August 20, 2019 City Commission Meeting

Announcements

• The proposed backyard chicken ordinance will be brought before the Council for discussion at the 📅 September 3rd meeting.
• The Blue Zones Project is entering its third year, and its 25-member steering and leadership committee will be signing its blueprint this week.
• The Cops and Kids event is scheduled for this Saturday, starting at 1:00 PM, featuring cooling stations, misters, fans, and free water for kids.
• A new comprehensive plan for the city is expected to be adopted in 📅 September or October.

Public Comments

• Backyard Chicken Ordinance: Holly Gorton and Lindsay Goodson from the Pottawattamie County Food Policy Council presented details on a proposed backyard chicken ordinance. Key points included:
  • No roosters would be allowed.
  • A limit of six laying hens per residence.
  • A one-time $15 permit would be required, which expires if the resident moves.
  • Homeowners Associations (HOAs) or lease agreements would retain the ability to override the city ordinance.
  • The proposal has already passed the Planning Commission.
• Blue Zones Project: Lindsay Goodson also provided an update on the Blue Zones Project, thanking the Council for their continued support as the project progresses into its third year.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Consent Agenda: The Council approved the consent agenda, which included various routine administrative items, notably the installation of LED lighting at the Expo Center.
• Rezoning at 1610 Northland Elmwood Avenue (P11-19): The Council approved the rezoning of this property from A1 (Agricultural) to R1 (Single-Family Residential). This change was described as a housekeeping item to align the zoning with the property's existing single-family home use.
• Rezoning at 3914 North Kickapoo Avenue (P12-19): The Council approved the rezoning of this property from R1 (Single-Family Residential) to C3 (Highway Commercial District). This change is intended to facilitate the development of shopping strips, aligning with the city's comprehensive plan for optimal land use.
• Rezoning at 1601 North Kickapoo Avenue (P13-19): The Council approved the rezoning of this property from C1 (Neighborhood Commercial) to C3 (Highway Commercial District). This aims to broaden the range of permissible uses for the existing strip center, making it easier to lease vacant spaces.
• Rezoning at 39405 W MacArthur Street (P14-19 - Medical Marijuana Dispensary): This item was deferred by the Council to the 📅 October 2nd, 2019 meeting. The deferral was made to allow for the adoption of the city's new comprehensive plan, which is expected in September or October.

Financial Matters 💰

• Budget Amendments: The Council approved several budget amendments. These adjustments reflect changes since the beginning of the fiscal year, including:
  • Incorporating Walmart donations.
  • Acknowledging a donation received for the Senior Citizens Center flooring project.
  • Establishing a budget for the new Director of Tourism.
  • Funding for the LED lighting installation at the Expo Center, which will be covered by capital improvement sales tax, not tourism funds.
• Monthly Sales Tax Report: The report indicated that sales tax was slightly down by 0.12% from projected figures, while use tax saw a significant increase of 64%. Overall, the city's financial performance was reported as "doing okay." Future reports will include a new, more detailed budget breakdown.

Agenda Summary Table