By BILL SHEA
Messenger staff writer
Maxx Tree Service is the new owner of the former IBP property in Fort Dodge, and an attorney assured the City Council Monday night that the correct process was followed to sell the land.
Mayor Matt Bemrich signed the documents finalizing the sale Monday, before the council met. But council members discussed the transaction anyway in light of questions about the process.
Acting City Attorney Mark Crimmins told the council that according to state law the city must do two things to sell a piece of property: publish a legal notice and conduct a public hearing. Both requirements were met, he said.
Legal notice was published on March 30. The hearing was held on April 9.
The tree company was the only one that made an offer on the ground.
Maxx Tree Service, of Fort Dodge purchased the property at 1525 Ave. O for $5,000. As part of the deal, the company will cut down 10 trees on city property for free.
The company will invest $300,000 in the property. That investment will include a 60-by-100-foot building, plus landscaping and fencing. Brian Helmers, the owner of the company, said he will also spend $50,000 to $60,000 to clean up the property before he builds there.
Bemrich defended the work Vickie Reeck, the community development manager, did on the sale.
''I assure you Vickie follows very consistent procedures to make sure it is fair and equitable for everyone,'' he said.
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net