City Council

STORY CITY, IOWA October 16, 2023 Mayor Jensen called the council meeting to order on Monday October 16, 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 Wright, Story City Street Superintendent; Randy Martindale, Story City Water/Wastewater Superintendent; Chris Feil, Library Board President; Tara Turner, Bertha Bartlett Library Director; numerous members of the public; Dan and Michelle Goos Motion by Ostrem, seconded by Phillips, to approve the agenda. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. Motion by O’Connor, seconded by Sporleder, approve the October 2, 2023 regular meeting minutes. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. LEGAL ITEMS A) Resolution No. 23-68 – To Provide for a Notice of Hearing on Proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate of Cost for the Bertha Bartlett Public Library – Addition and Renovation Phase 2 Project Rebid, and the Taking of Bids Thereof Chris Feil presented a rendering of the current proposed project and explained the layout of the new design. Tara Turner, new library director was introduced. Motion by Sporleder, seconded by O’Connor, to approve Resolution No. 23-68 – To Provide for a Notice of Hearing on Proposed Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimate of Cost for the Bertha Bartlett Public Library – Addition and Renovation Phase 2 Project Rebid, and the Taking of Bids Thereof 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, Final Reading Motion by Sporleder, seconded by Ostrem, to approve Ordinance No. 341 – Amending the Code of Ordinances by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Fiscal Management, Final 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, Final Reading Motion by Phillips, seconded by O’Connor, to approve Ordinance No. 342 – Amending the Code of Ordinances by Amending Provisions Pertaining to Liquor Licenses and Cigarette and Tobacco Permits, Final Reading Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. D) 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. Tabled from October 2, 2023 Council Meeting Members of the public presented concerns about noise, parking, and the change to their neighborhood by bringing in an event venue. Chris McIlrath introduced Dan and Michelle Goos as the potential buyers of the property. Dan Goos answered questions about the plans to make the property handicap accessible and reported that he does not have a rendering of the plans as of this time. Motion by Ostrem, seconded by O’Connor, to approve 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. Tabled from October 2, 2023 Council Meeting Aye: Ostrem, Solberg, O’Connor Nay: Phillips, Sporleder Motion Carried ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS A) Preliminary Discussion on the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget: Water & Wastewater and Streets Randy Martindale, Water/Wastewater Superintendent, presented information to the council about the past year and the projected budget needs for the 24-25 fiscal year. Mike Wright, Street Superintendent, presented information to the council about the past year and the projected budget needs for the 24-25 fiscal year. B) Approve Construction Project Submittals: 1. Change Orders No 5 and 6 for the Railroad Crossing Improvements Project 2. Construction Pay Application No. 1 for the Carousel Ballfield Fencing Project Motion by Sporleder, seconded by O’Connor, to approve Change Orders No 5 and 6 for the Railroad Crossing Improvements for $3,601.62 and $3,001.35. and Project and Construction Pay Application No. 1 for the Carousel Ballfield Fencing Project for $70,769.30. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS A) Residential Tax Abatement: 1. Brian and De McNamara – 305 Sunrise Ave Motion to approve Residential Tax Abatement for Brian and De McNamara – 305 Sunrise Ave Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. B) Breanna and Thomas Miller, 223 Elm Ave – Request to Have Chickens Motion by O’Connor, seconded by Solberg, to approve request to retain current chicken population by Breanna and Thomas Miller, 223 Elm Ave with the provision that as natural attrition occurs, chicken population is reduced to 6 and is maintained at the total of 6, excluding “Peggy”. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. C) Discussion, with Option to Take Action, on 614 Broad Street Motion by Phillips, seconded by Ostrem, to approve matching funds of $5,000 for the Emergency Catalyst Grant at 614 Broad Street. Aye: Ostrem, Phillips, Solberg, O’Connor, Sporleder Nay: None Motion Carried. APPROVAL OF BILLS AND CLAIMS Motion by Ostrem, 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 • CM Solberg requested information on a fallen tree o Mayor Jensen will look into it • CM Ostrem inquired about Mediacom notifying property owners prior to digging in the right of way There being no further business before council, the meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m. ATTEST: __________________________ _________________________ Heather Slifka, City Clerk Mike Jensen, Mayor