Regular City Council Meeting
City Hall, Cherokee, Iowa
October 27, 2009 – 7:00 P.M.
A regular meeting was called to order on this date by Mayor Pierce. Present: Council Members Leach, Mallory, Peck, Stieneke, Administrator Eikmeier, Clerk-Treasurer Taylor. (Burkhart arrived at 7:35 p.m.)
Council Member
Mallory suggested that since they will be reviewing the status of the pool
revenues they should review all
areas of the budget. Administrator Eikmeier reported that the State’s cuts
would impact the city by about $5,900 through the
loss of property tax homestead credits. The Administrator and Clerk will
provide budget information at the next meeting.
At 7:03 p.m., Mayor
Pierce opened a public hearing concerning an application to the Iowa Department
of Economic Development
for an Iowa Housing Fund grant. Administrator Eikmeier explained that the
process started last fall when the council
prioritized future projects and housing stock was one of those priorities. City
staff then did a visual survey of the community,
owners were notified of structural problems and were asked for voluntary
compliance. About 15% complied. This created
awareness and a need to make repairs and improvements in the housing stock. A
housing needs assessment shows that 65% of Cherokee’s housing stock is over 50
years old. This project would target 10 housing units benefiting
low-to-moderate income
persons and would be funded with $370,000 in federal funds through the Iowa
Department of Economic Development and
$20,000 in local funds. Projects would be chosen
through an
application process. Technical services will be contracted to process
applications and the City would approve project recipients. No displacement of
persons will occur, but should a family need temporary relocation, they will be
encouraged to
stay with friends and family. Council Member Mallory asked where the $20,000
local match would come from.
Administrator
Eikmeier indicated that the project wouldn’t begin until August 2010, so the
local match would be budgeted in
the 2010-11 fiscal year. Mallory also asked whether the owner could be asked to
participate, thereby covering the local match. Eikmeier said that if the grant
were awarded, the City would adopt regulations governing the program. The City
could require
owner participation, but doesn’t feel that would be implemented. As there were
no additional comments, Mayor Pierce closed
the public hearing at 7:18 p.m.
A motion by Stieneke,
seconded by Leach, adopted Resolution No. 09-22, to submit an application to the
Iowa Department
of Economic Development for an Iowa Housing Fund Program Grant and committing
the local share of $20,000.
Roll call was: AYES: All. NAYS: None.
A motion by Leach, seconded by Peck, unanimously approved the following under “Consent Business”.
City council minutes of October 13th.
At the request of
Mark Buschkamp, the council was asked to consider support of an application to
be an overnight stop for
RAGBRAI 2010. At their October meeting, the Cherokee Industrial Corporation
voted to promote/sponsor an overnight stay.
Dr. James Johansen, an avid bicyclist, and Ron Oman, representing the Little
Sioux Spokes Folks bike club, were present in
support of the overnight stop. They both realize there is a lot of work and
costs that go into an overnight stay, but also
talked about the positives. It gives Cherokee recognition not only in Iowa, but
has a nationwide impact. RAGBRAI helps local organizations and churches,
restaurants, motels, convenience and grocery stores, as well as some, if not all
of the Main Street businesses. Cherokee always receives good reports from
participants. Council Member Burkhart feels an organization or
other group needs to take the leadership role. Council Member Leach asked what
it costs the City to sponsor an overnight stay. Administrator Eikmeier
indicated that law enforcement is reimbursed for their overtime, but that other
departments are
called on for various duties. Paul Struck noted that the RAGBRAI committee has
its own budget and revenue comes from
food stand fees and the beer garden. Administrator Eikmeier stated that the
City would provide a supporting role for law enforcement, street closings and
campgrounds if a person, organization, or committee steps forward in the
leadership role.
On a motion by Stieneke, seconded by Leach, the council authorized a letter of
support for an application to be an overnight
stay for RAGBRAI 2010. AYES: All. NAYS: None.
Dan Winchell’s term
on the Board of Adjustment expired on 9/14/09. When contacted a couple weeks
ago as to whether he
would like to be considered for reappointment, Dan indicated that he would think
about it and get back to the Clerk. This
past week, the Clerk attempted to contact Dan, but received no response. A
notice requesting applications to fill the term
will be placed in the paper and on the City’s website, with an appointment to be
made at the Nov. 10th meeting.
The council reviewed
a report from the Fire Chief and Zoning Administrator regarding the condition of
structures at
331 E. Cedar, 335 E. Cedar, 220 W. Locust, and 301 S. 6th. None of
these structures are
habitable in their current condition. Certified notices have been sent to the
property owners and the Administrator has talked with 3 of the 4 owners. He
feels that City crews can demolish or assist with 3 of the 4 structures.
There is currently $7,000 available to be used toward the demolition costs. All
costs incurred will be assessed against
the property.
A motion by Stieneke, seconded by Mallory, authorized condemnation of 331 E. Cedar. Motion carried.
On a motion by Burkhart, seconded by Mallory, the council authorized condemnation of 335 E. Cedar. Motion carried.
On a motion by Peck, seconded by Burkhart, the council authorized condemnation of 220 W. Locust. Motion carried.
A motion by Stieneke, seconded by Leach, authorized condemnation of 301 S. 6th. Motion carried.
The council reviewed the building permits report.
On a motion by Leach, seconded by Mallory, the meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m. Motion carried.
News media – Paul Struck, Chronicle Times; Nikki Thunder, KCHE.
Pam Pierce – Mayor
ATTEST:
Debra Taylor, CMC
City Clerk-Treasurer