TAX REBATE FOR LOCAL COMPANY

By Pam Reinig

Register Editor

The Elkader City Council last week approved a resolution that will help a local company expand its labor force. Mobile Track Solutions will receive a 24 percent property tax rebate over 10 years (equal to $240,628), as part of a local match to the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s High Quality Jobs program. MTS plans to add 30 new jobs and invest more than $5.1 million in a new facility in Elkader.

The Council also approved a lease agreement with Turkey River Rentals for space across from Elkader City Park. Owners will pay $250 annually for canoe/kayak access and storage privileges. 

Several permits and street closings for the town’s annual Sweet Corn Days celebration were also approved. Most of the street closings will be in downtown Elkader on July 22 and July 23. Approval was also given to use the field south of the levee to launch fireworks.

Also on the agenda was a resolution for architectural design services for a new public works facility. Martin Gardner Architecture was granted permission to provide numerous services including an evaluation of one or two site locations, preliminary drawings for a new facility and preliminary cost estimates.

Council members shared several concerns from residents, including the need for permanent restrooms in Founders Park and concern about dog owners who use the park but don’t clean up after their pets. Comments were also shared about heavy trucks violating the weight limit on Keystone Bridge and the need to remind residents not to put grass clippings in the street because yard waste can clog storm sewer drains.