At its first meeting of the new year, the Guttenberg city council accepted the low bid for a storm sewer improvement project, reviewed the budget timeline and gave final approval for a zoning change for commercial buildings in a C-2 district.
At the start of the meeting Mayor Fred Schaub welcomed new council member Brian Rodenberg.
Storm sewer project
Jon Lutz from Origin Designs reported on the opening of bids for paving and storm sewer improvements in a two-block area in front of the school. He noted that 12 bids were received. After discussion, the council awarded the contract to the low bidder, Offset Construction of Farley, with a bid of $337,871. Tentative plans call for work to begin in April and conclude by the end of May.
The council also okayed an amendment to the contract with Origin Design for administrative services and construction observation during the project.
Budget
The City Manager discussed state mandated deadlines for submitting the city's annual budget, which has to be finalized by April 30. The council set a follow-up budget workshop for Feb. 2 at 5 p.m. and March 23 for two budget special meetings.
Zoning ordinance
The council approved the third and final reading an ordinance change that will allow C-2 residential use of up to 70 percent of the square footage in a downtown commercial building. The council viewed the ordinance change as a way to both entice commercial use of of downtown storefronts as well as helping the housing situation.
GEIDC
The council set a public hearing for the next monthly meeting regarding the proposed issuance of revenue bonds by the Guttenberg Economic and Industrial Development Committee (GEIDC). City Manager Jamie Blume explained that the GEIDC is eligible for a tax exempt loan but the application needs to be under the aegis of another entity. She noted that the city would not be responsible for any part of the debt.
Other business
Assistant Fire Chief Joe Zittergruen spoke to the council about the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP), an Iowa program that is designed to reward and recognize the service of emergency volunteers. Zittergruen explained that the department has agreed to put funding into the program and has established local eligibility guidelines. The state will match up to $500 annually per volunteer, and funds will be managed by the state. He said the department is not asking for any city funds but needs city backing in order to participate. The council approved a resolution adopting the LOSAP program.
Other business
Riverfront lease rates will remain the same as last year at $8 per foot as recommended by the riverfront board.
The council again discussed Dan Parker's proposal to acquire a small parcel of city property west of his office. The council took no action, pending research on past similar transactions.
The council okayed a training agreement for Austin Winch to obtain pool operator certification.
Some minor updates to the job description for a public works position were okayed by the council. Kyle Millard was approved for the position. The council approved a series of seven amendments to city code in order to conform with Iowa legislative changes. The ordinances covered such topics as cigarette and tobacco permits, conflict of interest, fireworks regulations, liquor licenses, wine and beer permits, public hearing requirements and service animals.
— Present for the meeting were Mayor Fred Schaub, City Manager Jamie Blume and council members Brian Rodenberg, Austin Greve, Jane Parker, and Michelle Geuder.
