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