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Council: Pine Street subdivision may have four duplexes in future
By Gina Anderson
Feb. 20, 2025 12:00 am
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The New London City Council met in regular session on Feb. 10, 2025 with all council members present. They approved the agenda and the consent agenda. No one addressed the council in open forum.
The council held a public hearing on the proposed drawings, specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost for the construction of the proposed street improvements for the Pine Street subdivision phase three. There were no citizens’ questions or comments.
The council approved phase three of the Pine Street subdivision 2025. They then approved the bid from Hickey Contracting for the Pine Street subdivision for $396,732.00 for the street, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer, and an alternate of $51,014.00 for the sidewalk on S Pine St. and in between S. Pine St. and S. Maple St. for a total of $447,746.00.
In reports, Mayor Miller noted that he and the City Clerk met with Jack Swarm regarding the building and rental codes. They will look at various pricings for permit pricing.
Council member Sines attended the Healthy Henry County Communities and referenced grants for recreational activities.
Council member Helmerson reported that the fire department had the pumper truck repaired.
There was no old business. In new business, the city council took the following actions:
- Approved resolution #447 authorizing the filing of an application for the Surface Transportation Block Grant program (STBG) for the Pine Street Reconstruction project.
- · Approved resolution #448 hiring a public works equipment operator. Blake Nehring will start with the City at a n hourly wage of $24.50.
- Approved several reinvestments from general funds that include capital improvement funds, sewer funds, and CDs at Danville State Savings Bank for 182 days at 4.50%.
- Approved March 25, 2025 at 6 p.m. as the public hearing date for the property tax levy hearing.
The council discussed an offer from H&A Rentals to purchase lots 1 — 4 of the first addition to the Pine Street subdivision for $10,000 per lot. They would build one duplex on each lot per year for the next four years.
The council debated the bidding process and would welcome competing bids from other developers. These lots aren’t zoned for two-family residential units. The city clerk will look into what is needed to get a variance on the property and subdividing the property as it pertains to the restrictive covenants and code of ordinances.
The next topic was the employee evaluation form and process. They liked its simplicity and appreciated the input from the city attorney. The process is a way to communicate with the employees about their work performance and may consider using it for wage increases.
The council discussed the request from the NLHS Post Prom committee for a donation. The city attorney has made the council aware of restrictions on such donations and his concerns. The council declined their request.
The council reviewed the 2023-2024 audit. They noted the deficiencies and what can be done to improve them.
The meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. The next regular meeting of the New London City Council will be March 10, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the City Hall.
