By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News correspondent
Nephi City Council members agreed to allow the old flour
mill to be razed by members of the East Juab Water
Conservancy District.
"The state historic society has balked at allowing the
site to be destroyed," said Randy McKnight, city
administrator.
McKnight said Ross Garrett, one of the leaders of the
conservancy district, had telephoned city hall requesting
that the council state, for the record, that they have no
objection to the site being leveled.
Since a fire at the mill destroyed a major part of the
building, the city council has, repeatedly, sought to either
have the building removed or restored.
"The safety of children in the community is a concern the
way the old mill site is at present," said McKnight. "Either
restoring or removing the old mill is a matter of public
safety."
Sometimes area children play in the old structure and in
the ruins. There are many dangers in allowing children to
play there. Even though parents do not approve of the site
as a playtime adventure site, the old mill has proved to be
an attractive nuisance.
Though council members agreed to allow the removal of the
old mill they also agreed to stipulate that the railroad
spur, on the east side of the mill, must be preserved.
"The East Juab Water Conservancy District has acquired
the old mill building and property," said McKnight, "and
they desire to tear it down."
The organization has plans for the site. Therefore, it is
important that the state historic society "sign-off" on the
razing of the ruins before the conservancy district can
expend funds the group has acquired.
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