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Truman eyeing tree dump site

TRUMAN — Truman City Council members on Monday again spoke with Larry Krenz, owner of the tree dump site.

Several months ago, Krenz had asked the council if it would be interested in purchasing the dump from him. The city has been renting it from Krenz for $1,000 each year.

The entire site, which is west of town, covers several acres. Along with the tree dump, there is a gravel pit and some farm land around the area.

“If we’re just interested in the dump, would you still sell the gravel pit to whoever?” asked council member Jake Ebert.

“If you just want the dump, that’s fine. I’m not trying to force it or force anything,” Krenz said.

The two parties looked at several maps, and discussed how best to square off the land and how much land the city would want.

Krenz had the land appraised, which came out to be about $55,000. The dump area, which is 4 acres, was appraised at $27,000.

While the council made it known it is interested, it was also cautious.

“I think right now, with the way the budgeting is for next year, I think we’re really tight,” said council member Brandon Mosloski.

“I would like to see us move forward with the 4 acres at that price. It’s something that will be there forever for the city of Truman,” Ebert said.

He made a motion to go through with the plan, which the other council members agreed with.

Ebert asked if they could get first right of refusal if Krenz sells off the pit.

The city is going to hire a surveyor to mark off the land.

City administrator Bethanie Ekstrom said she heard from a concerned citizen who said Truman does not need a dump because Prairieland can take leaves and brush. Ekstrom checked with Prairieland, which told her it can no longer compost under new laws, so it would be unable to take organic material.

Many citizens use the dump site and tree superintendent John Bosshart has said he uses it often. He also gets fill to fix water main breaks and similar problems from the gravel pit next to it.

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