Aug
18
Written by:
ngreditor
8/18/2010 12:46 PM
City considers security cameras, other matters
Kenneth Purscell
As a result of recent break-ins to downtown businesses, the Newman Grove City Council gave some thought at its August 10 meeting to installing security cameras.
“Break-ins are a bad thing for a town,” said Mayor David Johnson. “This would just be a start.”
The first estimate for installing the cameras, including cable and boxes, would be around $4,600. More cameras could be added later.
There was also discussion about where the cameras would be installed and what area should be covered.
The council will invite a representative from one of the companies to be present.
The council also received a request from the golf course to move a house onto the property and make it into a club house. The request met with some skepticism; the action would not comply with current zoning laws.
“It’s a trailer house,” said member Milan Sawyer. “If it were more substantial I would support it.”
The area is not zoned for a trailer, and a foundation would be required. “It just doesn’t look right for the city not to comply with our own laws,” said Sawyer.
In addition, water and sewer would have to be provided to the site.
The council will look up further details about zoning or conditional use and will discuss the topic further.
Some changes were discussed for the coming budget year. In particular, the method for handling money for the library came into question. Funds from the Youngquist estate support the library, which also receives some budget from city taxes. The library reimburses the tax funds, and that is the problem.
“It was the best solution at the time,” said Mayor Johnson.
Milan Sawyer did not disagree, but he pointed out that, “When we get the reimbursement, it isn’t earmarked. It just goes into the general fund.
“If it wasn’t a reimbursement, we could earmark that money, save it, and it could go for streets and alleys,” he continued. “The auditor should look into this and make recommendations.”
In other action, the council approved liquor licenses for Southside and Yai-Ya’s.
A proposal for a discharge from the new waste lagoon to local farmers for irrigation was authorized pending approval of the city engineer.
Copyright ©2010 Newman Grove Reporter