LOWDEN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

PROCEEDINGS OF LOWDEN CITY COUNCIL, REGULAR MEETING, MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2008, 7:00 PM, CITY HALL

The regular meeting of the Lowden City Council was called to order by Mayor Dan Hamdorf. Council members present on roll call: Conrad, Ryan, Olsen, Decker, Tucker. Visitors: Wes Griesbach, Duane Lasack, Jim Rice, Pat Kroemer, Gene Hamdorf, Joann Chappell, Curt Eldred.

M/S Conrad, Olsen to approve the minutes of the 7/7/08 meeting. Ayes: All.

M/S Ryan, Decker to approve payment of the bills as presented. Ayes: All. Clerk will check with MMS Consultants concerning the additional bill for the wastewater plant study which exceeded the $9600 contract amount for the project.

Wes Griesbach was present to ask if a building permit was needed for a handicapped ramp. Council told him there was no permit required for a ramp as long as there was not a porch or deck built with it.

Curt Eldred, Clarence Telephone Company, presented a building permit from Cedar County PCS, LLC, for a metal self support tower and concrete shelter. It would be located at the corner of Y24 and 155th Street on the Gehrls agricultural property which is within the Lowden City limits. The Zoning Board of Adjustment would have to grant a special use permit for the tower, which is a permissible use in Ag. I. M/S Decker, Tucker to approve the building permit for Cedar County PCS, LLC, for a metal tower and concrete shelter, pending a special use permit by the Zoning Board Adjustment. Ayes: Olsen, Decker, Tucker. Nays: Conrad, Ryan.

Joann Chappell, 205 8th St., was present and told the council that after the street on Hall Avenue was redone in July, it is now 6 inches higher and it drops off leaving a deep ditch. They bottom out when driving in and out of their driveway and stormwater is not draining properly there. Council said they would look at the area and put the subject on the September meeting agenda.

Duane Lasack was present to ask for a variance for his storage shed that sets 2-1/2 ft. from the side and rear property lines. Proper distance is 7-1/2 ft. He has a letter from the neighbor to the north saying she does not object to the closer distance. Council felt the shed should be 7-1/2 from the alley or rear property line. M/S Conrad, Ryan to have Duane Lasack move his shed and set it 7-1/2 ft. from the rear property line. Ayes: All. It can remain 2-1/2 ft. from the north property line.

M/S Tucker, Ryan to add to the property taxes of Robert Rowold, the unpaid $50 fine for beginning construction of a garage without building permit approval. Ayes: All.

Galen Conrad will speak to Tim Wadsworth about digging out the culvert under Washington Avenue to allow for proper storm water drainage on his property.

M/S Ryan, Conrad to drop the $30 charge for Derrick Lange for unauthorized use of a Park Shelter since it cannot be proved he actually used the shelter. Ayes: Conrad, Ryan, Olsen, Tucker. Nays: Decker.

Council said the City will try alternate parking this winter for snow removal. During snow removal on odd days of the month, cars should park on the odd numbered side of the street and on even days of the month, on the even numbered side of the street. Prior to the winter season, City Clerk will put a notice in the paper and on the cable channel about the parking change.

M/S Tucker, Olsen to approve the monthly financial report. Ayes: All.

M/S Ryan, Tucker to approve the following permits: Dan Hamdorf-steel building, Jay Stoffer-shed, (2-1/2 ft. from south property line with approval letter signed from that property owner, Gene Hamdorf), Bob Kroemer-mini-storage building, Ruben Gonzalez-sidewalk, Dwight Gottschalk-sidewalk, and curb and gutter permits for-Jim Kruckenberg, Bertha Milota, Dwight Gottschalk, Rex McCreight, Joby Proesch, Ray Wiese, Pam Fitzgerald, Joan Meier. Ayes: All.

Chuck Ryan presented information on a used dump truck for the City. Gene Hamdorf will look into the specifications further and report back at the September meeting.

Mayor Hamdorf thanked the Lowden Park Board and all the volunteers who helped at the Lowden Park Days held on August 1 and 2.

Mayor Hamdorf also thanked Joe and Mary Goodlove for the benches they donated for the City Park.

Council determined the Friends of the Library could present a financial report to the council semi-annually or whenever they have an organized meeting.

Mayor Hamdorf will speak to Wes Stender about construction of a fence on his property on 1st Street.

Maintenance men will be replacing unworkable curb stops this fall. Property owners will be notified before the work begins.

Council directed Tim and Gene to repair the broken gate and posts at the sewer plant as soon as possible.

Council acknowledged the resignation of Joe Wenndt as Fire Chief. Wenndt will remain a member of the Lowden Fire Department.

Due to Labor Day, the next regular meeting will be September 8, 2008, 7:00 PM.
M/S Tucker, Olsen to adjourn at 8:33 PM. Ayes: All.

Dan Hamdorf, Mayor
Peggy Kedley, City Clerk

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