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GUTHRIE CENTER CITY COUNCIL
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After discussing the effects of wind turbines within the city limits, the Guthrie Center city council Monday passed the first reading of an ordinance addressing the situation.
Bruce Lauritsen has proposed a wind turbine on property near his residence at 1103 Oak Street.
Neighbors within a 200 foot radius of the proposed turbine have been notified the council is scheduled to have two more readings of the ordinance before passage.
It was the recommendation of the city's planning and zoning committee to draft an ordinance that specifically addresses wind turbines. If the ordinance makes its way across the city council table, it then must be approved by the board of adjustment.
Some of the specifics included in the ordinance provide safeguards for neighbors such as noise and shadow flicker from turning blades. The ordinance states wind turbines must be situated on at least three acres of land and must be at least 1,000 feet apart so as to not give the city the appearance of a wind farm.
State funding
The city was not expected to learn until Wednesday afternoon how state budget cuts would affect local government operations.
City clerk/administrator Laura Imerman informed the council that if the state takes away all military and homestead credits, the cut could amount to between $30,000 and $40,000 in lost revenue.
Health Insurance
Rate increases for health insurance were discussed. A joint meeting with the utility board, employees and insurance representative will be held in November.
Housing
Laurie Gilbert, Region XII, updated the council on the Neighborhood Stabilization (NSP) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing rehabilitation programs.
She said Region XII is running into dead ends trying to reach owners of foreclosed properties.
Imerman suggested Region XII investigate if the city can petition for titles of the properties. This would allow the city to become the owner within 60 days.
Initially, a total of 15 vacant houses and houses capable of rehabilitation were targeted for inclusion in the NSP.
Gilbert reviewed with the council a proposed loan agreement to be used between the city and Region XII for rehabilitating properties und the NSP. Any property needing more than $24,999 in updates will be funded through a 3% loan with Region XII. Once the property is sold, Region XII gets its money and interest first.
In conjunction with the rehabilitation programs, the council passed a resolution adopting a residential antidisplacement and relocation assistance plan. This insures that temporary housing will be found for persons who homes are being rehabilitated.
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©Guthrie Center Times 2009
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