Not in the archive: no council meetings for 1991–1995. Nothing on this page is inferred across those years.
Thin years (fewer than eight council meetings in the archive): 1996 (2), 1997 (5).
The archive holds 66 council meetings for the 1990s: 15 in 1990, 2 in 1996, 5 in 1997, 22 in 1998 and 22 in 1999.[1] It holds no council meeting and no council minutes for 1991 through 1995, and the last council minutes of 1990 are those of September 12.[1] For the missing years the town's acts survive as printed ordinances and resolutions, and this chapter tells those years from them.[1] The 1998 and 1999 minutes were read by keyword and by targeted pages, not every page, so an item nobody searched for may be missing here.[1]
Counted from the archive's meetings and documents (about coverage).
1990: the flood
By late June 1990 Tiffin had flood victims and flood damage.[1][2] On June 22 the council voted unanimously to begin an application to FEMA for the federal flood insurance program.[3] Five days later the city attorney warned the council that without a flood plain ordinance "there will not be any federal relief available to the flood victims, either grants or loans."[1] At the same meeting the clerk reported that she knew of eighteen damaged homes, plus the substation and crops.[2] The council then adopted Ordinance No. 1990-167, a flood plain management ordinance, and Resolution No. 1990-5 enacting flood plain management and control measures, both by unanimous roll call, with Mayor Glenn R. Potter declaring them adopted.[4][5]
In July the mayor reported the shares of the disaster costs: FEMA would pay 75 percent, the State of Iowa 10 percent and the city 15 percent.[6] The council passed a flood plain development ordinance, No. 1990-168, on July 11.[7] Two days later it named an authorized representative for the application for federal disaster assistance (Resolution No. 1990-6).[8] In August it authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with ECICOG to write a block grant (CDBG) application for flood control, at a cost of at least $300.[9] By September the city had applied for a public assistance grant to recover part of the damage to city facilities.[10] The city engineer, Mike Hart, explained to the council that the flood had exceeded the 100-year flood.[11]
The flood rules stayed: in May 1994 the council adopted an amended flood plain management ordinance, No. 1994-185.[12]
Sources
June 27, 1990: The city attorney told the council that without a flood plain ordinance no federal grants or loans would be available to flood victims. · document 4303, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“if the council is not sure they want to pass the ordinance, there will not be any federal relief available to the flood victims, either grants or loans.” (document 4303, p. 2)
June 27, 1990: The clerk stated she knew of eighteen homes plus the sub station and crop damages from the flood. · document 4303, p. 5 · meetingThe page's words
“I know of eighteen (18) homms plus the sub station and crop damages.” (document 4303, p. 5)
Transcription: page reads "homms" for homes
June 22, 1990: The council voted to begin the application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the federal flood insurance program. · document 4304, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“Motion Brown second Morgan to begin application process to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the federal flood insurance program. Roll call vote: Brown, aye; Bartels, aye; Stoner, aye; Slaymaker, aye; Morgan, aye. Carried unanimously.” (document 4304, p. 2)
June 27, 1990: The council adopted Ordinance No. 1990-167, a flood plain management ordinance, by unanimous roll call. · document 4303, p. 8 · meeting · Ord. 1990-167The page's words
“Stoner moved and Slaymeer seconded for final adoption of Ordinance No. 1990-167. Roll call vote: Stoner, aye; Morgan, aye; Slaymaker, aye; Brown, aye; Bartels, aye. Carried unanimously. Mayor Potter declared A FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE duly passed and adopted.” (document 4303, p. 8)
Transcription: page reads "Slaymeer" for Slaymaker
June 27, 1990: The council passed Resolution No. 1990-5 enacting flood plain management and control measures, by unanimous roll call. · document 4303, p. 8 · meeting · Res. 1990-5The page's words
“A RESOLUTION ENACTING ADOPTED FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL MEASURES was introduced by Brown and seconded by Slaymaker. Roll call vote: Stoner, aye; Morgan, aye; Slaymaker, aye; Brown, aye; Bartels, aye. Carried unanimously. Mayor Potter declared Resolution No. 1990-5 duly passed and adopted.” (document 4303, p. 8)
July 11, 1990: The mayor reported that FEMA would provide 75 percent funding, the State of Iowa 10 percent and the city 15 percent of disaster costs. As printed · document 4306, p. 4 · meetingThe page's words
“FEMA will provide 75% funding. State of Iowa will provide 10% funding and city will provide 15% funding.” (document 4306, p. 4)
July 11, 1990: The council passed Ordinance No. 1990-168, a flood plain development ordinance supplementing an ordinance. · document 4808, p. 1 · Ord. 1990-168The page's words
“Ordinance No. 1990-168 FLOOD PLAIN DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE” (document 4808, p. 1)
July 13, 1990: The council passed Resolution No. 1990-6 designating an authorized representative for the application for federal disaster assistance. · document 4305, p. 2 · meeting · Res. 1990-6The page's words
“A RESOLUTION FOR DESIGNATION OF APPLICANT'S AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FOR APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE was introduced by Brown and seconded by Slaymaker. Clerk read resolution. Roll call vote: Morgan, aye; Bartels, aye; Slaymaker, aye; Brown, aye. Stoner, absent. Mayor Pro-tem Morgan declared Resolution No. 1990-6 duly passed and adopted.” (document 4305, p. 2)
August 8, 1990: The council authorized the mayor to sign a service agreement with ECICOG to write a CDBG application for flood control at a cost of $300.00 to $450.00. As printed · document 4302, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“Motion Brown second Morgan to authorize Mayor Potter to sign service agreement with ECICOG to write CDBG application for flood control at a cost of $300.00 - $450.00. Carried unanimously.” (document 4302, p. 2)
September 12, 1990: The city applied for a public assistance grant to recover a portion of damages to city facilities. · document 4300, p. 10 · meetingThe page's words
“City applied for public assistance grant to recover portion of damages to city facilities.” (document 4300, p. 10)
Transcription: document 4300 is filed under the 1990-08-08 meeting; its agenda (page 1) is headed Wednesday, September 12, 1990
September 12, 1990: The city engineer explained that the flood exceeded the 100 year flood. · document 4300, p. 10 · meetingThe page's words
“Engineer Hart explained that the flood exceeded the 100 year flood.” (document 4300, p. 10)
Transcription: document 4300 is filed under the 1990-08-08 meeting; its agenda (page 1) is headed Wednesday, September 12, 1990
May 11, 1994: The council passed Ordinance No. 1994-185, an amended flood plain management ordinance. · document 4826, p. 21 · Ord. 1994-185The page's words
“Whereupon the Mayor declared that Ordinance No. 1994-185 be adopted and signified his approval of the same by fixing his signature thereto. Passed by the Council on the 11th day of May, 1994” (document 4826, p. 21)
A small town's business
The 1990 minutes record the council's ordinary business.[1][2] In January it passed an ordinance letting the mayor and clerk agree to supply water to the Interstate 80 rest areas for "one dollar and other valuable consideration".[3] In February the clerk handed out Census materials and the mayor was to assign each council member a precinct to canvass in early March.[4] In April the council agreed to order four permanent school crossing signs for Third and Grant Streets.[1] It also told the city attorney to write to Vantage Cable Company about a junction box in a ditch and the cable system's maps, warning that the city might end the franchise.[5]
In June the council passed an ordinance on the collection and disposal of yard waste, with penalties for violations.[6] The council told the engineer to seek a grant with Johnson County for filling abandoned wells in town, and in July agreed to go ahead with the abandoned well project.[7][8] In August a council member reported that the county-wide E911 question would be on the November ballot.[9]
Two businesses on the main road appear that year: the council approved a drive-through for the Ice Cream Store at 231 Marengo Road in August, and a one-year beer garden permit for Slim's Saloon in September.[10][2] A 1996 welcome brochure still listed both, with the Tiffin Post Office and Tiffin-Solon State Bank, among the town's businesses.[11]
In 1990 council members were paid $20 for each regular meeting they attended.[12] The mayor received $500 a year: $500 as printed (1990) · about $1,300 in 2026 dollars (Derived).[13]Derived In October 1999 an ordinance raised the mayor's pay to $2,600 a year: $2,600 as printed (1999) · about $5,300 in 2026 dollars (Derived).[14]Derived
Sources
April 11, 1990: The council reached consensus to order four permanent school crossing signs for the intersection of Third and Grant Streets. · document 4311, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“Council consensus to order four permanent "school crossing" signs and post at each corner” (document 4311, p. 2)
September 12, 1990: The council unanimously approved a one-year beer garden permit for Slim's Saloon. · document 4300, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“of Slim's Saloon for a beer garden permit for a period of one-year. Roll call vote: Stoner, aye; Slaymaker, aye; Morgan, aye; Brown, aye; Bartels, aye. Carried unanimously.” (document 4300, p. 3)
Transcription: document 4300 is filed under the 1990-08-08 meeting; its agenda is headed September 12, 1990
January 10, 1990: The council passed an ordinance allowing the mayor and clerk to agree to provide water service to the Iowa Department of Transportation rest areas on Interstate 80 for one dollar and other valuable consideration. · document 4803, p. 1 · Ord. 1990-162The page's words
“to allow the Mayor and Clerk to enter into an agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation, wherein in consideration of one dollar and other valuable consideration, the City of Tiffin would provide water service to the north and south rest areas on Interstate 80” (document 4803, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 10th day of January, 1990” (document 4803, p. 2)
February 14, 1990: The clerk distributed Census materials and the mayor was to assign precincts for each council member to canvass during the first two weeks in March. · document 4313, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“Clerk distributed Census materials and Mayor will assign precincts for each council member to canvas during the first two weeks in March.” (document 4313, p. 3)
April 11, 1990: The council directed the city attorney to write to Vantage Cable Company, which the city might terminate the franchise of if problems were not remedied. · document 4311, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“to direct city attorney to write to Vantage Cable Company and reiterate item numbers 1 and 3 in the original letter of March 23, 1990 which are to move the junction box which is in the ditch near 110 Main Street and to provide "as built" maps of the cable system or city may elect to remedy problems and charge cost to Vantage Cable or city may elect to terminate franchise. Carried unanimously.” (document 4311, p. 2)
June 13, 1990: The council passed an ordinance governing the collection and disposal of yard wastes and providing penalties for violations. · document 4807, p. 1 · Ord. 1990-166The page's words
“AN ORDINANCE GOVERNING THE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF YARD WASTES; TO DEFINE CERTAIN WASTE NOT SUBJECT TO COLLECTION; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR WASTE COLLECTION ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS IN THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 4807, p. 1)
June 13, 1990: The council instructed the city engineer to pursue a grant with Johnson County for filling abandoned wells in Tiffin. · document 4308, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“to instruct Engineer Hart to pursue grant with Johnson County for filling abandoned wells in Tiffin.” (document 4308, p. 3)
July 11, 1990: The council reached consensus to proceed with the abandoned well project. · document 4306, p. 4 · meetingThe page's words
“Council consensus to proceed with abandoned well project.” (document 4306, p. 4)
August 8, 1990: A council member reported that the county-wide E911 vote would be on the November ballot. · document 4302, p. 6 · meetingThe page's words
“Stoner reported that the county-wide E911 vote will be on the November ballot.” (document 4302, p. 6)
August 8, 1990: The council unanimously approved a building permit request to alter the Ice Cream Store at 231 Marengo Road to install a drive-through area. · document 4302, p. 4 · meetingThe page's words
“to approve request for building permit from John Schneider to alter Ice Cream Store at 231 Marneog Road to install a drive trough area. Roll call vote: Slaymaker, aye; Stoner, aye; Morgan, aye; Brown, aye; Bartels, aye. Carried unanimously.” (document 4302, p. 4)
Transcription: page reads "Marneog" for Marengo and "trough" for through. The applicant is named on the page as a building-permit applicant (official capacity: permit); the claim does not name him.
