Editorial

By Jon A. Brake

Last week the Manhattan City Commission approved an agreement to pay the Union Pacific Railroad $1,876 for a lease that had expired ten years ago. In 1999 the railroad had put in a claim for $56,680. The contract had expired in 1987 but "apparently neither UPRR nor the City, realized the expiration had occurred."

The City Staff had known of the problem for three years but never told the City Commission.

The same is true with a $424,000 lease/purchase agreement with Quaker Oats. (See page 24) Quaker Oats had an agreement with called for the payment in 1992 but neither side realized it was due.

Questions have to be asked: Why were the Commissioners not told? Who made the decision not to tell the Commission? And last: Are there more?