By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the July 13 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, the council held a public hearing regarding the proposed sale of land north of the city cemetery. No citizens were present to speak during the hearing, and no written comments were received, so the hearing promptly closed. During the regular council meeting, the council approved the sale on a four-to-one vote, with Fidel Hernandez as the vote against.
The council discussed concerns related to the apartment building at 303 Prairie St. Compliance Officer Wes Clark noted that the property owner has apparently complied with expectations to mitigate the clutter in the building, but council members voiced concerns that conditions in the individual apartments may still be unsanitary. The consensus of the council was to take no further action at this time. The council will address tenant complaints if or when any are heard.
Clark also said complaints continue to be received regarding the property at 907 Grand St. He said the complaints are regarding noise and parking in the right-of-way (parking over the sidewalk). He said he will attend a pretrial hearing on July 31 regarding the matter.
City Administrator Kris Arrasmith reported on the recently completed citywide cleanup. She said the event was a success and included 116 stops.
Arrasmith reported on planning for RAGBRAI. She said there are now 35 food vendors expected on July 20. Arrasmith also showed the maps that have been created for RAGBRAI. One side of the map shows the entire city, while the opposite side shows a map of the downtown area. She explained the maps will also be available in electronic format, via a QR code, which will be more user-friendly for the cyclists when they are in town. They can be viewed at www.guthriecenterragbrai.com/maps.
The council discussed that cell phone connectivity may be spotty in town at times during RAGBRAI’s visit, especially on July 20 from the afternoon to early evening. For that reason, city staff will use walkie-talkies for communication as needed.
“Phones are probably not going to be a great thing,” Arrasmith said.
Arrasmith explained that on July 20, bicyclists will come into town on Highway 44, while RVs and trucks with RAGBRAI will come into town from the south on Highway 25. She encouraged local travelers to consider alternate routes and/or to allow more time.
“It’s going to be congested, so everybody’s going to have to put on their patient pants,” Arrasmith said.
Arrasmith noted that at the fire station there is now a display of art resembling antique bicycles. She added that signage asks that no person climb on the display, since it is art rather than a toy.
The council approved renewals of Dale Menning and Dr. Steven Bascom as members of the library board.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the city council is set for July 27 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.
