The Perry City Council held their first meeting of the month last night.
At the meeting, City Administrator Butch Niebuhr said Aliant Energy is interested in coming in to talk about projects they plan to work on and update the Council on what they’re working on. Because the presentation is expected to last between 30-40 minutes, the Council plans to start a May meeting at 5:30pm instead of 6pm.
Niebuhr also talked briefly about necessary street repairs. He says if a group of residents want to move up the line of importance when it comes to projects, they are welcome to make a proposal and offer to pay for a portion of the project. Niebuhr then talked about Perry becoming age friendly community and having sidewalks that connect important places throughout town so that residents can safely walk around town. He says they plan to put a group of people together to see if there are feasible options.
Finally, Niebuhr touched on voluntary annexation. He said there is a lot of interest at this time, in several different directions. Niebuhr expects public hearings to be set or held at just about every meeting for the foreseeable future.
Mayor Jay Pattee then talked about the Newbury Living proposal to develop the old junior high building location into an assisted living facility. The tax credit funds they were banking on fell through and the project has since been suspended for the time being. Newbury living plans to reapply for the funds and possibly building some duplexes on the property. Updates from the company are expected at future meetings.
It was also reported that the war against the Turkey Vultures continues. Decoys have been set in place but the City has not yet sacrificed any live birds to hang as carcasses. Police Chief Eric Vaughn says he’s hoping to locate birds outside of the city limits to shoot, for safety sake. He hopes to have them harvested in the next week or so.
Councilman Dr. Randy McCaulley then reminded the Council and the audience about the potential dangers of skateboarders, bicyclists and pedestrians on the streets now that the weather is warming up. He stressed the importance of everyone staying aware of their surroundings and being careful.
Next the Council heard from Donna Krueger with the State Auditor’s office, who reviewed the fiscal year 2013 audit report. Again, one concern on the audit was that of the Perry Public Library Foundation’s financial data was not included in the City’s financial statements. The Council then unanimously approved the annual audit report.
Pay request number one for the Iowa Energy Bank Lighting Project was then approved in the amount of $15,149 to Voltmer Inc. for work completed through march 28th. As of now, the project continues to be on schedule.
The Council then approved renewal of dental, vision and life insurance premiums through Sun Life Insurance at an increase of 6.51% for dental and no vision insurance increase.
A Historical Resource Development Program grant application was then approved. The Perry Public Library is applying for funds from the State Historical Society to allow them to digitize past editions of local newspapers.
Next the Council heard from several representatives of Nudgers Inc. who is in the process of renovating the building at 1314-1316 Second Street. The group has a local institution that is willing to lend money for the project but wants the City to secure the note though available bonding capacity. The total project is expected to cost more than $1.5 million. They will be receiving $350,000 in tax credits from the State of Iowa and they’re also hoping for federal funds as well to the tune of $250,000 upon completion of the project. The Perry Chief looks to lease half of the commercial space on the ground floor of the building, while the second floor will be split up into four apartment spaces. The exact amount of money the Nudgers are looking for the City to guarantee has not yet been determined and is pending the appraisal value of the building though it’s expected to be around $300,000. Niebuhr says the City has roughly seven million dollars in bonding capacity available. The Council gave the Nudgers permission to move forward with the process of looking at borrowing options with the City’s backing, with Councilman Chuck Schott voting against the motion.
A public hearing in regards to the plans, specifications and notice to bidders for the 2014 apron rehabilitation project at the airport was then set for the May 1st regular council meeting. Another public hearing will take place during the next Council meeting on April 21st in regards to voluntary annexation for Cory and Andrea Tunik’s property. Finally, Wilbur Dickerson was re-appointed to the Perry Planning and Zoning Commission for another term which will end on August 1, 2017.
For more on the meeting, tune into today’s Let’s Talk Dallas County when we speak with Butch Niebuhr during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours on AM 1310 KDLS.