Collapsed building standstill frustrates Monterey council

Monterey Town Council members have again voiced their frustration over the collapsed eyesore in the middle of town. 
During a regular meeting on Jan. 13, council members discussed the collapsed Sportsman’s Bar and Grill and how they are frustrated with the county because the situation does not appear to be moving forward.   
The west portion of the building fell on April 23, 2015, leaving the north and south ends exposed. To secure any immediate dangers, the remaining portions of the structure were pulled down. A fence was then installed, closing off a portion of Walnut Street. The debris on the street was removed and the street was opened.   
Councilman Doug Denton questioned town attorney Justin Schramm as to what the town should do when a board from the collapsed building has fallen into the street. He recently received a call regarding that situation. 
Schramm advised that if the town gets involved there could be further complications to the situation. 
The fence that is currently surrounding the building was installed by a Monterey citizen. A fence, that was being rented by the county, was around the building but removed after someone else installed the current fence. 
Council members approved in a motion that they would ask the county to secure the property again with a fence. The county is the hearing authority in this case and may or may not be obligated to secure it. A letter will be sent to the commissioners. 
 
See the full story in the Pulaski County Journal, available in print and e-edition.