By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Panora City Council met in regular session on Aug. 10 with all members present. The council returned to the matter of the nuisance notice sent to David Hardisty regarding his property at 410 East Market St.
Hardisty addressed the council regarding the status of his pollinator plot outside his home and said he will soon begin the process of harvesting some of the plants.
Councilmember Brian Dorsett voiced his concern that since Hardisty’s pollinator plot includes the right of way, if the city allows the plot to remain, the situation could set a precedent for other properties.
“My biggest issue is being in the right of way, from the sidewalk to the street. That is city property,” Dorsett said.
Councilmember Blake Michelsen voiced his concern regarding the “curb appeal.” Mayor Curt Thornberry commented that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” noting that while the property owner may enjoy the view the plot of pollinators, others may see it as a nuisance.
After discussion, the council chose to delay action until November, since Hardisty indicated the plot would be harvested and removed by then.
The council discussed the situation regarding the speed limit on Highway 4 between Panora and 200th Street. Although not within city limits, the council recognized that the area has been the site of many traffic accidents, especially on the curve near Brethren Church. The city advocated for keeping the speed limit at 55 mph or lower and possibly erecting signage to help increase safety. The Iowa DOT has informed the city that the process may take up to a year to determine if any changes will be implemented.
The council discussed frequent instances of grass clippings being deposited in city streets. The council voted to increase the fine from $25 to $50 as a deterrent.
The next regular meeting of the council will be Aug. 24 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#).