August 20, 2012

Robert Chester’s land and house became an island… North Mankato had grown all around his property over the years.   He got his water from a well on an adjacent property but a new owner wanted to develop the property and couldn’t go forward because of the well.

The issue went on for months.  In early July, Bob Chester spoke to the North Mankato City Council about a plan to annex his land into the city.  He told the council that he had a signed agreement with the previous owner of the land from 25 years ago allowing him to access the well for water.  Chester said he has chickens in his yard, and just wanted to be left alone. 

But on Monday, after many failed attempts to talk further with Robert Chester, the city voted to force the annexation of Chester’s land… primarily, it appears, because the well was out of compliance.

The council voted to require Chester to pay for only one city water hookup to his property even though two were installed… and will give him ten years to pay for the assessment.  

 As for Mr. Chester’s chickens?  Chickens are not allowed in North Mankato.  According to city council member Bill Schindle.  "Only on the grill." 

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