The McGregor City Council considered multiple agenda items related to dock and riverfront leases at its Oct. 21 regular meeting.

This included approving dock lease fees of $15 per foot, unchanged from the current amount, as well as approval of changes to the dock lease, as recommended by the dock commission.

Suggested changes included moving the start of the term of the lease permit from Jan. 1 to March 1, with expiration remaining on Dec. 31, and amending maximum lineal feat from 25 to 40 feet. Proof of McGregor residency via state issued identification will also be required.

Mayor Anne Kruse said the changes make leases standardized, “so everyone has the same lease and same rules.”

Additionally, the council OK’d assigning the riverfront lease from Northeast Iowa Marina, LLC, to a business entity owned by Jenifer Westphal and Jeff Westphal, contingent upon completion of purchase of the business assets and lease interests.

Information from the city of McGregor stated that the Westphals intend to acquire what is currently under ownership by Northeast Iowa Marina except for two houseboat rentals. The Westphals are asking to transfer the current lease contingent upon a signed agreement for the sale and an agreement reached with Annie Nieland to become the owner/operator of the business itself. The Westphals plan to make investments into their portion of the riverfront to see it to its fullest potential and contribute to its vitality. They do not have plans for condominiums or similar developments.

According to a resolution approved by the council, the Westphal business entity has requested that the city of McGregor consent to the assignment and transfer of the current riverfront lease effective on or within 30 days after Jan. 1, 2027.

Kruse noted that action at the meeting was simply to consider transfer of the lease. Other terms of the lease itself will be considered in the future.