The Guttenberg city council heard concerns about a proposed zoning change, accepted mowing and spraying bids and approved the purchase of additional office equipment when it met in regular session on March 9.
Zoning change
A rezoning request for the former Masonic Temple drew comments from two residents who live in the area. The rezoning change, from R-2 (single family residential) to C-2 (general office and retail) was recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission prior to consideration by the council. Isaac Sweet spoke to the council last month and again at Monday night's meeting about proposed plans for the building, saying plans are to turn it into an event space and to make repairs and improvements.
Joan Simon and Jeff Lau, who own homes in the area, objected to the zoning change, citing concerns about potential parking problems, noise, and litter.
Sweet told the council that the project is on a time line and that rezoning would "make or break" the project.
The council voted unanimously to pass the first reading for the zoning change, and set March 23 for the second reading. Three approved readings are needed for final passage.
Envelope inserter
Continuing discussion from last month's meeting, the council decided to purchase an inserter that will stuff city utility bills into envelopes.
The city used to mail utility bills in postcard form, but that is no longer feasible after new billing software went into effect late last year as part of an accounting upgrade. The estimated cost of the inserter is approximately $8,300.
In a related matter, the council approved closing the city office on April 15 so that the staff can attend a training seminar to address problems created by the new software. Other Iowa community staff facing the same problems will also be attending the training seminar.
Summer contracts
On the recommendation of Public Works Director Dan Pierce, the council accepted the bid from Mike Randall for mowing, and from Miller Lawncare and Agmerica for spraying.
Doug Lutgen and Jack Streeter were again hired as seasonal marina/park workers.
Other business
The council tabled discussion on obtaining engineering proposals for repairs to the boiler room in order for the public works director to obtain more information.
A Workforce housing tax credit was approved for Driftless Current, 1012 S. Second St. The council okayed a 28E cost share agreement with the school for sidewalk, parking and driveway updates to school property in connection with the city's upcoming storm sewer and paving project.
The council approved a sewer refund for Merlin Herzog.
Brian Rodenberg, the new council representative to the library board, gave a brief summary of library meeting topics, including proposed legislation that may limit access to certain types of books.
—On hand for the meeting were Mayor Fred Schaub, council members Brian Rodenberg, Austin Greve, Jane Parker, Steve Bahls and Michelle Geuder, and administrative assistant Michelle Meyer.
