Lorimor City Council Meeting
June 25, 2007 7:00 P.M.
Special Session
The Lorimor City Council met in special session, Monday, June 25, 2007, with Mayor Kent Forbes presiding. Council members in attendance: Orwan, Schmidt, Tucker. Absent: Davis, Wright.
The mayor announced that the public hearing to receive comments on the proposed action to enter into a loan agreement in the principal amount not to exceed $100,000 for the purpose of paying the cost of demolition of buildings at 502-504 Main Street and the construction of street improvements would open.
Because there were several people in attendance, the Mayor asked that those people that wanted to speak would stand and give their name and address.
Dayna Decker presented a petition to the Council that asked the Council to stop the demolition of the buildings at 502-504 Main Street. She asked that the Council defer the action already taken and delay awarding the contract for demolition for 30 days. Jill Alexander also spoke to the Council and related information she had gathered from visits with Iowa Department of Economic Development personnel. She asked for time to form a study committee to get estimates for repairs to the building that included the roof and windows. The Committee would also research possible uses for the building if it could be rehabbed. During the discussion, it was stated several times that the major opposition to the demolition of the buildings was the increase in property taxes that would transpire to repay the loan with the end result being another empty lot in town.
After much discussion on the topic, the Mayor asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Orwan offered the motion, with a second from Schmidt. Vote – all ayes. Motion carried. Public hearing was closed at 8:13 P.M.
A motion was then made by Orwan to approve the resolution taking additional action to enter into a loan agreement not to exceed $100,00 to pay for the cost of securing or demolishing the buildings at 502-504 Main Street and the construction of street improvements. Second from Schmidt. Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried. Tucker asked that the minutes reflect that she voted aye on the resolution because the wording stated the securing of the building and the street improvements. She is opposed to the demolition of the building.
Orwan moved with a second from Schmidt to allow a citizen committee 45 days to research financing and development of a plan for the preservation of the building. Schmidt seconded the motion. Roll call vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
Orwan moved with a second from Schmidt to approve a resolution to approve entering into a loan agreement for the purchase of a 1997 Dodge pickup for use as a fire vehicle and to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign any necessary documentation. Vote – all ayes. Motion carried.
Orwan moved with a second from Schmidt to adjourn. Vote – all ayes. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
___________________________
Kent Forbes, Mayor
Attest: __________________________
Mary Seales, City Clerk
