Le Claire holds first reading of utility connection fee amendment after developer responsibility clarified

Mayor Pro Tem Amy Blair opened a public hearing at 6:08 p.m. on Jan. 19 to consider Ordinance 859, an amendment to Chapter 85 of the Code of Ordinances concerning Utility Connection Fee Districts. Written comments were noted as part of the agenda packet and the hearing included a verbal inquiry from a resident.

Steve Zelle of 1503 Holland Street asked whether there is a timeline to pay the connection fee and whether the developer or the landowner would be responsible for it. City Administrator Dennis Bockenstedt responded that the fee would be the responsibility of the developer and would be due with plat fees. Zelle expressed the view that additional fees could hinder developers.

After the public hearing, the council approved the first reading in title only of Ordinance 859, amending Chapter 85. The matter remains at first reading; subsequent readings or council action would be required before an ordinance takes effect.

The meeting record does not provide further detail on fee amounts, geographic districts affected, or a timeline for subsequent readings; those specifics were not specified in the minutes.