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McGregor Council considers zoning recommendations

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By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

At its July 20 regular meeting, the McGregor Council considered several recommendations put forth by the city’s planning and zoning commission, most notably one addressing the allowed uses of the lower levels of downtown commercial district buildings.

“The downtown commercial zoning district does not permit anything but commercial uses on the ground floor,” shared city attorney Mike Schuster. 

However, some buildings now have apartments on the ground floor, creating concerns that it is harming the business district.

When the regulation became effective in the 1970s, Schuster said some instances were grandfathered in, but “were permitted only until the [non-commercial] use doesn’t happen for a period of time.”

The council agreed to have a letter drafted that will notify all business property owners of the zoning regulations for the district, explain the negative impact of non-conforming uses and the timeline to correct any violations.

“Some property owners might take exception,” Schuster said, “but it’s likely some don’t know. That’s why we want to tell them.”

Another recommendation from the planning and zoning commission called on the council to adopt an ordinance regulating vacation rentals by owner, for properties rented less than 30 days. This would address, for example, people who periodically rent out their residences through the popular website Airbnb. The council agreed to draft an ordinance amendment to comply with the planning and zoning request.

Also at the planning and zoning commission’s request, the council agreed to review possible fence regulations for the city. If the council chooses to proceed, Schuster said the city could regulate details like the height of the fence, the material used and the setback.

Opera house

The council approved submission of a CLG pre-development grant application for engineering for the Sullivan Opera House/hardware store. City administrator Lynette Sander said she had spoken with the McGregor Historic Preservation Commission to see about getting engineering assistance for the building’s first level and basement, to see about removing the floor. On a side note, she said 15 people participated in a clean-up at the opera house July 16, filling a large dumpster with debris.

Library update

McGregor Public Library Director Michelle Pettit updated the council on the library’s activities in the past year. From July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, the library had 1,990 registered patrons and 12,705 visits. Most notable, Pettit said, was that computer usage almost doubled, to 3,898.

“We added all-in-one touch screens,” she noted, “so I think that’s part of the reason for the increase.”

Also on the rise, Pettit mentioned, is the use of the program BRIDGES to download online materials. Last year, 3,070 audiobooks and 6,140 eBooks were borrowed electronically.

“People are really using their Kindles and iPads to get downloadable materials,” she said,

Pettit also referenced the library’s programming, which includes two weekly preschool programs year-round, an elementary summer reading program and a weekly writers group for adults and craft group for adults. In June, the library hosted Dan Wardell from Iowa Public Television’s “Kids Clubhouse.” The library also hosts school groups and is the site for community meetings, workshops, parties and showers.

“We work with the school, museums, daycare and scouts,” she said. “Any opportunity we have to cooperate [with community groups], we like to do that.”

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