By Erin M. Gentz
Index Interim Editor
The West Liberty City Council voted to begin the process of multiple voluntary annexations, including three properties along Highway 6.
This follows the annexation of the Wiele Chevrolet property, located at 1497 Highway 6.
“We have three current properties that would like to participate in 100 percent voluntary annexation,” city manager Lee Geertz updated the council on June 18.
The owners of Wertzbaugher Services, 1475 Highway 6; Schroeder Law Firm, 1481 Highway 6; and All American Concrete, 1489 Highway 6, have requested to be annexed into the city of West Liberty.
The vote allowed Geertz and city clerk Shari Hoffert to begin the process by contacting engineers on the wastewater expansion project, attorneys, and representatives from Muscatine County.
“There are a couple of other properties in that area. That doesn’t necessarily mean anything to them as long as these are voluntary?” asked council member Tim Parizek.
“We do have a current property that is still on the fence,” responded Geertz. She said that she and WELEAD director Ken Brooks were exploring the possibility of petitioning for an 80/20 annexation, and that could delay the timeline for the annexation of the furthest property west.
“The other parcels, we could go ahead and proceed with a 100 percent annexation,” said Geertz. “But we’re hopeful that everybody will have their questions resolved and we can bring those properties in. Currently there’s only one property that’s unresolved.”
Geertz also presented an annexation request for 5.35 acres owned by Giri LLC.
“This is most likely going to be a little different as this is residential,” she said. “We are looking at attorneys visiting for urban renewal, potential Tax Increment Financing for a subdivision and new development.”
Council members Omar Martinez, Josh Shiltz and Tim Parizek voted in favor. Council member Dana Dominguez watched the meeting via Zoom and did not participate in voting. Mayor pro tem Cara McFerren was absent.
Change order approved
After receiving additional information, the council voted to accept a $31,175 change order from D.C. Taylor for roof panel replacements, to fix a leaky roof at the electric building.
The change order was first discussed at the June 4 meeting.
City engineer Leo Foley gave an update.
“As they’re tearing off the top of the roof, they’re finding the panels they have to screw into are basically rusted through. The question Councilwoman McFerren asked is why we couldn’t see that from the bottom. (Veenstra & Kimm) didn’t put the plans together, but I will say I did look at it when I was in there, and it was very, very hard to tell. But once you go up top and tear it off, then you can go back down and kind of see light and things.
“I do think, and I know (electric superintendent Cody Franklin) looked very closely at all the panels that got replaced. I think it was very wise to do this. This has been leaking for as long as I can remember. I think they’re doing a great job. They’re about done.”
Geertz and Foley acknowledged there may have been confusion during the previous conversation on June 4.
Temporary easement granted
As part of the sidewalk project on Columbus Street and the ongoing Rainbow/Maxson Street improvement, Foley explained that a temporary construction easement will be put in place at 1200 N. Columbus St., the site of the Comet Car Wash.
Foley said the land nearby was an “extraordinarily difficult spot” to install sidewalk due to the curve in the highway there. The sidewalk will be installed close to, but not on, the Comet Car Wash property line. However, the work will necessitate owner Jacob Marshall to close one of the car wash bays for a month, and he said he would incur loss of business.
“He had indicated that would be a big cost to him,” said Foley. “And the city manager and I were negotiating with him and told him we would pay 50 percent, which comes up to $2,925. He still was not at all happy, but I think he realized the compromise had to be made.”
Foley said none of the other businesses in the area would be as negatively impacted.
“They’ll be impacted because there’s a sidewalk in front of them, but it won’t close their business for any part of time.”
The amount of compensation was based on estimated revenues for the car wash in May. The council voted to approve payment of $2,925 to Marshall, and to give him five days’ notice before work began.
Citizen reimbursement
The council voted to approve reimbursement of $1,579.30 to a property owner regarding damage to their home following a sewer backup in their basement in April.
Geertz said she had been contacted by the property owner at 308 E. Third St., and water and sewer superintendent Danny Goodale did a report on the situation. He said it was caused by a collapsed sewer line.
“Due to that, the property owners were very good and patient with us,” Geertz said, but there was still equipment in the basement that needed to be replaced. Geertz said she had reached out to the city’s insurance company, but the replacement amount was not at the city’s deductible. If the city had received more reports of damage, it could have made an aggregate claim, but Geertz asked the council to use money from the sewer fund for the cost of equipment replacement to restore the home. Mayor Mark Smith said the homeowner had done the clean-up and did not submit a bill for that work.
Public works communications
Geertz told the council that she and Foley will be working to improve communication between themselves and department superintendents. She said the superintendents are now much more involved than in previous years, with so many projects going on around town. Geertz said the third Friday of each month had been suggested as a regular meeting time. Foley said it is important to make sure everyone has the same information.
Final plat approved
The final plat for the Buysse subdivision was approved. Geertz said this plat shows where the utilities will go. She added that the council will need to set a public hearing for a utility easement. That hearing was scheduled for the July 2 council meeting.
Bills
The council approved bills in the amount of $1,719,081.67. Geertz explained this set of bills includes the city’s debt bonds to UMB Corporation in the amount of $971,911. “That’s why you see a larger claims list tonight.”
Also approved were a library prepaid claims list of $681.55 and a second claims list in the amount of $51 to Cardinal Sign & Graphics for employee business cards.
New officer
The West Liberty Police Department welcomed a new officer, Zachary Murdock. Mayor Smith administered the oath of office. Murdock will be paid $31 per hour.
The council also approved raises for three other officers. Officer Derek Holmes saw his pay raised to $31 per hour; Corporal Nick Blocker will be paid $32.50 per hour; and Sgt. Don Strong will be paid $33 per hour.
New citizens honored
Mayor Smith congratulated three people on gaining U.S. citizenship: West Liberty residents Hector Sanchez and Diana Aranday, and former resident Esmerelda Garza.
“As we live and work and participate in this community of West Liberty, we know that there are many people of this community who are trying to gain citizenship. And one of the things I like to do as mayor, and I know the council likes to do this, too, is honor folks to have received their United States citizenship.”
Sanchez was present at the meeting, and Mayor Smith presented him with a certificate.
“Working with people gaining their citizenship, I know it’s not easy,” Smith said.