Council makes zoning changes
OSMOND — The Monday, Aug. 10, meeting of the Osmond City Council began with a public hearing to discussed Ordinance No. 2020-8, making a change of the zoning classification from R-1 ‘single family residential, to C-3 ‘Commercial’ for the property located at 204 and 206 North Maple and 105 East 3rd Street.
Discussion that followed was centered around reasons on whether or not to change the zoning from residential to commercial. The city’s Zoning Administrator, Heather McWhorter, shared that she had received one letter opposing this zoning classification and one spoken opposing stand.
There was discussion about the possibility of building storage units on part of the lots and whether or not storage units should be at that location within the city.
McWhorter explained, “The city’s current zoning status of residential changing to commercial is possible only because this location already backs up to a commercial location. The question that needs to be asked is if the east half of this block is more applicable to being commercial or residential?”
The question of “What is the best use of the property?” was asked. To close the public hearing, a motion to deny this ordinance was made by Councilman Neil Wattier and, in a roll call vote, Wattier and Councilman John Aschoff voted yea while Council Members Doug Schmit and Dan Timmerman voted no. Mayor James Bessmer broke the tie by voting no and the motion failed. A second motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2020-8 was made by Councilman Schmit and, in a roll call vote, Schmit and Timmerman voted yea, Wattier and Aschoff, no, and Mayor Bessmer broke the tie by voting yes.
Street Matters Discussed
The next item of business was review of the One- and Six-Year Street Plan for the 2020-21 fiscal year by Steve Parr of JEO Consulting Group. Councilman Wattier made a recommendation to make one change to the plan which would include the work on Third Street from Logan to Fulton in year one. Mayor Bessmer asked if all members of council were in agreement of the suggested change, with all members voting for the change. The One- and Six-Year Street Plan will be revised and presented at public hearing to be held at Council’s September meeting.
Parr also reviewed drainage issues on west Fourth Street and offered two different options as follows: The first option would be to build a storm sewer north of the Helena Enterprises property to Fifth and Meadow and continue a half block to the west, then, drop the paving down at the centerline of the road to drain adjacent property. The estimated cost for this project is $405,470.00.
The second option would be a ditch modification running north and south a half block west of Fourth and Meadow Streets. It would add width and depth to the current channel.
Hoffman Reports
on Several Issues
A report on FEMA was given by Cindy Hoffman. FEMA claims bad maintenance is shown by “alligator cracking” in the streets prior to the flood, therefore, they have denied the city’s application for FEMA street funds. FEMA is asking for better maintenance records by block that show a more detailed breakdown of street maintenance.
Hoffman has already provided these sorts of records and photos with GPS coordinates. She also submitted administration costs. Since no monies have been received for the city’s street repairs request, an appeal memorandum will be sent out.
Hoffman reported that Tim Johnston is requesting dirt be put in around the dyke and attention be given to the trees in the creek. It was explained that the trees in the creek are not under city jurisdiction, it is the responsibility of the county.
Hoffman also reported that the city sold cemetery lots more than 115 years ago that have not been used and there is question if the city can reclaim these lots. During discussion, it was suggested the city post a legal notice similar to what other towns are doing, asking for a fee of $5 a year for each plot and that the plot be turned over to the city after three years of non-payment. Alexis Buol will present the issue to City Attorney Dennis Collins regarding the procedure for reclaiming cemetery lots.
Police Chief Report
Police Chief Tyler Wells reported he is working on the status of unlicensed vehicles. He said that Love Signs is working on decals for the police car and that a light bar will be added later this month. He also stated he switched his phone carrier from Viaero to Verizon.
In other business, the council:
— approved an application from American Legion Tomek-Otto Post 72 of Pierce for a Special Designated Liquor License for a Sept. 5, 2020, wedding reception at the Osmond city auditorium.
— approved an application from Shane Taylor of The White House in Pierce for a Special Designated Liquor License for an Oct. 17, 2020, wedding reception at the Osmond city auditorium.
— approved reimbursement of Red Cross and Lifeguard certifications of Kayla and Ashley Wingert to be donated back to the city.
— heard a report that a review of the 2019-20 budget was set up for Aug. 18, 2020, with Mike Pommer at 7 p.m.
— heard the following building permits reviewed: Brody Friedrich to move within the city a wood building to 408 North Fulton Street and Bill Ryan to move within the city a garden shed to 409 North Main Street.
— heard that sales tax for May 2020 was $12,361.39.
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