Royal code of ordinances moves toward final approval

The City of Royal’s code of ordinances is nearing approval after the council accepted the final draft during its meeting on Oct. 13.

The draft was finalized by Darren Bumgarner, a planner with Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission, based on input provided by council members and staff during a series of meetings. The code language was reviewed by the council prior to its session on Wednesday.

The only items noted during discussion were a correction of a spelling error and a question as to whether weight limits on city streets should be stated in the ordinance.

According to City Clerk Barb Fletcher, three readings of the ordinances must be held prior to final approval. The first reading will be held during the council’s next regular meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m.

The second reading will be scheduled in late November and the final reading will be held during the regular council meeting in December.

• Maintenance agreement, lighting replacement

The annual maintenance agreement with Clay County was approved. It outlines charges for services that may be provided by the county secondary roads department. According to Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen, no changes were made in the rates.

“It’s nice to have [the county] available,” he noted.

Nielsen has begun replacing the fluorescent tubes in the community building’s ceiling fixtures. The LED lights cost $10.98 each, and Alliant Energy is offering a $5 rebate per replacement bulb.

Council members voted to purchase 250 LED lights so all fixtures can be converted and the city will apply for the rebate.

• Trick-or-treat hours, siren grant

In other business, Royal’s trick-or-treat hours are 5:30-7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31.

During discussion about the purchase of a new outdoor warning siren, Fletcher said the Department of Homeland Security has funding available. However, she expressed concern about the length of time it would take to obtain the money. Council members agreed to apply for a Clay County Community Foundation grant instead.

The city will allow Ag Partners to temporarily store grain on a site in the park if the elevator needs the space, and Nielsen was authorized to place dirt where the football field bleachers were located. The Clay County Fair Association obtained the bleachers and Nielsen has taken out the footings.