The Elkader City Council received information about the proposed Pony Hollow Trail Extension Project which involves a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Highway 13 and the Bridge Street. The Council voiced some concern over safety at the intersection and wanted to see if an alternate route can be found. Clayton County Conservation along with the Iowa Department of Transportation is handling the project. More information is expected to be brought to the Council in the near future.
The Council tabled discussion of rezoning of a two-block area in the downtown area because they want to address it with the full Council.
Elkader City Council Proceedings
The Elkader City Council met on Monday, December 9, 2024 in regular session at 6:30 p.m. at the Elkader City Hall with Mayor Pro Tem Bob Garms presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll call was taken.
Roll call: Present: Bob Garms, Randy Henning, Tony Hauber, and Deb Schmidt. Daryl Bruxvoort was unable to attend.
A bill for $9,024.00 was added to the claims for the Elkader Fire Department. Henning moved to approve the consent agenda. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Schmidt, Henning, Hauber, Garms
Nay: None
Consent Agenda (Items on the consent agenda are considered routine in nature and all items are passed in one motion. In order to have an item voted on individually, it must be removed from the consent agenda.)
Minutes from the November 25, 2024
Claims (November 22-December 5, 2024)
Financial reports (reconciled November Treasurer’s report, budget by function, revenue, receipts by fund)
Approve liquor license renewal for Akin Ventures, Inc. d/b/a Elkader Cinema (Special Class C retail with living quarters privileges)
Approval of Resolution 2024-58 – Approving 28E Agreement between the City of Volga and the City of Elkader for emergency response services (ambulance services)
Approval of pay request #27 (semifinal) for CJ Moyna & Sons for the Keystone Bridge project ($3,270.00)
Approval of Resolution 2024-59 – Resolution approving plat of Erika Moyna Addition to the City of Elkader
Public comments No public comments were received.
Update on Pony Hollow Trail Extension and crossing at Bridge Street by Jenna Pollock, Director, Clayton County Conservation Board Pollock was in attendance to share with the City Council the plans for the pedestrian crossing from the extended Pony Hollow Trail to Bridge Street. The at-ground crossing is the most cost effective option. Phase II of the Pony Hollow Trail will not be constructed until 2026. DOT requirements do not allow a trail to end abruptly. Council members and members of the audience expressed concern about the safety of that intersection and asked that Pollock take those concerns to the IaDOT to see if there are any alternatives.
Review of Library strategic plan and annual report Library Director Alexandra Bomhoff presented the FY 24 annual report and the FY 25-29 strategic plan for the library.
Discussion of rezoning an area of C1 to C2 (the area is in the downtown); possible first reading of Ordinance 2024-04 (version two) Henning moved to table this item until all Council members were present. Garms seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Administrative staff update
Review goal setting Staff distributed a copy of the goal setting report from January 2024 and highlighted the items that were in progress or complete. Council members should review before the next meeting so items can be included in the budget planning process.
Discuss budget process The budget calendar was distributed and changes were discussed. Notes on special equipment request was shared and will be discussed at the next meeting.
Questions and concerns from the City Council members A concern was shared about first floor residential in the C2 district. More will be discussed at future meetings.
Adjournment Henning moved to adjourn. Hauber seconded the motion. Mayor Pro Tem Garms declared the meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
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