December 3, 1996: A welcome brochure filed with Planning and Zoning minutes gave the population as 464 with estimates now ranging over 600 people, and listed local businesses including the Ice Cream Store & Restaurant, the Tiffin Post Office, Slim's Saloon and Tiffin-Solon State Bank. · document 4293, p. 4 · meetingThe page's words
“Population 464 and estimates now range over 600 people.” (document 4293, p. 4)
“Tiffin General Store Tiffin Laundramat Morgan’s Auto Repair Ice Cream Store & Restaurant Tiffin Post Office Lark Supper Club Grub Steak Ralph Brown Barber Slim’s Saloon” (document 4293, p. 4)
Transcription: the brochure is headed "City Officials - 1997"; business names as printed; the claim cites the business list through the also quote
February 14, 1990: an ordinance set council member pay at $20.00 for each regular meeting attended. As printed · document 4806, p. 1 · Ord. 1990-165The page's words
“$20.00 for each regular meeting attended by the council member.” (document 4806, p. 1)
February 14, 1990: Derived: the printed mayor annual compensation of 500.00 dollars in 1990 is about 1,288.98 dollars in September 2026 dollars. · document 4806, p. 1 DerivedCPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1990 annual average 130.7 -> 2026-09 336.94; amount x 336.94/130.7; from document 4806, p. 1The page's words
“The Tiffin Mayor shall receive $500.00 annually as compensation.” (document 4806, p. 1)
October 13, 1999: Derived: the printed mayor annual compensation of 2,600.00 dollars in 1999 is about 5,258.37 dollars in September 2026 dollars. · document 4876, p. 1 DerivedCPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1999 annual average 166.6 -> 2026-09 336.94; amount x 336.94/166.6; from document 4876, p. 1The page's words
“The Tiffin Mayor shall be paid $2,600 annually as compensation.” (document 4876, p. 1)
Five years told by ordinances, 1991–1995
With no minutes for 1991 through 1995, the town's decisions in those years are known from the ordinances and resolutions it printed.[1][2] In January 1991 an ordinance repeated the mayor's pay of $500 a year: $500 as printed (1991) · about $1,200 in 2026 dollars (Derived).[3]Derived In 1991 the council rezoned a property from single-family to commercial and amended the 1979 subdivision regulations.[4][5] In 1992 it added a penalty to the peddlers ordinance and opened the public parks from 7 A.M. to 10 P.M., making use outside those hours unlawful.[6][7]
An ordinance of January 1993 set the standard R-1 lot at 90 by 140 feet, or 12,600 square feet.[8] The records disagree on its year: it is numbered 1993-176 and falls in the 1993 sequence, but its pass line reads January 13, 1992.[8]
On March 10, 1993 the council adopted a twenty-five-year gas franchise for Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company and put it to the voters.[9][10] A special election was held on May 18, 1993, from noon until 8 in the evening.[10] The company's acceptance records that a majority of the electors voting approved it.[9]
Cable television was still a franchise matter.[11] The archive holds an ordinance for granting cable franchises, No. 1994-191, with no adoption date, and a resolution approving a nonexclusive franchise with Galaxy Telecom, Inc.[11][12] The records disagree on that resolution's date: its motion is dated March 8, 1995, but it recites a cable ordinance adopted April 12, 1995, numbered 1995-41, a number not in the ordinance sequence.[12]
Sources
January 9, 1991: an ordinance repeated the mayor's compensation of $500.00 annually. As printed · document 4811, p. 1 · Ord. 1991-171The page's words
“The Tiffin Mayor shall receive $500.00 annually as compensation.” (document 4811, p. 1)
Transcription: the page has no "Passed by" line; the date is the document date 1991-01-09
December 13, 1995: The council passed an ordinance prohibiting privately owned wells inside the city where a city water main abuts the property line. · document 4845, p. 1 · Ord. 1995-202The page's words
“Privately owned and maintained wells inside the City are prohibited if a City water main abuts the property line by either right of way or easement.” (document 4845, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 13th day of December, 1995, and approved by the Mayor on the 13th day of December 1995” (document 4845, p. 3)
January 9, 1991: Derived: the printed mayor annual compensation of 500.00 dollars in 1991 is about 1,236.93 dollars in September 2026 dollars. · document 4811, p. 1 DerivedCPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1991 annual average 136.2 -> 2026-09 336.94; amount x 336.94/136.2; from document 4811, p. 1The page's words
“The Tiffin Mayor shall receive $500.00 annually as compensation.” (document 4811, p. 1)
May 8, 1991: The council passed Ordinance No. 1991-172 changing certain property from R-1 (single-family residential) to C-1 (commercial). · document 4812, p. 1 · Ord. 1991-172The page's words
“ORDINANCE NO. 1991-172 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1979-81 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF TIFFIN, IOWA BY CHANGING THE USE REGULATIONS OF CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM R-1 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO C-1 (COMMERCIAL)” (document 4812, p. 1)
“at a regular meeting held on the 8th day of May, 1991” (document 4812, p. 2)
October 23, 1991: The council passed Ordinance No. 1991-173 amending the subdivision regulations of Ordinance No. 1979-81. · document 4813, p. 1 · Ord. 1991-173The page's words
“ORDINANCE NO. 1991-173 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1979-81, SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS FOR THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 4813, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 23rd day of October, 1991” (document 4813, p. 8)
Transcription: document date is 1991-11-30; the pass line on page 8 says October 23, 1991
February 12, 1992: The council passed Ordinance No. 1992-174 adding a penalty section to the peddlers licensing ordinance. · document 4814, p. 1 · Ord. 1992-174The page's words
“ORDINANCE NO. 1992-174 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1979-85, OF THE TIFFIN MUNICIPAL CODE, AN ORDINANCE FOR LICENSING AND REGULATING PEDDLERS IN THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA, BY ADDING SECTION XIV.” (document 4814, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 12th day of February, 1992” (document 4814, p. 2)
September 9, 1992: an ordinance made public parks and playgrounds available between 7 A.M. and 10 P.M. daily and made use between 10 P.M. and 7 A.M. unlawful. · document 4815, p. 1 · Ord. 1992-175The page's words
“All public parks and playgrounds operated by the City of Tiffin shall be available for public use between the hours of 7 A.M. and 10 P.M. daily. It shall be unlawful to use the parks between the hours of 10 P.M. and 7 A.M.” (document 4815, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 9th day of September, 1992, and approved by the Mayor on the 9th day of September, 1992” (document 4815, p. 3)
January 13, 1993: an ordinance amended the R-1 lot size requirement; the standard lot minimum was 90 ft x 140 ft = 12,600 sq. ft. · document 4816, p. 1 · Ord. 1993-176The page's words
“Standard lot size minimum: 90 ft x 140 ft = 12,600 sq. ft.” (document 4816, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 13th day of January, 1992” (document 4816, p. 4)
Transcription: CONTRADICTION: the ordinance is numbered 1993-176 but the pass line on page 4 reads January 13, 1992; the first reading line on page 3 and the sequence of numbers place it in 1993. Date taken as 1993-01-13 (month and day as printed).
March 10, 1993: an ordinance, granting Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company a twenty-five year gas franchise, was adopted by the council on March 10, 1993. · document 4817, p. 5 · Ord. 1993-177 · Res. 1993-8The page's words
“ordinance was adopted and approved by the City Council of Tiffin, Iowa on March 10, 1993, was approved by a majority of the electors of the City of Tiffin, Iowa voting at a special election called for that purpose and held in the City of Tiffin, Iowa on May 18, 1993” (document 4817, p. 5)
“known as Ordinance No. 1993-177 of the City of Tiffin, Iowa was duly passed by the City Council of the City of Tiffin, Iowa at the March 10, 1993 regular meeting” (document 5160, p. 1)
Transcription: document 4817 is dated 1993-05-18 (election day); the council act it records is March 10, 1993. Related existing note: gas-franchise-1968 and gas-service-1970 (earlier franchise history).
