Residents speak out against proposed parking ordinance

Richard "Curly" Morris was sworn in as the new mayor of Alta during Monday's meeting of the city council. His first meeting on the job was a lengthy one.

Proposed changes to the 2008 city ordinance No. 1147 relating to the parking of special vehicles, including motor homes and recreational vehicles, on private or city right of way has brought a great deal of controversy among members of the community. Several people took the opportunity to speak out about the issue, given five minutes each.

It was proposed to issue fines for those going against the ordinance ($100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense and $750 for the third offense).

Those speaking out against the ordinance said the parking ban is a hardship on citizens with recreational vehicles, isn't a liability problem, alternate parking isn't available, and there is no need to regulate the citizenry in this way. After allowing all those present to speak, the council decided to to take the matter under advisement.

Ron Neulieb told the council that the boiler at the community building had stopped working and two of the rooftop units had froze up. Repairs have been made and the boiler is now working properly. Neulieb recommended that anti-freeze be put in the lines and an auto dialer be installed to notify the city in the event of another malfunction. Council members agreed to his recommendations.

County Sanitarian Kim Johnson was present at the meeting and reported that the County Comprehensive Plan has been completed. She distributed copies to the Council members and left a copy for each member of the Plan and Zoning Commission and asked that the document be proof read for errors or omissions. She said prior to adoption by the City Council, the Plan & Zoning Commission must approve the document after holding a public hearing. The Council is required to then hold a public hearing and approve the County Comprehensive Plan by resolution.

Engineer Neal Kuehl came before the board to discuss several issues. He presented a financial schedule with funding options for the new sewer plant.

Funding provided by the Iowa Finance Authority would be at 3.25% for 30 years and financing provided Rural Development would be at 2.375% for 40 years. Kuehl projected that over $800,000 would be saved by making use of RD funding. The council agreed to pursue funding from Rural Development. He added that plans and specs are about 85 percent complete and he anticipates that the new sewer plant could be completed by the fall of 2011.

The Council and Kuehl then discussed the probability of Lake Creek connecting to the sanitary sewer system of Alta. All piping and maintenance would be the responsibility of Lake Creek residents to the manhole at Lake and 14th. The inflow would be monitored at that location and a monthly bill for usage would be sent. Negotiations with the Lake Creek sewer district representatives will continue, with the City requesting a hook up fee and the normal sewer rent charge for rural service. Discussion will continue.

Kuehl then updated the Council on a telephone conferences held with the Environmental Protection Agency that involved city officials and Neil Cook of the DNR. A $11,375 penalty has been assessed by the EPA for violations occurring during heavy flows in '06, '07 and '08. Several conferences have been held and Kuehl said that he sees no way of having the penalty waived. He noted that it can be reduced by 10% for payment by Jan. 16. The council agreed to pay the penalty by the due date.

In other business the Council:

* heard from Code Enforcement Officer Mike Michehl who reported that he has sent out 35 snow removal notices. Throughout the month, he also completed four rental inspections. Two junk cars were also removed.

* heard from Street Superintendent Brad Pedersen who told the Council that he got quotes from several businesses for new grader tires and ordered a set from low bidder, Mickelson Tire, so as to be prepared for the next snow. Pedersen was complemented on the job his department has done moving snow.

* approved the legal services agreement with Dorsey and Whitney for financing of the sewer plant project. The agreement is for costs not to exceed $26,000 for services in obtaining construction financing for the project.

* approved a funding request from UDMO in the amount of $1,183.

Mayor Morris reported that the terms of Paul Grieme and Ron Neulieb on the Plan and Zoning Commission expired the first of the year. He reappointed them to five-year terms. Morris has resigned his seat on the P. & Z. in order to serve as Mayor. He appointed Greg Kueny to fill the unexpired term until 1/1/12.

A special meeting of the Council will be held Jan. 11. Wages and salaries of city employees will be set for the next fiscal year and budget work will continue.