At a public hearing to consider Tax Increment Financing from the city for Croell Redi-Mix Inc., some objections from a council member caused the hearing to be postponed for two weeks.
    Councilman Don Schueth objected to the appearance of the Croell property located west of the Highway 63 bypass. Schueth said the property made a poor impression on visitors using the bypass. Schueth said he realized the heavy equipment used by Croell was not easy to make look good, but he suggested mowing the lawn, leveling a dirt pile and planting trees on the perimeter might enhance the appearance.
    Bill Croell, representing the company, said this was the first complaint he had heard about the property and noted the large machines parked there were awaiting repair or service and the company had no other option for parking the equipment. He agreed to meet with council members to try to work out a solution.
    After a lengthy discussion, the council members voted unanimously to table action on the 10 year, $140,000 TIF request until the next regular council meeting on July 21. In the interim, the two sides will discuss the problem, seek a solution and try to resolve the issue to mutual satisfaction.
Zoning variance
    In another matter involving Bill Croell, that is not related to the TIF request previously discussed, Croell was granted a variance from the city ordinance by the New Hampton Board of Adjustment to build a pole building on property on South Locust Avenue which is owned by Croell. The council approved the Board of Adjustment’s decision.
Rezoning property
    The council approved the second reading of an ordinance rezoning real estate owned by Mickey and Bonnie Gage from M-2 to M-1. The property is located north of West Milwaukee Avenue and west of Canty Avenue. The third and final reading was placed on the agenda for the next council meeting.
Native wine permit
    The council approved the application of the Blue Iris, LLC for a class B native wine permit. The special permit which cost $50 allows retail sale of only wines produced in Iowa. The permit charge is a fraction of a regular  wine permit and is designed to promote wines originating in Iowa.
FEMA representative
    The city is required to have a contact person for dealing with FEMA documents for public assistance programs. City Clerk Suellen Kolbet was appointed to fill the position.
Other business
    The council approved application for tax abatement on behalf of Katie and Chris Fisher and John J. Meyer. The council also renewed the class E liquor license for Kolby’s Liquor Store.