Sheldon, Iowa — Utility Bills, Cemetery Rates, and the procedure for appointment of a new Mayor, are all on the agenda for the Sheldon City Council when they meet this Wednesday, March 20th.
Under the current utility billing system, people or businesses that do not pay their utility bills by the 10th of the month are sent a reminder notice advising that if the bill is not paid by the 25th the city will send a disconnect notice. It is reported that the city office has to send out from 350 to 500 of the reminder notices each month, a procedure that is costly in postage as well as office time. The council will be asked to address an ordinance change that would eliminate the reminder notice in the future.
When the Cemetery Board met recently for the first time in four years, they recommended increasing cemetery fees by $25.00. This will be reflected in an Ordinance that the City Council will discuss at Wednesday’s meeting.
The council will also determine the procedure for appointment of a Mayor. The actual appointment is scheduled to be held at the April 3rd meeting. The City Manager has suggested a process wherein all those who have expressed an interest in the appointment would have an opportunity to speak for up to three minutes after which the council could ask questions. Then each candidate will have an opportunity for closing comments before the council votes. If a council member chooses to be a candidate for the position of Mayor, they will need to abstain from voting.
And, the council will hold a public hearing on the submittal of a Community Development Block Grant on behalf of Village Northwest Unlimited. The City will act as a ‘pass thru’ entity for the $600,000 grant that would help fund the building of two Intermediate Care Facilities for people with intellectual disabilities.
Wednesday’s Council meeting begins at 4:30 in the upper level of the Sheldon Community Services Center.
