2nd reading of airport ordinance passes

By WES KAPPELMAN

OSKALOOSA — The Oskaloosa City Council moved closer to amending the City Code to allow for a regional airport and heard a presentation on recreation activities at Monday’s meeting.

After audience comments that included a request for a bike rack in the city square, Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation Director Sherry Vavra gave MCRF’s quarterly report to the Council.

According to the financial report, MCRF has purchased approximately $30,175 worth of land for trail development and has also developed the Lacey Complex’s parking lot and solar walkway. Other projects include work on the Highway 63 North underpass for the trail and helping Beacon acquire a playground at its city hall. Youth programs at Lacey ranged from Little League to soccer and MCRF also participated with the Mahaska County Conservation Board in the creation of the Mahaska County Youth Advisory Conservation Board.

After MCRF’s report, the Council took up the second reading of the ordinance to eliminate section 2.64.120, local control of municipal airport, from Oskaloosa’s City Code.

Council Member Jimmy Carter began the brief discussion.

“No hearts have changed,” Carter said.

He said voters should decide the issue in November. Council Member Wes Wills also reiterated his position for the current municipal airport. He said there is an economic impact for the Oskaloosa Municipal airport.

The ordinance passed by a 4-3 vote, with Carter, Wills and Council Member Janet VanDerBeek voting against.

In other action:

• The Council approved a resolution levying a special assessment against properties for weed cutting.

• The Council passed the second reading of an ordinance that allows the city to cut weeds or grass that exceeds 12 inches in height on April 15, May 15, June 15, July 15, Aug. 15 or Sept. 15. The ordinance also allows the city to cut weeds or tall grass seven days after providing notice to the owner.

• City Manager Brian James reported on the cost to replace the curb and gutter on North C Street. He said it would cost approximately $150,000.

• James also reported on the former Citgo gas station on A Avenue West. Carter suggested that the city attorney pursue nuisance action against the property.

• An ordinance to change the parking on Fifth Avenue East south of the Webster school building to bus only and increase the bus parking to 425 feet passed its first reading.

• The Council approved the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the vacation and sale of an alley adjacent to 209 North Market Street.

• The Council approved a license for the VFW to allow smoking outside on a patio that is being built. The Council also approved liquor licenses for Mi Ranchito and Hot Shotz.

• Interim Fire Chief Mark Neff said the fire department’s new pickup would probably arrive in November and new extrication equipment should arrive sooner. Once the new extrication equipment arrives, the fire department will hold a training session with the new equipment.

• Oskaloosa’s mayor and city manager will meet on Aug. 28 with Pella’s mayor and city administrator and Knoxville’s mayor and city manager. James said there is not yet an agenda. Mayor David Dixon said the meeting would probably focus on a corridor to Interstate 80.

• The Council also went into closed session for the six-month review of the city manager’s performance.

Herald staff writer Wes Kappelman can be reached by e-mail at news2@oskyherald.com

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