The Guttenberg city council at its monthly meeting on July 13 heard resident concerns about the proposed sale of a parcel of city property, modified the plan for angle parking near the school, and gave the green light to a Rotary plan for a fountain in Horseshoe Pond.
City property sale
A group of residents were on hand for a public hearing on the proposed sale of a parcel of city property off Acre Street near their properties. Speaking to the council on behalf of the group were John Balistreri, Paul Bazyn, Tammy Schmit and Susie Nehls. Their comments reflected concerns about future development of the parcel and related issues, such as zoning, driveway and access maintenance, easement areas, ingress and egress issues, and the ecology of the area. The residents also said they were not aware that the parcel was for sale and said that a "for sale" sign was never posted in the area. The sale is being handled by a local realtor.
After listening to their concerns and further discussion, the council directed City Manager Jamie Blume to forward concerns to the realtor to be shared with the potential buyers. The city manager noted that the night's public hearing was just one step required by law before the sale becomes final.
Angle parking
Discussion continued from last month's meeting about changing to angle parking in the 200 block of South River Park Drive across from the school. The street there was recently redone for a storm sewer project and a plan was made to change part of an area across from the school from parallel to angle parking. At the June meeting, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance providing for the change.
At Monday night's meeting councilmember Michelle Gratace proposed keeping a few additional parallel parking spots at the south end of the block. After discussion, the council agreed and revised the ordinance to reflect that change. The second, third and final readings of the ordinance passed unaniously and it will take effect upon publication.
Rotary fountain
Dennis McNeal, representing the Guttenberg Rotary Club, presented the council with a drawing and plan to install a fountain in Horseshoe Pond along Highway 52. He explained that re-installing a fountain in Herman Pond was not feasible due to issues related to shallow water. He asked that the city furnish electrical power up to the bank at Horseshoe Pond and said that Rotary would handle the costs of the fountain, installation and maintenance. The council unanimously approved the request.
Other business
Following a public hearing at which no comments were received, the council passed a resolution to expand the city's urban renewal area to include the parcels of property off Acre Street that the city is selling and land downtown by the new duplexes in south Guttenberg, along with the streets and highway that connect the two sites.
The council set Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. for a public hearing on an agreement with Driftless Current LLC, providing for tax increment payments for the sewer main installed near the duplexes.
Jean Green, who resides on South River Park Drive, spoke to the council objecting to the site chosen for a sculpture that was made and donated to the city by Haley Wolter. Green said the site, which is at the entrance to the south marina and across from her residence, will block her view of the river. The council accepted the sculpture site at its June 8 meeting as recommended by Ingleside Club, and a concrete pad has been prepared for the art piece. After Green's statement, Ingleside Club members and others voiced their support for the site. Cathy Simmons, a neighbor, spoke with concerns about the process of notifying affected property owners. After listening to discussion, the council took no action to change the site.
Kathryn Klaes of Guttenberg Brewing Co. addressed the council to ask for three special event permits that would allow for partial street closures. One event is a private wedding in August, and the other two are public events. Council members Steve Bahls and Jane Parker said they were concerned about setting a precedent for closing streets for private events. After discussion, all three events received council approval, with Bahls and Geuder voting nay on the wedding event.
The council okayed street closures for Germanfest on Sept. 25-26.
Chamber of Commerce President Beth Sadewasser gave a monthly report to the council, covering finances, farmers market participation, summer employee Nicole DiGidio, plans for a podcast series, Stars and Stripes recap, building improvements and potential grants.
The council passed a resolution allowing two residents to make installment payments in connection with a recent alley improvement project.
The city manager gave an update on a potential grant to replace the 310th Street bridge, and the council passed a resolution supporting a joint grant agreement with the county.
The mayor commended Joe Zittergruen, Austin Greve, and Forest Brown for making the July 4th fireworks show possible. The mayor also helped prepare the fireworks.
Councilmember Brian Rodenberg noted that the library is celebrating its 90th anniversary with special activities.
—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.
