By Erin M. Gentz
Index Interim Editor
West Liberty mayor Mark Smith said he’s hopeful for the future of the 28E agreement between the city and the rural fire district but reiterated that he believes this should be a two-step process.
At the Aug. 20 meeting, council member Tim Parizek said he had heard from members of the public with “high concern” regarding the agreement, and said he was aware the mayor had put out a press release, which appeared in last week’s West Liberty Index and is on the city’s website. “I didn’t know if there’s anything else we can tell the citizens that we’re working on or anything to that effect,” he asked the mayor.
“I want the 28E agreement to go in place,” said Smith. “I feel very strongly because of the work that needs to be done to implement that it should be a two-step process. I’ve said that, and will continue to say that, and hope that we can resolve this.”
Economic development grant
Speaking on behalf of property owner Jose Gonzales, WeLead director Ken Brooks presented an economic development grant request for $16,639.50 for capital improvements to the property located at 125 E. Third St., including a total roof replacement.
The building currently houses Rosie’s Paradise Massage and Jose Salgado Insurance, and the Shang Hai Chinese restaurant also used to occupy space there. Gonzales wrote in his request that a barbershop is now interested in taking up occupancy.
Brooks said that in order to keep the businesses and the apartments on the second story operational, the roof will need to be redone, and the grant request was for half the cost of the replacement.
The council approved the request 4-0. Mayor pro tem Cara McFerren was absent and watched the meeting via Zoom.
Parizek asked if there was anything else the city could do to protect the historic building, noting that it used to house an Oddfellows Lodge.
“That’s a good question,” said city manager Lee Geertz. “It is part of the historic district that’s recognized. I did have a conversation, and I believe Ken did as well, we’ve talked to Mr. Gonzales and explained that there’s an opportunity there through historic tax credits for restoration on the outside. I know most of the internal stuff has been renovated and changed.”
Council member Joshua Shiltz asked about a report that a gun shop was interested in renting space at the building. Geertz and police chief Joshua Houser said that there would be steps a potential gun shop would have to take before opening in town, including having the ATF go onsite and review the business.
St. Joseph’s festival
The city council approved a request for street closure and event assistance made by Father Guillermo Trevino for the St. Joseph’s Parish Festival, which will be held from 1:30-6 p.m. on Sept. 1.
Trevino requested the closure of East Third Street, between North Calhoun and North Spencer streets, from noon – 6:30 p.m. to allow for set up and take down of the festival as well.
Public hearings
The council held public hearings on three proposed ordinances, including changes to the garbage rates. No public comment was received on any of the ordinances.
Regarding a proposed ordinance on “weeds and noxious growth,” city clerk Shari Hoffert said this would also change the maximum height of lawns to be uniform with surrounding communities, as well as educate or fine citizens who are blowing grass and cuttings into the street, which is a hazard.
As to an ordinance on prohibition of open dumping, Hoffert said the city did not currently have such an ordinance. The city hoped, by putting one in place, to reduce the amount of illegal dumping, or unauthorized depositing of trash in Dumpsters.
Governing rules approved
As part of the strategic planning process, the council approved a policy stating governing rules of procedure, business and professional conduct.
“If you choose to approve this tonight, you have more than halfway met the goals that were provided in our strategic planning,” said Geertz. “At the next council meeting, I’ll provide you with an update, so we can see more of what we’ve accomplished from the strategic plan and what we still have outstanding. But I would just like to say, good work on this.”
Hoffert said the council will still have to set an ordinance establishing the council meeting time at 6:30 p.m., so that if the meeting time is changed by a future council, it can be done by resolution.
Mayor Smith praised McFerren for the work she did in preparing the document.
“She did tremendous work on pulling this together and working diligently to get us to the point where we are with this.”
Police officer Saleh returns from Wilton
Jessica Saleh returned to the West Liberty Police Department as a full-time officer at a salary of $31 per hour. “She came back from Wilton,” explained Chief Houser.
Craig Ford was also hired as a part-time officer at $27.50 per hour.
Bills
The council approved Vendor Claims List No. 1 in the amount of $447,232.05, Vendor Claims List No. 2 in the amount of $564, and the Library Prepaid Claims List in the amount of $9,121.
The council also approved a $44,878.18 payment to D.C. Taylor Company for a final payment on the powerhouse re-roofing project.
“To be straight with you, I thought D.C. Taylor did a very good job of making sure everything was taken care of there,” said city engineer Leo Foley. “There were some bumps along the road, like with a lot of contractors, but I think, in general, when things didn’t go wright, they got their top people in there and they took care of the business. So, I think I was pleased with them, overall.”