The Fountain City Council bounded through their brief July 1 meeting with a number of issues that have seen previous discussion. Amid these were zoning items and public works personnel.
The Zoning Board met June 29 to discuss an application by Jody Wiza, co-owner of Beaver Bottoms Saloon, for a Conditional Use Permit. Wiza has done a number of improvements at the site and last year kicked off outdoor concert events. This recent permit is to allow construction of a 24-foot by 23.25-foot concrete slab by an exterior deck, as well as a concrete slab for garbage receptacles. According to Mayor Jim Schott, Wiza had also verbally requested an addition onto a VIP deck that is used for outdoor concert events. However, that request was denied because a formal request hadn’t been made for it. She was encouraged to turn in another application for it.
Another zoning issue has been a shed constructed on the property of Jackie Hrstka. According to Schott, Hrstka did not seek a permit for the shed and intially indicated it would have one purpose, but says now it’s a tool shed. “I suggested she come see Rhonda [former clerk Rhonda Flattum] for a permit, but she never did,” he stated.
New City Clerk Mary Tjepkes contacted Hrstka about the shed and stated she was told the concrete pad was existing and two walls and a slant were added. “I don’t think she knows the cost,” added Tjepkes. The city’s legal counsel will be contacted and a letter regarding the shed drafted to make sure everything is in legal compliance from the city’s end.
Public Works Director John Hanson has been the city’s lone department employee for some time and several discussions have indicated the need for additional help. The city has hired Gary Miller as a part-time Public Works employee to assist Hanson with a myriad of tasks. He officially began in the position June 29.
The city’s contract with Frontier, covering phone/fax service has ended and the city is looking at various options for service. “The contract ran out and the price jacked up,” said Schott. The city is getting offer information from competitor MediaCom and will be talking with Frontier to see if a better package can be put together.
“I think it’s time to do a little bidding war,” suggested Councilor Ron Reisner. “Call MediaCom and see what kind of a deal Frontier will give us.”
The Fountain City Council will meet at a new time, a half hour earlier than previously held, but still the first Wednesday of each month. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, August 5, at 7 p.m., at city hall.