PL PACKET 01172006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1� �'t-�L, Municipal Parking Lot - Alderman Keene reported on his conversation with Jeff Beverage. Mr. Beverage has agreed to assist in the costs for paving the parking lot across from his funeral home. For compensation, all he asks is that he be allowed to use the area for over-flow parking, when needed. Several items were noted--there would be no overnight parking allowed, parking would be on first-come first-served basis, the city would maintain the lot (landscaping, snow removing, etc.) and sidewalks are needed. Mayor Thomas requested Alderman Keene have an agreement drafted and initialed by Mr. Beverage and the city. Supt. Hake will take care of the demolition permit to remove the building on the lot. When questioned if the city should sell the lot to Mr. Beverage and put it back on the tax rolls, it was noted that an appraisal would have to be done. Secondly, it is believed the downtown area will grow towards the east and other businesses, such as the offices that will be going in to the new Primus Development, would be able to use the lot. Additional Police Officer Position - Alderman Robinson discussed the possibility of adding an additional police officer position, especially since the department is short two officers. He would like to see the council start the ordinance process to add one more police officer position. When questioned if the police department needs another sergeant, it was noted the Police Commission makes that determination; it is not up to the council. The Police Commission's job is to hire, fire and discipline. Several questions were posed to Chief Olson. After much discussion, it was decided to place this matter on the next agenda for voting. Dr. Robert Lerohl - Dr. Lehrohl stated he received a letter from the city about mowing the detention area by his dental office. He said he is trying to restore that area with prairie grass. He distributed information explaining the benefits of restoring natural grasses to each council member. He indicated three years ago he sent the city a letter of intent to use the area in and around the detention basin for prairie restoration, and received no negative response back. The past two years he has received complaints, and addressed those complaints by sending letters explaining the restoration project. This year, again, he has received a letter to mow. He indicated that although they do not mow, they spot weed the area. He asked council to examine the area and rather than mow it down, look at it as an asset and benefit. Alderman Knox said he took a walk through the area. Although he felt the detention pond was nicely done, there were large quantities of thistles in the back area past the birdhouse and outside the detention pond. The land designer, who was in the audience, responded the area in question containing the thistles is not part of the prairie restoration area. She indicated she would remove the thistles in that area immediately. Mr. Lerohl said he would like to restore the back area, which is floodplain. There have been sightings of endangered species, like the redheaded blackbird, in that area. Mr. Lerohl stated he has no problem in removing the thistles, but prefers not to mow down the investment he has made in the prairie grass. The city's ordinance states no weeds or grass taller than ten inches. Complaints have been received from neighbors and residents, especially residents who they themselves received a notice because their weeds/grass were over ten inches tall. Some complaints imply that favoritism is being showed towards Dr. Lerohl. Mayor Thomas pointed out that either everyone abides by the ordinance, or the city council has to change the ordinance. Council needs to decide if it is going to enforce the ordinance. If the ordinance does not have to be enforced for one person, then the police department