Mason City City Council Meeting - July 8, 2024: Historic Preservation, Property Sale, and Fire Station Upgrades
Mason City City Council Meeting - July 8, 2024
The Mason City City Council met on July 8, 2024, for a regular meeting. The meeting featured a proclamation honoring the 100th anniversary of the East Park Band Shell, public comments on the proposed sale of a dilapidated property, and discussion on several key items including a change order for the fire department addition, a bid process for a residential property, and the purchase of a historic church. All council members were present.
Proclamation
- Mayor Bill Schickle read a special proclamation recognizing the East Park Band Shell's 100th anniversary. The band shell, dedicated on July 24, 1924, is the oldest municipal band shell in Iowa. The council proclaimed July 24, 2024, as East Park Band Shell Day and called on the community to participate in the observance.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Tom Ryan (836 12th Street SE), representing himself and 13 homeowners/neighbors, spoke on agenda item 14 (property at 830 12th Street SE). He argued that the home cannot be realistically renovated and should be demolished. He requested the council table the vote and invited officials to tour the property.
- Deborah Ryan (836 12th Street SE), Tom's wife, also spoke on item 14. She asked the city to confirm two things before selling the property: (1) the city would sell only to a reputable person with resources to renovate promptly, and (2) the city would remove a large tree in the backyard, all other vegetation, garbage, and debris before the sale. She emphasized the tree poses a safety risk to her home. She thanked the mayor and council for their attention.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda was approved with the exception of items 8, 14, and 15. Items approved included: minutes, claims, permits, May 2024 financial report, appointment of Mike Swaede to the Civil Service Commission, reappointment of Emily Peters to the North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation, hiring of Alex Avery as arborist/heavy equipment operator, a resolution for a bond sale, and several agreements with the Iowa Department of Transportation for street maintenance and detour construction on Highway 65 South. The Highway 65 project is a multi-stage upgrade from 27th Street to 6th Street, scheduled to begin in August and span two and a half construction seasons.
Discussion Items
- Item 8 – Change Order for Fire Department Dormitory Addition and Remodel: Councilman Simmons asked about the $43,000 total change order, noting some items were described as cost savings. The fire chief explained that additional electrical outlets were added to accommodate future equipment, and pump coils were installed to avoid custom fire-code-compliant ceiling boxes, which was the cheaper option. The motion to approve carried unanimously (6-0).
- Item 14 – Resolution Authorizing Bid Process and Public Hearing for Sale of 830 12th Street SE: The resolution would set a bid process and a public hearing for August 20, 2024 (not August 30 as initially stated). Councilman Adams supported moving forward to see what bids emerge, noting the city still has options to reject bids or demolish. Councilman Massan opposed, arguing the house is unsalvageable due to extensive mold, water damage, and structural issues. Councilman Latham expressed skepticism but voted to move forward. Councilman Lee supported the process to test market interest and potentially add taxable value. Councilman Simmons asked about the likelihood of moving a house onto the lot; staff indicated it was low. The motion passed 5-1 (Masan voted no).
- Item 15 – Authorization to Make Offer to Purchase St. John Baptist Church Property: The council discussed a proposal to purchase the historic St. John Baptist Church (at 715 6th Street SW) and adjacent property. Councilman Lee praised the public-private partnership to preserve a historic structure. Councilman Latham noted the building is sound and received a new roof courtesy of a local contractor. Councilman Lee abstained due to his involvement with the Historic Preservation Commission. The motion carried 5-0-1.
- Second Reading – Code Modifications for Recyclables: The council approved the second reading of modifications to the city code to align with current recycling practices. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
Key Outcomes
- Proclamation declared July 24, 2024, as East Park Band Shell Day.
- Consent agenda approved (items 1-7, 9-13) as listed.
- Item 8 (fire department change order) approved 6-0.
- Item 14 (bid process for 830 12th Street SE) approved 5-1, with a public hearing scheduled for August 20, 2024.
- Item 15 (offer to purchase St. John Baptist Church) approved 5-0-1 (Lee abstained).
- Second reading of recycling code modifications approved 6-0.
- The meeting adjourned with no further business.
Meeting Transcript
And good evening, everyone. Welcome to the regular meeting of the Mason City City Council. This is the meeting for July 2nd, 2024. I'm Mayor Bill Schickle. We're delighted to have you with us this evening. The first order of business is the roll call. Pam, would you call the roll? Aaron, would you call the role? Lee. Present. Adams. Present. Simmons. Present. Yeshevski? Here. Latham? Here. Let the record reflect that all members are present. We could really call it theme for this evening, uh building for the future while preserving the past. We have two items that have to do with historic preservation, then a major initiative for the reconstruction of uh Highway Sixty Five South uh getting underway. The um next item on the agenda is the adoption of the agenda. Is there a motion to adopt the agenda? So moved. Second we have a motion and a second discussion. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. All those opposed, same sign. I'm at this time it's uh honor to present a uh special proclamation, and I'd like to ask Trisha to please step forward. The band shell in Mason City is now one hundred years old, or will be later this year, and it's actually the oldest band shell in Iowa, and we have a special resolution uh recognizing that, which I'm delighted to read right now. Whereas Mason City has a long musical tradition, and whereas in 1923, citizens of Mason City in response to a petition by the American Legion post one oh one approved a tax levy for a municipal band and the construction of a band shell in East Park, and whereas on Thursday, July twenty-fourth of this year, twenty uh twenty twenty-four in East Park, uh in 1924, it was dedicated. Several vocal soloists, a reading and five selections by the municipal band, including the Star Spangled Banner, the Stars and Stripes Forever, the William Tell Overture, and concluded with the audience singing America. And whereas the East Park Band Shell is the first municipal band shell to be located in Iowa. And whereas the East Park Band Shell continued for many years to serve as the nexus for Mason City's musical heritage by hosting concerts throughout its history. And whereas the East Park Band Shell continues to host events, including worship services, the moonlight movie, and other concerts uh in that area. And whereas Wednesday, July 24th of 2024 is the one hundredth anniversary of the dedication of the East Park Band Shell. Now, therefore, I Bill Schickle, Mayor of Mason City. I do be hereby proclaim Wednesday, July 24th of this year as East Park Band Shell Day and call upon the people of Mason City to join me in recognizing and participating in this special observance. Can we show our appreciation to the members of the Historic Preservation Commission? Thank you. Thank you, Trisha. Now we'll move on to the public forum. This is your chance to address any item that is on the agenda. If you have an item on the agenda that you would like to speak to, you may step forward and use the podium, state your name and address, and the floor is yours. Hi, Tom. Hi, Bill. Good evening. I'm Tom Ryan. I live at 836 12th Street Southeast.
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