×

Town hall meeting held

Council hears updates on historic park, Blue Light Uniformed Event and youth advisory committee

—Daily-Freeman-Journal photo by Adri Sietstra Wilson Brewer Historic Park Committee Chairman Gary Groves informs the council and other individuals present about the progress being made to help restore and enhance Wilson Brewer Historic Park Monday evening during a town hall meeting at the Webster City Middle School.

The City Council of Webster City heard updates on the proposed youth advisory commission, Blue Lights Uniformed Events, and Wilson Brewer Historic Park Monday night during a town hall meeting at Webster City Middle School.

Webster City Police Officer Jordan Elonich updated the City Council members and others attending about the Blue Light Uniformed Events.

“Last year we started the Blue Light Uniformed Events. We raised funds with the help of the community and we took seven children Christmas shopping who might not have had much otherwise,” said Elonich. “We’d like to continue that again this year and if we continue to get funds generated do more events throughout the year to help benefit the community and those in need.”

The Webster City Police Department held a 50/50 raffle to help support this cause. The raffle ticket drawing was also done during the meeting. 700 tickets were sold. The raffle winner will receive half the money made with raffle sales, $350.

The ticket number pulled was number 583237.

“If this is your number, please come in and provide proof it is your number and then we will get your check written” said Elonich.

Elonich noted that the check may not be written until Monday when funds are properly placed in the correct account.

Wilson Brewer Historic Park

Gary Groves, Wilson Brewer Historic Park Committee Chairman, provided an update on park preservation developments.

According to Groves, multiple experts have visited Wilson Brewer Park to work towards reaching a total cost for updates and maintenance. An architect from Cedar Rapids, local landscape professional, and local contractors have all examined the buildings on the property.

“We are hopefully looking at kicking off fundraising this year yet,” said Groves. “We have already received pledges from different groups and families, totaling $35,000 to $45,000.”

Groves said the committee is looking at the possibility of making the park a historic district. The committee is also looking for two people to join the Wilson Brewer Historic Park Committee. They hope to have candidates with fundraising experience and a genuine care for the history of the park.

The Wilson Brewer Historic Park Committee will meet this morning at the Council Chambers at 9 a.m. to further discuss the progress and next steps to take with the park.

Christmas in the City

Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce Director Deb Brown made a suggestion on behalf of members of the Webster City Police Department. Individuals wish to have a lighted parade this year at Christmas time.

Brown also reminded those present that this Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m., is Christmas in the City.

“Free movie at 11 a.m. at the Webster Theater, Santa Claus, a decoration station, carolers, stores are open, and there will be a window decorating contest,” said Brown. “All of that happens Sunday afternoon downtown. For more information, visit the chamber.”

Volunteers are still needed to help wrap lights around downtown tree trunks for the holiday season. Individuals who wish to participate can meet on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the chamber office.

Councilman Logan Welch spoke with attendees about the Youth Advisory Committee, which is currently working through the proposal stage to be passed as an official ordinance. The first reading passed at the Nov. 7 council meeting.

The commission would consist of three middle school students and three high school students. There will also be a non-voting city council member on the commission to help guide youth in the right direction. Individuals would have the opportunity to serve one middle school term and one high school term. Each term lasts two years.

Individuals interested will have to go through an application and interview process.

Welch has been speaking with different youth and leadership groups in Webster City and found “community betterment” to be the common theme resounding from the local youth.

“It’s a great way for the council to reach out and give them some buy into their community and at the same time grabbing those ideas they have and putting them into action,” said Welch. “I have very high hopes for this commission.”

Welch said there are still many details that need to be worked out and they are dependent upon the proposed ordinance passing. He hopes to have a commission in place by the first of the year.

“Hopefully it is passed and adopted at the next council meeting,” said Welch.

Brewer Creek Addition

Attendees at Monday’s town hall meeting also got a first-hand look at two of the three proposed options for Brewer Creek 6th Addition. The two options informally presented differed by lot size and the amount of lots in the addition. Option A had 35 lots. Option B has 37 lots. The first proposed plat for Brewer Creek 6th Addition had 33 lots.

“The difference between Option A and Option B is roughly about a $2,500 difference in terms of construction estimates,” said Webster City City Manager Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez.

The council is looking at a possible plan with a combination of smaller and larger lot sizes to make it more affordable for potential buyers to purchase.

Loween Getter made a suggestion to the council concerning the aesthetics of the houses that faced Highway 20 in the Brewer Creek 6th Addition.

“One option I would just like for you to consider is a salute to a lot of different diversity in architectural styles so they don’t all look the same,” said Getter.

The public is welcome to stop by City Hall during office hours to view the possible plat layouts for Brewer Creek 6th Addition.

The next city council meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the council chambers.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $3.46/week.

Subscribe Today