Council makes short work of Monday’s agenda
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Short and sweet. The Mount Ayr City Council ran through their agenda Monday evening in about a half hour.
Kelly Main, representing Community Grocers Inc. (CGI), spoke to the council about water damage to the basement to the now empty building.
Main said the water main replacement project was the suspected cause of the leak and the city’s insurance carrier had offered to pay one-half of damages as a settlement. Main asked the council to consider crediting the utility bills that have been charged back to the date of the water damage in a show of good faith by the city.
Mayor Steve Fetty said he was advised by the City Attorney not to address the subject in open meeting at this time due to it concerning an insurance matter. No statute was cited that prohibited such a discussion in an open meeting.
City Administrator Brent Wise presented the council with an opportunity to apply for a Neighborhood Planning Grant for up to $1.75 million.
The grant, if approved, would provide 85% of the costs to hire a consultant to prepare a neighborhood plan. The plan would cover an area of mixed uses with up to 200 households.
The cost to apply for the grant is $3,750. The money can be used for investment in water, sewer, housing, storm water, streets, etc. The council voted unanimously to apply for the grant.
Among other actions:
• Held a public hearing regarding the proposed Zoning Ordinance Changes. No one was present to speak.
• Approved all three readings of changes to the Zoning Ordinances. The two ordinances cover alternate materials, design an construction methods and building modification requirements.
• Set November 2 and 6:15 p.m. as the time for a public hearing for a budget amendment.
• Approved a tax abatement request from Susan K. Anderson for new home construction.
• Approved a resolution approving Waters Edge Aquatic Design for design and construct a new outdoor pool at Judge Lewis Park. Although the council has already selected the company, the resolution was needed for grant requests.
• Heard updates from Wise on repairs to the garbage truck, street sweeper and sewer pumps.
• Hired Joshua Hanawalt as the city crew employee at $18 per hour.
• Heard an update from lawyers regarding the property condemnation process for the city. Mayor Fetty would be the main enforcement officer. The council agreed to begin the condemnation process with 112 1/2 E. Madison Street.
