured by Crofton City Attorney Mike Stevens that if the City were to damage the land or property during inspection, it would pay for those damages, and if the City were to purchase the land, an agreement about the crop would be made if it existed at that time.

Guether returned the option later that night.

At a special meeting on August 11, the Council agreed to do some soil testing and hole boring on the new land option to see if it would meet with necessary specifications.

The “Potts Land” has also been under the same review by the City’s Engineers, Miller & Associates, with plans proceeding on the first option, unless plans change or the land becomes undesirable for a testing reason.

Plans are still being made for the City’s proposed three-pool lagoon system to replace the older mechanical system as required by the Department of Environment and Energy. The City has still been seeking funds while attempting to meet the required deadlines for progress as well.