The Coldwater City Council spent much of its July 13 meeting discussing a city-owned property on South Baltimore and possible solutions to the city’s growing stray cat population before approving the publication of the 2027 budget and several other agenda items.
During public comment, Roberta Snyder raised concerns about conditions at the south ball diamond, where both dugouts have been completely absent since storm damage destroyed the structures last season. Snyder said youth baseball and softball players spent the season without shade or shelter and questioned why replacement lumber had been left exposed to the weather.
Mayor Paul Alvarez said the city purchased replacement materials approximately six months ago when prices were lower but delayed construction because the high school softball team was still using the field. With the season now complete, he said the city can now move forward with rebuilding the dugouts.
Snyder also criticized how the city handled the dismissal of the former pool manager, saying the employee deserved more respect after years of service to the community.
“This is Coldwater,” Snyder said. “We’re a little more friendlier here than that.”
The council did not respond to the public comments before moving on to the regular agenda.
Council members spent considerable time discussing the city-owned property at 401 S. Baltimore, questioning how ownership of the property was transferred to the city during a previous condemnation process.
According to discussion during the meeting, current council members were uncertain how the city acquired the property and whether the proper condemnation procedures had been followed. The city has already spent $3,962.26 cleaning the property and discussed additional costs needed to complete the cleanup.
Officials considered obtaining an estimate from a local contractor rather than pulling city crews away from other projects. Once cleanup costs are known, the council plans to discuss whether the property should be retained for future city use or sold.
Council members also discussed preventing similar situations in the future. Alvarez directed staff to review possible changes requiring additional council approval before property ownership can be transferred to the city.
Stray Cat Ordinance
The council also held an extensive discussion regarding the city’s stray cat population and possible changes to enforcement.
Beginning Aug. 3, the city plans to make cat traps available for residents to borrow. Residents using the traps will be required to sign an agreement accepting responsibility for the humane disposal of trapped cats.
Council members notified residents through The Star-Press last week and the city’s Facebook page, encouraging owners to place collars on their cats so owned animals can be distinguished from strays before trapping begins.
Much of the discussion centered on enforcement of the existing ordinance, with council members debating registration requirements, spaying and neutering, feeding stray cats and the limited time available for code enforcement. Several members said food left outdoors for stray cats also attracts skunks, raccoons and opossums.
The council ultimately agreed to focus on public education, enforcement of existing ordinances and making traps available to residents before considering additional ordinance changes.
Other Business
The council also:
• Approved renewal of Venture Foods’ Cereal Malt Beverage license.
• Denied a request to exchange privately owned property for city-owned land near North Lake after determining the requested parcel was too close to the lake for hunting.
• Adopted a chip seal policy for city streets and lake roads.
• Approved eliminating the $10 weekly fee for a local youth group that meets Wednesdays in the city building.
• Directed staff to send notices to residents who have not registered chickens kept within city limits, allowing additional time to comply before municipal court proceedings begin. The council also approved a chicken permit for 702 S. Topeka.
• Approved updated covenants for Comanche Estates.
• Directed staff to advertise for residents interested in baling lake grass beginning next year while allowing the current rotation to continue this season with it being Raymond Affeldt’s turn.
• Approved publication of the proposed 2027 budget and scheduled the required public hearing for Aug. 10. Officials said the city plans to remain revenue neutral and will not increase the city’s tax levy.
• Approved The Star-Press as the city’s official newspaper.
• Approved the purchase of 60 water modules and registers for $14,040 from the water fund.
• Approved payment of city bills totaling $143,771.57.
Before adjourning, Public Works Director Charlie Austin reported the city is on schedule with its water system improvements following approval of the new water modules and registers. Council members also discussed removing storm-damaged tree limbs at the city park and ongoing litter problems along the lake road after a recent cleanup effort by residents.
