The Atlantic City Council has a lot on the docket for their meeting 5:30-p.m., Wednesday, at City Hall. There are three public hearings. The first is with regard to the Council authorizing an application for financial assistance to USDA Rural Development, for the purchase of equipment, furniture and/or vehicles for the Atlantic Fire Department. The Dept. needs 25 units of 1 3/4 inch diameter fire hose, 50-feet in length, at a cost of $2,750. If approved, USDA-RD would cover 35% of the costs, or $926.50. The City’s Fire Equipment Reserve Fund would cover the $1,787.50 match required for the grant.

The second public hearing is on an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, by amending a chapter entitled “Zoning Regulations,” by striking the residential district language and the first setback in C-1, to 10-feet, and replacing it with (Option1 )”Other permitted Uses – 10 feet.” The second amendment (Option 2) would change the definition of “District” to say “Zoning District.” The Planning and Zoning Commission formally recommends the Council adopt both options  to eliminate confusing language and better accommodate commercial property within its proper zone.  The proposed changes surfaced when Armstrong Real Estate requested to rezone 1007 W. 6th Street from C-1 (Highway Commercial District) to L-1 (Light Industrial District), in order to further develop the property.

The third and final hearing for Wednesday’s meeting, is with regard to the Atlantic Animal Shelter Building Addition. Iowa Code requires competitive bidding on public improvement projects valued at more than $139,000, and prior to the acceptance of bids. The project was originally estimated to cost around $151,620, but the lowest bid ended-up being $180,300. The Council rejected all bids in April 2020, due to the uncertainty concerning the pandemic, cost overruns and because the project was a “want,” not a “need.”  The project was gifted $135,000 from the Lorraine Eppelsheimer Estate to benefit animals at the shelter, with the provision the dog and cat areas be separate. The proposed addition includes new floor and office space, an increase in the number of cat cages in a separate area from the dogs, proper food storage, as well as an exam and grooming table, in addition to a more efficient water heater.  The Council is expected to pass a Resolution later in their meeting accepting a low bid from Henningsen Construction and awarding a contract for, the Animal Shelter Project.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council will act on:

• A Resolution “Authorizing Third Quarter Budget Transfers”
• A Resolution “Agreeing to apply for financial assistance with [USDA-Rural Dev,] to purchase [Fire Dept. equipment].
• A Resolution “Authorizing [an] application to the Rural Iowa Housing Assessment Grant Program and Commitment of required matching funds,” with regard to housing assessment data collection. April 16th is the application deadline. A funding decision is expected by May 21st.
• The Council will act on a Resolution appointing a Housing Committee Chair and Committee members, as part of the Rural Housing Readiness Assessment process in establishing a City Housing Committee. Bob Camblin has already developed a working group of community stakeholders that have an interest in housing. They have already met twice over the past year, but there are no limits to those willing to serve on the Committee. Members must participate in training with Iowa State University, including attending meetings that last 2-to 3 hours.

The Council is also expected to act on approving an Order for a Letter of Intent for the SHIFT ATL application for the Rural Innovation Grant valued at anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000, and with regard to a housing rehab project at 1310 Chestnut. They will also act on a Resolution “Declaring the Bull Creek Restoration Project a Community Priority.” The current concept calls for the relining of Bull Creek, just east of Harl-Holt Park, in order to stabilize the creek walls and prevent future erosion.  Federal funding is available for such local projects, but the application deadline is April 16th.

Among other business, the Atlantic City Council will review and act on a recommendation on a Right-of-Way agreement with Massena Telephone Company, for the installation of fiber optic lines along 7th Street, from the school bus barn to Hospital Drive, and north on Ash Street, to Atlantic Carriers (Phase 1). And, one of the last action items for the Council is to set April 21st at the date for a Public Hearing on approval of the FY 2022 Budget.