Wakefield City Council moves ahead with condemnation of properties

WAKEFIELD - Plans to move forward with the removal of two condemned buildings was announced Monday night at the Wakefield City Council meeting.

The Laundromat along Sunday Lake Street and the property at 111 Bedell will be demolished and removed within the season and city manager Margot Anderson's goal is before the 4th of July.

The council approved the calling for bids for equipment for the demolition and removal of these buildings.

The council also decided to change the plans of the revolver sale to be a silent auction. The revolvers were determined to be surplus city equipment left over from its former police department.

Officials said this will give city residents equal opportunity to come in and bid on the revolvers. The bidding will begin this Thursday and run for one week.

Also approved Monday night was the adoption of the updated building permit fee schedule. The fees were last updated in 1994. The change in fees will reduce the burden on the city's general fund and place it with those paying for the service.

The purchase of two handheld meter reading devices and one autogun also gained approval. The equipment, as well as software and training, will be purchased from HD Supply Waterworks.

The three journeymen lineman-in-training for the Wakefield Electrical Department will now receive training by an experienced journeyman lineman of more than 20 years. The council approved a contract with Steve Lelombard to begin service and training in Wakefield beginning in April. The contract allows for Lelombard to train these men for as long as necessary until the first graduate is certified.

A few other items approved were a trial basis contract with Plunkett's Pest Control for the Wakefield Municipal building as well as the sale of the city's current snow blower. Officials plan to purchase of a new snow blower.

An updated Rules of Procedure for the Open Meetings Act was also approved for adoption.