Around Maquoketa as of May 7, 2002 by Judy Carr

Two Proposed Water/Sewer Ordinances. The Maquoketa City Council has several items it is currently working on. This includes an ordinance establishing billing and collection procedures for delinquent water/sewer bills. If this ordinance is approved, it would allow the City to deny service to a residence if it is known that a person with a delinquent account lives at that address. For example, if a customer leaves service and owes the City $50.00 in delinquent services and then a relative comes in to apply for water-sewer service. If the staff knows that the person who still owes the City money is living at this residence, the City can deny service until the delinquent balance is paid.

Another ordinance that is on the table would allow the City to require landlords to be responsible for a tenant’s delinquent water/sewer bill. The City requires a $60.00 deposit for each customer before service is turned on. This $60.00 deposit is enough to cover approximately 1 ½ month of a minimum water bill. This deposit is applied to an account when a customer leaves service but that does not pay his/her outstanding balance. In some cases, the City is not given a forwarding address to send a final bill. State Code allows the City to require the landlord to pay the balance but, the Code also allows the landlord to pursue an option that would place the bill in the tenant’s name and escape such liens.

One landlord was at the Council meeting to say he is not in favor of this ordinance and does not think the City can do this. Several landlords spoke regarding this ordinance and stated they wanted the City to have a standardized form available. Council members did agree that the City would prepare a standardized form for landlords to fill out and turn in. The Council has passed two readings of this ordinance and the third reading will be on the May 20^th Council agenda.

Agreement with Clinton Community College. The City Council has approved the one-year agreement between the Clinton Community College, Maquoketa Community School District and the City for Community Education and Recreation Programs. The City renews this agreement every year and it covers activities at the Community Center such as college courses and recreation programs.

Carlisle Project. On May 6, 2002 Council held a public hearing regarding Amendment #4 to the 1990 Maquoketa, Iowa Industrial Development Urban Renewal Area for the City. This amendment will include the property that has recently been annexed on the former Nairn farm. This allows the City to use TIF for any development in the area as long as all of the proper procedures are followed as required in the State Code.

An example of a development that would be included is the old Nairn property on the west side of Old Hwy 61. The City has been approached by a developer that would like to put in a hotel and possibly a couple other businesses. By including this property in the urban renewal area, the City can use TIF funds as an incentive to bring this development to Maquoketa.

Once this public hearing is held, the City Council will have to approve this amendment by passing three readings of an ordinance.

Council also approved a resolution to start proceedings for the issuance of up to $1,500,000 in General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, Series 2002 for Carlisle Real Estate Group for development of the Nairn property.

New Ordinance for Street Excavations. The Maquoketa City Council adopted the first reading of an ordinance that would change our policy on street excavations. This ordinance will require a payment in the amount of $500 before any City street can be cut. Once the street is repaired, the Public Works Director will prepare the bill and the payment will be made from the $500 that was collected. If the bill is actually lower than the $500, the remaining balance will be returned to the contractor.

Training at Former Goodenow Property. City Council members approved letting the Maquoketa Police Department and Fire Department use the structure on the old Goodenow property for training. Some of this training will be done before May 17^th, but most will be held after that date. The ARC Committee intends to use the site on May 17^th for a sign celebration.

New Appointee to Sidewalk Committee. Arlan Flagel was appointing as the 4^th Ward representative on the Sidewalk Committee. The City still has one opening on this committee and is looking for a representative from Second Ward. We are also looking for two volunteers to serve on the Airport Commission.