City to purchase six homes in FEMA flood buy-out plan
By Andy Hallman — Daily Freeman-Journal Staff WriterThe Webster City City Council agreed to enter into a contract with MIDAS Council of Governments to prepare a hazard mitigation plan at their meeting Monday night. MIDAS will receive $12,500 from the city.
City Manager Ed Sadler said that the hazard mitigation plan serves two purposes.
"Webster City will not be eligible for FEMA's buyout program without the hazard mitigation plan. Secondly, if there is ever another natural disaster, FEMA will require the hazard mitigation plan before providing assistance," remarked Sadler.
At the Nov. 3 meeting the council agreed to proceed with the buyout program which will purchase a total of six properties. The six properties are located along the south side of Linn Street from Park Avenue to Colombia Street, and also from the railroad tracks between Ohio and Bank streets to the Boone River.
Mayor Eugene Gray raised the issue of whether or not MIDAS needs to be paid up-front or if they could be paid after the work was completed. Sadler said he wasn't sure when MIDAS would need the money.
Gray inquired, "Perhaps we could have more information about our payment plan so we know which fund the money should come out of."
City Clerk Justin Moore told the council he would have that information by the next council meeting on Dec. 1. Moore also informed the council that the hazard mitigation plan would have to be updated every five years in order to receive FEMA assistance.
Hotel/motel funds
In other matters, Sadler mentioned that the finalists for the Hotel/Motel tax grant will make a presentation to the council Monday. The finalists will have 10 minutes to explain how their group or business brings visitors to Webster City and how it enhances the community's image.
Ryan Pittman became the newest member of the Webster City Police Department after he was sworn in by Gray. The police force is now 13 officers strong, and even with the addition of Pittman has room for one more.
Cable prices increase
Gray notified the council that Mediacom Cable raised its rates for Webster City residents. Effective Nov. 15, Basic cable went from $20.95 to $23.95, Expanded Basic went from $34 to $35 and the Family Package went from $54.95 to $58.95.
