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Last Updated: Dec 12, 2008 - 4:54:39 PM |
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Councilman Nick Simmons. Mitch Traphagen Photo
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VICTOR - The Victor City Council met in a special session on Aug. 28 with Dan Cavin, Lynn DeNeve, Marla Faga, Joan Robinson, Nick Simmons and Mayor Roger Pawlak in attendance. The purpose of the meeting was to vote on a building permit requested by James Weiermann and to vote on a cigarette permit and beer permit for the new Casey’s store.
The building permit required a special vote from the council due to a variance requested from the city ordinances - the planned addition will be somewhat closer to the street than that of other homes in the neighborhood. It soon became clear, however, the variance was not of much concern to the council but rather the proximity of a previously approved and permitted fence became the object of discussion.
“My problem is not the addition, James - my problem is the fence and the sidewalk,” said councilman Nick Simmons during the discussion period.
“My concern is if we set precedence and let him build beyond the city code, then how many more are we going to do?” asked councilwoman Joan Robinson. “[I’m also] concerned about the fence being close to the sidewalk.”
Councilwoman Faga called for a vote to approve the permit with a second from DeNeve. Faga, DeNeve and Cavin voted in favor, Simmons and Robinson against. At first it appeared the motion carried on the 3-2 vote, however, City Clerk Fred Stiefel pointed out that special permit requests require a yes vote from at least four out of five members of the council. The motion was denied.
“Most of the ordinances we have are reactive ordinances,” said Mayor Pawlak. “Stuff that we saw, something the council saw that they didn't like then they passed an ordinance prohibiting that in the future."
After a reading of the ordinance by Robinson, Simmons stated he would vote in favor of the permit if the fence would be moved.
“I sure wish it didn’t have to be that way,” said Weiermann. “If that’s what it takes to get it approved, I will move the fence and I will move the children’s playground equipment.”
Faga motioned again for approval, with a second by DeNeve. On that vote, the motion carried with all but Robinson voting in favor. The permit was granted with a compromise that the fence will be moved eight feet off the sidewalk.
In other business, an application was made by Casey’s General Stores for a cigarette permit and a beer permit. Casey’s has purchased the Victor Pronto with a closing date set for Sept. 18. DeNeve motioned for approval with a second from Cavin for the permit, along with a Sunday sales permit. All voted in favor - the motion carried.
Also discussed during the meeting were various nuisance concerns - with trash and an overgrown lawn at one property in particular. The subject property is currently in the early stages of foreclosure, according to Realtytrac.com.
Also discussed were parking concerns around HLV school and suggestions of a “hook-up fee” for those who have had city water service disconnected due to non-payment.
The next regular meeting of the City Council will be on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
© Copyright 2008 by The East Iowa Herald
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Skies: CloudyTemperature: 27F -3CDewpoint: 19F -7CRelative Humidity: 72%Wind: S at 3m - 5kBarometric Pressure: 29.59SUpdated: 02:55:40 PM