Posted: 9/4/07
Group hopes to raise money for flood victims with house-moving project
By Charlie Warner
Argus Editor
An ever-growing group of area contractors and community leaders are combining their efforts to help flood victims. And they are taking a somewhat novel approach.
Last month, Caledonia contractor Norman Snodgrass told the Houston County Board he would like to obtain the three houses the county had purchased in downtown Caledonia for the proposed criminal justice center (CJC) and move them to three lots on Grant Street. Snodgrassí proposal includes establishing a non-profit organization that would relocate, rehab, and sell the houses, with all the profits going to the needy. Since the August floods, the thrust of the organization is to help flood victims.
At the August 7 board meeting, Snodgrass explained it will cost about $10,000 to $12,000 to move each house, which is about what it would cost to demolish each one. But by moving the houses to the three bare lots owned by Dean Foltz, both the city and county would be able to derive additional property taxes.
Snodgrassí proposal would include the county donating the houses to the non-profit organization and paying a portion of the moving costs. Area contractors and building suppliers would provide time and materials for the project and be paid once the houses are sold.
"This would be Caledoniaís version of Habitat for Humanity," Snodgrass explained. "We would keep the houses at fair market value and I feel we could price them reasonably so they could be starter houses."
Snodgrass said he has discussed his idea with a number of contractors in the area, who are interested in the project. He added he has spoken with Caledonia attorney William Von Arx, who said he would be willing to donate his time and legal expertise to draw up the necessary legal documents.
At the August 28 county board meeting, Snodgrass reported a board of directors has been established. The board includes Snodgrass, Randy Shefelbine, Robert Standish, Kathy Lawson, and Jodi Ostern, who will serve as treasurer.
The current contractor/supplier roster Snodgrass presented to the county board includes Bradís Electric, Mike Steele Construction and Landscaping, Caledonia Ready Mix, Caledonia Lumber Company, King Construction and Cabinetry, Meyer Construction Meiners Construction, Randy Steele Construction, and Augedahl Construction.
"All of the contractors and suppliers understand and agree they will not receive payment for supplies or services until the houses are sold," Snodgrass added. "They will however receive a lien on their assigned properties and funds will be disbursed at closing of each home for lien release purposes. The board will then disburse the remaining funds to pay down the balances on the remaining homes. When the final home is sold and all the liens have been satisfied, the board will then begin to disburse the funds to the flood victims."
The county commissioners all expressed appreciation that Snodgrass and the newly-formed non-profit organization was developing such an undertaking to help flood victims. They encouraged Snodgrass to continue updating them with progress, and encouraged him to proceed.
In other action
Sheriff Ely reports
There were 18 prisoners housed out of county and 13 in county, as of Tuesday, August 28, according to Sheriff Doug Ely.
"The flooding didnít seem to deter those wishing to break the laws," Ely said. "Even though we were swamped with flood issues, we still had plenty of other things to keep us busy."
Ely told the board he wanted to commend his entire staff, all of the area and regional law enforcement, fire, rescue, EMT departments, and all the private citizens who volunteered during the August flash floods.
"This event really pulled the entire area together," Ely said. "Many people went way beyond the call of duty to help others. It really is a miracle we didnít have more fatalities. That says a lot for all of those who helped us during this crisis."
Ely noted law enforcement officers from all over the area volunteered, as far away as Wright County, which is west of the Twin Cities.
"We have planned for emergencies and I felt our contingency plans worked very well," Ely said. "But I donít think anyone ever envisioned an event of this magnitude. Iíd also like to thank the county board for their support and decision-making ability. You all served the county very well."
Road closures given
Houston County Highway Maintenance Superintendent Tom Molling reported numerous township and county roads that were closed as of August 28. A torrential rain hit portions of western Houston County August 27, causing more washouts and mudslides. Over a dozen roads were closed for a day or more, as county crews continued to repair the damage.
The county board thanked both Molling and County Highway Engineer Marcus Evans and their staff for all the extra time and effort they put in getting area roads passable as soon as they did.
Caledonia Argus
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