The Superior Express -

The decision was made Monday evening by the Superior City Council. The Superior hoosegow is now closed.

Though located in various places, the community had maintained its own jail since the early days of the community when a railroad boxcar was adapted for use of a jail. But just because the local jail is closed, that does not mean scofflaws can escape jail time. There are alternative facilities in nearby counties ready to accept Superior prisoners.

Since the Public Service Building was constructed about 50 years ago, the jail was located across the hall from the police station.

The jail was once a popular place but its use declined while state regulations have become more difficult to meet. No longer can prisoners just be tossed in the jail. A trained jailer has to be present at all times, the physical condition of the jail has to meet standards and the policy manual updated annually.

Twenty-four hours was the maximum time a prisoner could be held and in recent years only two or three prisoners were confined to the jail per year.

Closing of the jail has been presented as a cost cutting action. Prisoners can be held in nearby jails for approximately $60 per day while fixed costs for the Superior jail were exceeding $2,250 per year plus the actual cost of an attendant when needed.

When the council held a public hearing Monday, no one spoke in opposition to the closure plan.

While the council agenda included 22 items, most other items were of a routine nature and the council was only in session for about an hour.

It was reported the natural gas and water line relocation projects required to be completed before a state highway project could begin had been completed.

The council approved on third and final reading an ordinance creating a clean energy assessment district. It is hoped the district will make it easier for property owners to fund energy saving improvements.

The council added Eleventh Street between Idaho and Washington to the priority streets for snow removal. Eleventh Street now serves the entrance to Brodstone Healthcare’s clinic, hospital and emergency room. While not considered at this week’s meeting, a proposal is being reviewed and discussed that will transform that one block into a one-way street going east. A public hearing is expected to be held on Aug. 28 to allow public comment.

The council approved a request to raise the amount of money budgeted each year for the Superior Airport by $510. In recent years the city budget has contributed $14,300 to the airport.

The council approved a request from the operator of the local keno game to relocate the game to the VFW Club.

The council approved the abatement of perceived nuisance properties at 439 Colorado, 427 Colorado, 805 East Third, 513 Colorado, 573 East First, 524 Colorado, 129 S Converse, 455 National and 157 S. Central. It was noted at least one of the properties had sold and the new owners appear to be attempting to correct the code violations. If that continues and the standards are met the council may remove the property from the list.

The council delayed action regarding the cleaning and possible sale of contents from the Flatwater Bar and Grill. While bids are being sought for the cleaning and preparation of the property for sale, preliminary indications of the cost were more than the council was willing to approve Monday night.

The council approved special designated liquor licenses for Superior Auditorium events to be held in September, October, November and December.