City Council

STORY CITY, IOWA October 2, 2023 Mayor Jensen called the council meeting to order on Monday October 2, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Present: Mayor Jensen, Administrator Jackson, Attorney Larson Council Members: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, and Sporleder Absent: None Also Present: Nicole Englehardt, EDC; Shanon McKinley, GCC; Chris McIlrath, McIlrath Holdings; Mike McGuigan Story City EMS Chief; Dave Kost, Story City EMS; Trent Whipple, Story City Fire Department Chief; Matt Sporleder, Story City Chief of Police; Shanon McKinley, Story City GCC; Nicole Engelhardt and Marion Olive, Story City EDC; Rick Schrier, Reliance State Bank; numerous elementary school teachers and members of the public; Tara Turner, Bertha Bartlett Library Director Motion by Sporleder, seconded by O’Connor, to approve the agenda. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. Motion by Ostrem, seconded by Sporleder, approve the September 18, 2023 regular meeting minutes. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS A) Request from McIlrath Holdings to Rezone Property at 701 Story Street from R-2 to C-2 Multiple members of the public presented concerns. There were a number of objections to the rezoning request due to concerns regarding traffic, noise, drainage, lack of control of the size of the property growth once it has been rezoned. Chris Mcllrath spoke about his request to rezone the property for the sustainability of the property. With no further comment, Mayor Jensen closed the public meeting at 6:20. LEGAL ITEMS A) Resolution No. 23-67 – Support and Financial Commitment for Story City Main Street Program Motion by Phillips, seconded by Solberg, to approve Resolution No. 23-67 – Support and Financial Commitment for Story City Main Street Program Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. B) Ordinance No. 341 – Amending the Code of Ordinances by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Fiscal Management, Second Reading Motion by Sporleder, seconded by O’Connor, to approve Ordinance No. 341 – Amending the Code of Ordinances by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Fiscal Management, Second Reading Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. C) Ordinance No. 342 – Amending the Code of Ordinances by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Liquor Licenses and Cigarette and Tobacco Permits, Second Reading Motion by O’Connor, seconded by Ostrem, to approve Ordinance No. 342 – Amending the Code of Ordinances by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Liquor Licenses and Cigarette and Tobacco Permits, Second Reading Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. D) Ordinance No. 343 – Amending Chapter 69 of the Code of Ordinances to Amend No Parking Zones and to Establish a New Location Where Parking is Prohibited, Second Reading Multiple members of the elementary school presented their concerns regarding this ordinance including lack of parking at the school as well as the safety of children crossing the street. Elementary school teachers and staff presented other possible alternatives rather than establishing a no parking zone. Discussion with Mayor and Council and Chief Matt Sporleder. Item died for lack of motion. E) Ordinance No. 344 – Changing the Official Zoning Map of the City of Story City, Iowa by Changing the District Boundaries of the “R-2” and “C-2” Districts, First Reading. Administrator Jackson reported that Planning and Zoning recommends approval. Motion by Ostrem, seconded by Phillips to table the motion pending further information about the prospective site plan and property. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS A) Preliminary Discussion on the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget: Police, Fire, and First Responders Chief Matt Sporleder presented a summary of the budget and expected expenses for the Story City Police Department.  Chief Trent Whipple presented a summary of the budget and expected expenses for the Story City Fire Department. Chief Mike McGuigan presented a summary of the budget. Dave Kost presented a summary of expected expenses with regard to purchasing a new or refurbished ambulance for the Story City EMS. PERMITS A) Liquor: 1. Swanee’s Pub – 607 Pennsylvania Ave Motion by Phillips, seconded by Sporleder, to approve Liquor Permit for Swanee’s Pub—607 Pennsylvania Ave Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS A) Residential Tax Abatements: 1. Jerry & DeLayne Noble – 920 Henryson St. Motion by O’Connor, seconded by Solberg, to approve residential tax abatement for Jerry & DeLayne Noble Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. B) Reappoint Jeff Hink and Mike Retallick to the Planning & Zoning Commission Motion by Phillips, seconded by Ostrem to approve reappointing Jeff Hink and Mike Retallick to the Planning & Zoning Commission Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF BILLS AND CLAIMS Motion by Phillips, seconded by O’Connor, to approve payment of bills and claims. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. COMMENTS REGARDING NON-AGENDA ITEMS o CM Ostrem requested an update on the slope of the hill on 8th Street. Administrator Jackson reported that the city is working with the engineer and property owner on this.  There being no further business before council, the meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m. ATTEST: __________________________ _________________________ Heather Slifka, City Clerk Mike Jensen, Mayor