Council approves social district
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By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — In a timely move, the Mount Ayr City Council gave approval with a procedural vote to clear the way for establishing a “Social District” ordinance during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday night at City Hall. The ordinance enables the city to cordon off specific sections of the city to host public events. The council further waived the required second and third reading of the proposed ordinance enabling final approval.
This particular ordinance coordinates with the upcoming Fall Festival that is planned during the Mount Ayr High School Homecoming events the weekend of October 9-10. Details regarding this festival are available on page 11.
In keeping with the holiday spirit of the season, the council agreed on a final date and time for the annual “Trick or Treat” night that is popular with area youth. This Halloween event is scheduled this year from 5-7 p.m., October 30.
The council then moved on to upcoming fiscal plans revolving around a budget amendment which will enable the city to continue with the storm water projects currently underway. The specific area in question is related to what is called Project D: Garfield Street.
Although the additional budget needed for completion is substantial, the council agreed that the project needs to be completed per the recommendations of the contractor performing the repairs to avoid having to re-do this area again in the near future.
The council also voted on Resolution 2026-46 outlining the terms of a lease agreement for the city to replace it’s aging Bobcat machine. The city was able to negotiate an acceptable agreement to replace the equipment opting to act now rather than waiting when costs are projected to be significantly more expensive. This machine is the work horse of the city’s equipment used for everything from moving brush piles at the organic waste facility to assistance with road maintenance.
The council signed off on Resolution 2026-45 which ties the city into the already agreed upon county level implementation of the Ringgold County Multi Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026-2031. This plan helps the county as well as the city to identify hazards that threaten either the Mount Ayr or other areas in Ringgold County. Specifically the plan does the following:
• Determine which people, buildings, infrastructure and communities are most vulnerable.
• Identify projects that could reduce future damage.
• Establish priorities for mitigation.
• Provide a framework for applying for state and federal mitigation money.
Coordination during an emergency is essential when dealing with a large group of first responders and the need for coordinated efforts to apply for FEMA funding to assist is recovery operations is essential.
The council gave final approval of a revolving loan application for Lefty’s Club Tavern with the provision that the applicant can successfully secure a cosigner for the loan. This type of development loan has been a successful approach for the city’s future business development. Budget availability and grant access have established a reservoir of monies within the city budget to provide loans to area businesses getting established or expanding.
Council members agreed on a date for an off schedule “Work Session” to discuss important future projects the city has coming up. The work session will be from 6 – 9 p.m., November 16.
The first priority is a discussion revolving around water rates that is fast approaching. There are a number of options available to address the ever increasing fees the city has to pay to SIRWA, the city’s water supplier, but the council needs to huddle up to come up with the best solution for the city and its residents.
The next council meeting is scheduled for October 12.
