The city of Staples is coming down on one of the most visible eyesores in town with an order to clean up.

The Staples City Council, meeting at noon Tuesday, July 13, ordered the cleanup of property at 823 Highway 10 N.E.

Doug Case, police sergeant who is handling the public nuisance issues for the city, reported to the city council that he had served a notice to clean up on the owner, David Blonigen, giving him until July 1 to do so. Case reported some progress on some days, but not on others. “I’m not sure if they are hauling more in or taking some out,” he told the council.

Case presented a resolution for the council ordering the total cleanup up within five days of receipt of this order by the property owner. If not done, the city can move in and clean up the property, assessing the city’s cost to the property’s taxes.

Council Member Don Flaten questioned how someone could hold a rummage sale seemingly forever. “Once a year for me is more than enough,” he said. Other council member comments could be summed up as: “It needs to be taken care of.”

Case said the property hauled away will be stored securely for at least 60 days to allow the owner to recover it. He also said that Blonigen’s health is one factor involved in the situation.

In another matter, the council approved plans to advertise bids for a Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) storage building at the airport. Plans for the building were explained by Bonita Crow, engineer with SEH engineering firm. The building is needed to house the tractor and snow blower purchased last year for snow removal at the airport. The tractor is currently being stored at the city’s public works garage. The new building will find it housed at the airport, not far from the existing airport reception building.

Crow reported the building, with electrical, mechanical and plumbing, is estimated to cost $260,000. Bids are to be opened Aug. 9, with construction to start about Sept. 1.

Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) funds will cover about 95 percent of the project cost, which could total about $300,000 with engineering and administration fees. The city’s contribution could be about $15,000.

In other matters, the council:

o LEARNED from City Administrator Nate Mathews that the firm of WSB has been selected by planners to handle the right of way acquisition process for the North/ South Corridor and overpass project. He said they hope to begin the right of way purchase process by the end of this month, with the purchasing completed by the end of next year.

Major parcels of property will need to be purchased or easements obtained from the Staples Motley School District and from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, with a number of smaller parcels also to be negotiated.

The city is seeking grant funds to help with the overpass project cost. Currently the overpass project is on line for construction to begin in 2012.

o HEARD Don Flaten report that residents that have talked to him reported very positive comments on the Tom’s Backhoe contractor and their efforts to work with people. “The workers have been very cordial and I’ve heard no complaints from residents,” Flaten said.