Sheldon, Iowa — If the proposed franchise agreements between the City of Sheldon and MidAmerican Energy are to be voted on November 5th, the wording of those agreements must be delivered to the County Auditor by September 20th. In order to meet that deadline, the City Council is scheduled to review the draft ordinances at their regular meeting this Wednesday June 5th. If approved, the council would set the dates for the first of two public hearings, and the first reading of the franchise ordinance.
In other business, the council will consider an agreement with Utility Service Partners to offer water and sewer line insurance to residential properties in the City. Many people are not aware that the cost of repairs to sewer lines connecting their homes to the City line is the responsibility of the property owner. If the City approves an agreement with USP, participation in the insurance program would be optional for property owners.
The council will also hold a public hearing and bid approval for the Crossroads North project, hear an update on the H.C. Lane building, and address the second reading of an ordinance to extend the 45 miles per hour speed limit on Highway 18 to the eastern-most city boundary, which is located near Bomgaars. They’ll address the second reading of an ordinance setting water rates and amending the late payment notice and fees. Under the new ordinance the bills would be issued on the last business day of the month with payment due by the 22nd of the next month. If a bill is not paid by the 22nd, a disconnect notice would be delivered and the water service would be shut off if payment is not received by the 25th of the month. The ordinance amendment also increases the fees that would be charged for the restoration of service.
Wednesday’s agenda also includes changes in benefits for full-time employees. The agenda also includes 14 items on what is called the Consent Agenda. These items will be enacted by one motion with no separate discussion unless requested by a council member prior to the time the council votes on the motion. Some of the agenda items include awarding of an auditing contract, setting wages for part-time employees, approval of an EMA volunteer, approval of three student Firefighters and a Fireworks Permit for RiseFest.
Wednesday’s Council meeting begins at 4:30 in the upper level of the Sheldon Community Services Center with the swearing in of Mayor Greg Geels and City Council member Wayne Barahona.
