(Spirit Lake)– The Spirit Lake city council Tuesday adopted revisions to an ordinance pertaining to architectural standards, but not without hearing some concerns first.
The changes better define the types and amounts of materials required; it adds Zenith Avenue south of 23rd Street to the areas required to abide by the standards; and it requires plans be submitted at the same time as the building permit.
Prior to adopting the changes, the council heard from Wayne Schutte of the Northwest Iowa Homebuilder’s Association. He expressed concern over exactly how the city council defines “architectural relief” when considering building plans. Schutte added his group is taking a survey of contractors involved in projects that had to meet the city’s standards and will report back on their findings in the near future.
A motion to adopt the revisions passed on a three-to-two vote, with councilmen Harbst and Kevin Bice casting the no votes.
In other business, the council approved a motion showing support for the strict enforcement of building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical codes. But it was emphasized they, too, are subject to revision and/or clarification.
The council also approved the hiring of Chuck Skogerboe as a consultant to assist in the search for a new Police Chief. The vote was four-to-one with Barb Ricke casting the lone dissenting vote. Mayor Eric Nielsen said Skogerboe will assist a citizen’s committee in looking for a new chief. That committee consists of Bob Currell, Dave Tryon, Blaine Andera, Chad Schuchert, Martha Rogers and a student from the schools. Nielsen says the committee will hold its first meeting next week.
