(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, will consider and possibly act on a request for a special fireworks display that, if approved, would take place July 16th, on private property. The meeting in the Council’s Chambers inside the Atlantic City Hall, begins at 5:30-p.m.  The request was made by Dan Vargason, and would be held at 1303 Maple Street, should the Atlantic Softball Team host the Regional Softball Final, and Win the final game, qualifying the team for the state tournament.

City Administrator John Lund notes an ordinance regulating fireworks states the City may grant a permit for the display of fireworks on Public Property (By a City, Fair Association, etc., when such fireworks “Will be handled by a competent operator,” and with the proper/required insurance. Lund is expected to recommend referring the matter to the City of Atlantic’s Community Protection Committee, with feedback from the Atlantic Fire & Police Departments, and all private parties with a vested interest in fireworks displays, with the idea being to explore a Special Event Permit, or amending the regulations to allow for Special Displays on private property.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council will hold a public hearing on the receipt and approval of proposals for, the disposal and development of certain City-owned Real Property in the Southeast Urban Renewal District. The land referred to in the hearing, is 41.54-acres that was purchased by the City from the Comes Family Trust for $830,000, in Oct., 2022. The land was purchased for future housing development.

Last month, notices were published in the local paper, seeking proposals from interested buyers on their intention to develop the property, and the price they would offer for the land. The Council will hear from those proposing to purchase and develop the property, and citizens, with regard to the use and disposal of the land. Administrator Lund notes that “Since this is related to an Urban Renewal Project that will almost certainly utilize tax increment financing (TIF), specific considerations need to be undertaken before the land can be transferred to another party.”

The Council will act Wednesday, on the third and final reading of an amended (Updated) ordinance with regard to the large bicycling event that will be in Atlantic July 22nd-23rd. The updates are with regard to vendor fees and dates. The ordinance – if approved – will expire July 23rd at 5-p.m.  City Council Agenda Packet 05-15-2024-min