Anamosa City Council and interested parties questioned who is responsible for the additional water runoff onto the Fawn Creek Golf Course fairway at its regular meeting, May 22. Surface water drainage from Chamber Drive crosses the six hole fairway before it reaches the creek causing pooling and several wet areas on the course.

Council approved Pat Callahan, City Administrator to schedule a meeting with Fawn Creek Golf Course (Manager, Darin Sander) and the two developers; Humpel and Ricklefs as well as Public Works Director, Larry Driscoll to participate and negotiate a solution. Driscoll proposes an 8-inch drain tile project to correct the problem with the possibility of a future retention pond be created by the developers if growth continues at the current rate.

The Anamosa Library Board pleaded for reinstatement of $4,122.00 that was moved from the 2006 budget. This small but significant fund would increase the $13,878.00 allowable dollars to $18,000 for the purchase of books, reference items and/or media (DVD, cassette tapes, etc.)

Charlene George and Mary Ann Cox addressed council members and the City Administrator, the background of how the new Library and Learning Center came about. As of May 9, 2006 there are 3,482 library cardholders and 4,010 visitors per month. There are approximately 27,500 items in the library with the state requiring a yearly purge of three percent of old and outdated materials.

Council approved the $4,122 to come out of the local option sales tax dollars.

Other items approved on Monday night are as follows:

• Resolution approving final plat for the Anamosa Commercial Park First addition to the City of Anamosa.

• Commencement of the process of the removal of house at 1005 S. Main Street and future sale of the property. The demolition costs are not to exceed $2,300 and is to take place as soon as possible pending electric power disconnection by Alliant Energy.

• Renewal of Class C Beer license and Sunday sales permit to Murphy Oil, USA (Wal-Mart).

• Outdoor beer license to Anamosa Chamber for Grant Wood Days. (Chamber to pay for additional security necessary for the proper selling of beer at a combined outdoor food and beer stand)
• Street/alley closure request from Knucklehead’s granted yet contingent on a $200.00 deposit for use of city barricades to ensure their prompt pickup and return to the city shop.

• First reading of ordinance requiring dog license for pet owners was approved with the second and third readings waived. The ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2006 with a public notice to be published in the local newspaper shortly.

• The addition of 27 seasonal employees for Parks & Recreation Department and the Anamosa Aqua Court.

• First reading of ordinance designating no “No Parking” on certain streets. Kevin Smith, owner of Goettsch Funeral Home spoke to council as to where people would park if parking was eliminated on First street from Scott to Garnavillo. The waiver of second and third readings was voted down sue to a few council members revealing their inner conflict regarding community action to the city council’s actions.

• Re-appointment of committee members to design guidelines, façade and downtown development committee.

A public hearing date of June 26, 2006 7 p.m. was set for the amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan for the Anamosa corridor and for the creation of the Hwy 64 East Urban renewal are. This will create a brand new TIF district and this is required for the annexation of Little Creek Estates and Grant Ridge Estates and includes county land.

Council approved an internal policy process change effective July 1, 2006 for the sale of city owned property. The process guidelines are available for viewing at City Hall.

Project bids were sent to eight companies for the replacement of the roof on the Senior Center building. Three bids returned to the city with the lowest bid of $6,722.00 from Fletcher Construction owned by Randy Caspers. Council awarded the project to Fletcher.

Callahan reported on several issues including the acquisition of the former Iowa DOT maintenance garage. The removal of buildings to be completed by the state as the possibility of environmental contamination remains. Any building constructed on this site will not be allowed a basement.
Callahan and council members conferred on long term planning for the City Hall building use versus spending thousands of dollars renovating the antique structure.

A request was made for a city council work session to discuss ADCO Third Addition and possible TIF funding. (No date was set)

The next council meeting on Monday, June 12 will include a resolution for setting salaries for fiscal year 2007 for appointed officers and employees of The City of Anamosa. Union employees per Union contract will receive a three and a half percent increase.

Council went into closed session once again to discuss the possible acquisition of property for the Central Flood Control project and the possible acquisition of a permanent utility easement and temporary construction easement for the Hwy 64 water and sewer line extension. Upon re-opening of session, no details were afforded to the public.