Rental housing ordinance stalls out
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Construction of the new Judge Lewis Park swimming pool, under the guidance of Waters Edge Aquatic Design of Kansas City, is making good progress this summer in anticipation of an opening next spring. Carrothers Construction Company, LLC is handling the construction of the project and provided this drone photo showing work done as of July 22.
The Mount Ayr city council decided not to have a third reading of the proposed rental housing ordinance and approved several bids at their regular meeting Monday, August 5.
Public Forum
Adam Triggs was present to ask the council if they were working with the county supervisors regarding zoning.
“It‘s been brought to my attention that the city is taking a proactive approach with the supervisors and encouraging zoning outside of city limits,” stated Triggs, “I just wanted to know what benefit that is to the city.”
“First of all, I don’t even think it’s valid,” said City Administrator Brent Wise.
“Have any of you guys been to the county supervisors,” Wise asked the council.
“So if it happens, you knew nothing about it,” said Triggs, “Okay, thank you…that’s all I need to know.”
Two representatives from Options Exteriors, Victor Reicks and Ben Hallin, attended to present their estimate for roof repair/replacement and explain their replacement process.
Mark Triggs along with two of his sons, Guy and Cindy Fisher and Nicole McGinnis were all present.
Guy Fisher shared that the proposed rental housing ordinance has made him and his wife Cindy realize they need to visit their rental properties more often.
“We really haven’t gotten into our properties enough,” said Fisher.
Hoping to forego any fees, Fisher asked council members if there had been any thoughts about a voluntary system.
“Has any thought been put into how can we make this voluntary and just have the landlords take the initiative to send in information on what we’ve done to our properties over the last year,” asked Fisher.
Rental Housing Code
The city is required to have three readings of any new ordinance and three public meetings before adopting new rules for residents within the city limits of Mount Ayr.
The first of three readings for a proposed rental housing ordinance was conducted on Monday, May 20.
The city then notified all landlords about the proposed ordinance along with additional information and also held a series of public meetings with city consultant Jason VanAusdall.
The third reading of the proposed ordinance had been tabled until the August 5 meeting to give council members more time to talk to landlords, tenants, and other interested persons.
The council could have approved the ordinance after the third reading, but the process stalled out instead, with council members voting not to have a third reading at all.
Going forward, the council could begin the process all over again with three readings of an ordinance, or revise the ordinance to take a slightly different course of action.
Sidewalk Project
A very brief public hearing was held for the E Madison Street Sidewalk project, as no members of the public had anything to say regarding the project. Administrator Wise noted bids would be taken beginning on August 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Curb and Gutter Bids
No bids were received for curb and gutter replacement. Administrator Wise noted one company picked up a packet, but did not turn in a bid.
“We have about 160 linear feet in different spots,” Wise stated, “We could try it again.”
Other business
In other regular business, the council approved:
A Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Lucky Lanes;
A Budget Amendment for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025 as presented at the July 15 council meeting;
Resolution 2024-857 Adoption of Policies and Procedures regarding Municipal Securities Disclosure;
Resolution 2024-858 ending the probation period for Niccole Swank effective August 15 and increasing her hourly wage to $20.80 per hour beginning with the August 16 pay period;
A chicken permit request from Jennie Oldenkamp to keep her chickens at 103 Elm Street.
The low bid from Hydro Kleen Solutions in the amount of $23,696.22 for video inspection of gravity sewer system. Two other bids were received, one from CIT in the amount of $30,643.50 and another from Visosewer in the amount of $41,382. The engineer’s estimate for this service ws $32,280.
The low bid from Precision Building and Spray Foam in the amount of $278,730 for storm damage repairs. A second bid was received eleven minutes after bids were due from Options Exteriors in the amount of $346,647.29. Matt Henle abstained from voting, while all other council members unanimously agreed.
Compensating recreation directors Anna Neathery in the amount of $1,750 and Amy Shields $3,000 for the time they put in during the 2024 summer season.
Administrator Update
Administrator Wise asked the council to consider the purchase of shoring equipment and pump in the amount of $8,567 from Contractor Solutions.
The council also discuss ed a request for variance for residential pool water. Council members agreed on importance of following the code of ordinances, chapter 91 – Water Meters, which notes that residents are to purchase and install an irrigation meter from the city to measure water that is not disposed of through the public sanitary sewer system.
Council member Mack Greene motioned to decline the variance, and Mike Wik seconded the motion, with unanimous council member agreement.
