City of Marengo looks for fence prices to resolve litigation

MARENGO — The Marengo City Council voted last month to get prices for a fence to resolve litigation brought against the city.

The Council made the decision following a closed session Jan. 28.

Kristin Miller, of 344 W. Lucas in Marengo, and her attorney, Jeff Taylor, of Cedar Rapids, addressed the council during open forum Nov. 26. Taylor said he had filed a notice of appeal Nov. 10 on Miller’s behalf.

According to Taylor, Compass Memorial Healthcare, which owns the adjacent property on the corner of West Lucas Street and Lafayette Avenue, got a zoning permit July 18 to put a parking lot on that property.

Both Miller’s property and the hospital’s property are zoned residential, Taylor said. A special use was approved by the zoning board, but the permit has to go before the board of adjustment, which it didn’t, said Taylor.

Property owners who would be affected by the zoning change should have been informed by letter, and they weren’t said Taylor.

“At this stage of the game a lot has already been built,” said Taylor. Miller is concerned about her privacy and wants the hospital to put up a fence, he said.

Marengo City Attorney Gage Kensler said he had been in contact with Taylor and would be sending a formal response.

Miller spoke again during public forum Dec. 30. She said she had tried to contact the city about the the issue before the parking lot was constructed, but the city didn’t remedy the situation, so Miller had to hire an attorney.

Miller requested that the city put in a privacy fence and pay her attorney fees.