(Spirit Lake)– As one development in Spirit Lake zooms ahead, several city council members say they want to put the brakes on another.
The council took no action Tuesday on a proposed agreement with developer Augie Schepman for engineering services for the Pointe of Pines Second Addition.
Councilman Jerry Harbst expressed concern over the cost to the city, adding he wants the City Attorney to review the documents and any contractual obligations already in place between Schepman and the city before any other action is taken.
Fellow councilman Kevin Bice agreed, saying “The city has sunk millions of dollars into these (previous) developments, and they’re sitting empty”.
Likewise, councilman Steve Balm said it’s important the city have in its inventory at all times a certain number of affordable lots ready for development.
City Attorney Earl Maahs was directed to review the agreements and report back to the council at its first meeting in 2009.
