Parking discussed at Fayette council

 

Parking discussed at Fayette council

 

Janell Bradley
Contributing Writer

 

The Fayette City Council on Monday approved the first reading of an ordinance that would amend the city code to prohibit parking on the east side of a portion of Mechanic Street.

The area of Mechanic where parking will be limited is from Madison Street to Jay Street. Amendment of the ordinance is proposed as a result of complaints by neighbors across the street from condominium units along Mechanic Street.

To the condominium developer's inquiry asking if the a city prohibits parking on both sides of the street anywhere else in the city, council members admitted they do not know of any other areas where parking is prohibited on both sides.

Mayor Bill Dohrmann said city ordinance already prohibits parking of vehicles within 10 feet of a driveway, so amending the ordinance disallowing parking on the west side of Mechanic wouldn't be necessary.

City Administrator/Clerk Christie Dennis indicated that motorists park close to driveways and residences around the college during events. Both Dennis and Councilmember Doug McReynolds noted that occupants of the condos should have some parking available to them.

On the first reading of the motion to amend the proposed change from no parking on either side to stipulate no parking on the east side of the street, the vote was 4-1, with McReynolds voting no.

In her clerk's report, Dennis noted that Katelyn Rutledge of the Iowa Economic Development Authority was to visit Fayette Tuesday to view the façade projects and take photos of the work that's been done. Rachelle Howe of Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission was to be in attendance, and Roger Tegeler of Matt Construction planned to join the tour to view the buildings to answer Katelyn’s questions.

Regarding the City's intent to hire a new police chief, Dennis said the City has received two applications, one from Minnesota and one from Georgia. Applications are still being accepted until May 10.

The council agreed to offer travel reimbursement up to $200 per applicant for those chosen to actually interview with the Assessment Center Committee, which will include Jeff Cayler, Oelwein Police Chief Jeremy Logan, and one other team member.

The council also approved an agreement with Cayler to assist with the hiring of a new police chief. The City hopes to have a police chief hired to begin work by July 1. 

An ordinance had been proposed regarding changes in ambulance fees, but it was tabled by the council until the next meeting.

In approving the rec board minutes, the council learned that the rec board will supervise two ball teams this summer: a pitching machine team of grades K-2 coached by Alex Wahl and the league; and a team of 3rd to 5th graders coached by Mark Danker.

The council approved the first reading of an amendment to a city ordinance that would change the number of Board of Adjustment members required to vote on an issue from four of five, to three of five. The current Board of Adjustment members are Jeff Potratz, Louise Scott, Burton Odekirk, Steve Post and Rob Pennebaker.

McReynolds said a nonelected board shouldn't be able to overturn a council decision, which could become the case the way the ordinance had been phrased. 

The council approved the first reading, 4-1, with McReynolds voting no. City Attorney David Hanson said he would possibly revise the wording before the second reading of the ordnance at the next council meeting.

In other action, the council:

• Appointed Billy Pipp to the Fayette Recreation Board.  He fills the vacancy of Dusty Dunn. His term expires Nov. 1, 2014.

• Approved a liquor license for Aramark, doing business at Upper Iowa University.

• Renewed the beer permit for Triple J Mart.

• Renewed beer and native wine permits for Boarders Inn & Suites.

The next City Council meeting is Monday, May 6.

 

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