City serious about nuisance ordinances
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
The Mount Ayr city council hired a summer recreation director and reviewed possible ordinance changes at their regular meeting Monday, March 18.
Public forum
Bobby Kibbe returned to ask what was being done to follow up property/housing nuisance complaints.
“I’d just like to get an update on this property stuff,” said Kibbe, “The old Hy-Vee property is getting worse and worse all the time.”
“I will provide an update on the topic, in general, later on in the meeting,” stated Brent Wise, City Administrator.
City Ordinances
Administrator Wise reported that he, Amanda Cannon, and Dennis Dugan, had met with Simmering-Cory, an Iowa codifying company, to review the City of Mount Ayr Code of Ordinances.
Wise requested input from the council on several ordinances, and explained there will be a continuation of documents for the council to review until the ordinances were overhauled.
The council reviewed draft language that would potentially update ordinances relating to parks and recreation, dog licensing, urban chickens, zoning, fireworks, Loch Ayr Lake, and rental housing.
Dennis Dugan was at the meeting to present information relating to rental inspections as part of the proposed rental housing ordinance.
“I’ve done lots of looking,” stated Dugan, “I have something that I worked up for a rental inspection.”
He presented an example template for the council to review and discuss, and noted the criteria would primarily focus on the health and safety of the occupant.
Dugan noted considering “Would I move my family into this rental home?”
He suggested the city conduct their own inspection any time a new tenant was about to move in, every year, or every three years if you have the same tenant staying long term.
Just because they pass a SIRHA inspection, does not mean they will meet the city inspection standards.
The landlord would be given a certificate of inspection if they pass.
After considerable council discussion about how potential deficiencies would be handled, enforcement and fines, the council asked about next steps.
Dugan plans to continue going to the SIRHA board meetings to get a better idea of how they do their inspections and learn as much as he can.
It was noted that in order to have a rental property, the city would expect landlords to register with city hall.
“Before we move forward with this, I would like to take what we want to the attorney to make sure it is enforceable,” stated Wise.
“It’s a big, big undertaking, stated council member Bishop, “I’m glad we’re doing it.”
“It’s a start,” stated Greene, “Hopefully things will start getting cleaned up.
No action was taken, as Wise noted he would like to have something to put in front of the council at their next meeting. He is currently discussing potential options with Jason VanAusdall, the gentleman from Veenstra & Kimm, Inc., that does this on the side as a personal business.
“He’s the gentleman that does work for Creston and Winterset,” stated Wise, “I think he’s very well versed.”
Recreation Director
Administrator Wise reported that Anna Neathery has agreed to accept the summer recreation director position, which offers a summer stipend of $5,600.
“Glad we have someone willing to step up to the plate,” said Wise.
Neathery, who is new to the community, was present at the meeting to introduce herself to the council.
“I am the new Elementary School Counselor,” said Neathery, “I’ve got about 30 years experience in education, and ball experience as well, running teams and tournaments.”
Neathery reported she had already talked with Lynn Rinehart, who’s going to help with maintaining the fields.
“I’m looking forward to learning how Mount Ayr runs their program,” Neathery said, “I want to make it a fun and exciting experience for all.”
Council member Mike Wik made a motion, seconded by Jessica Bishop, approving resolution no. 2024-843 to hire the 2024 recreation director and set the pay schedule.
Other regular business
In other regular business, the council unanimously approved:
• An application submitted by Terri Main for tax abatement under the City of Mount Ayr Urban Revitalization Plan.
• A resolution providing for the levy of taxes to pay general obligation swimming pool bonds.
Administrator Wise noted this was prepared by the attorney that they worked with on the referendum for the pool. The city is anticipating funds coming, with the first payment around July 1. This resolution is the first step of the process.
• An administration agreement with Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. to assist with the $750,000 Downtown HUD Grant.
Administrator Update
In addition to possible ordinance changes, Wise presented a request from an individual named Levi, who asked if he could sell his Amish goods near the airport. The horse could be parked around the corner by the ditch to manage the manure. Council recommended not permitting the use at this time due to potential insurance liability issues.
Wise presented a Garbage RFP for the council to review, and asked whether commercial service should be considered, or if they want the bids to include only residential service.
“Financially, I don’t know if we win, lose or draw,” stated Wise, “I will do whatever it is that you want.”
He noted it is not time sensitive, and his goal is to have it done by July 1. The council decided to wait on putting out a Garbage RFP.
Wise reported he is working with the attorney to address more nuisance properties. An advertisement will be placed in the paper informing citizens of the enforcement of nuisances. The city’s attorney is not in favor of sending notice letters.
Sheriff Rob Haley said officers can deliver notice of nuisances if needed.
The city did get authority from their attorney, to take action on nuisance abatement.
“The way our ordinances are written, once the 30 days is up, if we have the physical ability to go in and abate it, then we will do so,” stated Wise.
For properties that the city can not go in and physically abate, municipal infraction will come before the council first, prior to them being processed.
Wise noted the court has ruled in favor of the city regarding a Webster Street property owned by a deceased person.
He plans to start with addressing three nuisances, and if that goes well, then they will move forward with more. He plans to update the council at the next meeting.
Wise also spoke about the turkey vultures in town, and has received recommendations from the DNR to remedy that situation as well.
“We do have some options that are worthy of trying,” stated Wise.
He reminded the council about opening bids for Judge Lewis pool project at 2:00 p.m. on March 19.
The next Mount Ayr city council meeting is planned for Monday, April 1 at 6:00 p.m.
Pool bids opened March 19 at special meeting
The Mount Ayr City Council opened general contractor bids for the Judge Lewis Pool project Tuesday afternoon, and it appears there is a clear leader to handle the massive city project.
Carrothers Construction Company, LLC of Paola, KS was the low bidder at $3.035 million. Christiansen Construction of Pender, NE bid $4,584,310.
The city expected the project to cost $3.1 million plus $640,000 for additional features.
See next week’s Record News for reactions to the bids.
