By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Immediately prior to the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Aug. 11, the council and other city staff toured the new apartments being built at 113 East Main St. Developer Tim Schutte showed the progress. When the apartments are completed, an open house event will be announced.
The councilmembers then returned to city hall for the regular council meeting.
Josh Gotter addressed the council to ask for approval to add a skate park at Michael Mills Park, west of the tee ball fields. He explained that no funds are being requested from the city. Gotter said he will lead fundraising efforts to fund the project, including seeking grants.
Concerns of the council included the possibility of illegal activity at the park and noise at night. Gotter said signage would be installed to clearly state the park hours. Councilmember Blake Michelsen said the location of the park makes monitoring activity in the park somewhat easier. He also suggested a fence around the skate area for safety. Gotter agreed to that request.
Regarding the concerns about noise or illegal activity at night, Gotter said signage would clearly explain park rules and hours.
“It would fall under the rest of the park’s rules. When the lights go out, if you’re there after hours, you’re trespassing,” Gotter said.
The council indicated the city would want to be involved in determining the exact location of the skate park once the dimensions are known. The council unanimously voted to allow a skate park as requested.
Panora Park & Rec Board Member Abby Pudenz then asked the council to consider allowing the installation of security cameras in Michael Mills Park, at no cost to the city. The cameras would be under city control regarding access to the recorded information. The council approved the request.
Lance Scott addressed the council regarding his frustration with repeated sewer backup into his basement (203 W. Clay St.). He explained that it appears to be due to needed repairs on the city sewer lines nearby. Mayor Thornberry acknowledged Scott’s frustration and said the city is working to make the needed repairs that will then allow the lines to be fully scoped, which should allow any specific problems to be addressed.
Connor Deardorff addressed the council with his request to be allowed to paint an American flag design on an inside wall at Veterans Auditorium as his Eagle Scout project. The council approved the request.
The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Aug. 25 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#).