KALONA

Not every city can speed through a 12-item agenda in 35 minutes, but the Kalona City Council did just that on Monday night, although the resolution to sell the Kalona Bakery building did get tabled in the process.

The council previously met for a special session on Oct. 1 to approve the water service line developer’s agreement for Kwik Star, as well as an access easement to the welcome sign and flagpole at the corner of Highways 1 and 22. Kwik Star is expected to close on the property on Friday, Oct. 11.

Among the more fun things on the Oct. 7 agenda was a new project sponsored by the Kalona Chamber which is expected to be officially announced at their Annual Meeting on Oct. 15, and a resolution to extend the closure of 5th Street for the Oct. 12 farmers market – the final one of the season – to accommodate a pet costume contest and allow more space for enjoying the performing musicians.

In addition, the council approved another chicken application.

“Everything’s good. The one holdout neighbor agreed,” City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh said.

Schlabaugh also noted the receipt of a $62,630 quarterly municipal grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, which the council acknowledged, and a letter of appreciation will be sent.

The council accepted part one and two dedications and improvements for the Valley Industrial Park subdivision. The privately owned infrastructure is being dedicated to the city as the development’s ownership passes from father to son.

“That means that we take over a lift station, roads, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, all of the infrastructure that’s down there,” Schlabaugh explained. The city had the infrastructure reviewed and inspected, and “everything passed, everything’s in good working order,” he said.

Three ordinances – those pertaining to publication of minutes, electronic meetings, and fiscal management – have been updated to reflect new state code; the council passed the first reading of each.

The council approved publication notices for Antidegradation Alternatives Analysis regarding the discharge of treated wastewater and treated splash pad water into the English River. Interested parties will have 30 days to review and comment on the reports if desired.

Although no official action was needed, the council discussed a 45-mph speed limit on 133rd Street from Highway 1 to Nutmeg Avenue, which was determined to be reasonable by the city in cooperation with the Washington County engineer and sheriff’s office.

“I think 45 is good,” Mayor Mark Robe said, and the council nodded agreement. The city hopes to establish the limit and place signage this fall.

The Kalona City Council will next meet on Monday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.