By Erin Gentz
Index Editor
While plans for annexation of property at 8th Street and Holden Avenue are still in the early stages of discussion, at least one West Liberty resident has questions about the outcome of those talks.
Humberto Vasquez, who owns property near the proposed annexation, spoke during a public hearing on the matter during the Oct. 1 West Liberty City Council meeting. He said that, while he is in favor of more housing in the community, as a farmer, he had several questions. First, he was worried that future residents may have complaints about the smell or noise from his livestock. He said that he also has a butchery business on his property.
But he also saw that the dirt level would be raised in the floodplain and was concerned about water runoff. “Either it’s going to go straight to my farm and it’s going to affect my property, (or) it’s going to affect the next neighbor’s property, too. Because the water, once it gets flooded, if you create a barrier, water is going to go a different direction now from what it is in the floodplain.”
He also expressed concern that he had not received a letter notifying him of the public hearing, and he only knew about the meeting because he heard about it from his neighbor. City manager Lee Geertz did say she recalled addressing a letter to his property and said she could not speak to why he did not receive the letter. “I am glad you were able to make the meeting tonight,” she told Vasquez. She said that she would make sure there was no returned mail, and she would ensure future communications to him were sent certified mail. “We would like to see you as a part of the process as we continue.”
She said that discussions about annexation were still in the very early stages and added that it is not uncommon for residential properties to be near agriculture in West Liberty. “You’re already existing, and the developer has knowledge of the agriculture that surrounds it, so that would be something as more of a civil discussion between you two.”
She said that as developer Deepak Giri moves through the development process, there will be a review of the flood zone area by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “There will be permits, they will have to manage the floodplain, and that would be taking your property and the surrounding properties into consideration.
“You bring up some really good points,” Geertz told Vasquez. “We really, greatly appreciate you coming.” She also told him that, as an adjoining property holder, he would be continued to be updated about the process as it moved forward.
Deepak Giri was also present at the meeting and updated the council that he had met with Jon Marner, a project manager at Iowa City-based MMS Consultants Inc. to develop a plan for a new housing development on the property. Based on those discussions, his original plan for the development will probably lose a few lots due to having to create private entrances for the development. Giri reiterated that the project is still in the very early stages but said he had already received interest from potential buyers. He was planning for about 26 lots with single family homes, most of which would be slab homes.
“Mr. Giri is looking to fill the need in the housing shortage that we continually have,” said Geertz. “Also, through our conversations with WELEAD and ourselves, they’re looking to fill the need for affordable homes for individuals that have been renting for a long while and they’re ready to make a purchase of their first home.”
Geertz said the next steps will be rezoning hearings. She said she and Giri were also exploring opportunities for Tax Increment Financing or abatement rebates, as well as other grant opportunities.
At the conclusion of the public hearing, the council voted to approve a resolution for the voluntary annexation of the property into the city of West Liberty.
“I just want to thank everybody that spoke. I appreciate that,” said council member Joshua Shiltz. “I think this is a good start, and we’ll see where this goes.”
Tree replacement process
A tree replacement application is now available. Many trees within the city have been cut down, not only due to Emerald Ash Borer infestation, but also due to weather damage.
Parks and recreation director Nick Heath said the city has purchased 75 new trees, with 50 to be planted on city property and within right of ways. Twenty-five trees will be available for citizens to apply for on a first-come, first-served basis. He said a date will be set for citizens to come pick up their trees. Property owners will be responsible for planting their tree, as well as any additional work, such as calling Iowa One Call.
“If the program goes well, we will take a look in the next fiscal year’s budget with local option sales tax money and see what we can do for some additional trees in the future,” said Geertz. She thanked Heath for his work in investigating programs to get the trees.
Comet Classic
West Liberty High School band director Ashley Smith applied for a partial closure of Maxson and Elm as part of the Comet Classic marching band competition, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, starting at 11 a.m. at the high school.
Geertz said that in the application, Smith had not requested assistance from public works or the police department. However, both departments will be required, not only to set up barricades, but to help with traffic control. Geertz added the request was the same as the previous two years the event has been held. She said the event is quite large, with buses and other transportation equipment coming in.
Nearly a dozen schools will participate in this year’s Comet Classic. West Liberty’s marching band is expected to perform at approximately 3:40 p.m. to conclude the competition.
Open burning
Mayor pro tem Cara McFerren asked about open burning dates within the city limits. Public works director Adam Reinhardt said those dates fall within the last two weeks of October and the first two weeks of November. More information has been posted on the city’s Facebook page.
Spencer Street traffic
McFerren reported she had received multiple questions from residents about the wheeled stop sign at Spencer and 3rd streets, which has been removed. “There are some individuals, they get a little concerned or confused or whatever, and they blow by it. But there are stop signs there, with flags.”
“With the weather and things, we’ll be coming into the season where we’ll be plowing the downtown, and it’s not ideal to have something in the middle,” said Geertz. “But the signs are posted there, the flags are there.” Geertz said the wheeled sign was intended to be temporary.
Bills
The council approved Vendor Voucher Claims List #1 in the amount of $388,694.99. Vendor Voucher Claims List #2 to Cardinal Graphics in the amount of $466 was also approved, with McFerren abstaining.
McFerren presided over the meeting in the absence of mayor Mark Smith. Council member Dana Dominguez was also absent.