Albia council reappoints two to Planning & Zoning, renews liquor licenses and discusses several proposals

The Albia City Council approved a set of routine business items and discussed several proposals Tuesday.

Brandon Williams moved and Scott Kelly seconded to reappoint Aaron Conley and Brad Evinger to the Planning & Zoning Commission; the motion passed with five votes in favor and one abstention. Council member Dennis Conley abstained due to a family relationship with an appointee.

Merle Regenold moved and Kathy Mobley seconded to renew beer and liquor permits for Dollar General Store and Jim & Charlies Affiliated Foods; the motion carried 6-0.

Council member Leslie Hill reported an anonymous donor offered funds to pay for demolition of dilapidated sheds. Hill said applications will be collected by the City but that no funds would be disbursed through the City; the program will be advertised on social media and in the local paper.

Brandon Williams presented a plan for a 10-year tax abatement for new home construction to be added to the current urban revitalization abatement; the council took the presentation as a proposal for future consideration rather than taking immediate action. Williams also recommended adding Iowa Code recommendations for shelter and bedding to a section of Chapter 85 on adequate shelter for animals; the City Attorney said he will draft an amendment for the next meeting.

Mayor Richard Clark relayed a request from Albia Schools to use city right-of-way for personal vehicle parking by school drivers after the School reported a potential sale of a nearby lot. Council consensus was to allow the School to use the right-of-way for driver parking.

In a supervisors report, City Attorney Bob Breckenridge said he is researching options for the City to obtain ownership of a hotel lot and recover some expenses; City Clerk Linda Heller announced a budget workshop will follow the next council meeting.