May 18, 1993: A special city election on the gas franchise to Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company was ordered for May 18, 1993, from noon until 8:00 o'clock in the evening. · document 5160, p. 4 · Res. 1993-8The page's words
“That a special election is hereby called and ordered to be held in the City of Tiffin, Iowa on the 18th day of May, 1993, from 12:00 o'clock Noon until 8:00 o'clock in the evening” (document 5160, p. 4)
Transcription: the vote count is not on the pages read; the company's acceptance (doc 4817 p5) says a majority of electors approved
1994: The archive holds Ordinance #1994-191, an ordinance to establish provisions to grant franchises for community antenna television systems; the copy prints no adoption date. · document 4832, p. 1 · Ord. 1994-191The page's words
“ORDINANCE #1994-191 AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH PROVISIONS TO GRANT FRANCHISES FOR COMMUNITY ANTENNA TELEVISION SYSTEMS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF SUCH SYSTEMS IN THE CITY OF TIFFIN, JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA” (document 4832, p. 1)
Transcription: no pass line on the one page held; Resolution 1995-7 (doc 5166) cites the cable franchise ordinance as Ordinance No. 1995-41 adopted April 12, 1995: see questions
March 8, 1995: The council approved a nonexclusive cable television franchise agreement with Galaxy Telecom, Inc. · document 5166, p. 1 · Res. 1995-7The page's words
“A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ATTACHED CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH GALAXY TELECOM, INC., WHICH GRANTS A NONEXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, ERECT, OPERATE, AND MAINTAIN A CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 5166, p. 1)
“ON THE 8th day of March, 1995, at a regular meeting of the Tiffin City Council, Tiffin, Iowa, Councilperson Brown introduced A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ATTACHED CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT” (document 5166, p. 1)
Transcription: CONTRADICTION: the resolution recites "Ordinance No. 1995-41, on April 12, 1995" while the motion is dated March 8, 1995; the document date is 1995-04-12; the ordinance register has no 1995-41 (the archive numbers run 1995-192 onward in 1995)
The town starts to grow east
Subdivisions and annexations appear in the ordinances and resolutions of 1993.[1][2] In September 1993 the council approved the preliminary and final plat of Tiffin East Subdivision.[1] In October it asked the Iowa Department of Transportation to seek annexation of the part of Highway 6 inside the city, because the city had annexed lands on the east side along the highway.[2] In June 1994 the mayor and clerk were authorized to sign the subdivider's agreement for re-platting part of Tiffin East, and in July 1995 Lots 1 through 30 were zoned.[3][4] Zoning ordinances followed for the Johnston-Potterfield Subdivision in 1994 and for Gracehill Estates and Lots 1 through 99 of Songbird Estates in 1995.[5][6][7]
On August 9, 1995 the council passed, and the mayor approved, a resolution annexing territory east of the city to I-380 on the application of its owners.[8][9] That year the council also claimed review of subdivision plats within two miles of the city under Iowa Code Section 354.9.[10]
The council approved the urban renewal plan for the Tiffin urban renewal area by resolution on October 13, 1993, and a division-of-taxes ordinance followed.[11] It is the earliest tax-increment area in the archive's register.[11][12] In November 1995 the Planning and Zoning Commission heard that the plan was being amended to add five years to its length, and in December the council passed the ordinance for the 1995 addition to the area.[13][14]
Sources
September 8, 1993: The council approved the preliminary and final plat of Tiffin East Subdivision, on application of its owner and subdivider. · document 5164, p. 1 · Res. 1993-17The page's words
“A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT FOR TIFFIN EAST SUBDIVISION, TIFFIN, JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA.” (document 5164, p. 1)
“ON THE 8th day of September 1993, at a regular meeting of the Tiffin City Council, Tiffin, Iowa, Council person Morgan introduced a RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF TIFFIN EAST SUBDIVISION and made a motion for approval.” (document 5164, p. 1)
October 13, 1993: The council requested the Iowa Department of Transportation to seek voluntary annexation of the part of Highway 6 inside the city, because the city had annexed lands on the east side adjoining Highway 6. · document 5161, p. 1 · Res. 1993-24The page's words
“the City of Tiffin has annexed certain lands on the east side of town that lie adjoining Highway 6 on the north and south sides of the roadway” (document 5161, p. 1)
“A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO REQUEST VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF HIGHWAY 6 INSIDE THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA” (document 5161, p. 1)
June 8, 1994: The council authorized the mayor and clerk to execute the subdivider's agreement for re-platting a portion of Tiffin East Subdivision. · document 5165, p. 1 · Res. 1994-12The page's words
“that the Mayor and Clerk shall execute the Subdivider's Agreement for TIFFIN EAST Subdivision to Tiffin, Iowa, attached hereto” (document 5165, p. 1)
“A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CLERK TO EXECUTE THE SUBDIVIDER'S AGREEMENT FOR RE-PLATTING A PORTION OF TIFFIN EAST SUBDIVISION TO TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 5165, p. 1)
July 12, 1995: The council passed an ordinance zoning Lots 1 through 30 of Tiffin-East Subdivision. · document 4837, p. 1 · Ord. 1995-196The page's words
“to provide for the appropriate zoning of Lots 1 through 30, Tiffin-East Subdivision, Tiffin, Iowa, and to comply with the provisions of Resolution No. 1994-12” (document 4837, p. 1)
March 9, 1994: The council passed an ordinance zoning and rezoning lands in the Johnston-Potterfield Subdivision inside the city. · document 4824, p. 1 · Ord. 1994-182The page's words
“AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ZONING AND REZONING OF LANDS CONTAINED IN THE JOHNSTON-POTTERFIELD SUBDIVISION INSIDE THE CITY” (document 4824, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 9th day of March, 1994, and approved by the Mayor on the 9th day of March, 1994” (document 4824, p. 3)
July 12, 1995: The council passed an ordinance zoning Lots 1 and 2 of Gracehill Estates Subdivision R-1. · document 4834, p. 1 · Ord. 1995-193The page's words
August 9, 1995: The council passed an ordinance zoning Lots 1 through 99 of Songbird Estates Subdivision R-1. · document 4839, p. 1 · Ord. 1995-198The page's words
Transcription: doc date 1995-08-14; the pass line on page 3 says August 9, 1995
August 9, 1995: The council passed and the mayor approved a resolution on the 9th day of August 1995 for annexation of territory east of the city on application of its owners. · document 5168, p. 3 · Res. 1995-17The page's words
“PASSED, by the Council on the 9th day of August 1995, and approved by the Mayor on the 9th day of August 1995.” (document 5168, p. 3)
“A map of the territory to be annexed is attached to this Application; said map shows the territories and their location relative to the existing corporate limits of the city of Tiffin, Iowa.” (document 5168, p. 6)
Transcription: the owners are named on the pages as annexation applicants of their own land (see note east-annexation-1995); not repeated here. The quote does not carry the number 1995-17; the note and document title do.
“A map of the territory to be annexed is attached to this Application; said map shows the territories and their location relative to the existing corporate limits of the city of Tiffin, Iowa.” (document 5168, p. 6)
“PASSED, by the Council on the 9th day of August 1995, and approved by the Mayor on the 9th day of August 1995.” (document 5168, p. 3)
April 26, 1995: The council passed an ordinance invoking Iowa Code Section 354.9 to review subdivision plats within two miles of the city. · document 4833, p. 1 · Ord. 1995-192The page's words
“AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR EXTRATERRITORIAL REVIEW OF SUBDIVISION PLATS WITHIN TWO MILES OF THE CITY OF TIFFIN PURSUANT TO IOWA CODE SECTION 354.9.” (document 4833, p. 1)
Transcription: the page prints the number as "1995 - 19A" in the heading, 1995-192 in the first-reading line and 1995-191 in the clerk's certificate
October 13, 1993: The urban renewal plan for the Tiffin Urban Renewal Area was approved by council resolution on October 13, 1993; the division-of-taxes ordinance followed. · document 4822, p. 1 · Ord. 1993-180The page's words
“such area having been identified in the Urban Renewal Plan approved by the City Council by resolution adopted on October 13, 1993” (document 4822, p. 1)
Transcription: doc 4821 (5 pages) and doc 4822 (1 page) are two copies of the same ordinance; the earliest tax-increment area in the archive per the TIF register. Existing TIF register entry established 1993-10-13.
November 1, 1995: The Planning and Zoning Commission heard the planner explain that the Urban Renewal plan was being amended to add an additional five years to the length. · document 4299, p. 1 · meetingThe page's words
“Mike Singer explained that the Urban Renewal plan was being amended to add an additional five years to the length” (document 4299, p. 1)
December 13, 1995: The council passed an ordinance providing for the division of taxes on property in the 1995 addition to the Tiffin Urban Renewal Area. · document 4843, p. 1 · Ord. 1995-201The page's words
“AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE DIVISION OF TAXES LEVIED ON TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE 1995 ADDITION TO THE TIFFIN URBAN RENEWAL AREA, PURSUANT TO SECTION 403.19 OF THE CODE OF IOWA” (document 4843, p. 1)
Transcription: doc date is 1995-12-15 (publication); the whereas clause recites the 1993 ordinance as enacted on 13th day of October, 1993; the register dates the 1995 ordinance 1995-12-13 (the pass line is not on the pages held for doc 4843, doc 4845 of the same night is dated 1995-12-13)
Codes, rates and rules
The building rules were rewritten in stages over the decade.[1][2] In September 1993 Ordinance No. 1993-179 set a building code for structures other than one- and two-family dwellings.[1] In December 1993 the council approved a contract with Jeff Mitchell as building inspector and set building permit fees by resolution.[3][4][5] A 1995 ordinance required new structures to be substantially completed before occupancy.[6] In June 1997 the council repealed Ordinance No. 145 and adopted the Uniform Building Code for all new construction.[2][7] In May 1998 it approved Greg Schott as city building inspector.[8]
Utility rules changed in the same years.[9][10] In July 1994 the monthly sewer charge was set at one-half of the water bill.[9] A 1994 ordinance kept plastic pipe out of hot water lines and from under building foundations, and a 1997 ordinance allowed it in water systems for manufactured homes.[11][12] From December 1995 private wells were prohibited inside the city where a city water main abuts the property line.[10]
In April 1997 Fire Chief Tom Bigelow asked that house numbers be required on all residences for safety.[13] In November 1998 the council passed an ordinance requiring property owners to post their assigned street addresses where they can be seen.[14] In 1997 the council also adopted a culvert policy and placed the town seal in the custody of the mayor or the city clerk.[15][16] In 1998 it set a five-day limit for cutting noxious weeds after notice, moved the place for posting official notices, adopted parking regulations and made municipal infractions civil offenses with a penalty of up to $200 for a violation.[17][18][19][20] The records disagree on the weed ordinance's date: its signed copy prints October 14, 1997, while the minutes record its final passage on October 14, 1998.[17]
In April 1997 the council approved a 5% cost-of-living raise for the city clerk to $19,601.90 a year, with two members voting no.[21] It raised the public works director's wage to $11.49 an hour from July 1, 1997.[22]
Sources
September 8, 1993: The council passed Ordinance No. 1993-179 establishing a building code for structures other than one and two family dwellings, applying the Iowa State Building Code. · document 4819, p. 1 · Ord. 1993-179The page's words
“ORDINANCE NO. 1993-179 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING BUILDING CODE FOR STRUCTURES AND PREMISES OTHER THAN ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS, OTHER STRUCTURES GOVERNED BY THE C.A.B.O. ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE NO. 1987-145.” (document 4819, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 8th day of September, 1993” (document 4819, p. 2)
Transcription: "applying the Iowa State Building Code" rests on the purpose clause on the same page, not on the quoted title
June 11, 1997: The council passed an ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 145 and adopting the Uniform Building Code for all new construction. · document 4858, p. 1 · Ord. 1997-214The page's words
“AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 145 AND ADOPTING THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE FOR ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION IN THE CITY AND ADOPTING ADDITIONAL FIRE SAFETY PROVISIONS FOR THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA” (document 4858, p. 1)
December 8, 1993: The council passed a resolution approving a contract for the services of Jeff Mitchell as building inspector. · document 5163, p. 1 · Res. 1993-27The page's words
“the City Council of the City of Tiffin hereby approves the proposed contract attached hereto and marked "Attachment A" providing for the services of Jeff Mitchell as building inspector for the City of Tiffin.” (document 5163, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 8th day of December, 1993, and approved by the Mayor on the 8th day of December, 1993.” (document 5163, p. 1)
December 8, 1993: The council passed a resolution establishing building permit and inspection fees for Tiffin. · document 5162, p. 1 · Res. 1993-26The page's words
“A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING BUILDING PERMIT AND INSPECTION FEES FOR TIFFIN, IOWA” (document 5162, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 8th day of December, 1993, and approved by the Mayor on the 8th day of December, 1993.” (document 5162, p. 1)
December 8, 1993: The council passed an ordinance, which provided that building permit fee rates be set from time to time by resolution of the council. · document 4823, p. 1 · Ord. 1993-181The page's words
“Rates for building permit fees shall be established from time to time by resolution of the City Council of the City of Tiffin.” (document 4823, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 8th day of December, 1993, and approved by the Mayor on the 8th day of December, 1993” (document 4823, p. 2)
October 11, 1995: The council passed Ordinance No. 1995-199, fire safety regulations requiring newly constructed structures to be substantially completed before occupancy. · document 4840, p. 1 · Ord. 1995-199The page's words
“ORDINANCE NO. 1995-199 FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA: SECTION 1: PURPOSE. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide for the public health and welfare by providing for appropriate fire safety and prevention requirements for buildings within the City.” (document 4840, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 11th day of October, 1995, and approved by the Mayor on the 11th day of October, 1995” (document 4840, p. 3)
Transcription: doc date 1995-10-14; pass line says October 11, 1995. "Substantially completed before occupancy" is Section 2 of the same page.
“AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 145 AND ADOPTING THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE FOR ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION IN THE CITY AND ADOPTING ADDITIONAL FIRE SAFETY PROVISIONS FOR THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA” (document 4858, p. 1)
May 6, 1998: The council approved Greg Schott as City Building Inspector. · document 4260, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“Motion Kern, second Walls to approve Greg Schott as City Building Inspector.” (document 4260, p. 3)
July 13, 1994: An ordinance made the monthly sewer rental charge one-half of the water user fee, not less than $10 a month. · document 4830, p. 1 · Ord. 1994-189The page's words
“The monthly sewer rental charge shall be equal to one- half 50%) of the water user fee for each metered user, but not monthly less than $ 10. 00” (document 4830, p. 1)
Transcription: the page is badly scanned (words out of order; "one- half 50%)", "$ 10. 00"); the header reads ORDINANCE NO. / 99V- / 27 and the register notes the copy is headed "ORDINANCE NO. 1994-187" as printed; the archive document number is 1994-189. Doc date 1994-07-25 is the posting date.
December 13, 1995: The council passed an ordinance prohibiting privately owned wells inside the city where a city water main abuts the property line. · document 4845, p. 1 · Ord. 1995-202The page's words
“Privately owned and maintained wells inside the City are prohibited if a City water main abuts the property line by either right of way or easement.” (document 4845, p. 1)
“Passed by the Council on the 13th day of December, 1995, and approved by the Mayor on the 13th day of December 1995” (document 4845, p. 3)
August 10, 1994: The council passed an ordinance excluding plastic within the water distribution system for hot water and under building foundations for plumbing, drainage, waste and vent systems. · document 4831, p. 1 · Ord. 1994-190The page's words
“by excluding the use of plastic within the water distribution system for hot water and to exclude the use of plastic in ground under the foundation of any building for plumbing, drainage, waste and vent systems (DWV).” (document 4831, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 10th day of August 1994” (document 4831, p. 3)
January 8, 1997: The council passed an ordinance allowing plastic within water distribution systems for manufactured homes. · document 4856, p. 1 · Ord. 1997-212The page's words
“BY ALLOWING THE USE OF PLASTIC WITHIN WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS FOR MANUFACTURED HOMES.” (document 4856, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 8th day of January 1997” (document 4856, p. 3)
April 9, 1997: The fire chief asked that house numbers be required on all residences for safety purposes, and citizens were to be reminded to post house numbers. · document 4291, p. 1 · meetingThe page's words
“Fire Chief Tom Bigelow was present to request that house numbers be required on all residences for safety purposes” (document 4291, p. 1)
November 18, 1998: The council passed an ordinance requiring property owners to visibly post their assigned street addresses. · document 4870, p. 1 · Ord. 1998-225The page's words
“AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING THAT ALL PROPERTY OWNERS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF TIFFIN, VISIBLY POST ON THEIR PROPERTY THEIR ASSIGNED STREET ADDRESSES” (document 4870, p. 1)
“Thereupon, it was moved by Councilperson Ryan and seconded by Councilperson Gericke that Ordinance No. 1998-225 be placed upon its final passage and adopted.” (document 4870, p. 2)
Transcription: the final passage is printed in a block dated the 11th day of November 1998 in the clerk's text; the document date and the minutes of 1998-11-18 place the passage November 18. Follows the fire chief's request of 1997-04-09.
July 9, 1997: The council passed an ordinance enacting a municipal culvert policy for the installation or replacement of culverts in the city. · document 4860, p. 1 · Ord. 1997-216The page's words
“AN ORDINANCE ENACTING A MUNICIPAL CULVERT POLICY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW CULVERT OR REPLACEMENT OF AN EXISTING CULVERT WITHIN THE CITY OF TIFFIN” (document 4860, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 9th day of July 1997, and approved by the mayor on the 9th day of July 1997” (document 4860, p. 3)
Transcription: doc date 1997-07-17; pass line says July 9, 1997
July 9, 1997: The council passed an ordinance amending an ordinance so that the town seal is in the custody of the mayor or city clerk and used at their discretion to authenticate documents. · document 4859, p. 1 · Ord. 1997-215The page's words
“The town seal shall be in the custody of either the mayor or city clerk. It shall be used at the discretion of the mayor or city clerk to authenticate various documents from time to time.” (document 4859, p. 1)
Transcription: the page heads this "ORDINANCE NO. 215"; the register number is 1997-215. Ordinance No. 1 (the town seal) is the earliest ordinance in the archive per doc 4708 (1928 Town Seal): see the pre-1962 dossier
October 14, 1998: The council passed an ordinance requiring noxious weeds to be cut or destroyed within five days of the date of notice to cure. · document 4867, p. 1 · Ord. 1998-222The page's words
“AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1980-92 TO REQUIRE CUTTING OR DESTRUCTION WITHIN FIVE DAYS OF THE DATE OF NOTICE TO CURE.” (document 4867, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 14th day of October 1997, and approved by the mayor on the 14th day of October 1997” (document 4867, p. 2)
Transcription: CONTRADICTION: the signed copy (doc 4867 p2) prints October 14, 1997; the minutes of October 14, 1998 record the final passage
October 14, 1998: The council passed an ordinance reestablishing the location for posting official city notices and repealing Ordinance No. 1980-89. · document 4866, p. 1 · Ord. 1998-221The page's words
“AN ORDINANCE REESTABLISHING THE LOCATION FOR POSTING OFFICIAL CITY NOTICES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1980-89 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 4866, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 14th day of October 1998” (document 4866, p. 4)
November 11, 1998: The council adopted Ordinance No. 1998-223 establishing parking regulations. · document 4209, p. 6 · meeting · Ord. 1998-223The page's words
“Thereupon, it was moved by Councilperson Walls, and seconded by Councilperson Ryan that Ordinance #1998-223, entitled ESTABLISHING PARKING REGULATIONS, be placed upon its final passage and adopted.” (document 4209, p. 6)
November 11, 1998: an ordinance made municipal infractions a civil offense punishable by a civil penalty of not more than $200 for each violation, or not more than $750 for a repeat offense. As printed · document 4869, p. 1 · Ord. 1998-224The page's words
“all municipal infractions for each day of violation shall constitute a civil offense punishable by a civil penalty of not more than $200 for each violation, or if it is a repeat offense, civil penalty not to exceed $750 for each repeat offense.” (document 4869, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 11th day of November 1998” (document 4869, p. 3)
April 9, 1997: The council approved a 5% cost of living increase for the city clerk salary from 18,668.48 to $19,601.90 beginning July 1, 1997, with two council members opposed. As printed · document 4291, p. 1 · meetingThe page's words
“Motion Walls, second Brown to approve a 5% cost of living increase for city clerk salary from 18,668.48 to $19,601.90 beginning July 1, 1997. Ayes: Brown, Bartels, and Walls. Nays: Kern, and Gericke. Motion carried.” (document 4291, p. 1)
April 9, 1997: The council approved a 5% cost of living increase and a 4% increase, raising the public works director's wage from $10.55 to $11.49 an hour from July 1, 1997. As printed · document 4291, p. 1 · meetingThe page's words
“Motion Bartels, second Gericke to approve a 5% cost of living increase and 4% increase in wages for adjustment from $10.55 to $11.49/hour beginning July 1, 1997.” (document 4291, p. 1)
Transcription: the sentence does not name the employee; the preceding paragraph says "Council instructed that Brett be paid hourly wages" and the same page lists Public Works Brett Mehmen as present
Rewriting the zoning, 1996–1998
The city's 1998 fact sheet says it completed significant updates to its zoning ordinance in 1995, 1996 and 1998.[1] The archive holds a comprehensive zoning ordinance, No. 1996-204, that repealed the 1979 zoning ordinance and its amendments; the copy prints no adoption date.[2] Amendments in 1996 and 1997 allowed zero-lot-line buildings in R3 zones, second-floor apartments in C-2 zones, and the rezoning of Lot 19 of Reeves Addition, Part II, to C2.[3][4][5] In 1996 the council also vacated part of Stephans Street in Tiffin East and made abutting owners responsible for the sidewalks in front of their lots.[6][7]
On May 13, 1998 the council adopted a new zoning ordinance, which divided the town into districts and created a Board of Adjustment, and Ordinance No. 1998-218 amending the subdivision ordinance.[8][9] The printed copies do not agree on the numbers: the subdivision ordinance's text still prints No. 1996-205, so this chapter uses the numbers on the cited pages.[9] In December 1997 the council had accepted the Tiffin, Iowa Design Standards for all developments, subdivisions and improvements.[10] The 1998 fact sheet describes them as a revised version of the joint design standards used by Coralville, Iowa City and North Liberty, and says the city had recently entered a fringe area policy agreement with Johnson County.[11]
Sources
1998: The city's 1998 fact sheet stated that in 1995, 1996, and 1998 the city completed significant updates to its zoning ordinance. · document 4184, p. 6 · meetingThe page's words
“In 1995, 1996, and 1998 the City completed significant updates to its Zoning Ordinance.” (document 4184, p. 6)
1996: The archive holds Zoning an ordinance, a comprehensive zoning ordinance repealing the 1979 zoning ordinance and its amendments; the copy prints no adoption date. · document 4847, p. 1 · Ord. 1996-204The page's words
“This is an Ordinance amending the Tiffin Zoning Ordinance which became effective in the year 1979 by repealing said Ordinance and all subsequent amendments thereto, and enacting this Ordinance in lieu thereof to establish comprehensive zoning regulations for the City of Tiffin, Iowa” (document 4847, p. 1)
Transcription: the copy is undated; the 1998 fact sheet (doc 4184 p6) says "In 1995, 1996, and 1998 the City completed significant updates to its Zoning Ordinance"; agenda docs 4294/4295 dated 1996-05 are weekday-consistent with 1998, see gaps
August 14, 1996: The council passed an amendment to Ordinance No. 1996-204 regarding R3 zones to allow zero lot line structures on separate adjoining lots and single-family residences with 50 foot front yard widths. · document 4850, p. 1 · Ord. 1996-207The page's words
“AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1996-204 (ZONING ORDINANCE) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF TIFFIN, IOWA REGARDING R3 ZONES TO ALLOW FOR ZERO LOT LINE STRUCTURES ON SEPARATE ADJOINING LOTS AND TO ALLOW FOR R3 ZONE SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES WITH 50 FOOT FRONT YARD WIDTHS” (document 4850, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 14th day of August 1996” (document 4850, p. 3)
December 11, 1996: The council passed an ordinance making apartments on the second floor of buildings a permitted principal use in C-2 commercial zones. · document 4853, p. 1 · Ord. 1996-210The page's words
“to include apartments on the second floor of buildings as a permitted principal use in C-2” (document 4853, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 11th day of December 1996” (document 4853, p. 3)
January 8, 1997: The council passed Ordinance No. 1997-211 rezoning Lot 19, Reeves Addition, Part II, from R3 to C2. · document 4855, p. 1 · Ord. 1997-211The page's words
“ORDINANCE NO. 1997-211 AN AMENDMENT TO THE ORDINANCE NO. 1996-204 (ZONING ORDINANCE) TO REZONE LOT 19, REEVES ADDITION, PART II, TIFFIN, IOWA, FROM R3 CLASSIFICATION TO C2 CLASSIFICATION.” (document 4855, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 8th day of January 1997” (document 4855, p. 3)
August 14, 1996: The council passed Ordinance No. 1996-208 vacating the city's interest in a portion of Stephans Street, as platted in Tiffin East. · document 4851, p. 1 · Ord. 1996-208The page's words
“ORDINANCE NO. 1996-208 AN ORDINANCE VACATING A PORTION OF STEPHANS STREET” (document 4851, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 14th day of August 1996” (document 4851, p. 3)
October 9, 1996: The council passed an ordinance making abutting property owners responsible for maintaining sidewalks outside the lot lines and inside the curb lines. · document 4852, p. 1 · Ord. 1996-209The page's words
“Abutting property owners shall be responsible for maintaining any sidewalks outside the lot and property lines and inside the curb lines or traveled portion of the public street.” (document 4852, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 9th day of October 1996” (document 4852, p. 7)
Transcription: doc date 1996-10-19; pass line on page 7 says October 9, 1996
May 13, 1998: The council adopted an ordinance, a zoning ordinance regulating the location, construction and use of buildings and land, dividing the land into districts and creating a Board of Adjustment. · document 4864, p. 11 · Ord. 1998-219The page's words
“an ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE LOCATION, CONSTRUCTION, AND USE OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, AND THE USE OF LAND, IN THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA; AND FOR SAID PURPOSES, DIVIDING THE SAID LANDS INTO DISTRICTS AND CREATING A BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT” (document 4864, p. 11)
“Passed by the council on the 13th day of May 1998, and approved by the mayor on the 13th day of May 1998” (document 4864, p. 11)
Transcription: doc 4864 is the 14-page 1998-219 text with a table of contents titled "ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1998-219"; the zoning ordinance elsewhere in the same record set is cited as 1998-217 (docs 4862, 4871, 4873) and as 1996-219
May 13, 1998: The council adopted Ordinance No. 1998-218, amending the subdivision ordinance. · document 4256, p. 3 · meeting · Ord. 1998-218The page's words
“Whereupon the mayor declared that Ordinance No. 1998-218, entitled, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE, be adopted and signified his approval of same by fixing his signature thereto. Passed by the council on the 13th day of May, 1998” (document 4256, p. 3)
Transcription: the first reading is recorded as the 11th day of March, 1998 on page 2. The ordinance text (doc 4863) still prints "ORDINANCE NO. 1996-205" and repeals "ORDINANCE NO. 1995-197"; doc 4848 is a second copy with the same print
December 10, 1997: The council accepted the Tiffin, Iowa Design Standards, to apply to all applicable developments, subdivisions and improvements effective on approval. · document 5169, p. 1The page's words
“these directions, instructions, and specifications titled as the Tiffin, Iowa Design Standards be accepted by the City and applied to all applicable developments, subdivisions, and improvements effective immediately upon approval of this resolution.” (document 5169, p. 1)
“PASSED AND APPROVED this 10th day of December, 1997.” (document 5169, p. 1)
Transcription: CONTRADICTION: doc 5169 is filed as 1997 but pages 2 and following are the standards as revised November 2007 (Resolution 2007-60), "Based on the Joint Municipal Design Standards"; the 1997 text of the standards is not in the archive. The resolution number prints as "[997-2]"; the register says 1997-021.
