Monday June 16 - Mayor Larry Kiker, in a burst of aggressive questioning Monday night, demanded to know how much tax money has been spent on the Mound House since the town bought it in 1999.
Mound House Director Teresa Schober told him the figure is about $1.1 million.
Despite a lot of work on the grounds, the house itself still hasn't been restored and, because of its deteriorated condition inside, may be a safety hazard.
"When is it going to be open?" he also demanded to know.
Other islanders have been asking that questions for years but no clear answer has ever been given nor was one given Monday night.
Town Manager Scott Janke also expressed frustration with the decade-long inability to get the Mound House open.
"Why isn't the Mound House open?" he asked of to one in particular. "People have heard different commitments from different councils over the years.
Kiker is also upset that the zoning changes on the Newton property hasn't begun yet.
Kiker, who has been on the council since 2007, says he has no idea what the goal is for either Newton house or the Mound House.
Finally, in a fit of obvious frustration, Kiker declared "I don't want to sign another nickel until I see where we are going with this and when we are going to get it all done." The town has budgeted $164,000 to fix the dilapidated Newton home.

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