Sheldon, Iowa — When the Sheldon City Council meets this Wednesday, they will hold a pair of public hearings dealing with the issuance of capital loan notes for financing projects in the city, and consider the acceptance of the retirement of another Sheldon Police officer.
Both hearings will be on plans to authorize loan agreements. As written, the first one would not exceed 3.5 million dollars in general obligation capital loan notes, “for essential corporate purposes, to provide funds to pay the costs of aiding in the planning, undertaking, and carrying out of urban renewal projects including the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, improvement, repair and equipping of the East Side Water Tower.” The other hearing is similar, except the amount is 2.4 million dollars and this would go for urban renewal projects including the reconstruction of Western Avenue from Hwy 18 to 16th Street. However, the Western Avenue notes probably won’t be issued until fiscal year 2024-2025, according to Kooiker.
The council will consider the approval of a project to replace about 250 feet of 36” storm sewer, build a new junction box, and relocate a water main that currently goes directly through a storm sewer structure. The proposal in the amount of $17,900 from Beck Engineering takes the project from design to completion. Public Works Director Todd Uhl recommends approval.
The council will consider the acceptance of the retirement of Sheldon Police Sergeant Todd Wood. City manager Sam Kooiker says Wood has served with the Sheldon Police Department since May 1, 1995. Prior to his service for the City of Sheldon, he served the City of Belmond as a police officer for three years. He is a graduate of Dordt College. His retirement date will be September 30th. There are plans in progress for an open house.
They will also consider the approval of a zoning administration and code enforcement agreement with Planning Solutions, LLC.
Council members will talk about three adjacent parcels on Western Avenue which, according to Kooiker, have had an unauthorized junkyard for many years. He says the situation has prompted multiple complaints from the neighborhood in terms of visual impact and vermin. Kooiker suggests the city purchase one of the parcels for $5000.
The council may also talk about fireworks, continuing their discussion from the last meeting, now with some more information from Kooiker about the number of issues and complaints caused by fireworks this year, and about how other communities are approaching the issues.
Kooiker is also providing the council with information on the costs of removing trees in the right of way between sidewalks and streets when they are damaged or destroyed by storms or pests. They may talk about what to do moving forward.
Some advanced dates from Kooiker:
Regular clean-up week will begin on September 19th.
Tuesday, September 13th is the date for a visit from the hazardous materials trailer.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 20th, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. in the council chambers in the Sheldon Community Services Center.
