City council hires new police chief
By Shelia Tomkins
Derek Chambers, an officer with the Guttenberg Police Department for 13 years, was hired as police chief when the city council approved his appointment at its regular monthly meeting on June 15. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of long-time Police Chief George Morteo, who will leave the position in late July after nearly 30 years with the local department.
The council approved the employment agreement with the new police chief at an annual salary of $60,000 plus benefits. The city will advertise for an officer to fill the position he currently holds.
Mayor Bill Frommelt led the council through the evening's agenda. On hand for the meeting were council members Mick Pierce, Austin Greve, Fred Schaub, Virginia Saeugling and Jane Parker, and City Manager Denise Schneider.
Schiller Street
The completion date of the Schiller Street project has been pushed back from early July to mid- to late July, according Steve Thompson and Jeff Rouse, engineers with Veenstra and Kim, who updated the council on the project. Discussion was held on a change order related to basement access hatches at Norie's Resto Bar. Rouse answered questions from council member Pierce about curb access and location of lighting near a business at the corner of Schiller and First Streets.
Trail study
Thompson gave an update on a trail study currently underway to identify current trails in the community, analyze gaps and decide what is feasible to improve. He said the study is close to being completed and will serve as the first step in seeking estimates and grant possibilities.
Limbeck Pond
Thompson gave an update on the Limbeck (Horseshoe) Pond project and the council set a public hearing to move forward on the project to remove sediment from the pond.
Employment
Librarian Katie Beitzel has resigned effective July 3. The council approved paying a portion of her PTO hours.
Council approved non-union employment agreements, as decided at last month's council meeting, with the exception of the police chief and librarian.
Business development
Emily Yaddof, community vitality director, told the council a Business Accelerator program grant application had been denied, but the council agreed to her request to give $5,000 toward the program, with the GEIDC giving another $5,000, for a total of $10,000 to be used to promote local business growth.
Yaddof also reported that a grant to help fund a brewery was approved, and the council okayed releasing $10,000 in grant funds to Guttenberg Breweing Co. - Kathryn Lee to be used toward property purchase and and brewery construction. .
Other business
Lee Johnston of Guttenberg Historic Preservation ask for council guidance on the direction to take to protect the community's three historic districts containing over 300 properties. She gave information packets to the council, and the mayor proposed a public meeting to discuss the issue.
The council accepted the final contract work on the riverbank repair project, after discussion on the possibility of having a fence or plantings behind the restroom.
A public hearing was held in connection with a city grant application for a Community Development Block Grant for water and sewer projects. The council approved the community needs assessment as presented. Steve Thompson spoke to the council about the current water and sewer systems, saying it is in pretty good shape but there are deficiencies that will need to be addressed in the future. He proposed defining the needed work in three phases and doing preliminary engineering reports on all three in order to be "shovel ready" when grant opportunities become available. The council approved a contract with his firm.
Rachelle Howe from Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission spoke to the council about the housing rehab grant program, and received council permission to move forward with four current projects for exterior work.
The council decided to move forward on a request from Terry and Lynne Winch to purchase city property west of Broadway Street for a proposed building for their business.
Brandie Tomkins, director of the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce, addressed the council about plans to place signs at the north and south marinas to promote Chamber businesses. She received the council okay to proceed, pending approval from the restroom owner at the north marina.
Lengthy discussion was held on how to proceed with "nuisance" properties after owners have received courtesy notices. The council decided to inform violators that the city will proceed with the official abatement process if properties are noncompliant. Discussion was also held on the status of the Schmitt property on Acre Street and the council decided to proceed with the terms of the agreement by seeking bids to finish the project.
The council accepted the fuel bid from Kwik Star.
No comments were received at two public hearings, one for a request from Harry and Rhea Pierce for a perpetual easement driveway and the other on a request to purchase two parcels of city property as part of a RV Park on Sixth Street.
The council approved seeking funding for flood pump generators, etc. and also approved an application for RAISE grant funds.
Council member Parker reported on the progress of the skate park pad and thanked volunteers. She urged the council, mayor, and anyone employed by the city to volunteer for community service projects.
