City Council

STORY CITY, IOWA September 5, 2023 Mayor Jensen called the council meeting to order on Tuesday September 5, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Present: Mayor Jensen, Administrator Jackson, Attorney Larson Council Members: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg (arrived 6:24), O’Connor, and Sporleder Absent: None Also Present: Nicole Englehardt, EDC; Shanon McKinley, GCC; Luke, Astra Security; Jim Elliot, Jensen Builders; Joe Lucas, Parks Superintendent; Matt Sporleder, Police Chief Motion by Ostrem, seconded by Sporleder, to approve the agenda. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. Motion by Sporleder, seconded by O’Connor, to amend the August 21, 2023 regular meeting minutes to correctly record the vote by Sporleder to Nay on item B under Council Agenda Items regarding request to have chickens by Travis Campbell. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. LEGAL ITEMS A) Ordinance No. 339 – Amending Chapter 156 (Building Codes) of the Code of Ordinances, Final Reading Motion by Phillps, seconded by Ostrem, to approve Ordinance No. 339 – Amending Chapter 156 (Building Codes) of the Code of Ordinances, Final Reading Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. B) Ordinance No. 340 – Clarifying Services Charges and Rates for Service by Amending Sections 92.01 and 92.02 of the Code of Ordinances, Final Reading Motion by O’Connor, seconded by Sporleder, to approve Ordinance No. 340 – Clarifying Services Charges and Rates for Service by Amending Sections 92.01 and 92.02 of the Code of Ordinances, Final Reading Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried.  ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS A) Approve Site Plan for M.H. Eby Plant 2 Expansion Jim Elliot, Jensen Builders, was present to summarize the plans for expansion and to answer questions. Administrator Jackson stated that Planning and Zoning recommends approval, including comments from the city engineer. Motion by Sporleder, seconded by O’Connor, to approve Site Plan for M.H. Eby Plant 2 Expansion including the comments from the city engineer. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. B) Approve Construction Project Submittals: 1. Construction Pay Application No. 2 for the Railroad Crossing Improvements Project 2. Change Order No. 3 for the Railroad Crossing Improvements Project 3. Change Order No. 2 for the Carousel Field Fencing Project Motion by Sporleder, seconded by Ostrem, to approve Construction Pay Application No. 2 for the Railroad Crossing Improvements Project in the amount of $113,985.87; Change Order No. 3 for the Railroad Crossing Improvements for the amount of $1,650.11; and Change Order No. 2 for the Carousel Field Fencing Project for the amount of $8,552.19. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS A) Discussion, with Possible Action, on Proposed Cameras in the North Park Joe Lucas, Parks Superintendent presented his opinion that cameras in the park would not deter vandalism nor offer insurance of assistance in paying for damage that might occur. He stated that vandalism is not a major concern at this time in the parks. Matt Sporleder, chief of police concurred, and added that there are other areas in the city in which a camera system would be a higher priority. Luke from Astra Security answered questions about the system. No action taken by council. B) Discussion on Parking on Forest Avenue between Henryson and Northridge. Police Chief Matt Sporleder presented pictures and offered information about the parking on Forest Avenue and the risk to children trying to cross the road between the cars. Council discussed the issue and requested this be placed on the agenda for further consideration.  APPROVAL OF BILLS AND CLAIMS Motion by O’Connor, seconded by Phillips to approve payment of bills and claims. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS REGARDING NON-AGENDA ITEMS • CM Sporleder: Was approached by Al Hermanson recently to express his dislike of the stop sign on Hillcrest and First Street. o Chief Sporleder reported that the stop sign seems to have achieved the purpose of slowing down traffic • CM Ostrem: Recently learned that a new owner has purchased the former Huffer Law office and is hoping to open an alcohol and vape shop. Concerns were expressed about this type of business on Broad Street. • Parks Superintendent Joe Lucas reported that the fencing project at the Carousel Diamond would be starting soon. There being no further business before council, the meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m. ATTEST: __________________________ _________________________ Heather Slifka, City Clerk Mike Jensen, Mayor