The Guttenberg city council took a look at building permit fees, moved forward on an electric rate change and okayed a subdivision request when it met for the regular monthly meeting on Oct. 12.
Electric ordinance
The council approved the second reading of an ordinance that would make three changes to the current electric code. The first would be a 2-cent increase in kilowatt hour charges coupled with a 2-cent reduction in power adjustment fees, resulting in a "pass-through" charge that would not affect customer billing totals. The second change is a flat $5 monthly fee increase for electric meters, with the goal of creating revenue for infrastructure upgrades. The third change is an increase from $2 to $3 per foot reimbursement for customers who install underground electric service in conduit.
The ordinance must pass its third and final reading at the next council meeting before it becomes effective.
Building permits
Building permit fees were on the agenda at the request of the Planning and Zoning Commission, for consideration of penalties for those who build without a permit. Comparisons with area communities were noted. After discussion it was decided to wait on any new penalties, and to enforce the what is currently in the code.
Subdivision request
The council approved a subdivision request from J & K Subdivision, approving the plat of survey and waiving the subdivision ordinance. The property is located on the west side of South Buff Street between Wieland and Herman Streets and is owned by Jeff and Kari Friedlein.
GEIDC request
Discussion was held on the Revolving Loan Fund administered by the Guttenberg Economic and Industrial Development Committee (GEIDC). No representatives from that group were on hand to discuss their request for a $150,000 loan that would in effect serve as a line of credit. After discussion, the council voted to allow a line of credit of up to $100,000 at 1.5% interest for up to five years.
Other business
The council reviewed a bridge inspection agreement with Veenstra & Kimm Engineers for the 310th street bridge and the Miner's Creek bridge. The former is required annually. It was noted that 310th Street bridge inspection had been done prior to council approval. The council voted to approve the agreement.
Training for city office staff member Michelle Meyer was approved by the council with the stipulation she sign an training agreement with the city.
A $500 business accelerator grant was approved for Bee Kind Assignment. Funds come from mobile food vendor fees.
Guttenberg Municipal Hospitals and Clinic Family Resource Center Food Pantry was recently award ed a $100,000 grant. The council approved an agreement with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Committee to administer the grant.
The council considered a bid from MiTech to inspect electric poles. There are approximately 1,048 poles in the city and the estimate for inspecting was up to $53,000.
City Manager Jamie Blume noted that due to changes in the property tax system the city will not know the amount of revenues until Jan. 1, later than in previous years. The council decided to have its budget workshop on Jan. 18 at 5 p.m.
The sale of a small parcel of city property to Dan Parker, as discussed at previous meetings, was finalized.
The council approved routine language changes for the Community Development Block Grant program to be in compliance with state guidelines.
Brooke Glawe was appointed to the recreation board.
Tyler Wilwert was approved as a member of the fire department.
Council members reported on plans for Ghouls Night Out; $5000 grant for the library's outreach program, and commended the GermanFest committee.
—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.
