There were many speakers at the Council meeting on Tuesday. Eric Lundell was at the Council meeting and expressed interest in Sanitary Services still picking up garbage in Marcus. Their contract expires in August of 2022.
Kirk Letsche, representing Marcus Fair, came to ask for a 5K permit and a parade permit. He also would like to have Maple Street (by the Fair grounds) closed during the Fair. Because of the school constructing, the parade route will start on Railroad Street.
Caitlin Dreckman, representing MAC (Marcus Action Club) to have the street closed (by Farmers State Bank) for the street dance. In the past, the street dance was on Main (North or South). If you wanted to go to Old Pan Head, Hawkeye, or J B’s, you would have to go through the street dance. This year it will be at a different location and will not be bothering any restaurant of bar.
The Mayor of Moville, Jim Fischer spoke to the Council on hiring a nuisance code enforcement to be shared with other interested communities. He is hoping to hear how other interested communities feel about this matter. Marcus City Clerk is to contact Moville City Clerk for a one-year 28E agreement drafted.
Brian Nelson, representing Hawkeye, spoke to the Council about closing the alley behind the Hawkeye during the Marcus Fair, Thursday night through Saturday night. His request was approved by the Council.
Kaitlin Letsche briefed the Council on the $430,000 in grant funds awarded to the Trail funding. Grants are required to be supported by the Council before applying for a grant.
Resolution #22-35, “Resolution Supporting the Submittal of a Grant Application through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for Funding for Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Projects was approved by the Council.
The sealed bids for garbage collection were opened by Mayor Bunt. Sanitary Services bid was $13.25/residential until Sept. 14, 2024. Benson’s Sanitation bid was $11.75/482 residents. The Council approved Sanitation Services to continue to come to Marcus.
The Consent Agenda was approved by the Council. Res #22-32, “Transfer of Funds” was approved. A Street Dance Permit, closing Maple St. by Fairgrounds during the Fair, Marcus Fair 5K permit and Marcus Fair parade permit were approved.
Resolution #22-33, “Resolution to Set Reimbursement Rate for Payment of Mileage when a City Employee Uses Personal Vehicle for City Business” with the rate being 62.5 cents was approved by the Council.
Shelly Steffen on Planning & Zoning was approved for a 5 year-term. Tom Mayer on Board of Adjustments was approved for a 5 year-term.
Council approved Resolution #22-34, “Setting Salaries—Library” was for Scott Carlson as (janitor) cleaning the Library at $13.87 an hour.
Approved by the Council was Resolution 22-31, “Resolution Approving Amended Covenants to Country View Subdivision—First Addition to Marcus, Iowa”.
Approved by the Council was Resolution #22-36, “Resolution Setting Time and Place of Public Hearing on Proposed Sale of Real Estate in Country View Subdivision—First Addition in the City of Marcus, Iowa”.
It was approved for temporary street parking on Elm St. between Highland and Fenton during the school construction.
Approval was given for a letter of support on behalf of Carbon Solutions to the Iowa Utilities Board.
A real estate listing contract with Farmers State Bank was not approved but instead request time invested in creating a sales contract for Holmes Street Lot 1 was approved.
There was discussion on how using American Relief Funds (ARF) could help secure a grant for the new Marcus Golf Course building. Mayor Bunt will find out by the next meeting if ARF amount will determine how many points are awarded to the grant.
The meeting brought out that there is a need to find more land for residential lots.
Doug Dreckman reported on street repairs and water restrictions. The water tower was to be drained and interior painted after July 4 which would require water restrictions. The company to do the painting was not able to come at that time and gave a new date. Now they had an emergency and have delayed coming to Marcus until sometime in August. The water restriction has been lifted until the company makes it to Marcus.
Police Chief Flikeid requested that the ATV ordinance be changed to match the State Code. There was discussion on K9 and on bringing a K9 to Marcus, it would have to be funded by donations. Car equipment would be needed as well as insurance and training.
It was reported that on July 4, 2022, Sione Poponatui Toki, 36 years old of Alton, Iowa was arrested by the Sioux City Police Department while driving a vehicle entered as stolen by the Marcus Police Department. A warrant for Toki’s arrest had been obtained by the Marcus Police Department for Theft 2nd Degree, a class C Felony, bond $10,000.
Toki was booked into the Woodbury County Jail on local charges and is awaiting extradition to Cherokee County.
The stolen vehicle driven by Toki was recovered and returned to the owner after processing.
Criminal charges are merely an accusation; all subjects are innocent unless proven guilty in the court of law.
On July 8, 2022, the Marcus Police Department, along with the Department of Human Services, responded to the 500 block of Ridgeway Drive to investigate the use of controlled substances in the presence of a child. During the investigation, Officer seized drug paraphernalia from the residence. This investigation is ongoing and charges are expected.
The Marcus City Council met in Council Chambers on July 19, 2022 at 5 p.m. at regular meeting with Mayor Bunt presiding. Council members present were Ebert, Jenness, Enneking, Frangione, and Schmillen by phone. Absent: No one.