City Council Regular Meeting Minutes

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on September 10, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Custer, Borland, Bowman, Vogel and Ramsey. Staff present was City Administrator, Allison Kitzman, City Clerk, Dawne Bowman and City Attorney, Andrew Zimmerman. Other visitors were Dennis and Gwen Elliott, Matt Hanson, Michelle Tullberg, Deputy Calfee, Shirley Brown and Colleen Larimer.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Ramsey, all ayes, motion carried.

Borland made a motion to approve 8/27/18 meeting minutes, seconded by Vogel, all ayes, motion carried. Custer made a motion to approve the payment of the bills, seconded by Vogel, all ayes, motion carried.

Custer made a motion to approve Special Events Permit for the Homecoming Parade, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

Bowman made a motion to approve Resolution 18-35 Street Finance Report, seconded by Borland, all ayes, motion carried.

Ramsey made a motion to approve Pay Request #2 to Pro-Line Buildings for the Neighborhood Center Building Addition in amount of $29,035.80, seconded by Borland, all ayes, motion carried.

Bowman made a motion to approve Pay Request #2 to Bluffs Paving for Walking Trail Project in amount of $107,004.70, seconded by Ramsey, all ayes, motion carried.

Custer made a motion to approve Pay Request #11 to C.L. Carroll for WWTP Project in amount of $262,200.00, seconded by Vogel, all ayes, motion carried.

Custer made a motion to approve CDBG Draw Request #12 in amount of $50,866.00, seconded by Borland, all ayes, motion carried.

Custer made a motion to approve SRF Draw Request #11 in amount of $227,461.46, seconded by Bowman, all ayes, motion carried.

Matt Hanson was present to discuss property taxes for Precious People. Hanson advised the council that a petition has been drawn up to forgive the property taxes in the amount of $33,000. Shirley Brown entered the meeting. It was noted that the County ultimately makes the decision on this; however, the City and the School both need to give their blessing. Brown explained that due to miscommunication on previous taxing, the tax exempt certificate did not get filed properly with the State of Iowa. Brown also mentioned that if the taxes were not forgiven, Precious People would close, as they do not have the funds. Vogel made a motion to support the County's decision regarding the taxes for Precious People, seconded by Bowman. Roll call votes-all ayes, motion carried.

At 5:45 PM a Public Hearing was held on Proposal from Zoning Board to amend City of Lenox Code of Ordinance 165.22 (8) Bed and Breakfast. There were no comments heard from the public and at 5:47 PM Borland made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Bowman, motion carried.

Kitzman discussed Ordinance 382 Amending Chapter 165 Zoning Regulations and explained the application procedure included in the amendment. Matt Hanson explained that passing this amendment would allow more lodging when people came to town. Dennis Elliott mentioned that he wants to give people a place to stay and would have a manager overseeing the property. Per the recommendation of the Zoning Board, Vogel made a motion to approve 1^st Reading of Ordinance 382 Amending Chapter 165 Zoning Regulations, seconded by Borland. Roll call votes-all ayes, motion carried.

Michelle Tullberg with Lenox Chamber of Commerce was present to discuss the current truck used for watering. The condition and function of the truck is deteriorating and it was decided by the City of Lenox last year to not continue putting money into the truck. Kitzman discussed that whatever is decided, it needs to be multi-functional, so the City can use it in other areas, rather than just watering. Tullberg mentioned that they will continue with this season, which gives everyone time to think about different options. The Council advised Tullberg that the diesel is available if needed.

City Attorney Zimmerman discussed zoning and annexation procedures.

Ramsey moved to adjourn the meeting, Vogel seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:25 P.M.