By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the meeting of the Panora City Council on May 12, City Administrator Lisa Grossman updated the councilmembers on plans to install a new basketball court at Michael Mills Park. She said the court will be added in July after baseball and softball seasons are done playing at the park.
The council considered a request from Tim Rietz, owner of Off Course Golf Carts. At the previous council meeting, he requested the city to allow the test driving and programming of golf carts on the dead end stretch of Market Street, east of the Off Course store. The request was approved.
During the Public Forum portion of the meeting, Grossman explained a request from JoAnn Smith, who was not present. According to Grossman, Smith asked to be allowed to plant trees between the sidewalk and street on the east side of her property.
“Those ditches are used for drainage,” Grossman said.
Councilmember Blake Michelsen voiced a concern about visibility at intersections when such trees become larger. No formal action was taken.
A public hearing was held regarding a proposed budget amendment. No citizens voiced any opinion during the public hearing, and no councilmembers or city staff had received any prior comments, so the hearing was closed. The budget amendment was passed.
A public hearing was held regarding the possible vacation and conveyance of real estate to Eric and Jenna Morris. Other than Eric Morris, no citizens were on hand for the hearing, and no comments had been submitted. The hearing was closed, and the resolution was passed.
Grossman informed the council of a “Downtown Forum” to be held in Panora at the Panora Community Center on Wednesday, June 18, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Anybody can register. It’s free. It’s being put on by Iowa Economic Development,” Grossman said.
Grossman said the topics will include, “The Must-Do Things to Revitalize Your Downtown.”
Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the next regular meeting of the council will be Tuesday, May 27 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#).