Daily Reporter Staff

Members of the Spencer City Council gather for a special meeting at 5:15 p.m. Monday to consider a property sale for the expansion of General Machine Works.

Prospective buyer Eugene Wood would like land to construct a 110- by 85-foot expansion at its West Second Street location. General Machine Works manufactures electric clutches and hydraulic values for industrial and farming equipment.

The company is looking for added warehouse space as part of the expansion.

"In order to do that they need to go to the Board of Adjustment to be able to get approval for a couple of things that don't meet our code," said Spencer City Manager Bob Fagen.

Open space and setback requirements will have to be altered by the Board of Adjustment. If the allowances gain approval, Fagen said he is likely to support the property sale.

The city has received concerns about lost green space if the expansion moves forward. Neighbors would also like to see fencing, which would keep light from the factory from bleeding into the windows of residences nearby.

Fagen said fencing would be part of any potential agreement.

The Board of Adjustment is scheduled to meet on the request at 8 a.m. on Monday in council chambers.

A public safety committee meeting will follow the special session in the conference room at Spencer City Hall.

Jess Schmidt owner of JS Customs & Repair would like to close a portion of East 28th Street on July 19. The event will include a car show and burn out contest. A car-wash fundraiser for CAASA and the Spencer Parks Department also is part of the plans.