The Elkader City Council amended the current budget. Expenditures total nearly 1.6-million dollars with most of the cost for the bridge project.
The Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to increase water and sewer rates. Water Useage Rates will increase by two-percent, Base Sewer Rates will increase by $2.
The Council held a public hearing and approved a resolution to extend a Tax Increment Finance District in the Industrial Park.
The Council approved a resolution for a local match for Mobile Track Solutions for the High Quality Jobs Program with the state. The City will match 10-thousand dollars a year for five years. They are creating 30-jobs as part of that program.
They approved a resolution approving a Development Agreement with C-J Moyna Sons for a 50-percent tax rebate for a ten-year period.
Elkader City Council Proceedings
The Elkader City Council met on Monday, May 22, 2023 in regular session at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, with Mayor Josh Pope presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll call was taken.
Roll call: Present: Peggy Lane, Deb Schmidt and Randy Henning. Tony Hauber and Eric Grau were unable to attend.
Henning moved to approve the consent agenda. Lane seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
Consent Agenda(Items on the consent agenda are considered routine in nature and all items are passed in one motion. In order to have an item voted on individually, it must be removed from the consent agenda.)
Minutes from the May 8, 2023 meeting
Bills (May 5-18, 2023)
April financial reports: Treasurer’s report, budget by function, revenue, receipts by fund
Public comments No public comments were received.
Discussion/approval of plans for Whistlin’ Bit Saddle Club 75th Anniversary Celebration Representatives from the Whistlin’ Bit Saddle Club were in attendance to discuss details of their 75th Anniversary Celebration with the City Council. They will complete the Special Event form and return the form to staff.
Request to address the City Council – representatives from Hawkeye Sanitation to review contract proposal Representatives from Hawkeye Sanitation were in attendance to discuss their proposed contract. They wanted to make sure the Council had received a copy and wanted to explain the reason for some of the costs. A question was asked about the current contract and the representatives from Hawkeye Sanitation contend the current contract was broken. Council will continue to work with the City Attorney on this contract.
Public Hearing for the City of Elkader FY 2022-23 Budget Amendment; approval of Resolution 2023-26 – approving the FY 23 budget amendment Mayor Pope opened the public hearing on the budget amendment for FY 2022-23. No comments were received. The Mayor closed the public hearing. Henning moved to approve resolution 2023-26. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
Public Hearing on the Proposed Designation of the Elkader Commercial Urban Renewal Area; Approval of Resolution 2023-27 - A Resolution to Declare Necessity and Establish an Urban Renewal Area, Pursuant to Section 403.4 of the Code of Iowa and to Approve Urban Renewal Plan and Projects for the Elkader Commercial Urban Renewal Area The Mayor opened the public hearing on the designation of the Elkader Commercial Urban Renewal Area. No comments were received. The Mayor closed the public hearing. Lane moved to approve Resolution 2023-27. Henning seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
First Reading Ordinance 2023-05 - An Ordinance Providing for the Division of Taxes Levied on Taxable Property in the Elkader Commercial Urban Renewal Area, Pursuant to Section 403.19 of the Code of Iowa Henning moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2023-25. Lane seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
Approval of Resolution 2023-28 - Resolution Setting a Date of Meeting at which it is Proposed to Approve a Development Agreement with Mobile Track Solutions, LLC, Including Annual Appropriation Tax Increment Payments Lane moved to approve Resolution 2023-28. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
Approval of Resolution 2023-29 - Resolution Setting a Date of Meeting at which it is Proposed to Approve a Development Agreement with CJ Moyna & Sons, Inc., Including Annual Appropriation Tax Increment Payments Lane moved to approve Resolution 2023-29. Henning seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
Approval of Resolution 2023-30 – Approving a 28E Agreement with the Elkader Childcare and Learning Center for financial assistance Lane moved to approve Resolution 2023-30 with the following changes: only include water and sewer (not garbage); waive the water and sewer fees instead of reimbursing the Center, and the term of contract will be one year. This is considered a public purpose because the parties acknowledge that access to reliable and affordable childcare though a state-licensed center is a necessary precondition for the financial stability of working families and for economic growth. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
Final Reading Ordinance 2023-02 - An Ordinance Deleting Property From the Tax Increment Financing District for the Elkader Urban Renewal Area of the City of Elkader, Iowa, Pursuant to Section 403.19 of the Code of Iowa Lane moved to approve the final reading of Ordinance 2023-02. Henning seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
Second Reading of Ordinance 2023-03 – An Ordinance Amending the “CODE OF ORDINANCES” of the City of Elkader, Iowa, 2022, Chapter 93, Water Rates and Billing, and Chapter 99, Sewer Service Charges Lane moved to approve the second reading of Ordinance 2023-03. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Lane, Schmidt, Henning
Nay: None
Questions or concerns from the City Council: Comments were shared about shipping containers in residential areas. Staff will be bringing the ordinance back at the next meeting. Suggestions were offered for additional signage on Hwy 13 due to the construction.
Henning moved to adjourn the meeting. Schmidt seconded the motion. Council voted unanimously to adjourn. Mayor Pope declared the meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.