Minutes-06/08/1983

The Tiffin City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, June 8, 1983 at the Tiffin Methodist Church. Mayor Potter called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present were Cox, Brown, Spivey, Rohret and Stevens. Also present were Mr. Pope, Ralph Stoffer, Dave and Cherri Kacena, Barbara Bechtoldt, Mary Hoefer, Mike Kammerer, Larry Beuter, Harley Stapes, Tom Hoyt, Jim Neuzil and Judy Aspelmeier. Mr Pope, a representative from Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company, gave some information to the council and distributed brochures on safety. He stated that predictions indicate that gas prices will be the same or below what they are now for next winter. Glenn Potter talked about the large price increase for electricity and the council instructed Attorney Hoefer to write a letter to Iowa Electric Light and Power Company. Motion Spivey second Stevens to approve agenda. Carried unanimously. Motion Stevens second Brown to approve minutes of special and regular meetings May 11, 1983. Carried unanimously. Kammerer reported that he had written a letter for the city to send to the U. of Iowa requesting the 100,000 gallon water tower and that the University responded that no one else was interested in the tower at this time. The University will ask approval from the Board of Regents to give the tower to Tiffin. Kammerer stated that the next steps will be to prepare contract documents, obtain DEQ approval, arrange financing and set the bid date. Construction could begin in late August or early September. Final review of plans will be made at the July meeting. Kammerer reported that FMHA money for loans is available with a 3/7 year payback. Bechtoldt reported that part of the new jobs bill will loan money to cities who have a specific need and can pay back the money on a short term. However, since Johnson County does not have high unemployment, Tiffin may not qualify for this loan. The loan is without interest. Potter reported that the school board is willing to work with the city to sell land for the tower if it is needed. Clerk will send legal description of water tower site to Kammerer. Council consensus to authorize Kammerer to proceed with preparation of contracts, DEQ approval, financing and bidding for 100,000 gallon water tower from the University of Iowa. Dave Kacena presented plans for garage at 200 Marengo Road. He plans to remove two older structures and replace them with a 24' by 28' foot garage. Plans show 20' side yard and 10' back yard. Since this back yard measurement is less than the 25' required in Ordinance No. 1979-83, Kacena will ask the Board of Adjustment for a variance. The animal control contract with Sam Stewart expired and Stewart reported that he was not interested in renewing the contract at this time. Cox reported that he had talked with a dog owner who had been asked by Stewart to keep his dog from barking or to dispose of the animal because complaints had been received from neighbors. Spivey reported that the neighbors who complained about the barking had brought a petition to the council about this problem before the city had an animal control officer, so the city could not do anything about it, and more complaints had been received since that time.