Public Works Director Gives Update on Nuisance Properties at Council Meeting

Public Works Director Doug Tarr gave an update on the follow properties during his report at the end of the Nov. 24 city council meeting:

—315 1st St SW - house demolition conducted by property owner and nearly complete, at no cost to the city

—321 Federal St South - anticipated court date in January on 657A ("abatement of abandoned or unsafe buildings by rehabilitation," according to Iowa Code)

—416 1st St SW - going to court in January for 657A ("abatement of abandoned or unsafe buildings by rehabilitation," according to Iowa Code)

—308 2nd Ave NW - anticipated court date in February for 657A ("abatement of abandoned or unsafe buildings by rehabilitation," according to Iowa Code)

—120 1st Ave NE - destroyed during training fire last weekend, city staff will be working to remove debris and then finishing foundation

—508 3rd St SE - boarded up earlier that day after being condemned

—109 2nd St NE - recently inspected, now vacant and condemned; he recently met with property owner to have discussion about timeline for repairs or demolition

—714 1st St NE - there was a language barrier, but they were able to work through it and a rebuild is currently taking place

—312 3rd St NW - continues to be vacant, will look at it again after the new year begins for possible "movement"

—601 1st Ave SE - another "demolition by private property owner"

Tarr followed this all up by saying they have a lot of nuisance properties in the works, but that they've been working hard on them.

Earlier in the meeting, the Hampton City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 408 for an additional no parking zone for street parking for the 10 block of 3rd St SW, between Hardee's and Kwik Star, during their Nov. 24 meeting.

During the new business portion of the meeting, Jason Petersburg with Veenstra & Kimm presented a change order for the water treatment plant improvements project in the amount of $29,724. 62. The change order was approved.

The city councilors also approved a request from La Luz Centro Cultural to have a food truck outside of their facility on Dec. 6. The organization will be holding a Latina Holiday Pop-Up Vendor Market that day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The city council approved the claims as submitted by the staff in the amount of $103,164.01.

The consent agenda was also approved during the meeting, including previous minutes as drafted from the Nov. 13 regular session and scheduling the next regular session for Dec.11.  

Staff/City Council Reports

Hampton Police Chief Mark Morrison reported that they recently had six cases go to court, three of which led to court orders while the other three were continued. He also said the police department had been working with Franklin REC on their upcoming Light up the Night event, which is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29.

During his report, City Manager Ron Dunt reminded everyone that the burn ban will be back in place on Dec. 1 so the last day to burn yard waste is Sunday, Nov. 30.

City Council Jim Davies wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

City Councilor Hill Holmstrom echoed that, saying he hoped everyone had a safe Thanksgiving.

For his report, City Councilor Barry mentioned selling excess equipment owned by the city, which had been discussed earlier in the meeting.

City Councilor Patrick Palmer said he placed fourth during the recent puzzle challenge at the library and that the library will be holding another puzzle challenge in January.

During her report, City Councilor Jerre Grefe said she loved the new Christmas lights that had been hung up around the downtown area, and that she had attended the ribbon-cutting for the new playground at Beeds Lake on Saturday. She also mentioned Friday Uncorked (Nov. 28), Shop Small Saturday and Light up the Night (Nov. 29).

"It is such a huge deal," she said of Light Up the Night. "If you haven't been, you've got to come and be part of it because it's just a blast."

She also said they have a new business opening on Main St on Black Friday.

"Arnold and I are hosting a Friendsgiving so if anybody is alone or hungry, come on over," she said. "At 1 o'clock, we're serving turkey. Happy Thanksgiving!"

City Councilor Kristen Roode had no comment for the night, aside from wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

For the final report, Mayor Steve Birdsall shared some rules for decorum during city council meetings he found from the Iowa League of Cities website.

"While the city council is in session, all persons shall preserve order and decorum any any person that refuses to abide by these rules shall be asked to leave the council chambers," he said. "Every member of the public and every council member desiring to speak shall be addressed by the presiding officer and upon recognition, they will be able to speak ... We may agree and we may disagree, but we will be respectful of one another. All comments will be directed towards the issue at hand and personal attacks will not be tolerated."

He then shared a thank-you note from the Hampton Public Library for speaking at their 120th celebration and mentioned a Facebook post where he noticed comments from people defending the Franklin County courthouse and the City of Hampton, which he agreed with and appreciated.

"People like our town," he said. "So let's just keep making it better."

CUTLINE

La Luz Centro Cultural Director Janette Flores Acolt addressing the council during their Nov. 24 meeting.