Wellman Oks second reading for utility franchise, tables zoning reading

By Mary Zielinski
In less than a half-hour Monday, the Wellman council approved four ordinances, held a second reading of a fifth and tabled the second reading for a sixth.
The tabling was the second reading of the ordinance to amend city zoning along Madison Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets. The proposed change, going from R-1 (low density, single family residential) to C1-B (peripheral business district commercial), has been opposed by some residents and the first reading passed by a 3-2 vote. With one council member and the mayor absent, the council tabled the second reading that may have resulted in a 2-2 vote. The issue will be on the August 2 meeting agenda.
The council had no problems with the second reading of the ordinance to enter into a franchise agreement with Interstate Power & Light Company for the city’s electrical service, nor with the ordinance setting a public hearing for 7 p.m. August 2 regarding the sewer loan agreement. The agreement is for an amount not to exceed $75,000 for a sanitary sewer relining project.
The other three resolutions were setting 7 p.m. August 23 for a public hearing regarding another sanitary sewer project (the reverse osmosis one for which bids will be opened at 1 p.m. August 19), and two resolutions certifying property tax money due to the city for installation of water curb valves.
The council changed its second August meeting to August 23 to accommodate the August 19 bid letting, allowing the council to take action and possibly award a contract four days later.
The council also received a brief presentation from the East Central Iowa Council of Governments regarding its services to 66 municipalities in its seven-county area.