Regular Meeting of the City Council was held August 14th, 2023, at 5:00 pm with Mayor Bunt presiding. Council members present: Ebert, Jenness, Enneking, Frangione, Schmillen. Also, present: Kim Diechmann, Steve Schuetz, Elaine Rassel, Francis Hinspeter, Connie Edwards, Gary Edwards, Corey Hawkins, Karen Scott, Dave Christensen, Doug Dreckman, Brian Flikeid
Pledge of Allegiance
Corey Hawkins & Karen Scott introduced themselves to the Council as the new owners of the Old Casey’s building. They plan to open a clothing and gift shop. At the end of August, they will also be the new owners of the Hawkeye Lounge.
Kim Diechmann came before the Council to ask that Main Street between Cedar and Pine be allowed to be blocked off on Saturday, October 14, 9am-1pm for the Marcus Fall Festival. This is a revision of the past Kandy Korn Festival. There will be boutique trailers and food trucks parked outside along with the vendors in the Community Center.
Motion by Schmillen, seconded by Frangione to approve Consent Agenda: City Council Minutes, Bills, Res #23-26, “Approving a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Iowa Department of Revenue and the City of Marcus, Iowa, for Participation in the State Setoff Program”, Res #23-28, “Resolution Supporting the Submittal of a Grant Application for Funding Through the Iowa Development Authority – Rural Enrichment Grant Program”, Res #23-29, “Resolution Supporting the Submittal of a Grant Application Through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for Funding for Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Projects”, Res #23-30, “A Resolution Amending the City of Marcus, Iowa Employee Handbook”, Resolution #23-32, “Transfer of Funds”, IMWCA safety policy recommendations, Fall Festival Street Closure, Application for Marcus Signage Incentive Grant Program – 59 Grind, The Hawkeye Lounge, LLC Class C Retail Alcohol License, Mud on Main, LLC Special Class C Retail Alcohol License, Site Services Inc. Asbestos Removal Agreement, Certified Testing Services Agreement, Steve Schmillen to Nuisance Committee. Ayes: Ebert, Jenness, Enneking, Schmillen, Frangione. Nayes: none. Motion carried.
Motion by Ebert, seconded by Schmillen to approve Trail Business: Res #23-32, “Resolution Approving Temporary Easement Agreements – Phase I”, Res #23-33, ” Resolution Accepting Quit Claim Deed for Certain Real Estate to be Dedicated as Locust Street”, Res #23-33, “Resolution Approving Trail Easement Agreements – Phase I”. Ayes: Ebert, Jenness, Enneking, Schmillen, Frangione. Nayes: none. Motion carried.
Motion by Ebert, seconded by Frangione to approve Res #23-27, “Setting a Public Hearing on the Sale of Lot in the Business Park”. Ayes: Ebert, Jenness, Enneking, Frangione. Nayes: none. Abstain: Schmillen.
Motion by Schmillen, seconded by Enneking to approve second reading of Ordinance 358 and waive third reading. Ayes: Ebert, Jenness, Enneking, Schmillen, Frangione. Nayes: none. Motion carried.
Dave Christensen, Nuisance Code Enforcement provided the Council with pictures of 61 properties in Marcus with items in the right-of-way.
Motion by Jenness, seconded by Frangione to request that Dave Christensen meet with the Planning and Zoning to come up with a recommendation specifying what is allowable in the city right of way. Ayes: all. Nayes: none. Motion carried.
Discussion was held with the Council and Robin Harvey, City Clerk regarding drafting an ordinance for food trucks. The Council asked Robin Harvey to continue to send out weed & mowing letters instead of Dave Christensen. Robin will be checking with a bonding attorney to see what the City’s bond capacity is now that the Golf Course has added value to the City.
Doug Dreckman gave the Public Works update. Now that the fair is over, the HWY 143 water intake will be replaced. They will start cutting down ash trees that are on the list for removal.
Police Chief, Brian Flikeid gave an arrest report, there was a break in at MMCRU contractors had tools and equipment stolen. Office Stephens and Valcan were recertified at training this month. The police department was understaffed for this year’s fair and street dance. Next year, will need more enforcement.
Under Council comments it was mentioned that the IDOT has started doing locates for the roundabout scheduled for Fiscal year 2026. Discussion of installing cameras at the swimming pool park and illegal use of golf carts.
Motion by Ebert, seconded by Jenness to adjourn at 6:25 pm. All ayes. Nayes: none. Motion carried.
Pat Bunt- Mayor
ATTEST: Robin A. Harvey-City Clerk
Published in the Marcus News on August 24, 2023.