1998: The city fact sheet stated that the city had adopted a revised version of the Joint Municipal Metropolitan Design Standards used by Coralville, Iowa City, and North Liberty, and had recently entered a Fringe Area Policy Agreement with Johnson County. · document 4184, p. 6 · meetingThe page's words
“The City of Tiffin adopted a revised version of the Joint Municipal Metropolitan Design Standards used by Coralville, Iowa City, and North Liberty.” (document 4184, p. 6)
“The City has recently entered into a new Fringe Area Policy Agreement with Johnson County” (document 4184, p. 6)
The wastewater plant
From 1997 to 1999 the records follow the building of a new wastewater treatment plant.[1] In July 1997 the council re-established the sewer district and a user charge system, because the city "will construct a new wastewater treatment works".[2] In August 1998 the capital improvements committee agreed that the plant was a "must project" and that the city had no choice about completing it.[3] In October the council approved a second amendment to its application for additional state revolving fund money to rehabilitate the sanitary sewer system.[4]
In November 1998 the city planned to borrow $922,000 in state revolving fund loans at about 4% for 20 years.[5] Two loans were set for hearing, of up to $521,315 and $400,685, which add up to $922,000.[6][7][8]Derived After a hearing on December 9 at which no citizen spoke, the council adopted Resolution 1998-22 to enter into the loan agreements, the sewer revenue loan not to exceed $521,315.[9] The records disagree on the second loan by one dollar: the November notice sets it at $400,685, and the December resolution prints 400,684.[7][9]
Sealed bids for the plant were opened on May 12, 1999, and Wendler Engineering's base bid was $1,476,232.80.[10] On June 9 the council awarded the contract for the 1999 wastewater treatment plant improvements to Wendler Engineering of South Amana at $1,476,232.80, with completion due May 1, 2000.[1] The same night it amended the loan application to raise the total from $922,000 to $1,782,254.[11][5] The records disagree on that total: the June amendment says $1,782,254, while the July hearing notice for the loan says $1,782,000.[11][12] In March the engineer had been told to negotiate a sewer easement across the mobile home park to meet Department of Natural Resources requirements.[13] In November 1999 the council approved a pay order of $136,990 for the project; that page names the contractor Wendler Construction, where the award named Wendler Engineering.[14][1]
Sources
June 9, 1999: The council awarded the 1999 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements contract to the low bid of $1,476,232.80 submitted by Wendler Engineering of South Amana, with a completion date of May 1, 2000. As printed · document 4178, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“Motion Gericke, second Bartels to approve an award of 1999 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements contract to low bid submitted by Wendler Engineering of South Amana at $1,476,232.80. Completion date for the project is May 1, 2000.” (document 4178, p. 3)
Transcription: the Press-Citizen clipping in doc 4184 p10 prints the award as "$1,476 million" and the loan as "$782,000"; the minutes figures are used
July 9, 1997: The council passed an ordinance re-establishing the sewer district and providing a user charge system to fund the operation, maintenance and replacement of the city's wastewater treatment works, because the city would construct a new wastewater treatment works. · document 4861, p. 1 · Ord. 1997-217The page's words
“WHEREAS, the City of Tiffin will construct a new wastewater treatment works and must pay for the operation, maintenance, and replacement and all other expenses” (document 4861, p. 1)
“Passed by the council on the 9th day of July 1997, and approved by the mayor on the 9th day of July 1997” (document 4861, p. 6)
August 4, 1998: The Capital Improvements Committee agreed that the Wastewater Treatment Plant was a "must project" and that the city had no choice on its completion. · document 4244, p. 1 · meetingThe page's words
“The Committee agreed that the Wastewater Treatment Plant was a "must project" and that the City has no choice on the completion of the project.” (document 4244, p. 1)
October 14, 1998: The council approved Resolution 1998-189, a second amendment to the application for additional IDNR-SRF funds for rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer system. · document 4212, p. 5 · meeting · Res. 1998-189The page's words
“Motion Ryan, second Gericke to approve a RESOLUTION # 1998-189, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 2ND AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION FOR ADDITIONAL IDNR-SRF FUNDS FOR REHABILITATION OF THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM” (document 4212, p. 5)
Transcription: the resolution numbers in these minutes are inconsistent (#1998-189 here, #1998-18 for the IDOT report, #1998-2 and #1998-22 in November and December)
November 11, 1998: The city planned to request a total of 922,000 in state revolving fund loans at approximately 4% for 20 years, anticipating $500,000 of revenue sewer bonds and $422,000 of G.O. (TIF) bonds. As printed · document 4209, p. 6 · meetingThe page's words
“The City of Tiffin will request a total of 922,000 in SRF (State Revolving Fund) loans and an approximate cost of 4% for 20 years. Anticipated is $500,000 of Revenue Sewer bonds and $422,000 of G.O. (TIF) Bonds.” (document 4209, p. 6)
Transcription: the same page gives the current loan amount available as $695,000 and, for the December 9, 1998 hearing, amounts not to exceed $521,315 and $400,685 (sum 922,000); the Dec 9 resolution on doc 4201 p3 prints $400,684
November 11, 1998: A public hearing was set on a loan and disbursement agreement in a principal amount not to exceed $521,315. As printed · document 4209, p. 6 · meetingThe page's words
November 11, 1998: A public hearing was set on a second loan and disbursement agreement in a principal amount not to exceed $400,685. As printed · document 4209, p. 6 · meetingThe page's words
November 11, 1998: The two loan amounts set for hearing sum to 922000, the total the city planned to request in state revolving fund loans. · document 4209, p. 6 · meeting Derived521,315 + 400,685; from document 4209, p. 6, document 4209, p. 6The page's words
“The City of Tiffin will request a total of 922,000 in SRF (State Revolving Fund) loans” (document 4209, p. 6)
December 9, 1998: After a public hearing with no citizens speaking, the council adopted Resolution 1998-22 to enter into loan and disbursement agreements not to exceed $521,315 sewer revenue and $400,684 general obligation sewer loan. As printed · document 4201, p. 3 · meeting · Res. 1998-22The page's words
“RESOLUTION #1998-22, TAKING ADDITIONAL ACTION TO ENTER INTO LOAN AND DISBURSEMENT AGREEMENTS NOT TO EXCEED $521,315 SEWER REVENUE AND $400,684 GENERAL OBLIGATION SEWER LOAN. Ayes: Bartels, Ryan, Walls, Kern, and Gericke. Motion carried.” (document 4201, p. 3)
Transcription: CONTRADICTION: $400,684 here, $400,685 in the November 11, 1998 notice (doc 4209 p6); the same page cites "File No. 436989-3/Dorsey & Whitney" (bond counsel)
May 12, 1999: Sealed bids for the Wastewater Treatment Project were opened; one bidder base bid was 1,508,020.39 and another bidder base bid was 1,476,232.80. As printed · document 4180, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“<th>Portzen of Dubuque base bid:</th> <td>1,508,020.39</td> <th>alternate bid:</th> <td>1,560,305.39</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Wendler Eng.</th> <td>Base bid; 1,476,232.80</td>” (document 4180, p. 2)
Transcription: the quote keeps the table markup as printed in the page text; the page lists four bidders. Wendler's alternate bid reads 1,336,232.80 in the same table (the council awarded on the base bid)
June 9, 1999: The council amended the SRF application for an additional $782,254 for the 1999 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project, from a current loan acceptance of $922,000 to a new total of $1,782,254. As printed · document 4178, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“to amend SRF Application with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for an additional $782,254 for the 1999 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project. Current loan acceptance is at $922,000, new total will be $1,782,254” (document 4178, p. 3)
July 14, 1999: A public hearing was set on issuing a State Revolving Fund loan in the amount of $1,782,000 for Wastewater Treatment Improvement. As printed · document 4175, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“for the purpose of considering issuance of State Revolving Fund Loan (SRF Project No. CS192101 01,02) In the amount of $1,782,000 for Wastewater Treatment Improvement.” (document 4175, p. 2)
Transcription: CONTRADICTION: $1,782,000 here versus $1,782,254 in the June 9, 1999 amendment (doc 4178 p3)
March 10, 1999: The council authorized the city engineer to negotiate an easement across the mobile home park area as the most feasible means for hook up for Department of Natural Resources requirements. · document 4189, p. 4 · meetingThe page's words
“to authorize city engineer Mike Hart to negotiate easement across mobile home park area as most feasible means for hook up for Department of Natural Resources requirements.” (document 4189, p. 4)
November 10, 1999: The council approved a pay order for Wendler Construction SRF of $136,990.00 for the Wastewater Project. As printed · document 4163, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“Motion Ryan, second Walls to approve pay order for Wendler Construction SRF of $136,990.00 for Wastewater Project.” (document 4163, p. 3)
Transcription: the page names the payee "Wendler Construction"; the June 9 award names "Wendler Engineering of South Amana"
Counting a growing town
The city's 1998 fact sheet gave the 1990 population as 460, an estimated 900 in 1998, and a projected 1,500 in 2005.[1][2] The records disagree on the 1990 count: the fact sheet prints 460, a 1996 welcome brochure gives the population as 464, and a May 1999 council report prints "460 (464)".[1][3][4] The fact sheet counted 240 subdivision lots created since 1993 and 10 new businesses since 1995, and $1,150,000 of municipal infrastructure investment from 1994 to 1998.[5][6]
The May 1999 report's table shows 1 building permit in 1993 and 66 in 1998.[7] Its writer noted that the Census had counted 389 homes, while a count of city water accounts came closer to 453.[8] The same report put a possible 2000 count at 1,132; that was the writer's estimate, not a census result.[4]
Sources
1998: The city fact sheet gave the 1990 population as 460. As printed · document 4184, p. 6 · meetingThe page's words
Transcription: the fact sheet is a page inside a record filed under the 1999-04-21 Board of Adjustment meeting (doc 4184, a packet with newspaper clippings); the sheet itself is headed "1998 FACT SHEET"
1998: The city's 1998 fact sheet gave an estimated 1998 population of 900 and a projected 2005 population of 1,500. As printed · document 4184, p. 6 · meetingThe page's words
“1998 Population 900 estimated 2005 Population 1,500 projected” (document 4184, p. 6)
December 3, 1996: A welcome brochure filed with Planning and Zoning minutes gave the population as 464 with estimates now ranging over 600 people, and listed local businesses including the Ice Cream Store & Restaurant, the Tiffin Post Office, Slim's Saloon and Tiffin-Solon State Bank. · document 4293, p. 4 · meetingThe page's words
