The Elkader City Council accepted the resignation of Council Member Eric Grau. In his letter of resignation to the Council, Grau cited personal reasons for leaving. The Council will place the position on the ballot in November, the seat will be for the remaining two years of the term.
Elkader City Council Proceedings
The Elkader City Council met on Monday, August 28, 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: Deb Schmidt, Randy Henning, Tony Hauber, Eric Grau and Peggy Lane.
Mayor Pope thanked the organizers of the two recent events – Sweet Corn Days and Art in the Park – for the hours spent planning the events. He also thanked the Public Works and Parks employees for working those weekends and wanted to especially thank all of the volunteers that make those events happen.
Hauber moved to approve the consent agenda. Henning seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Hauber, Henning, Schmidt, Grau, Lane
Nay: None
Consent Agenda
Minutes from the August 14, 2023 meeting
Bills (August 16-24, 2023)
Financial reports (unreconciled Treasurer’s report, revenue, budget by function)
Approval of pay request #18 to CJ Moyna and Sons for Keystone Bridge project ($170,606.50)
Public comments Daryl Bruxvoort from 501 E. Bridge Street commented that the issue regarding shipping containers was not on the agenda but he felt Council needs to continue to work on this issue.
Approval of special event application for Owen Fundraiser Fair (on September 23, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) to include street closure of S. Main Street from Mulberry Street SW to Wilke’s Hauber moved to approve of the special event permit application. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Hauber, Henning, Schmidt, Grau, Lane
Nay: None
Public hearing on the conveyance and transfer of title to a portion of vacated alley adjacent to 505 High Street NE Mayor Pope opened the public hearing and asked for comments. No comments were received during the public hearing. Mayor Pope closed the public hearing. Hauber moved to approve Resolution 2023-46 authorizing conveyance and transfer of title to a portion of vacated but unconveyed alley adjacent to 505 High Street NE Henning seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Hauber, Henning, Schmidt, Grau, Lane
Nay: None
Accept resignation of Councilmember Grau and provide notice of intent to fill vacancy by special election held concurrently with the general election on November 7, 2023 Hauber moved to accept the resignation of Councilmember Grau. Schmidt seconded the motion. Grau was thanked for his service and involvement.
Roll call: Aye: Hauber, Henning, Schmidt, Lane
Nay: None
Lane moved to provide notice that the position will be filled at the general election on November 7, 2023. Hauber seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Hauber, Henning, Schmidt, Grau, Lane
Nay: None
Follow up on items presented at the last Council meeting:
a. additional signage on the 100-300 blocks of Second Street SW regarding trucks-“Children at Play” signs that were temporary signs used for a construction project have been placed on this street; there is a designated truck route already, and trucks can be ticketed for not using it so it was suggested we use what is already in place.
b. additional handicap parking spaces in the downtown area – Council reviewed the map of handicap parking spots and determined more did not need to be added.
Questions and concerns from the City Councilmembers Councilmember Hauber provided an update on the fundraising efforts for the bridge project. They need more volunteers for this committee. Look for more information on social media. A question was asked about the status of the solar projects. A question was asked about the dog park. Concerns were shared about shipping containers.
AdjournmentHenning moved to adjourn the meeting. Schmidt seconded the motion. Council voted unanimously to adjourn. Mayor Pope declared the meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.