At the May 4 city meeting, the Fountain Council approved just one agenda item, but all three items of discussion were zoning-related.
First up, Jason and Mary Schwarz, owners of JMS Agronomics, discussed plans for a new building on their commercial land just east of Highway 52. The couple purchased the property in the fall of 2018, occupying what was formerly Herman’s Standard Service. Now, they have discussed with the council plans to construct the building, utilizing land owned to the east and south of the existing building, according to City Clerk Mary Tjepkes. The clerk also noted the area to the south is currently rented from JMS Agronomics by Valley Design for parking.
Before a permit can be issued, they were directed to create a “rough map” with boundary lines and a draft of the building location. After submission, they can apply for a permit to seek Zoning Board approval. From there, any final project will need city council approval.
Mary Schwarz asked the council whether or not there would be any stipulations should the two decide to divide the property in the future, if there’s enough room in the new building. The possibility of sale of the current building was an option.
The second item was consideration of how to address two curb stops on the property owned by Ryan Aasum. According to Tjepkes, he owns lots two, three, and four, now comprising 101 Third Street. Aasum is still undertaking renovations on the combined properties including removal of a former trailer home. He would like to construct a 27 x 36-foot garage on the property. While it clearly meets all setbacks and requirements, Councilor Ron Reisner suggested moving the garage closer to the house to avoid two curb stops located in the originally discussed area.
“We’re not worried about offset. It’s not going to be a problem,” said Reisner. “But, we’ll need to dig it out or cap it off.” The Zoning Board has already approved the plans and city Public Works will proceed with capping the curb stops. “It’s measured and everything checks out,” added Reisner. The plans are also not affected by the state right-of-way and were approved unanimously.
Lastly, resident Barb Yetter asked the council for assistance with problems she’s having at her 201 Main Street property. According to Yetter, the sidewalk currently butts right up to her home’s foundation. Reisner indicated that he and Public Work’s Director John Hanson looked a the property and determined that the sidewalk is not affecting the foundation of the house, but rather nature is.
“It’s settlement. You can stick your finger in between the sidewalk and the house,” noted Reisner. “With the sidewalk, I’d say 90% of it isn’t touching the house. We could knock out a foot and bring it from a five-foot to a four-foot sidewalk there.”
“There’s hot and cold weather, water in there and frost heaving it,” added Yetter. “A few years ago, John painted the sidewalk there. It’s rising up. There’s force there.”
While no one was quite sure why the sidewalk was placed right up to the home, the initial discussion included cutting a section out and allowing Yetter to add mulch between it and her home. However, Mayor Jim Schott noted the sidewalk is the property of the county. “The county surveyor is the one that did it. It’s the county’s road and the county poured those sidewalks. I suggest you talk to the county engineer first so he’s aware of what’s going on and sees the situation happening.”
“It’s best if it comes from you. If they have anything, they can ask us,” continued Schott. There wasn’t a consensus about how long ago the sidewalk was redone, but it was within the last 20 years or less. “I would talk to them and get their opinion first. That’s your best bet, that’s the first step.”
Yetter was concerned over who would be responsible for the cost of addressing the issue. It was assumed the county, but nothing is certain until it’s been looked at. It was noted that typically, a property owner shares the cost of a new sidewalk with the county. “But I’m not putting sidewalk in,” said Yetter. “I want part of it taken out.” She was assured that if something needs to happen to address the issue, the city will not require a permit for the work.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Wednesday, June 1, at 7 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
Leave a Reply