Minutes-03/08/1978

CITY FORUM A group of 14 townspeople attended and voiced their concern over the problem of dogs running loose, spilling garbage and knocking small children down. Some suggestions were made to Council: To hire a person to catch and hold the dogs until owners pick them up. To levy a heavy fine on owners who allow dogs to run unattended. Barb Murray, Johnson County Regional Planning Commission advised that this is the #1 problem for cities and towns in the entire state. Strict regulations for the protection of animals may put people in legal jeopardy for mishandling dogs. Council advised the citizens that the question about the legality of storing machinery out of the McGrabb building had been answered by the City Attorney. He advised that the City does not have the power to enforce removal of these items. Council issued a building permit and the building permit has been complied with. Tom Morgan will investigate a complaint about the traffic problems at Main & Railroad St. and install a stop sign if necessary to control the problems. The Clerk-Treas. will call Louis Veparil between 12 noon and 12:30 P.M. March 9th to advise him of Council's decision on his request for a remodeling and building permit for a laundromat, teen center and grocery store on Narrego Rd. in the former Conrad building. Barb Murray reported that the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation material had been sent to Atty. Slack. She also reported to Council on information concerning community development grants now available to small communities if they qualify. These grants are for projects directly involving health and welfare of the citizens and to encourage employment in the community. The item will be researched by Sheridan and put on the April agenda for further discussion. Morgan reports that preliminary on-site appraisal will result in considerable need for street repairs this year due to damaging winter weather conditions. Atty. Slack's report given by Mayor Hennault: Fees for his services for re-codification will be submitted in the FY-78-79. A letter has been sent to Mark Volzberg requesting that he abate the nuisance of an open ditch on his Summerville St. property. Bill Cooke advised that his firm could charge $26.50 per hr. for services or submit a proposal for estimate or a definite per contract for engineering services. Judge and Morgan will compile an estimate on costs for repairs needed to repair the standing water permanently from the railroad property near Railroad St. (Discussion of engineering contract will be put on the next agenda.) Sheridan presented slides on fluoridation explaining the benefits in statistical terms, not only to children, but adults as well. Council approved the drawing of an ordinance for adding a fluoridation system to the City water system. Tentative costs for installation are $2500.00 with one-half to be paid by the State of Iowa. Approximately one day