The Guttenberg city council amended the current city budget and heard a report from the Chamber president when it met in regular session on May 20.
Budget amendment
The budget is routinely amended each year to reflect unanticipated changes in income and expenditures, as well as transfers between various city funds.
for the current fiscal year. The council also approved budget transfers in connection with the amended budget.
Chamber report
Beth Sadewasser, president of the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce, gave a report on a Chamber-sponsored initiative, "Heart and Soul." The program is a process that helps residents identify what matters most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it. Sadewasser said the program hopes to involve everyone, focusing on what they identify as important issues and serving as a guide for decision making. The program would then be carried out in four phases
"We have interest," she told the council, noting that people have already signed up for the core team. She also noted that other towns have used the program. "It creates new leaders, and volunteers emerge," she said. "It also builds trust, restores pride and honors history and culture."
The council voted to place a resolution of support for the program on the June agenda.
Grant application
The council okayed a public services application for a Community Development Block Grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, as discussed at last month's meeting. Ashley Christensen with Upper Iowa Explorerland Regional Planning Commission read a 9-point required statement to the council.
The city is serving as an intermediary for funds. If the grant is successful, money would be used for a cargo van for the Family Resource Center food pantry and for other items. No comments were received at a public hearing prior to the action.
Wages amendment
The council okayed a contract for all employees as approved earlier. Also approved were contract amendments that provide a $150 monthly allowance for the city manager to cover use of her cell phone and vehicle and $100 monthly for the public works director for use of his cell phone for city business.
Angle parking
The council discussed changing all but two spaces from parallel to angle parking in the 200 block of South River Park Drive across from Clayton Ridge High School, a street that was recently redone for storm sewer improvements. It was estimated that the change would provide for 13 more parking spaces. Police Chief Derek Chambers and Public Works Director Dan Pierce believe the change is feasible but will test it out. After discussion, the council voted to move forward with the idea and if it works to amend the current city code to allow for angle parking on the west side of that block.
Other business
The council went into closed session to discuss real estate, as provided by law. Upon returning to open session, the council voted to list 4.7 acres of city property for sale.
Seasonal hours for public works employees were approved after discussion by the council. This year's schedule will be a slight variation on last year's with most employees taking the weekly option of four nine-hour days and a 4-hour day.
The council voted to approve a letter of support for an application to the Workforce Housing Tax Credit program for Driftless Current LLC for projects on South Second Street and South Third Lane. A related item, setting a public hearing, was tabled pending more information on recent legislative changes.
The summer event application for Music in the Park, sponsored by Umbrella Arts, received council approval.
Alcohol and/or wine licenses were renewed for the Eagles Club, Guttenberg Tobacco and Liquor, Dollar General and Henny Penny's.
Jorja Andregg-Janko received council approval to raise six Bantam chickens within the city limits.
A request from Haley Wolter seeking to donate a statue to be placed either in downtown Guttenberg or at Limbeck Pond was tabled for more information.
The south marina parking lot will be partially closed on June 6 for a "Cops and Bobbers" youth event.
Colton Thorne was appointed as a new police officer and took the oath of office as administered by Mayor Fred Schaub.
Chris Baumfalk was approved as a fire department volunteer.
Council member Brian Rodenberg revisited a topic he brought up at last month's meeting regarding open burning of yard waste. He said that he thinks the city's ordinance is in line with other communities, and he reiterated that there are other means of getting rid of yard waste, such as yard waste pick up and the city dump site. —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.
