By Brenda Erdahl
The Maple Lake City Council has hired a company to clean up two properties owned by John Haack and they expect work to begin within the next few weeks.
On Tuesday, June 4 at their regular meeting, councilors approved a contract with Junk Masters for the abatement of Haackâs properties starting with the exterior at a cost of $170,475 for his business at 110 Birch Avenue South and a cost of $51,350 for his residence at 118 1st Street East. The expense includes clean up plus storage for 90 days, during which time Haack can reclaim his items by paying the City back in full, with the understanding he cannot return the removed items to the property.
Throughout this process, Haack has repeatedly stated he has tried to comply with the abatement order which was first served to him in September of 2022 for what was deemed a hazardous property and public nuisance at his residence and business.