SHERBURN — Sherburn residents this week offered comments to the City Council about a proposed truck wash project.

A representative of a group of residents along Swanson Drive asked about the facility’s bathroom and showers building, which they could not see on the map. They also were interested in which land owners and township officials have been contacted about the project. The council said letters were sent out early in the proposal’s history, possibly in February.

Dick Zehms said he is concerned “about the Ditch 71, which drains into Fox Lake, and the debt the city has and will have.”

The council has approved the beginning of the annexation process to aid the project, with approval of the application for 7.6 acres for the truck wash. A public hearing on the annexation has been scheduled for 5 p.m. Oct. 7 at City Hall.

In other business at the council meeting, Earl and Charlotte Cordes explained some of the proposals for awnings as part of the Civic and Commerce Committee’s downtown beautification project.

The chiropractor’s office will have an awning paid by EDA, C&C and the owner.

They proposed an awning on the library building. The library awning may cost around $6,000, with some paid by EDA and some by the C&C group.

Also at the library there will be a new sign, and the back of the sign needs replacing. However, the plans do meet the requirements for historical buildings. Council members mentioned they have set aside some dollars for the library, and approved removing the existing sign and replacing the board behind the sign.

The C&C also has plans to make storage buildings downtown more attractive with murals or signs.

The council asked the owner of 101 N. Main to get a permit for a sign that is more than 40 square feet.

Derek Behrens, a representative of Jacobson-Westergard Engineers of Estherville, discussed the environmental assessment worksheet needed for demolition of 105 Main St. They discussed liability and expenses. There were questions about the owner’s liability insurance and if any improvements have been made, which is a requirement of a building approved as historic. Council members voiced the opinion that the building is not repairable since it is in such bad shape.

In other business, the council:

o Approved demolishing a building at 208 S. Lake St., with the city and EDA paying up to $2,500 each.

o Accepted with gratitude a donation of $8,000 from Martin County Foundation to the Sherburn Fire Department.

o Approved erecting a sign by the tree dump and activating the camera to remind residents the tree dump is for Sherburn residents only. Citations may be issued to those in violation.