City council hears two proposals
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By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr City Council held its regular meeting on Monday evening and opened with a public forum session.
First to speak was Anna Neatherly, owner of the Country Ayr Cottage Bakery. Neatherly laid out a plan to start and manage what she is calling “Mount Ayr Farm to Family Farmers Market.”
This farmers market event is intended to help bolster the city’s businesses and produce some buzz around town throughout the summer months if the event is well received. The inaugural event is scheduled to be held on June 12 and June 26 on the grounds of the Ringgold County Courthouse on the square. She explained to the council that the event would be coordinated with the Mount Ayr Chamber of Commerce and that it would not create a burden on the city’s resources. There are a few logistical considerations that the city needs to investigate, such as the specific hours of operation and how these times may interfere with courthouse proceedings. Overall, the council was receptive to the plan. The council will address the concerns and reconvene at the next scheduled council meeting.
Also speaking during the open forum portion of the meeting was Laura Beerbower representing Alpha Omega Homes LLC. Beerbower requested consideration of a waiver of accrued interest and special fees associated with two properties located at 205 and 209 S. Harrison St. The idea behind these requests was to clear the way for Alpha Omega Homes to purchase the properties from the current owners and submit plans for future development of these two locations. The city has had these addresses identified for some time as scoff procedures would ultimately have to be pursued by the city if no resolution was found. The city has entered into agreements similar to this request in the past but would need clarification from the council as to the rights of council to waive certain fees as they pertain to city guidelines. The council agreed to look into the procedures needed to grant such a request. The council also requested that Beerbower draft specific plans for the properties and a set timeline for construction before the council could rule on the waiver request.
The city has always been in favor of positive community development and looks carefully at ways to proceed rather than inhibit growth. Beerbower agreed to supply the requested documents and submit them upon completion. After completing the open forum session council returned to the regular agenda. Votes on several pending financial issues proceeded including the final disposition of Resolution 2026-24 Awarding Private Placement of a general obligation sewer revenue bond previously considered by council. Final steps and closing are scheduled for June 6. The council also approved resolution 2026-25 authorizing and approving a loan agreement providing for the private placement and issuance of a $900,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Note providing for the levy of taxes to pay the same. The council then approved the resolution of 2026-26 which addresses hiring of seasonal staff, specifically pool personnel. City Administrator Brent Wise gave an update on the pool and the expected start date. All maintenance and repairs have been completed and the pool has been filled. The temperature have been brought up and all seems clear for a May 22 official open date which closely coincides with the last day of school.
The council was notified of a change in the Mount Ayr Fire Department’s command structure and accepted the vote of the department members in accordance with their annual officer election process. The new chief will be Ed Rotert and the assistant chief will be Kurt Larson. Mike Wik will assume the role of Secretary-treasurer.
Wise informed the council of the city’s most recent water testing requirements have been completed and results will be disclosed to the public via special insert into their normal monthly statement.
Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the council’s next meeting will be moved to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 22.
