Council discusses nuisance properties, storm water issues
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By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr City Council discussed nuisance properties and had a member of the community speak on storm water damage during its regular meeting on Monday at City Hall.
After a slight delay to the meeting’s start as it was waiting an appropriate number of council members to arrive in order to have an official quorum, the city heard from Matt West, owner of West Plumbing and Heating during the public comments portion of the meeting. West asked the council if they could give an update on a storm water project that has been in proposal for sometime. West went on to describe an ongoing water infiltration problem that is causing problems with his property.
City Administrator Brent Wise went over the status of a bidding process that is under way to help alleviate this issue. Requests for bids have been sent out and monies have been appropriated to begin the work. Wise went into considerable detail explaining the storm water run off situation and how the water travels across the city and accumulates in certain sections necessitating city intervention. West seemed satisfied with the explanations. Wise indicated that once the bids are complete the project should be able to start almost immediately.
The council also discussed the ongoing “Property Nuisance” project that is being headed by Code Enforcement Officer Dennis Dugan. Council members were provided with a series of photos by Dugan highlighting 11 properties that are in various states of non-compliance. Dugan was seeking guidance from the council regarding identification of the highest priority properties.
The council identified the abandoned concrete manufacturing plant located at 305 E. Columbus St. as the No. 1 priority. Council members showed concerns regarding this property as it potentially presents a danger to area children who are drawn to this structure to play in. Each of these properties had been previously identified as “Blighted” or in non-compliance with city guidelines.
There is a complex process that needs to be followed in rectifying these claims. Wise pointed out that in a number of cases where non-compliance has led to fines or levies, property owners have largely been cooperative in helping to resolve these complaints.
The city council voted to renew the “Sportsman Club” agreement currently in place at the Loch Ayr lake property. The budget was increased to reflect the increased cost to maintain good water quality at the facility as well as the ongoing maintenance agreement currently managed by the club.
Continuing on a subject from the previous meeting, the council finalized a survey that is to be circulated to the community regarding waste/garbage removal for the city. The city previously received a quote from Waste Management to take over the garbage collection process in town. The city felt is was important to get feedback from the community regarding this service along with the pros and cons of turning waste removal over to an outside vendor. The city will review the results of the survey before making a final decision on waste management.
In regards to city parks matters, the council discussed options for park improvements for both the city’s baseball fields and the recreation facilities at Judge Lewis Park. The city has plans to move forward with the restoration projects regarding the ball fields. Monies have been appropriated and bids are ongoing and under consideration.
The city also intends to move forward with the addition of pickle ball courts that will replace one of the current tennis courts located at the facility. The city will also update the basketball court on the north side of the park to include resurfacing the court, replacing the basketball pole and installing a new backboard.
In other matters, the council voted to increase salaries for city employees by three percent, which is in line with other communities of similar size and scope.
The council also agreed to release an RFP (request for proposal) to determine if the city’s printing service is still competitive.
The council also approved the claims report and a license procedure allowing Casey’s store on Highway 2 to renew its tobacco license.
