January 8, 2020 at 5:00 PM - Council Meeting Agenda

Discussion:  Mayor Eaton opened the Public Hearing for the rezoning of City owned real estate at 5:31 P.M.  Eaton stated that the notice that was advertised to rezone the property from Light Industrial to C-3 General Commercial but that the  Planning Commission had recommended that the council rezone the property from Light Industiral to R-2 Residential.  The following people spoke in favor of rezoning the property: Bill Heimann spoke on behalf of ESU #1, Hannah Borg spoke, Matt Farup , Terry Baker, Brady Weaver, Megan Weaver, Mike Moody, and Mike Salmon.  The following spoke in a neutral position to the rezoning:  Dennis Zvacek.  Nobody spoke against the rezone.

The below letter from De Lone Wilson was read aloud in favor of rezoning the property. 

We have the opportunity and privilege to serve a number of rural communities in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.  There are many benefits to serving rural communities along with a number of challenges.  One of those challenges is in many rural communities is a lack of affordable quality housing.  If given the opportunity we prefer to promote from within our own company.  In most cases that requires that a new managerial candidate to relocate in order to take the next step in their career.  On more than one occasion,  new managerial candidates have been forced to turn down opportunities simply because they could not find adequate housing in the community they sought to relocate.

As we evaluate opportunities to expand our business the availability of quality affordable housing is one of the criteria we look at when deciding to expand to a new town or make additional investments in the towns we already serve.

Thank you,

De Lone Wilson
President
Cubby’s Inc.
402-453-2468 Ext 230

 

Discussion:  Mayor Eaton opened the Public Hearing for Class I Liquor License application at 6:11 P.M.

Discussion:  Mayor Eaton then conducted the first reading of Ordinance #1-2020.

Discussion:  Mayor Eaton then addressed the public regarding the proposed Football and Track Facility Project.  He said that while the council is not opposed to helping with the project and had identified it as one of their priorities to do so, the City budget constraints would likely limit participation for the current fiscal year .  Megan Weaver then addressed the council stating the Letter of Intent is due to the State on January 15, 2020 and that the full application is due on February 15, 2020. 
The council discussed the project extensively with members of the school board, administration, and community.

Discussion:  Mayor Eaton then appointed Beth Boeckenhauer to the Library Board, Barb Farup and Matt Farup to the Depot Committee, Mike Mogus, Jon Pretzer, Adam Ulrich to the City Safety Committee, Scott Hansen, Gary Hansen, Adam Goos, and Nancy Schulz to the ADA Compliance Committee, Brian Helzer, Jan McQuistan and Alice Johnson to the Tree Board, Ross Hansen, Mke Clay, and Jill Lemkuhl to the Park Board.  Eaton then appointed Olsson as City Engineer, Jim Litchfield as Street Superintendent,  Leland Miner as City Attorney, Ross Hansen as Municipal Physician, Dixon County Sheriff as Law Enforcement,  Adam Ulrich as Fire Chief, and Jim Litchfield as Public Works Director.

Discussion:  Val Bard then addressed the council on behalf of the Civic Center board, briefly discussing the board's interest in hiring a manager, and requested that the Council consider approval of hiring a manager in the future.

Discussion:  Mayor Eaton then conducted the second reading of Ordinance 9-2019.

Discussion:  The council then set the date for the 2020 Council retreat for January 19, 2020 at 1:30 P.M. at the Civic Center.

Discussion:  Nuisance properties, dog at large