The Mount Ayr city council held a discussion surrounding zoning issues at their meeting July 2, but in the end decided to wait for a representative from the zoning board to clarify notes from a June 28 zoning committee meeting regarding four “plans of action” that were noted.
The zoning committee recommended that Terri Main’s four acres of property along Highway 2 in Mount Ayr should be considered a “C” (commercial) zoning area based on previous action by the city‘s representative, Gary Hensley, in 1996 to issue a building permit and to more accurately represent the type of use appropriate for the businesses that are currently operating there.
Council members discussed the matter and noted the building permit issued in 1996 allowed for a commercial business, however didn’t think it should effect a change of the zoning map.
The zoning committee also advised the council to consider extending commercial zoning from Country Ayr Apartments to Rose Hill Cemetery and asked for clarification on the difference between a “C-1” and a “C-2” zoning.
Finally, the committee asked to know if a “C” zoning allows for unsightly debris.
The council decided they needed to discuss the issue with representatives of the zoning committee before taking any action. No formal action was taken to make any change of the boudaries of districts as shown on the city’s zoning map.
The council also heard a report from Chris Doster and Vicki Sickels in regard to a Community Transformation Grant regarding funds and planning for curb cuts in the city.
A mini-assessment of the streets and sidewalks in town had been conducted to gauge how easy it was to walk and bike, as well as determing the most desirable routes.
A map sharing a potential route along which improvements could be made was reviewed. The proposed route would be made to encourage physical activity and healthy living.
It was noted that bids are being sought for curb cuts, the first being on the sidewalk on the south side of Jefferson Street from the elementary school heading west. As many as nine curb cuts could be needed for that route and a cost per cut would be determined by the requested bids.
The council asked that staff members work with Bob Strange to avoid any drainage concerns and also noted that ADA requirements must be adheared to.
Doster hoped this would be a first step in making Mount Ayr an even better place to live by developing walking trails throughout the city.
The council also set July 11 at 2:30 p.m. for a special meeting for Iowa Department of Natural Resources Water System Viability Training. The training is required to secure loans for water projects in the city.
The council also approved payments of $11,762.46 for the Mount Ayr Aquatic Center safe room project.
The council also discussed ongoing issues to get the pool up and operating as new issues arise in the effort.
The council reviewed a report that the Iowa Department of Transportation does not recommend changes to the speed zones of US 169 and Highway 2 near the driveway of the hospital after a study was conducted.
A brief update was heard from MSA Professional Services on design work on the booster pump station project.
The council also authorized an application for tax abatement under the city’s urban revitalization plan for Jeff Haugland and renewed a Class C liquor license and Sunday sales privileges for Ramsey’s Supper Club.
Also approved was a motion to transfer $7,000 from the Road Use Tax Fund to the General Fund as an internal loan to finance a Bobcat skid loader.
Special acknowledgement was given to the family members of Lila Overholtzer who following her death discovered an original lot map of the city. The map will be displayed in the mayor’s office.