“Population 464 and estimates now range over 600 people.” (document 4293, p. 4)
“Tiffin General Store Tiffin Laundramat Morgan’s Auto Repair Ice Cream Store & Restaurant Tiffin Post Office Lark Supper Club Grub Steak Ralph Brown Barber Slim’s Saloon” (document 4293, p. 4)
Transcription: the brochure is headed "City Officials - 1997"; business names as printed; the claim cites the business list through the also quote
May 5, 1999: The same report gave the 1990 census count as 460 (464) and a possible 2000 count of 1,132, a 246% growth. As printed · document 4181, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“1990 census count was 460 (464) Possible 2000 count of 1,132 = 246% growth” (document 4181, p. 3)
Transcription: CONTRADICTION: 460 versus 464 in the same line; the 1996 brochure (doc 4293 p4) prints 464
1998: The city fact sheet stated that 240 subdivision lots had been created since 1993, with 10 new businesses since 1995. As printed · document 4184, p. 6 · meetingThe page's words
“Subdivision Lots created since 1993 240 New Businesses since 1995 10” (document 4184, p. 6)
1998: The city's 1998 fact sheet gave municipal infrastructure investment of $1,150,000 (1994-1998) and new private investments of $6,974,000 (1993 to July 1997). As printed · document 4184, p. 6 · meetingThe page's words
“Municipal Infrastructure Investment $1,150,000 (1994-1998) New Private Investments $6,974,000 (1993 to July 1997)” (document 4184, p. 6)
May 5, 1999: The report's table of building permits issued showed 66 in 1998 and 1 in 1993. As printed · document 4181, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
Transcription: table markup kept as in the page text; rows read 1997: 44, 1996: 61, 1995: 41, 1994: 18, 1993: 1, and 1999 to May 5: 37
May 5, 1999: A report stated that the Census count included 389 homes while the writer count of city water accounts came closer to 453 homes. As printed · document 4181, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“The Census count included 389 homes. My count comes closer to 453 homes.” (document 4181, p. 3)
Transcription: the report is unsigned on the page; written by a city officer for the council packet (filed under a Board of Adjustment meeting)
Planning for more, 1998–1999
In May 1998 the council hired a capital improvement planning consultant for an amount not to exceed $5,500.[1] At a hearing on the capital improvements plan in January 1999 the council weighed higher general and debt service taxes, special assessments, higher water and sewer rates, and a larger TIF area.[2] The consultant said a local option sales tax, if approved, could bring the city $40,000 more.[3] The council also recognized that a new water tower might be needed within ten years.[4] In July it approved an easement with South Slope Telephone for antenna equipment on the Tiffin water tower.[5]
Annexation continued at the edges.[6][7] In January 1999 Resolution 1999-1 reaffirmed the annexation of certain properties on the northeast side and gave up the annexation of nonconsenting owners.[8][6] In March Resolution 1999-16 accepted voluntary annexation of land east of the city, and in May and November further voluntary applications were accepted, the November hearing drawing no citizen for or against.[9][7][10][11] In June the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that annexation be "pursued and encouraged on the outer edges of the city", noting that growth along interchange exits could pay for services.[12] In September 1998 the Board of Adjustment had approved, three to one, a lot-width variance for the expansion of the mobile home park.[13]
In 1999 the council adopted a targeted senior housing needs assessment prepared by ECICOG staff and sent a letter supporting a senior housing project by the non-profit Housing Fellowship.[14][15] The Ice Cream Store's owner asked for a larger sign in January 1999, and the Planning and Zoning Commission, wary of spot zoning, floated rezoning the whole block as C-2 highway commercial; in October it deferred his request for C-2 zoning.[16][17]
Sources
May 6, 1998: The council approved work with a capital improvement planning consultant at $45.00 per hour in an amount not to exceed $5,500.00. As printed · document 4260, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“Motion Ryan, second Bartels to approve work with Mr. Pat Calahan at $45.00/hour in an amount not to exceed $5,500.00.” (document 4260, p. 3)
Transcription: the consultant's name is spelled "Calahan" here and "Callahan" elsewhere; contract party, named in an official capacity
January 21, 1999: At a public hearing on the capital improvements plan the council considered funding options: increase general tax collections, increase General Obligation Debt Service collections, special assessments, increase water and sewer rates, and expansion of TIF area. · document 4162, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“1) increase general tax collections 2) increase General Obligation Debt Service collections 3) special assessments for street/curb and gutter improvements 4) increase water and sewer rates 5) expansion of TIF area” (document 4162, p. 3)
Transcription: CONTRADICTION (date): doc 4162 is filed under the meeting of 1999-12-01 but page 3 is headed "January 21, 1999 ... special meeting"
January 21, 1999: The consultant said a local option sales tax, if approved that spring, could mean an additional $40,000 revenue for the city. As printed · document 4162, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“He local option sales tax could mean an additional $40,000 revenue for the City of Tiffin is approved.” (document 4162, p. 3)
Transcription: page text garbled ("He local option sales tax ... for the City of Tiffin is approved"); dated by the page heading January 21, 1999
January 21, 1999: The council recognized that a new water tower may be needed within the next ten years. · document 4162, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“the city also recognized that a new water tower may be needed within the next ten years.” (document 4162, p. 3)
Transcription: dated by the page heading January 21, 1999; the record is filed under 1999-12-01
July 14, 1999: The council authorized the mayor and clerk to sign an easement agreement with South Slope Telephone for Outlot B and antennae equipment on the Tiffin Water Tower. · document 4175, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign an agreement with South Slope Telephone of Norway, Iowa for easement agreement for Outlot B, and antennae equipment on the Tiffin Water Tower after review by City Attorney and City Engineer.” (document 4175, p. 2)
“Motion O’Halloran, second Berner to recommend voluntary annexation request approval from various property owners on the north east corner of the city, including MaryJoSimpson, Rohreck, Roger Simpson and Mark Van Gundy for agricultural zoning and possibly commercial zoning along Jasper/Forevergreen/I-380 locations.” (document 4215, p. 2)
“ANNEXATION OF STATE OF IOWA PROPERTIES; AND ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES OF NONCONSENTING OWNERS MARK R VAN GUNDY AND THE ESTATE OF ALLAN A. RARICK.” (document 4202, p. 4)
“Motion Walls, second Ryan to approve a RESOLUTION #1999-1, A RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES, ALTERING THE AREA OF ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN STATE PROPERTIES, AND FOREGOING ANNEXATION OF NONCONSENTING OWNERS MARK R. VAN GUNDY AND THE ESTATE OF ALLAN A. RARICK.” (document 4164, p. 2)
“Motion Kern, second Bartels to approve a RESOLUTION # 1999-16, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE OWNED BY WASHINGTON PARK PARTNERS AN OAKES CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES OF CONSENTING OWNERS BRADLEY AND MARSHA TOMSON.” (document 4189, p. 3)
“"The meeting between the cities is to set up guidelines for city boundary and annexation issues," said Tiffin Mayor Glenn Potter.” (document 4184, p. 10)
January 13, 1999: The council approved Resolution #1999-1 reaffirming annexation of certain properties, altering the area of annexation of certain state properties and foregoing annexation of nonconsenting owners. · document 4164, p. 2 · meeting · Res. 1999-1The page's words
“RESOLUTION #1999-1, A RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES, ALTERING THE AREA OF ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN STATE PROPERTIES, AND FOREGOING ANNEXATION OF NONCONSENTING OWNERS” (document 4164, p. 2)
Transcription: dated by the page heading January 13, 1999; the record is filed under 1999-11-03. The nonconsenting owners are named in the sentence and not repeated here. The December 9, 1998 hearing (doc 4201 p3) was held on the original annexation.
March 10, 1999: The council approved Resolution #1999-16 accepting applications for voluntary annexation of certain real estate owned by Washington Park Partners and an Oakes construction company. · document 4189, p. 3 · meeting · Res. 1999-16The page's words
“RESOLUTION # 1999-16, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE OWNED BY WASHINGTON PARK PARTNERS AN OAKES CONSTRUCTION COMPANY” (document 4189, p. 3)
Transcription: petitioners of annexation of their own land; individual owners named later in the same sentence are not repeated
May 12, 1999: The council accepted Resolution #1999-23 on a voluntary annexation request from Grace-Baculis real estate. · document 4180, p. 3 · meeting · Res. 1999-23The page's words
“Motion Walls, second Ryan to accept Resolution #1999-23, RESOLUTION ACCEPTING VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION REQUEST FROM GRACE-BACCULIS REAL ESTATE.” (document 4180, p. 3)
November 10, 1999: The council approved Resolution 1999-37 accepting applications for voluntary annexation of certain real estate owned by the Grace-Baculis Farm Partnership and another owner, after a public hearing at which no citizen spoke for or against. · document 4163, p. 2 · meeting · Res. 1999-37The page's words
“There were no citizens present to speak either in favor of or against said voluntary annexation. Motion Bartels, second Gericke to approve RESOLUTION 3 1999-37, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION” (document 4163, p. 2)
Transcription: page reads "RESOLUTION 3 1999-37"; the owners are annexation petitioners of their own land. Resolution numbers 1999-1, 1999-26, 1999-23 and 1999-37 appear out of sequence relative to meeting dates
June 2, 1999: The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that annexation be pursued and encouraged on the outer edges of the city, noting growth along interchange exits could provide financing for services. · document 4179, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“recommend to Tiffin City Council that annexation matters should be pursued and encouraged on the outer edges of the city. Growth by Tiffin along boundary interchange exits could provide financing for services desired by Tiffin residents.” (document 4179, p. 2)
September 23, 1998: The Board of Adjustment approved, three to one, a variance on width requirements for two of the newly proposed lots in the expansion of the Clear Creek Mobile Home Park. · document 4217, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“to approve the request for variance to Riggan-Ham Concrete for width requirements on two of the newly proposed lots in expansion plans for the Clear Creek Mobile Home Park. Ayes: Boyd, Janssen, Madden. Nays: Brown. Absent: Kee. Motion carried.” (document 4217, p. 2)
Transcription: the applicant is named as owner/applicant of the park in a variance; the claim does not name the firm. Page reads "Jannssen" in the motion line.
