A proposed ordinance amending a speed limit reduction on East Second Street was approved by the City Council of Webster City Monday night.

The second reading of a proposed ordinance to amend and reduce the speed limit on East Second Street was approved. The council made a motion to waive the third reading and approved to pass and adopt the proposed ordinance.

The changes in speed include a speed limit of 30 miles per hour from Lyons Creek Bridge to 350 feet east of High Street, reducing speed from 45 to 35 miles per hour from 350 feet east of High Street to Harris Drive, and reducing speed from 50 to 45 miles per hour from Harris Drive to the eastern city limits.

According to a memo from Snyder & Associates, Inc. to Matt Alcazar, Webster City Project Coordinator, the recommendation to lower the speed limits was based on five factors.

• The number, location and configuration of various commercial and residential driveways

• The nature of uses such as the mobile home park and food processing plants

• The high volume of pedestrian traffic

• The terrain and curvature of the road

• The need to transition traffic from the low-speed environment to the west and the higher speed rural environment to the east of the city limits

The council approved to move forward with a proposal from JEO Consulting Group Inc. for a Cost of Service Electrical Rate Study.

According to Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez, Webster City city manager, the last rate study happened in 2006.

“With some of the changes that have happened with CornBelt and with Basin that have affected CornBelt’s rates and then our rates as well, we went out and solicited a request,” said Ortiz-Hernandez.

Hernandez-Ortiz worked with JEO Consulting during his time as city manager in Nebraska and noted their experience.

“It’s pretty comprehensive in terms of what they look at,” he said. “They will look at our rate structure and break down the different rate categories, cost implications for each rate category, the base rate, energy rate…” .

“I feel this talk with JEO is a great step and I’m extremely excited we’re even talking about this,” said Logan Welch, councilman.

A resolution authorizing the approval of an application for the Webster City Revitalization Plan involving tax abatement at 1225 Bank St. was approved by the council.

Welch also reminded the council that there are still spots available on the Youth Advisory Commission. Applications can be picked up at City Hall and Webster City schools.

“I encourage any young adult to apply,” said Welch.

The tentative due date for applications is Feb. 1.

A resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a retainer agreement with Zach Chizek, Webster City City Attorney, for legal services, was approved.

“Thank you for your services,” said Webster City Mayor John Hawkins.

The council approved a resolution providing for the notice of a public hearing on Monday, Feb. 6 at 5:45 p.m. on proposed plans and specifications and proposed form of contract and estimate of cost for the Lyons Creek Pedestrian Bridge and Sidewalk Extensions Project.

The council approved a resolution providing for the notice of a public hearing on Monday, Feb. 6 at 5:50 p.m. on proposed plans and specifications and proposed form of contract and estimate of cost for the James Street Roadway Construction Project.

The council approved a resolution for Change Order 6, increase in contract amount, to the East Second Street Improvement Project with Wicks Construction, Inc. of Decorah.

A request from the Webster City Line Department Supervisor to purchase a pickup chassis and utility box was approved by the council.

According to a memo from the Line Department Supervisor to the mayor and city manager, it will cost the city $34,418, which is under their budgeted price by $7,412.