City buys land for new tree and grass disposal site
The Hazen City Commission unanimously agreed to purchase land just north of Hazen for relocation of the city’s tree and grass disposal site at its regular meeting Jan. 3 at Hazen City Hall.
The city purchased about 1.9 acres total along County Road 18 about one mile north of Cenex from Jonathan Heine for $10,000. The city will fence in about 1.48 acres for the grass and tree site, while the remaining 0.41 acres will be used by Mercer County as a road right-of-way easement.
The current site, of similar size, is located in west Hazen. The commission’s search for a new site was spurred by plans for residential and commercial development by Minnesota-based Annabelle Homes and the city on the current site. In addition, city planner Steve Frovarp reported that Custer Health informed the city they would no longer issue the city a burn permit in its current location due to smoke issues and proximity to residents. Custer Health had no concerns about burning at the site north of Hazen, Frovarp noted.
