‘Absolutely reprehensible’

A handful of residents of Boot Hill Ranch Estates Subdivision were before the Custer City Council at the council’s Oct. 7 meeting to discuss what one called the “absolutely reprehensible” condition of the city property where the Submerged Attached Growth Reactor  and UV disinfection portion of the city’s wastewater upgrade project is being constructed.
Garry Moore, who lives on Surrey Lane in Boot Hill, said the property was littered with “pure, unadulterated junk,” pointing to old signs, broken pallets, rocks, concrete, asphalt, snow fence and fence posts as among the debris strewn across the property.
“Why do I call it junk? Because it is,” he said.
Moore said he and other residents of the area would like to see the land cleaned up, as it affects their view from their property, and subsequently, can be detrimental to their property values.
“Why they would allow that property to get as reprehensible as it is is beyond me,” he said.
Moore said while he “only” has a straight on view of the area, there are others on the east side and northeast side of Surrey Lane that get a panoramic view of it when they come outside.
“It’s not pretty,” he said.
Moore cited South Dakota Codified Law for the definitions of junk and nuisances, saying the land fits the description of a public nuisance, and that people are able to take civil action against public nuisances.
“I don’t want to go to that extent. I’d like to see the city do the responsible thing and put up netting,” Moore said, saying he would like the city to put up screening that blocks the junk from the view of those in Boot Hill.
Moore said by having the property as a nuisance, the city was violating its own ordinances regarding nuisances, including with noxious weeds, saying the city land abutting the Boot Hill properties is full of noxious weeds, specifically thistle. Landowners have sprayed all summer to fight off the invasion of the weeds.
Moore said he couldn’t keep track of the gallons of spray he used on city property to spray the “damn thistle.”
“To be honest with you, I’m tired of waste material, noxious weeds, noise...it is time the board act responsibly and make this addition to your community worthy of the rest of an otherwise beautiful community,” he said.
Moore said screening would only cost $30 to $100, saying most cities have such screening around such facilities.
“I can’t imagine what people say when they see my property,” he said. “Anybody who drives Surrey can see it.”
Another resident of the area, Dave Schafer, echoed Moore’s comments on the thistles and weeds, saying he sprays three times a year, including going on city property.
“The reason I spray is to keep things from going to seed and coming in our yard,” he said. “It’s getting old.”
Another neighbor, Bonni Crossen, said when the work on that portion of city land began contractors were coming onto her land without permission. When she approached them, she was told they didn’t know her name, indicating they weren’t sure how to contact her.
Crossen said that shows a lack of due diligence, and she also lamented parts of her property were destroyed, including some trees torn down she had been working hard to grow.
“I’m more than happy to have people come in and do things,” she said. “I just need to know what they’re doing and (have them) avoid certain areas so I don’t lose my precious things.”
Alderwoman Jeannie Fischer said she didn’t want to see debris and junk on the property regardless of whether it’s bothering residents. The council indicated it would begin work to remedy the issue, although not all of it could be addressed immediately as it is still an active construction site.
All of the work on the wastewater plant is set to be completed next summer.
Moore invited the council to drive up to the area and view it from atop the hill, as well as his property.
“You need to see it. You need to see what we are looking at every day,” he said.
The council also heard from Trent Bruce of DGR Engineering regarding the ongoing wastewater plant work, who asked the council to approve a change order on the ongoing work, including adding landscape rock to provide landscape rock to the existing treatment facility building while also adding a new treatment facility chain link vehicle access gate. The existing gate is bent and no longer closes properly. The change order of $18,772 was approved.
In other news from the Oct. 7 meeting, the council:
• Extended its agreement with the East Custer Sewer District for sewage treatment, billing and maintenance.
Rick Hart, president of the district, said the city is a crucial component to the district being able to run the district. He said the city’s public works and office staff have been helpful to the district.
• Approved McGas’ bid of $1.44 per gallon for 30,000 gallons of propane for the city. McGas was the low bidder of the two bids received.
• Authorize legal counsel to terminate its contract with Triple C, LLC, for seasonal caretaking of the cemetery. Triple C was in its first year of a a three-year seasonal contract. The council did not give a reason for terminating the conract.