Managing Editor

When the Spencer City Council comes together for its first meeting of September, at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15 at city hall, a full agenda will greet it.

The city staff has been working with an existing company to explore the possibility of utilizing the city's railroad spur that would allow it to expand its services. One of the challenges to accommodate it request allowing them to utilize the spur could potentially reclassify the spur as a short line.

There are numerous regulations that kick in should the designation change.

City Attorney Don Hemphill has researched this matter and has found that the city could petition for a waiver that would not require the Spencer railroad Spur to operate as a short line.

Staff members are requesting that the authorization be granted by the city council to petition for the waiver.

At a previous council meeting the council approved a resolution to support Clay County's efforts to create a Clay County Local Housing Trust Fund (CCLHTF). The purpose of the fund is to secure resources to address the low income housing needs in Clay County. CCLHTF is in the process of applying for a grant from the Iowa Finance Authority. They are requesting that each city in the county pledge $1 per capita.

The Finance and Personnel Committee will be evaluating the request at 5:45 p.m., prior to the council meeting.

Shaun Arneson, from the Iowa Lakes Corridor will be present at the council meeting to present the results of the Existing Industry Call Program they performed this year. The narrative on the summary sheet indicates that the climate within the Iowa Lakes region remains strong.

The city is expected to set a public hearing date for consideration of the establishment of a Utility and Building Restriction Easement over city property.

The proposed utility easement that is being requested by SMU is located near the Central Garage. The easement is needed to facilitate the expansion of the recycling operation by Shine Brothers on the land that it recently acquired from the city. Staff is recommending that the public hearing be set for Oct. 6, 2008.

The council will review an ordinance that for the most part prohibits incinerators in the city limits that are not under a permit from the DNR.

The ordinance also clarifies the definition of open burning. One of the most common questions the fire department receives from the public is what constitutes a recreational fire. The ordinance will help clarify questions.

The city council will consider the final filing for a pair of ordinances regarding electrical and plumbing contractors licenses with regard to business operations in the city limits of Spencer.

Hemphill, the city attorney, has prepared an amendment to conform to the new state law provisions governing electrical and plumbing licensing. For the most part, the amendment to the ordinance allows the city to accept a contractor that holds a state license. The proposed amendments have been reviewed by the respective boards.

A public hearing on the proposed plans and specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost on the Central Garage Roof Replacement Project.

Should the matter continue beyond the public hearing and receive approval, the bid letting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on Sept. 24, at the Public Works Committee Meeting.