By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Aug. 12, the council returned to the topic of portable storage containers. Discussion focused on a variety of issues, such as whether to “grandfather in” residents who already have such a container on their residential property, as well as what to do if a storge container doesn’t meet setback requirements.
Mayor Curt Thornberry said the city’s building inspector had discussed portable storage containers with the planning and zoning board, and that group found the information helpful. Thornberry said the city council may benefit from hearing that input as well.
“He (a member of the planning and zoning board) will be here on the 26th,” City Administrator Lisa Grossman said.
Thornberry explained that the three storage containers that are already in the city were placed without authorization from the city, as compared to sheds, which are to be built/installed only after a permit is approved. He said the potential grandfathering of storage containers is therefore fundamentally different than issues where something was once allowed but later disallowed due to the city changing an ordinance.
Council members spoke in favor of some type of permitting process so that requests to have a container in the city for a very specific and brief amount of time could be considered.
No action was taken at this time, but the matter will be on the agenda for the Aug. 26 meeting, and the council will meet with the building inspector at that meeting.
The council considered a request from Jeremy Muell of Napa Auto Parts to allow an exception to Chapter 74 Operation of Golf Carts on City Streets. Muell had previously explained that when repairing golf carts, it’s helpful to be able to test-drive them on hills near Lake Panorama. He said if an exception were granted, it would only be used for this specific purpose. The council voted unanimously to approve the exception, with the stipulation that a direct and specific route is designated.
Blake Wolinski addressed the council, asking if the city could forgive any portion of his water billing, which he said is quite large due to watering his backyard lawn at 111 S.E. Eighth St. He explained that his usual monthly usage has been around 3,900 to 4,800 gallons, but for the month of June, his usage was 83,800 gallons as he tried to get the grass to grow in such hot weather. He asked if the sewer portion of the bill could be decreased to his usual usage, since the lawn watering usage did not go through the sewer.
“I personally think it’s reasonable to waive the sewer fees on water that didn’t go into the system,” councilmember Mark Sheeder said.
Grossman pointed out that although the city has sometimes forgiven sewer fees following a water leak, it has not done so for this type of situation. She mentioned that this would set a precedent. After discussion, Mayor Thornberry asked if any councilmember wished to make a motion. No motion was made, so the matter passed with no action taken.
The next regular meeting of the Panora City Council will be Monday, Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).
