The City of Panora now has a new comprehensive plan that will be used by City Council and other City departments to help guide their planning process for future projects in town.

The Panora City Council unanimously approved the new comprehensive plan at its Monday meeting, concluding a 24-month process that saw Panora residents and the Region XII Council of Governments working together to get the new plan drafted.  Region XII Local Assistance Director Chris Whitaker was present at the meeting and he was thanked for his thorough work.

The City Council also unanimously approved the purchase of a new mini excavator for just over $32,000 that will be used by Panora’s Water and Electric Departments.  City Administrator Lisa Grossman says the new machine will allow the departments to more easily replace and/or fix electric and water lines in town.

After a heated discussion, Panora City Council also approved the new standard operating guidelines for Panora EMS during its Monday meeting.  Grossman says the new guidelines have been established to help a still new department continue to operate more smoothly and efficiently.  Panora EMS has had paid staff for less than six years.

According to Grossman, the EMS guidelines were reviewed by City Attorney Jeff Bump prior to the Council meeting and he voiced no concern.  The guidelines were also reviewed and approved by EMS Director Joe Hupp and his staff prior to the meeting.

City Council ultimately did approve the new guidelines with a three to one vote and one abstainment.  Councilwoman Mary Smith was the opposing vote while Shannon Barber, whose husband works for EMS, abstained.

Grossman says she is unsure why some questions and concerns were made regarding the new Panora EMS guidelines, but she is glad they passed through the Council’s vote.

The Panora City Council will next convene on Monday, April 14th, at 6:30pm in City Hall.