Published: October 10, 2008 11:23 am      

DeWitt moves forward on police facility

DEWITT — The DeWitt City Council set a public hearing on Oct. 20 for the proposed purchase of real estate at 1505 Sixth Ave. DeWitt.

The property is owned by Eastern Iowa Light and Power Cooperative and the purchase price is $165,000. A tentative purchase contract has been negotiated. The property is intended to be a long-term solution for police department facilities.

Efforts have previously been made to secure a 50-plus-years solution for police department housing with no success. Though there are no current plans to move the department at this time, the relocation is expected to begin within the next five years.

The public hearing is not required, but the city traditionally holds a public hearing prior to land purchases.

At this week’s meeting, the council approved a change order in the amount of $265 to complete the Iowa Department of Transportation part of the 2006 Sixth Avenue reconstruction project.

The change order brings the total cost to $582,913 with Horsfield Construction of Epworth.

A resolution was approved increasing water fee connection permits to $175. The fee is tied to the cost of water meters which are now at $165 and is expected to hold steady until meter costs are at $200.

The council approved purchase of a John Deere snow blower, which will attach to the city's lawn tractor for use on sidewalks in heavy snows. Cost of the attachment is $1,680 from Tri-County Implement in DeWitt. Funding will come from the former sale of unused items. Councilman Kurt Ketelsen abstained in the vote.

Several street closures were approved. The parking area on Fifth Avenue adjacent to Lincoln Park will be closed Oct. 31 for trick or treat activities sponsored by Crossroads Lutheran Ministeries. Streets will be closed Nov. 22 in the morning beginning at the DeWitt Fitness Center for the first annual Gateway Red Cross Run for the Red 5K Run and Health walk.

At the request of Sherlock O’Neil, the council approved a driveway approach for his insurance business at 1133 11th St. A 12-foot driveway will be installed on the east side of the property.

The council further discussed low-impact design for storm water on the 600 and 700 block of 12th Street, with the consensus that they did not want to proceed with the LID at this time.

Councilwoman Peggy McAvan said that it seemed like a design for a larger area or for an open or bigger spot. Ketelsen agreed and thought it would be best to wait to see how other communities come out in the future.

Considering that LID is “somewhat experimental,” City Administrator Steve Lindner said the city would continue to look for opportunities where it may be more workable. The city will continue with stormwater pipes.

Also discussed was an amendment pertaining to building permits to require the installation of sidewalks. The amendment will attach new home, new business or garages and additions to sidewalk installation and will be before the council at the next meeting.

The council approved a 28E agreement between the city’s police department and the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division for “compliance checks” for tobacco enforcement. Also approved were job description amendments and new job descriptions for the public works director and office manager and administrative assistant at the police station.

A town hall meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at the DeWitt Community Center. On the discussion agenda are snow removal, the burn ban, capital improvements and the German hausbarn project in Lincoln Park.