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However, the council members said they would support EPC's application for TIF funds or other funds through the state.
Councilman Ken Herington said he couldn't support spending city funds for parking lot improvements as other businesses in town had not gotten city help in improving their parking lots, etc. However, he said he would support the city doing "in-kind" work and EPC's application for other funding.
Councilman David Kempf agreed with Herington and suggested the city establish some type of grant fund program to assist businesses wanting to expand.
City Administrator Morgan said that in the past the city granted TIF funds to assist businesses like CIVCO based on job creation.
EPC personnel said they were unaware of TIF training funds that were carried over when EPC purchased the plant from Kalona Plastics. Morgan said he could help EPC get in touch with the Iowa City Area Development director and Ed Raber of WEDG.
The council asked Morgan to get the L.L. Pelling paint crew to paint stripes for the school crossing and stop signs plus other needed striping soon.
Morgan said that a crew would be in town August 26 and 27 to do smoke testing of sanitary sewers. He said people shouldn't be surprised if smoke comes out of roof drain downspouts.
Droz Settlement
The council approved 4-0 (councilman Steve Lafaurie was absent) to approve a settlement with Dave and Joette Droz, Kalona, by paying them $2,500 to settle their suit against the city without prejudice. Droz had filed the suit against The Kalona Board of Adjustment when the board denied them a variance to build a balcony on a second floor apartment.
Morgan said that Droz would have to make application to the city for any changes that they want in their building plans.
Other action
Approved a month to month lease agreement with Mid-Prairie Schools for $415 to use the former A to Z Preschool to operate a pre-school program until the Wellman Preschool opens in the Parkside Activities Center.
The council approved a change order paying All American Concrete an additional $4,845 to change storm sewer run off from the eastside of 10th Street to the west side of 10th Street so storm water runoff would flow into the highway drainage ditch.
Plans to correct the 6-ft sidewalk along the eastside of the Sharon Hill Cemetery. The council agreed to pay for concrete and All American Concrete agrees to pay for labor to replace the sidewalk adjoining the driveway. The city also agreed to pay for paving of the driveway.
Administrator finalists
The council set a meeting for Monday, August 31, at a time and place yet to be determined, to interview the two finalists for the position of city administrator. They did not disclose names of the finalists.
The council also set the first meeting next month for Tuesday, September 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Kalona Public Library since September 7 is a holiday.
