By John Speer

Editor

jspeer@tamatoledonews.com

Approval was given to a revision of the city’s urban revitalization area boundaries by the Toledo City Council during its Monday night, March 12, regular meeting. No comments were received during a public hearing before a voice vote of approval.

Council members present were Steve Vesely, Brian Sokol, Joe Boll and Darvin Graham. Member Duane Pansegrau was absent.

The move was made to align the city’s urban revitalization area with the rezoning for the apartment complex being created in the former United Methodist / Otterbein Church property at 201 East High Street. Hobart Restoration, Cedar Rapids is the general contractor for the work. See accompanying council story.

The boundaries set for the Urban Revitalization Plan are an area bordered by State, Green, Carleton and U.S. Highway 63.

In addition, the amendment allows for 100 percent property tax exemption for 10 years for actual value of improvements on property classified as multi-residential and located within the boundaries.

Precinct Boundaries

Council members also approved on voice vote a committee recommendation to eliminate the ward voting system in Toledo and to consider the entire city as one ward resulting in all city council seats elected at-large.

The resolution was a described as a procedural matter required by the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office.

Toledo voters approved the elimination of the ward system in the 2016 General Election. The change is estimated by election officials to save the city about $1,500 in costs to conduct each city election.

Alley Vacation Sought

Jim Roan, project manager for the Wieting Theatre Phase II addition and renovations, requested the council put in motion the procedure to close the public alley between the Toledo Community Building and the residential property to the south in the 100 block of south Church Street.

Plans are raze the Community Building for an addition to the theatre. Roan said the alley area would be used for additional parking and landscaping.

A hearing on the vacation was set by the council for the March 26 regular meeting.

Ask For City To Not Compete

Council members heard a call from businessperson Loren Dostal for the city to not enter into competition with private business.

Dostal reported he had entered into an arrangement with InRoad, Des Moines, to use a portion of his land along Business Highway 30 east as a site for a temporary asphalt plant. The council had agreed at the Feb. 26their meeting to allow the company to use the former site of the city shop on West Ross Street for the plant set up.

Dostal and Mayor John Lloyd expressed differing views on how the matter was being handled. Dostal would be required to obtain a temporary variance from the board of adjustment because the property is zoned agriculture, Lloyd said.

In other business, the council tabled a request for elimination of a $1,200annual fee to allow parking for tenants of the Toledo house on North Broadway. Council Street Committee members Boll and Vesley are to meet with Toledo House manager Karen Musgrave and report back to the council on March 12.