Ordinance discussion tops Royal council agenda

Language to be included in Royal’s updated code of ordinances was considered by the city council on Aug. 11.

The issue of semi parking in residential areas was discussed with Clay County Sheriff Chris Raveling. The sheriff’s office recently responded to concerns related to semi parking. Raveling said they were “isolated instances” and the owners said they were unaware of the 30-minute time limit currently in force.

Raveling provided the council with the truck ordinance that was adopted by the City of Webb. That language was adopted due to damage to side streets that was attributed to semi traffic. According to discussion, an 8-ton weight limit is enforced and trucks are prohibited from using side streets. Signs are posted to indicate those restrictions.

“In my honest opinion, we need to copy Webb’s ordinance,” said Council Member Matt Goyette. “Our streets are not made for truck traffic. We can’t afford to fix the streets.”

Raveling said his office will enforce whatever language Royal adopts, but deputies would “play no favorites.” He suggested notifying residents of any changes that are approved, and said deputies would issue a warning to any first-time offenders.

Council members voted 3-1 to amend the tractor-trailer parking ordinance with an 8-ton weight limit in the restricted residential district. Their intention is to include that language in the revised code of ordinances that will be adopted in the fall. Council Member Jeff Van Westen cast the dissenting vote.

“I’m on the fence,” he said. “I know we have to do something.”

“The bad thing is we’ll make somebody mad, but we’re doing this to protect the condition of our streets,” Goyette said.

“People can come to a meeting to voice their concerns,” said Mayor Josh Toft. “We don’t make the rules to pick on anybody.”

• Further review of ordinances

Additional discussion centered on questions submitted by Darren Bumgarner, a planner with Northwest Iowa Planning and Development. He is meeting with council members and staff to review Royal’s code of ordinances.

Three items discussed dealt with animals in the city limits. One recommendation was to eliminate breed-specific references in the vicious animal ordinance. The council also agreed the number of domestic animals on a property should be limited to no more than six.

Council members also discussed whether to allow chickens in the city limits. They noted that allowing chickens would require the city to enforce several conditions set out in the proposed ordinance.

“We can’t afford to enforce these things,” Goyette said. “I believe chickens belong out-of-town.”

“I agree. Don’t even allow chickens, period,” said Council Member Arlene Wimmer.

Also discussed were stop and yield sign locations and provisions of the tree ordinance. The council made no changes to the sign list at this time. City Clerk Barb Fletcher will consult with the city attorney regarding whether the current tree ordinance can be included in the updated city code.

• Water valve installation, Main Street

Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen recommended that three additional valves be installed on water mains. According to discussion, installation of valves on certain mains will prevent shutting down the entire system when repairs are needed.

“The most expensive will be the 6-inch valve. It could easily be a $2,000 or $2,500 deal for that valve,” he said.

Nielsen was authorized to install the three valves before fall.

Four bumps have been ground out of the surface of Main Street. Nielsen said that Clay County is planning paving projects near Royal during the next two years. He suggested the city investigate the cost of redoing Main Street while paving crews are in the area.

“It’s going to cost a lot of money,” Nielsen noted.

“I say look into it and then we’ll know,” Toft responded.

In conjunction with the application for FEMA funding, council members designated the council as responsible for purchasing, leasing or renting goods and services for the city. They also authorized Fletcher and Nielsen to make single purchases of up to $1,500 without additional council approval.

The grant application for FEMA funds is being sought in order to purchase a generator for the lift station.