By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Feb. 23, a public hearing regarding the property tax levy was set. The hearing will occur at 5:30 p.m. on March 23 immediately prior to the regular city council meeting on that date. All are welcome.

The council, along with Public Works Director Ismael Galvan, discussed the city’s proposed Water Meter Access Policy. The proposed policy is meant to specify the process the city would take if/when city staff are unable to gain access to water meters and/or individual water shut-off valves in multi-unit buildings.

The proposed policy would allow the city, as a last resort, to shut off water for all customers at such a building if water charges for a particular account continue to be delinquent. Councilmember Brian Dorsett voiced his concern with the proposed policy.

“I’m still not sold on shutting all of them off,” he said.

City Administrator Lisa Grossman pointed out that the “last resort” step would only be taken after a lengthy process to attempt all other options first. After discussion, the council tabled the matter so the proposed policy can be made clearer.

After discussion, the council voted to approve pay raises of 4% for all city employees effective July 1. There will also be a 25-cent hourly increase for Dan Hagen due to additional duties as assistant electric superintendent.

The council approved the first reading of Ordinance 362, amending Title 111, specifically Chapter 4 Section 3-4-44 Parking During a Snow Emergency. The council then voted to waive the second and third readings. 

The next regular meeting is set for Monday, March 9 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#).

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the Feb. 23 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, Compliance Officer Wes Clark updated the council on the status of complaints about two properties.

“Our ongoing one at 907 Grand St., that we’ve been getting complaints from the neighbors, I’ve gotten letters from all the neighbors,” Clark said. He added that he is awaiting further instructions from the city attorney.

Clark also shared information on unsanitary conditions at 303 Prairie St. He said the conditions have been a concern for quite some time and have not improved .

“I’m working with the Region 12 inspector now,” Clark said.

City Administrator Kris Arrasmith said that, during the recent snowstorm, a truck had failed to navigate the curve on Highway 44/State Street near the fire hall and bumped into the corner of the building. She said this has occurred before, and she suggested possibly installing some type of barrier between the street and the fire hall. She also will contact Art on State to see if any insurance covers the large mural on the side of the fire hall in case it would ever be damaged.

The council discussed possibly having another 25 mph sign installed on Oak Street, due to excess speed, especially by vehicles heading west (downhill) toward Highway 25.

Council members voiced sadness at the passing of longtime Guthrie Center Mayor Denny Kunkle.

A public hearing on the Fiscal Year 26-27 Property Tax Levy was set for March 23 at 6:30 p.m., immediately prior to the regular council meeting on that date. The council’s next regular meeting is set for Monday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.