The Primghar council approved minutes from the library board, golf board and planning and zoning along with its September 14 minutes. The library reported increased circulation with DVD’s, Bridges’ EBooks, and Wi-Fi. They also enjoyed increased materials donations. The Wednesday early out program had an average of 13 participants.
The library will offer games and prizes on Friday October 28 during Primghar’s “Scare on the Square.” That will be at Shea’s True Value by Shirely Jones.
The golf board report noted investigating roof damage at the club house. The issue brought Steph Coady and Sue McCauley to the meeting on Wednesday October 12. Costs were estimated for repairing the damage, complete replacement with shingles, shakes or steel. After lengthy discussion and comparing the 2 bids, both in the $13,000-$15,000 range it was decided to have the bids equalized for material quality and quantity before taking the lowest bid for complete replacement. Insurance has approved up to $2200.00 for repairs. The roof is estimated to have 4-5 years of life left according to Five Star Roofing. It is also predicted to be problematic over the winter without some attention.
City Attorney Bruce Green reported that both farm tenants had been notified of the lease termination. Steve Wittrock proposed a new rent of $400 and $410 on rental farm property owned by the city. It was seconded by Buck Smith following discussion of the current market. The new rent rate passed.
The Planning and Zoning board met on September 28 and heard a request from Cory Crouch to rezone property at 420 3rd ST. SE. The single family dwelling had been caught up in city wide rezoning. Crouch attended to ask that the proposed C-2 Commercial zoning be changed to R-1 Single Family Residential. During the meeting it was decided to hold a public hearing for comments on the rezoning request. Council passed the resolution 2022-71 setting the public hearing for Wednesday October 26.
Council also approved the purchase of the electric revenue capital loan notes from D. A. Davdson for an estimated $2.310 million. The funds are to cover costs of the new poles, wires, and generator and generator building to the city’s electric system.
A public hearing for the city to conduct an environmental review. The review is to determine if the city sewer lagoon project can qualify for state revolving loan funds.
The city had no applicants to benefit for the city’s revitalization property tax benefit. To access the tax abatement on new or improved construction, the building value of the property must be increased by at least 10%. Chicoine informed council that the time to keep the plan as is or make changes is near.
Council also approved a fire levy increase for the fire department. The current agreed levy between the city and the townships within the Primghar Fire District is $318.04 per section. The Primghar Fire Department had done fundraising in the prior year to pay for the Grass Attack vehicle, still in delayed production, so the change from the 2021 to the 2022 fiscal levy was just 2.5%. The proposed increase for the 2023 fiscal year is the maximum allowable 5%.
According to Chicoine, the city collects the tax revenues the fire department uses to operate. Any remaining funds are moved into a reserve for vehicle or other equipment replacement. She also noted that each township is provided with a financial report of the fire department. The new section levy, which includes a matching amount by the city will go to $333.94.