—Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Adri Sietstra Katie Talbot, Prevention Specialist with Community and Family Resources, speaks at Monday evening’s council meeting.

Due to new fireworks legislation at the state level, the City Council of Webster City went over the first reading of a proposed ordinance amending the city fireworks code. The first reading was approved during Monday night’s council meeting.

The General Assembly of the State of Iowa has enacted new legislation relating to the possession, sale, transfer, purchase and use of fireworks. The new legislation provides for city councils, by ordinance, to prohibit or limit the use of consumer fireworks within their jurisdiction if determined a public safety risk or nuisance to neighbors.

The city is proposing to amend its fireworks ordinance to eliminate any inconsistent measures of both the state and city in order to avoid conflict of laws and better protect the public health and safety of its citizens.

A special meeting will be held on Monday, June 26 at 6 p.m. at city hall to further discuss the proposed fireworks ordinance and how it will affect Webster City residents.

The first reading of a proposed ordinance establishing new rates to be charged for electrical energy sold by the city of Webster City was approved. Councilman Jim Talbot voted against the proposed ordinance. The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the operation of the municipally owned electric system. The proposed ordinance includes:

•An increase of 6.25 percent across the board on base rate

• A 6.25 percent increase in Kilowatt hours for commercial and industrial will be phased in over a two year period

• A one percent increase annually on Kilowatt hour after the following rates have been amended

“Once the ordinance or the increase are implemented, there will be a one percent increase on the energy side across the board every year, and that is to account for any fluctuations in energy rate as they go up,” said Ortiz-Hernandez. “This will provide us an opportunity so that when an increase comes our way, we’re not having to revisit such a drastic increase in the future.”

There hasn’t been an increase in rates since 2012.

Councilman Logan Welch thanked the city for their efforts in coming up with an equitable solution due to the dire need for an increase in rates.

“I think a lot of time and effort went into this to make sure we’re fair and attentive to people’s budgets, whether it be business or residential customer as well as the city’s,” said Welch. “I think this is about as fair as we can do it.”

Katie Talbot, Prevention Specialist with Community and Family Resources, addressed new drug trends and new programming that Community and Family Resources has implemented locally at Monday’s meeting. Community and Family Resources has over 50 years of service in the area.

According to Talbot, alcohol is still the most abused addictive substance in Iowa. However, meth is still a heavy problem throughout the state also.

“Iowa’s appetite for meth remains strong and is fed by cartels,” Talbot said.

New forms of marijuana and stronger doses are turning up across the state. Compared to a marijuana joint in the 70’s containing one percent THC, joints commonly found today can contain as much as 18 to 30 percent THC.

“Marijuana is still Iowa’s most illicit substance and is morphing into more new and potent forms,” said Talbot.

Talbot also encouraged locals to drop off expired or unused prescription medication at a legitimate drop-off box. Locals can find a drop-off box at the Webster City Police Station. Talbot explained there has been an increase in break-ins of homes where older residents have passed away. Thieves search for and steal unused prescription medications.

Talbot explained the importance of having open conversations with your kids about the dangers of drug usage.

The council approved a resolution to set Monday, July 3 at 5:45 p.m. for a public hearing on a proposal to enter into an Electric Revenue Loan Agreement and to borrow money in a principal amount not to exceed $1,000,000.

A request from the Arts R Alive in Webster City committee to close Seneca Street from Bank Street to Dubuque Street from Friday, July 28 to Friday, August 4 to allow the street to be painted by local artists was approved. The street painting will be in conjunction with the Arts R Alive Sculpture Event on August 2 and 3 in West Twin Park.

Mayor John Hawkins provided an update on the city-wide clean up that happened on June 9 and 10. According to Hawkins, 18 roll-off containers were sent to Trash Man and 12 bins were sent to Scrap Processors, Inc. The scrap metal generated an income of $1,716.40. Total expenses for the clean up this year came to $6,016.

A public hearing was held at 5:45 p.m. on proposed plans and specifications and proposed form of contract and estimate of cost for the 2017 PCC Pavement Repair Project. There were no written or oral objections. The contract for the 2017 PCC Pavement Repair Project was awarded to Jensen Builders, Ltd., of Fort Dodge, in the amount of $364,500.

The council approved a resolution adopting the Employee Pay Plan for the 2017-2018 year.

Employees of the police bargaining unit will receive a basic wage increase of two percent July 1.

Employees of the fire bargaining unit will receive a basic wage increase of three percent.

Employees of the International Union of Operating Engineers unit will receive basic wage increases of two percent July 1.

The council approved Change Order No. 1, an increase in contract amount of $16,740, to the James Street Construction Project with Wicks Construction, Inc. The amount will be used to address an existing guardrail on the north side of Overpass Drive that is damaged and has begun to lean. This change order also includes extra signage to help better inform the public of closures and directions to Webster City businesses.

The second readings of two proposed ordinances concerning Animal Protection and Control and the Youth Advisory Commission were approved. The third readings of both ordinances were waived. Both ordinances were unanimously passed and adopted.

The next Town Hall meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 24 at 7 p.m. at the Webster City Middle School.