Sheldon, Iowa — The Sheldon City Council was able to take care of business during their regular meeting Wednesday afternoon, but in an usual manner.
In light of Governor Reynolds’ decree that banned the gathering of more than ten people due to COVID-19 fears, some of the council representatives were physically present in the council chambers, while other council members, City Manager Sam Kooiker, City Attorney Micah Schreurs, and KIWA all attended via an online meeting. Despite the unusual situation, the council was able to dispense with their entire agenda.
The council set April 15th as the date for a public hearing on a proposed Amendment Number 5 to the Amended and Restate Sheldon Urban Renewal Plan in the City of Sheldon. According to City Manager Sam Kooiker, the proposed amendment seeks to accomplish several goals, including various street reconstruction projects, additional commercial and industrial development, and the facilitation of redevelopment of nuisance and blighted properties. Kooiker says a consultation will take place March 25th with the affected taxing entities prior to the public hearing.
In other action, the Council approved the hiring of Lyle Frohwein as Street Superintendent. He will replace the late Brice Mosier in that position. Frohwein began his career with the City on January 2, 2007. Frohwein will officially take the reins at the Street Department Thursday (March 19th).
The council also approved the authorization of a Region 3 FAST (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation) Grant to finance the resurfacing of Western Avenue, from 16th Street to Highway 18. Public Works Director Todd Uhl told the Council that this is the same grant that was received for the improvements to 16th Street, Country Club Road, and East 9th Street.
The meeting ended with comments from council members and the mayor, who offered words of encouragement in the face of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
