The Guttenberg city council adopted the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, when it met in regular session on April 13.
The new budget allows for $40,855,367 in expenditures for the coming year that begins on July 1. The property tax levy for next year’s budget is 15.19453 per $1,000 valuation. A public hearing on the levy was held in March and drew no comments.
The council set May 11 as the date for a public hearing on a routine budget amendment for the current fiscal year.
Bids awarded
The council awarded the following bids:
Driftless Area Tree Care for $66,415 for tree trimming near power lines.
Ascendance Truck Center, Dubuque, a dump truck chassis built to pre-order specifications at an estimated cost of $105,000, and to Henderson Products, Manchester, for $142,000 to fit out a truck package.
A Chevrolet Silverado truck for water department from Brown’s Sales for approximately $43,000.
Koerner St. water main update between 1st and 2nd Streets that will also include a T-connection to First St. for future expansion at a cost of approximately $34,000.
Central Iowa Televising for routine sewer inspection at a cost of approximately $46,500.
Zoning change
The council approved the third and final consideration of a zoning change for the former Masonic Temple building. The zoning change is from R-2 single family residential to C-2 general office and retail. As explained at previous meetings, plans are to turn the building into an event space and to make repairs and improvements.
Grant application
Tracy Kregel of the Family Resource Center received council approval to proceed with a grant application using the city as an intermediary for funds. If the grant is successful, money would be used for a cargo van for the FRC food pantry and other items. A public hearing on the grant application will be held at next month’s council meeting. The council also approved a Community Development Needs Assessment to be done in conjunction with the project.
Chamber report
Jacque Hager, a member of the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce, spoke to the council about planned street closures for the coming year. The council gave feedback on some of the events. The council okayed Moxie’s request for a street closing on May 22 in connection with their annual benefit golf outing.
Parking restrictions for Farmers Market received approval from the council. The market will again be held in the park in the downtown area, with limited parking on the east side of the street to facilitate easy access by customers.
Other business
Josh Roth was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission. In a related matter, the council approved reducing the number of members on the P & Z board from seven to five.
The list of pool staff for the coming year was approved. Ashley Hess will be pool manager and Summer Milan assistant manager.
A mutual aid agreement with area communities was approved for water and wastewater issues.
A billing adjustment was granted for Sue Guyer after a basement water leak, with the option to make payments for up to 18 months.
The mayor tabled discussion on boiler room repairs pending input from the public works director.
Discussion was held on nuisance properties on S. Bluff Streeet and along Hwy. 52. Property owners will receive letters from the city.
Council members informally discussed data center zoning and city code regarding open burning.
—On hand for the meeting were Mayor Fred Schaub, council members Brian Rodenberg, Austin Greve, Jane Parker, Steve Bahls and Michelle Geuder, and city manager Jamie Blume.
