By Elaine Rassel
The Public Hearing on “Amending the Zoning Districts as Established in the City Code of Marcus, Iowa, to Re-Zone 109 E. Pine and 208 N. Locust from its Present Classification of Central Business District” was opened. As there were no public comments or concerns at this time, a minute later the Public Hearing was closed. This had to do with the United Bank of Iowa that purchased the ground across from the Post Office for a drive-through bank.
Ordinance #349, “Ordinance Amending the Zoning Districts as Established in the City Code of Marcus, Iowa, to Re-Zone 109 E. Pine and 208 N. Locus from its Present Classification for Residential to a New Classification of Central Business Districts” was approved by the Council also approved was to waive second and third reading of Ordinance #349.
Russ Hansen, Fire Department Chief, asked Council to approve recommendations of Dallas Carey and Ben Brady to Fire Department. It was approved.
The Council approved Resolution #21-30 “Resolution Amending Resolution #21-28 Supporting Application of Tom Hohbach, D/B/A Hohbach Construction Company for Tax Exemptions for Said Projects.”
Anna Erdman gave the Council an update on the walking trails. The Council approved Resolution #21-31, “Resolution Supporting the Submittal of a Grant Application through the State Recreations Trails Program.”
People will be asked to widen their sidewalks to 10 feet for this trail. The Methodist Church parking lot will have 10 foot sidewalks. They will lose grass and maybe even a couple trees.
A citizen at the meeting questioned some of this Walking Trail and what has to be before it can be a reality. City is supposed to be responsible for keeping sidewalks free of snow.
The Council approved Resolution #21-32, but with suggested changes, “Resolution Salaries for Appointed Officers and Employees of the City of Marcus, Iowa.”
“Resolution #21-33” “A Resolution Setting for Marcus Municipal Pool Lifeguard’s Certification for the Summer of 2021” was approved.
The Council approved Resolution #21-34, “Resolution Transferring Funds.”
Pizza Ranch Class E Liquor License with Class B Beer Permit and Sunday Sales was approved.
Council approved moving the MAC sign (across from Post Office at City’s expense) when a location was found. It was mentioned to put sign on East side of Municipal Building.
Rehab Systems contract for cleaning sewers was approved. No Public Works report.
Chief of Police Flikeid reported on the mother/child case that was reported in Marcus. It has moved on to another state.
He has been attending training to renew certificates. Dogs running (Not leashed) have been reported. Calling city members about dogs will not hold up in court. Complaints have to be made directly to Police by the person seeing these dogs.
Flikeid was questioned as to how much time he spent in Marcus. There was a tense moment with this question.
A question was asked as to when the new female deputy Sheriff Officer was on duty. She is now a K-9 handler. One of the Council asked if city should furnish a cage for her dog. Answer was that we hired her—not her dog.
The Jacobsen residence on East Cedar was brought up. “Could we do a Habitat for Humanity, like what Jimmy Carter did, answer was-the house has been trashed.”
The Council approved appointing Joe Frangione to Planning and Zoning with Council person, Frangione abstaining. Swimming pool opening was not given. Repair has been done but evidently has to sit for climate control. Le Mars pool had some problems. Guards and manager of Marcus Pool are being paid while waiting for pool to open.
Marcus City Council regular meeting was Monday, June 14, 2021 with Mayor Hansen presiding Council Members present were Ebert, Enneking, Klassen and Frangione. Absent: Jenness.