Sheldon, Iowa — Sheldon City Officials met Wednesday for a goal setting session led by Jeff Schott from the University of Iowa Institute of Affairs. After reviewing the goals that were set in a similar session two years ago, the group identified areas of on-going commitments such as infrastructure improvements, the continued support of housing with an emphasis on median income families, and nuisance code enforcement. City Manager Sean Hutchison reported that the city has issued 104 nuisance notices in 2017, and the process will continue.
The group also committed to moving forward with Crossroads and Community Park development and to make a decision on the idea of adopting franchise fees. The idea of adopting a code for rental properties was also discussed, but there was concern about funding for the code enforcement and administration. Concern was also expressed about the difficulty of finding people to run for City Council positions. At the present time the council is made up of one member from each of the three city wards and two members at large. The possibility of abandoning the ward system and electing all five members from the city ‘at large’ was discussed.
Council members were asked to vote on their top five priorities, but the vote will not be final until two members, who were not present, have an opportunity to provide their input.
The Sheldon Chamber and Development Corporation also held a goal setting session Wednesday with their Board members voting on a top five goals for the future. The development of a strategy to recruit more workers to our community to increase our population was listed as Number One on their list. Second place was to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a venture Capital Access Fund. Third place was a tie between the acquisition, demolition and redevelopment of dilapidated properties and an Education/Recruitment program for next generation leaders. There was also a tie for 5th place, which were evaluation of the feasibility of a business incubator for Sheldon, as well as promote the development in the area of the Crossroads Pavilion to include a sit-down restaurant.
Schott commented on the level of cooperation and positive attitudes between the participants and also between the SCDC Board and representatives of the city. He stated that he does not always find this kind of positive and cooperative feeling in other communities.