September 8, 1999: The council approved Resolution #1999-34 adopting the 1999 Tiffin Targeted Senior Housing Needs Assessment, which the ECICOG staff had finished. · document 4170, p. 3 · meeting · Res. 1999-34The page's words
“Motion Gericke, second Kern to approve a RESOLUTION # 1999-34, A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE 1999 TIFFIN TARGETED SENIOR HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT.” (document 4170, p. 3)
November 10, 1999: The council approved a letter of support for the non-profit Housing Fellowship for a senior housing project within the city. · document 4163, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“to approve a letter of support for the non-profit Housing Fellowship for efforts within the City of Tiffin for a senior housing project.” (document 4163, p. 3)
January 13, 1999: A business owner asked the Planning and Zoning Commission for a larger and higher sign at the Ice Cream Store; members felt one solution might be for the entire block to be rezoned as C-2 highway commercial. · document 4197, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“John Schneider was present to discuss his desire to place a larger and higher sign at his Ice Cream Store business. Members are not happy about the thought of spot zoning in any location in the city. Members felt that one solution might be for the entire block to be rezoned as C-2 highway commercial.” (document 4197, p. 2)
Transcription: the business owner is named on the page as a petitioner about his own business property; not named in the claim
October 6, 1999: The Planning and Zoning Commission deferred the request to change the Ice Cream Store business location from C-1 to C-2 while the owner checked sign, parking and sidewalk requirements. · document 4166, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“to explain his need to request zoning from the current C-1 to C-2 for his Ice Cream Store business location.” (document 4166, p. 2)
“John will check into sign requirements, parking requirements and sidewalk requirements if he continues in his request and request is deferred at this time.” (document 4166, p. 2)
A new park
The search for park land runs through the decade.[1][2] In April 1990 the council heard that a landowner would sell 27 acres next to town for $108,000, and authorized the mayor to talk to a realtor about land east of town for a park under the state REAP program.[3][1] That asking price is $108,000 as printed (1990) · about $280,000 in 2026 dollars (Derived).[4]Derived As asked, not paid, it works out to $4,000 an acre (Derived).[5]Derived Lori Slaymaker was reappointed to the Park Commission in 1990 for a term to September 1993.[6]
In January 1999 the city attorney reported a lease of park ground at $18,000 a year for two years, after which the city was to buy the property, and the council approved the lease-purchase agreement.[2] The lease gave the city an option to buy the land for $303,000 when the lease ended.[7] By May five acres of the new park ground were reserved for ball fields and mowing had started for two soccer fields.[8] In July the school district wrote about placing a ball diamond on its own property and about crossing safety on Highway 6, and the city agreed to write the Department of Transportation in support.[9] The October budget amendment, which cut city reserves to $320,106, did not include the $303,000 park purchase.[10][7]
Sources
April 11, 1990: The council authorized the mayor to talk to a realtor about purchase of property east of town for park development under the REAP program. · document 4311, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“Motion Bartels second Slaymaker to authorize Mayor Potter to talk to realtor about purchase of property east of town for park development under the REAP program and to confer with Mike Singer and Mike Hart. Carried unanimously.” (document 4311, p. 2)
January 13, 1999: The city attorney reported a lease of park ground at $18,000 rent each year for two years including taxes and insurance, after which the city was to purchase the property and receive title; the council approved a resolution authorizing the lease/purchase agreement. As printed · document 4164, p. 2 · meeting · Res. 1999-2The page's words
“The agreement provides for a two year lease of $18,000 rent each year and including taxes and insurance. At the end of the two year period the city is to purchase this property and receive title.” (document 4164, p. 2)
“RESOLUTION #1999-2, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE LEASE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR PARK ACQUISITION FOR THE CITY OF TIFFIN.” (document 4164, p. 2)
Transcription: CONTRADICTION (date): doc 4164 is filed under the meeting of 1999-11-03 but page 2 is headed "January 13, 1999"; dated here by the page
April 11, 1990: The council was told a landowner was willing to sell all 27 acres adjacent to town for $108,000.00, 20 acres north of the railroad tracks and 7 acres south, and that a grant could pay up to $50,000.00 of land acquisition. As printed · document 4311, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“is willing to sell all 27 acres adjacent to town for $108,000.00. There are 20 acres north of the railroad tracks and 7 acres south of the tracks. The grant could pay up to $50,000.00 for land acquisition.” (document 4311, p. 2)
April 11, 1990: Derived: the printed asking price of 108,000.00 dollars in 1990 is about 278,420.20 dollars in September 2026 dollars. · document 4311, p. 2 DerivedCPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1990 annual average 130.7 -> 2026-09 336.94; amount x 336.94/130.7; from document 4311, p. 2The page's words
“is willing to sell all 27 acres adjacent to town for $108,000.00. There are 20 acres north of the railroad tracks and 7 acres south of the tracks. The grant could pay up to $50,000.00 for land acquisition.” (document 4311, p. 2)
April 11, 1990: Derived: the asking price of 108,000 dollars for 27 acres is 4,000 dollars per acre (as asked, not a price paid). · document 4311, p. 2 · meeting Derived108000 / 27 acres, both printed in the same quote; from document 4311, p. 2The page's words
“is willing to sell all 27 acres adjacent to town for $108,000.00. There are 20 acres north of the railroad tracks and 7 acres south of the tracks. The grant could pay up to $50,000.00 for land acquisition.” (document 4311, p. 2)
September 12, 1990: The mayor reappointed Lori Slaymaker to a three year term on the Park Commission, expiring September, 1993. · document 4300, p. 5 · meetingThe page's words
“Mayor Potter reappointed Lori Slaymaker to a three year term on the Park Commission term expiring September, 1993.” (document 4300, p. 5)
Transcription: document 4300 is filed under the 1990-08-08 meeting; its agenda is headed September 12, 1990
February 10, 1999: The lease of the park ground gave the tenant an option to purchase the leased premises for a total purchase price of $303,000.00 upon the expiration of the lease term. As printed · document 4194, p. 11 · meetingThe page's words
“Tenant shall have the option to purchase the leased premises for a total purchase price of $303,000.00 upon the expiration of the lease term.” (document 4194, p. 11)
“park lease at $18,0000/year for two years and purchase option of $303,000 to be exercised on or before Jan 1, 2001” (document 4194, p. 5)
Transcription: page 5 prints the rent as "$18,0000/year" (an OCR/typing error for $18,000); the option window differs between the minutes (on or before Jan 1, 2001) and the lease (after Feb 15, 1999 and before Dec 1, 2000)
May 12, 1999: The mayor reported that five acres of the new park ground had been reserved for start up ball fields, with mowing started for two soccer fields. · document 4180, p. 4 · meetingThe page's words
“Five acres of the new park ground have been reserved for start up ball fields. Mowing has started for two soccer fields” (document 4180, p. 4)
July 14, 1999: The council received letters from the Clear Creek Amana School District on school-crossing safety on Highway #6 and on placement of a ball diamond on the southeast corner of the school property, and agreed to write the Iowa Department of Transportation supporting school efforts to increase safety. · document 4175, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“Letter received from the Clear Creek Amana School District regarding school-crossing safety on Highway #6. The city agreed to send a letter to the Iowa Department of Transportation supporting school efforts to increase safety in this area.” (document 4175, p. 2)
“Letter received from the Clear Creek Amana School District regarding placement of the ball diamond on the southeast corner of the school property.” (document 4175, p. 2)
October 13, 1999: The budget amendment hearing recorded that city reserves would drop from $504,989 to $320,106 and that the amendment did not include the proposed park acquisition cost of $303,000. As printed · document 4165, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“The amended budget proposes a drop in city reserves from $504,989 to $320,106 and does not include the proposed park acquisition cost of $303,000.” (document 4165, p. 2)
Neighbors
On October 5, 1999 the Tiffin and Coralville councils met jointly.[1] Fire Chief Tom Bigelow reported an 8.5-minute response time for the Tiffin department into Coralville.[1] Coralville officials said they had no land planned for municipal use in the Tiffin area and would like some kind of 28E agreement with Tiffin on the growth of the two cities; Tiffin officials agreed it could be studied in the future.[2][3] A week later the council asked the public works director and the clerk to arrange a 28E work agreement with the county's secondary roads department.[4]
Sources
October 5, 1999: At a joint meeting of the Tiffin and Coralville city councils, the Tiffin fire chief reported an 8.5-minute response for the department into Coralville. · document 4167, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“Tom reported an 8.5-minute response for the department into Coralville.” (document 4167, p. 2)
“A joint meeting of the Tiffin City Council and Coralville City Council was brought to order by Mayor Jim Faussett, host official, at the Coralville City Chambers 7:00 p.m., October 5, 1999.” (document 4167, p. 2)
October 5, 1999: Coralville council officials indicated they did not at present have any land planned for municipal use in the Tiffin area. · document 4167, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“at present they did not have any land planned for municipal use in this (Tiffin) area.” (document 4167, p. 2)
October 5, 1999: Coralville officials said Coralville would like to make some kind of 28-E agreement with Tiffin regarding growth of the two cities; Tiffin officials agreed it could be studied and pursued in the future. · document 4167, p. 3 · meetingThe page's words
“Coralville would like to make some kind of 28-E agreement with Tiffin in this same regard. Tiffin officials agreed that this could be studied and pursued in the future.” (document 4167, p. 3)
October 13, 1999: The council requested the public works director and city clerk to begin work arranging a 28-E agreement with Johnson County Secondary Roads for a work agreement. · document 4165, p. 4 · meetingThe page's words
“Council requested City Public Works Director and City Clerk to begin work for arranging a 28-E agreement with Johnson County Secondary Roads for a work agreement” (document 4165, p. 4)
Not in the records
The archive holds no council meeting and no council minutes from September 12, 1990 until 1996, so for more than five years the chapter can say only what the printed ordinances and resolutions say.[1] Ordinances adopted in October 1990 and January 1991 have no minutes beside them.[1] For 1996 the archive holds two copies of one agenda and no minutes, and for 1997 the minutes of five meetings.[1]
The pages cited in this chapter do not give the date of the 1990 flood, and no record says whether the flood-control grant application was funded.[1][2] The vote count of the May 1993 gas franchise election is not in the archive.[1][3] The city's debt register holds no loan before 2004, so the 1998 and 1999 sewer loans are known only from the minutes.[1] The records read for this chapter do not say whether the city exercised the park purchase option.[1][4] The researcher found no proclamation in these years, and the street-closing resolutions of 1999 survive only as agenda lines.[1] The text of the 1997 design standards is not in the archive; the copy filed with the 1997 resolution is the November 2007 revision.[1][5]
August 8, 1990: The council authorized the mayor to sign a service agreement with ECICOG to write a CDBG application for flood control at a cost of $300.00 to $450.00. As printed · document 4302, p. 2 · meetingThe page's words
“Motion Brown second Morgan to authorize Mayor Potter to sign service agreement with ECICOG to write CDBG application for flood control at a cost of $300.00 - $450.00. Carried unanimously.” (document 4302, p. 2)
May 18, 1993: A special city election on the gas franchise to Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company was ordered for May 18, 1993, from noon until 8:00 o'clock in the evening. · document 5160, p. 4 · Res. 1993-8The page's words
“That a special election is hereby called and ordered to be held in the City of Tiffin, Iowa on the 18th day of May, 1993, from 12:00 o'clock Noon until 8:00 o'clock in the evening” (document 5160, p. 4)
Transcription: the vote count is not on the pages read; the company's acceptance (doc 4817 p5) says a majority of electors approved
February 10, 1999: The lease of the park ground gave the tenant an option to purchase the leased premises for a total purchase price of $303,000.00 upon the expiration of the lease term. As printed · document 4194, p. 11 · meetingThe page's words
“Tenant shall have the option to purchase the leased premises for a total purchase price of $303,000.00 upon the expiration of the lease term.” (document 4194, p. 11)
“park lease at $18,0000/year for two years and purchase option of $303,000 to be exercised on or before Jan 1, 2001” (document 4194, p. 5)
Transcription: page 5 prints the rent as "$18,0000/year" (an OCR/typing error for $18,000); the option window differs between the minutes (on or before Jan 1, 2001) and the lease (after Feb 15, 1999 and before Dec 1, 2000)
December 10, 1997: The council accepted the Tiffin, Iowa Design Standards, to apply to all applicable developments, subdivisions and improvements effective on approval. · document 5169, p. 1The page's words
“these directions, instructions, and specifications titled as the Tiffin, Iowa Design Standards be accepted by the City and applied to all applicable developments, subdivisions, and improvements effective immediately upon approval of this resolution.” (document 5169, p. 1)
“PASSED AND APPROVED this 10th day of December, 1997.” (document 5169, p. 1)
Transcription: CONTRADICTION: doc 5169 is filed as 1997 but pages 2 and following are the standards as revised November 2007 (Resolution 2007-60), "Based on the Joint Municipal Design Standards"; the 1997 text of the standards is not in the archive. The resolution number prints as "[997-2]"; the register says 1997-021.
