City of Libertyville, Iowa
Regular Council Meeting
Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2020
The regular meeting of the Libertyville City Council was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Rodney Nelson at the Libertyville Community Center. Council members in attendance were Tom Atwood, Cody Guffey and Scott Roulet. Council member Rebecca Miller arrived at 6:35 p.m. and Kevin Snyder was excused. Also present were Paul Miller/City Attorney, Gerrad Goodrich/Fire Chief, Mitch Carr/Maintenance Manager, Karen Blakley/City Clerk and members of the public.
In order to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, this meeting of the Libertyville City Council was available electronically. Chapter 21.8 of the Iowa Code does permit an electronic meeting where members participate remotely when an in-person meeting is impossible or impractical, which is certainly true during this crisis. On March 19, 2020, Governor Kim Reynolds issued a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency which included a suspension of Iowa laws that would prevent the use of electronic meetings or the limitation on the number of people present at an in-person meeting site. The agenda and the City’s social media had a message posted more than 24 hours in advance to give instructions on how others could participate in the meeting.
APPROVE OR AMEND AGENDA: Mr. Atwood motioned to approve the agenda. Second by Mr. Guffey. All ayes. Motion passed.
CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Guffey motioned to approve. Second by Mr. Roulet. All ayes. Motion passed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FIRE CHIEF REPORT: Fire Chief report was reviewed and discussed.
MAINTENANCE REPORT: Maintenance Report was reviewed and discussed. Letter to be sent to resident regarding meter to be installed.
TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE REPORT: None.
LIBERTYVILLE LITTLE LEAGUE/COMMUNITY CENTER COMMITTEE: None
PERMITS – None.
PUBLIC FORUM: None.
MAYOR/COUNCIL/ATTORNEY COMMENTS: Mayor updated Council on options for the City lagoon. Discussion to continue.
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Property at 308 Rock Island Street Update – City Attorney updated Council on court proceedings. Progress is still being made cleaning up the property as requested.
Ordinance addressing lot lines, setbacks, buildings, etc. – Tabled.
Agreement for Variance – Resident Copeland – Project completed.
Sub Division Development – Tabled
Meter Pit Installation – Letters sent by City Attorney to residents requesting meter pits be installed to meet City Ordinances. Progress of this project discussed.
Halloween Events Review – Review and update of Halloween events planned.
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution 466-2020 – Resolution Approving Annual Financial Report 2020 – Motion by Mr. Roulet to approve. Second by Mr. Atwood. All ayes. Motion passed.
Construction Permit Review – None.
Resident Requests – Property purchase/Private road/Lagoon dates – Discussion of resident requests. Resident moving home should meet current City Ordinances. Mayor will speak with property owner regarding private road. Lagoon dates set for October 31 and November 14.
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Representative – motorized bicycles/scooters - Representative was unable to attend. Discussion on motorized bicycles/scooters and safety.
Resolution 467-2020- Resolution to Transfer City Funds – Motion by Mr. Atwood to approve. Second by Mr. Roulet. All ayes. Motion passed.
Approve US Cellular tower survey – Following review and brief discussion, Motion by Ms. Miller to approve. Second by Mr. Guffey. All ayes. Motion passed.
Post Office Facade – Discussion regarding the Post Office façade, sidewalk and railing. Project tabled until spring 2021. City will research possible grants/funding options.
Holiday Events – Review of possible holiday events.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. with a Motion by Mr. Atwood. Second by Mr. Guffey. All Ayes. Motion passed.
__________________________
Rodney A. Nelson, Mayor
Attest: Karen Blakley, City Clerk
Libertyville History
On the west side of Main Street was a row of one-story buildings. One was a drugstore owned by Icabod Warner, next a shoemaker's shop owned by a Mr. Jigaman, another small building and then the Odd Fellows Hall.
In 1879 there were three general stores which kept stocks of drugs, drygoods, and groceries, a lumber yard, grain elevator, a hotel, a wagon and carriage establishment, a harness shop, two shoe shops, a barber shop, a cabinet shop, a blacksmith shop, a meat market and a saloon.
In 1858 or 1859 th C.R. & P. railroad was constructed through Libertyville. Previous to that everything was hauled by ox or horse-drawn wagons from Keokuk or Burlington where freight was shipped by boat up the Mississippi River.
Notes from - 'A Stroll Back', a history of Libertyville, Iowa.