Lawton City Council Minutes

The Lawton City Council met in regular session on , at the Lawton City Clerk’s office. Council members answering roll: Jeff Nitzschke, Terry Masching, Tony Bengford, . Mayor pro tem Kolker called the meeting to order at Consent agenda included approval of minutes from meeting, disbursements of $11,096.44, bills of $3,065.53, clerks’ report and October financial statements. Masching moved to approve tentative and consent agendas as presented. Bengford seconded, roll call 4-0, carried.

A thank you letter was received from the American Legion Post #718 for providing a location for their flag disposal box near . The box was put on site . A building permit was approved for a fence for Vos Enterprises, Inc. doing business as Lawton Pronto. arrived at .

After continued discussion on Dale Peterson annexation proposal, Masching moved to approve Resolution # 2003-25, ACCEPTING AND APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY to include granting tax abatement of city property taxes over the next 5 (five) years to all affected property owners at the rate of 50% the first year, 40% the second year, 30% the third year, 20% the fourth year and 10% the fifth year. Schorg seconded motion. On roll: Ayes: Masching, Schorg and Bengford. Nays: Nitzschke and Kolker. Motion carried 3-2. Full text of Resolution #2003-25 is available for inspection at .

Schorg moved to accept City Annual Financial Report as presented. Publication of this report will be in edition of . Bengford seconded motion. On roll 5-0, carried.

Resident concerns have been raised regarding the use of mopeds, mini bikes and other motorized vehicles on city streets by our youth. According to Attorney Metcalf, State law requires that both vehicle and operator must be licensed. Operators must also be at least 14 years of age and there is a limit of one person per vehicle. Metcalf also reminded Council that even one violation will result in the immediate loss of a permit. Persons may file a written complaint with the if a violation is witnessed.

Clerk informed Council the abstract for Lots 13-16 of Block 3 has been updated, and has been delivered to for inspection. He was asked to respond within 10 days.

Charlie Bechtold, Rose Engineering, spoke regarding possible golf course/housing development west of . Bechtold asked for a commitment from the city. Since the city has seen no hard figures on paper, Council declined to give any type commitment, but asked Bechtold to put together figures for Council to consider. Bechtold asked for special meeting on November 18^th.

Kim Clay presented information regarding grant she is writing for. It will include black and gold flowers to be planted throughout the city in observance of the Lawton Centennial. Council expressed appreciation to Kim for the work she has put into the grant, and expressed willingness to help financially if grant funds do not become available.

City Maintenance Anderson informed Council three diseased or damaged trees had been removed. Stumps still need to be ground out. Notices sent to property owners regarding trimming of trees has resulted in all trees being trimmed.

Council discussed the need to amend current city ordinance Section 3-14 concerning trees. Much of current code deals specifically with Dutch Elm Disease. After careful consideration, Nitzschke moved to amend current city code to include verbiage ordering adjacent property owners to maintain or remove all trees, regardless of state of health. Bengford seconded motion. On roll, first reading carried 5-0. Complete text of proposed ordinance amendment will be available at city clerks’ office.

Council discussed digging test well south of city shop on property currently owned by the city. Masching moved to ask Jerry Steffen to send IDNR application for site approval. Nitzschke seconded. On roll 5-0, carried.

Clerk is to send nuisance abatement letter to property owner regarding blocking of water way. Attorney is to send nuisance abatement letter to property owner regarding dilapidated building within city limits.