Moments
August 9, 1995 Resolution 1995-17: Tiffin annexes land east to I-380
A step east. Owners of four tracts applied for voluntary annexation, signing in July 1995: Yvonne, Diana J. and Nancy A. Bigelow (land in Section 27 west of I-380), George R. and Hazel Reeve (Reeve Property No. 1, 19.0 acres in Section 28 north of US 6 against the then city limits, and Reeve Property No. 2, the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter, the south half of the northwest quarter and the part of the southwest quarter north of US 6, all in Section 27), Dolores E. Madden (the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 34); the Heartland Railroad right-of-way west of I-380 lay inside the area and the railroad was notified. A Hart Engineering fax of July 28, 1995 marks the "PROPOSED ANNEXATION" on a topographic map: hatched land from Tiffin's east edge to I-380 and the "Coralville Corporate Boundary", mostly north of US 6, and along I-380 south across Clear Creek toward the Madden land in Section 34 (page 7, read from the image; the scan's text layer is unreadable). The council adopted the resolution on August 9, 1995 (Brown moved, Bartels seconded; Brown, Kern, Stratton and Bartels aye, Morgan absent), Mayor Glenn R. Potter signing. Note on the date: the scan's page 2, "PASSED ... the 12th day of July 1995", is handwritten "Resolution 1995-16 page 2", a page of the previous resolution filed with this one; the applications were only signed July 20-24, so August 9 is the adoption date. No 1995 council minutes are in the archive yet.
“A map of the territory to be annexed is attached to this Application; said map shows the territories and their location relative to the existing corporate limits of the city of Tiffin, Iowa.” (document 5168, p. 6)
“PASSED, by the Council on the 9th day of August 1995, and approved by the Mayor on the 9th day of August 1995.” (document 5168, p. 3)
June 11, 1997 Ordinance No. 1997-214: Tiffin adopts the Uniform Building Code
Thirty-three years after the League's recommendation, Ordinance No. 1997-214 repealed Ordinance No. 145 and adopted the Uniform Building Code for all new construction in the city, with fire sprinkler and fire safety provisions (Mayor Glenn R. Potter). In 1999 the city described itself as using "the Uniform Building Code regulations for all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings".
“AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 145 AND ADOPTING THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE FOR ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION IN THE CITY AND ADOPTING ADDITIONAL FIRE SAFETY PROVISIONS FOR THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA” (document 4858, p. 1)
October 7, 1998 – January 13, 1999 The 1998 northeast annexation, and the Rarick estate left out
In October 1998 the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended voluntary annexations on the city's northeast corner "along Jasper/Forevergreen/I-380" (the September attempt had to start over because not all owners had been notified). On December 9, 1998, after a public hearing, the council adopted Resolution 1998-21, accepting the voluntary applications of John E. Rogers and Christine L. Tade, Simpson Family Farms LP and Mary Jo Ogden, State of Iowa properties, and the annexation of properties of two nonconsenting owners, Mark R. Van Gundy and the Estate of Allan A. Rarick. Mr. Rarick, as the minutes name him, attended and commented on utilities. On January 13, 1999 the council adopted Resolution 1999-1, reaffirming the annexation of certain properties, altering the area of the State properties and "foregoing" the annexation of the Van Gundy and Rarick land after discussion with the City Development Board. The minutes do not give legal descriptions, so whether the estate's land is the Ruth E. Rarick Trust land of the Forevergreen Road dispute is not shown by the archive. (Neither resolution's text is in the archive; the January 1999 minutes are filed under 1999-11-03, doc 4164.)
“Motion O’Halloran, second Berner to recommend voluntary annexation request approval from various property owners on the north east corner of the city, including MaryJoSimpson, Rohreck, Roger Simpson and Mark Van Gundy for agricultural zoning and possibly commercial zoning along Jasper/Forevergreen/I-380 locations.” (document 4215, p. 2)
“ANNEXATION OF STATE OF IOWA PROPERTIES; AND ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES OF NONCONSENTING OWNERS MARK R VAN GUNDY AND THE ESTATE OF ALLAN A. RARICK.” (document 4202, p. 4)
“Motion Walls, second Ryan to approve a RESOLUTION #1999-1, A RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES, ALTERING THE AREA OF ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN STATE PROPERTIES, AND FOREGOING ANNEXATION OF NONCONSENTING OWNERS MARK R. VAN GUNDY AND THE ESTATE OF ALLAN A. RARICK.” (document 4164, p. 2)
Next came land "immediately east of the city along and south of Highway #6" in Section 27: voluntary applications by Washington Park Partners and by Oakes Construction Company (contract sellers to Victor and Donna Zender), with the Tomson lot included to avoid an island. The notice went to North Liberty, Coralville, Iowa City and Johnson County. After the March 10, 1999 hearing the council adopted Resolution 1999-16 accepting the applications and an annexation agreement with the Tomsons (Resolution 1999-15) letting them keep their well and septic system. In April the council planned a joint meeting with North Liberty "to set up guidelines for city boundary and annexation issues" (newspaper clipping in the minutes).
“Motion Kern, second Bartels to approve a RESOLUTION # 1999-16, A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE OWNED BY WASHINGTON PARK PARTNERS AN OAKES CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES OF CONSENTING OWNERS BRADLEY AND MARSHA TOMSON.” (document 4189, p. 3)
“"The meeting between the cities is to set up guidelines for city boundary and annexation issues," said Tiffin Mayor Glenn Potter.” (document 4184, p. 10)
The council was told a landowner was willing to sell all 27 acres adjacent to town for $108,000.00, 20 acres north of the railroad tracks and 7 acres south, and that a grant could pay up to $50,000.00 of land acquisition.
In compliance with new state regulations, yard waste had to be picked up in biodegradable sacks furnished by Iowa City Cleanup and Transfer at a cost of $1.25 per sack.
The council authorized the mayor to sign a service agreement with ECICOG to write a CDBG application for flood control at a cost of $300.00 to $450.00.
The council voted to pay a city worker for 137 hours of overtime claimed between July 1, 1988 and June 30, 1990 at a total of $1708.92 plus the city contribution of $229.00 for IPERS and FICA.
an ordinance set the garbage charge at $4.20 per month for each dwelling unit, effective December 1, 1990, with $2.10 per month for those over sixty-two who qualify.
The council approved a 5% cost of living increase for the city clerk salary from 18,668.48 to $19,601.90 beginning July 1, 1997, with two council members opposed.
The council approved a 5% cost of living increase and a 4% increase, raising the public works director's wage from $10.55 to $11.49 an hour from July 1, 1997.
The city's 1998 fact sheet gave municipal infrastructure investment of $1,150,000 (1994-1998) and new private investments of $6,974,000 (1993 to July 1997).
The council authorized the mayor to sign an application request for a $1.2 million state revolving loan to finance water improvements that would be needed in the future.
an ordinance made municipal infractions a civil offense punishable by a civil penalty of not more than $200 for each violation, or not more than $750 for a repeat offense.
The city planned to request a total of 922,000 in state revolving fund loans at approximately 4% for 20 years, anticipating $500,000 of revenue sewer bonds and $422,000 of G.O. (TIF) bonds.
After a public hearing with no citizens speaking, the council adopted Resolution 1998-22 to enter into loan and disbursement agreements not to exceed $521,315 sewer revenue and $400,684 general obligation sewer loan.
The city attorney reported a lease of park ground at $18,000 rent each year for two years including taxes and insurance, after which the city was to purchase the property and receive title; the council approved a resolution authorizing the lease/purchase agreement.
The planner updated the Planning and Zoning Commission on annexation matters on the east side of town of approximately 67 acres minus 2 acres previously sold.
The lease of the park ground gave the tenant an option to purchase the leased premises for a total purchase price of $303,000.00 upon the expiration of the lease term.
The council amended the SRF application for an additional $782,254 for the 1999 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project, from a current loan acceptance of $922,000 to a new total of $1,782,254.
The council awarded the 1999 Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements contract to the low bid of $1,476,232.80 submitted by Wendler Engineering of South Amana, with a completion date of May 1, 2000.
The budget amendment hearing recorded that city reserves would drop from $504,989 to $320,106 and that the amendment did not include the proposed park acquisition cost of $303,000.
The budget amendment included $1,600,000 sewer bond revenue and $1,600,000 for Wastewater Plant Improvement, with additional water revenues of $40,000.
"As printed" is the figure on the page, of its year. "In today's dollars" is derived: the printed amount × the CPI-U ratio (hover for the factor). Budgets are adjusted from the year the fiscal year began.
Data last updated October 23, 2026. Built from the archive's documents; see how the data is built.