HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.03.2023 Work Session MinutesCOUNCIL WORK SESSION
January 3, 2023
4:15 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Boesen, Nichols, Amos, Grieder, Wilder and Feuss. Absent: Chiles.
101117 - Grieder/Amos
that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
101118 - Grieder/Amos
that the Minutes, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 5:30
p.m., be accepted and approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of amendments to fireworks ordinance.
Martin Petersen, City Attorney, provided an overview of the proposed ordinance.
Mr. Grieder highlighted that this ordinance would reduce the number of days down to July 4 but
that it has a mechanism to allow for additional days if passed by resolution no later than March.
Martin Petersen confirmed.
Mr. Grieder questioned if this would impact Mayor's fireworks.
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, commented that it would not impact display fireworks as these are
permitted under a different code section.
Mr. Amos questioned why the ordinance reduces the days to just one.
Mr. Feuss commented the reason was due to how the holiday fell this last year with the 5th and
6th falling on work days. He stated that it would still be an option for council to make adjustments
each year so that allowable dates would fall on the weekend and holiday.
Mr. Boesen questioned why we would want to start allowing fireworks at 9:00 a.m. He further
questioned the enforcement changes in the ordinance.
Martin Petersen explained that Iowa Law is clear that a violation is a simple misdemeanor. Mr.
Morrissey made it a municipal infraction, which had to come out. The reference to zoning also
had to come out due to the conflict with state law.
Mr. Feuss commented that he would prefer to keep the start time at noon.
Mr. Grieder agreed that he would prefer to keep the start time at noon.
Mr. Boesen questioned when this would come back to council.
Mr. Petersen commented that the ordinance would come back in February.
Mr. Grieder commented that he is in favor of utilizing the resolution to potentially expand usage
or not depending on when the holiday falls. His suggestion would be to potentially add the
weekend before the 4th of July and the 4th of July.
Mr. Nichols commented that he would prefer to only utilize the resolution to provide flexibility
around the 4th and explained how it could be confusing by stating weekend before if July 4th falls
on a Friday.
Mr. Boesen commented that he would like to leave the ordinance as is.
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Kelley Felchle explained the upcoming schedule for getting the ordinance and resolution
adopted.
Objective: Discussion of an ordinance amending pet license fees.
Damian Fischels, Safety Director and interim Animal Control Services Manager, provided an
overview of the ordinance.
City Council discussed the proposed ordinance changes with Damian Fischels.
101119 - Grieder/Amos
that the meeting be adjourned at 4:46 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk