Harrington News

Tuesday evening, Oct. 28, the Harrington Public Development Authority met at 7 p.m. at the city hall. Josh Steward called the meeting to order with the following present: Allen Barth, Margie Hall, Jay Kane, Bunny Haugan, Mark Stedman, Paul Charlton, Dillon Haas, Steve Hardy and Marge Womach.

The primary discussion topic continued to be the vacant buildings and means to remedy the problem. An estimate by a contractor for one vacant building to be made structurally sound included roof and floor replacement which would make the building cost prohibitive for salvaging. Most of the other empty buildings are thought to be structurally sound. Not all of the empty buildings are for sale or rent, but many are currently being advertised on web sites.

The Landmark Apartments building on Glover Street is owned by the Lincoln County Housing Coalition, and Mark Stedman spoke with Niels Petersen seeking a means of allowing some enterprise to take control of the building and restore it. The housing coalition wants to dissolve their group, but are not able to do so as long as they own the property. There are eight units in this structure and there has been no recent evaluation of the building.

New business topics included the Career Fair at the school on Dec. 1 with an emphasis on looking at Harrington as a potential area for employment for students who do not plan to attend college.

Mention was made of the recommendation of Karen Robertson for increased communication of the groups in Harrington to cooperate with each other and be supportive of projects that are beneficial to the town. Stedman agreed with this idea and listed the organizations that should have a representative meet with the others quarterly. These included Lions Club, Harrington Historic Preservation Commission, Chamber, ODA, Harrington/Odessa High School, Homemakers, the churches, City Council, PTA, the school staff and the president of the ASB. Each representative would share the plans of their organization.

Other business discussed included accepting the resignation of Carolyn Mattozzi. President Josh Steward accepted a $50 anonymous donation, and this stimulated conversations of the PDA’s lack of a bank account.

Harrington’s Golf and Country Club was said to have had its best season ever and they sold 14 memberships. Inquiries were made as to their intent to change the water and install insulation to allow the restaurant to be open year round, but apparently no decision was made.

Margie Hall announced that the EDC will be running an ad listing properties for sale, in the hopes of stimulating the economy in Lincoln County. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at city hall.