By GEORGE NUNNEMACHER | July 26, 2023

The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2023, with Council President Lew Donelson presiding.  Mayor Cindy Smith and Council Member Brenda Watkins-Muncy were absent.   State Senator Caryn Tyson was scheduled to appear before the council for a discussion on Revenue Neutral Rates but, for unknown reasons, did not make the meeting.  

Following approval of the July 10, 2023, meeting minutes, the council received a presentation by members of the Linn Valley Planning & Zoning Commission.   Planning Commission Chairman Eric Victor and Commission Member Gregg Ahnemann discussed their proposed resolution to amend the city’s zoning ordinance.   

Victor noted that there is often confusion between the jurisdiction of the city and the POA (Property Owners Association), and that the commission has been working to simplify the rules and relevant processes. He noted that the Planning Commission is tasked with safety, health, and general welfare of city residents, as well as maintaining property values; while the POA’s focus should be more related to “quality of life” issues.  

As an example, the Planning Commission has been attempting to simplify and codify the city’s existing zoning ordinance with respect to recreational vehicles being parked on R-1 building lots.   The commission has drafted a proposed resolution and presented it to the City Council for review.  Donelson commended the Planning Commission for its good work and stated that the council will take up this issue during the August 28th regular meeting.  

Next on the agenda was a discussion on the disposition of the two older buildings in the current City Hall complex and plans for the construction of a new City Hall. Donelson noted that the older building on the east side of the complex is basically uninhabitable due to roof leaks and mold issues.  

He said the city rented the current temporary building because it outgrew the building space in the City Hall building.  Since the city’s four-year lease on the current building expires in March of 2026, Donelson believes the council should begin planning now for design, construction, and funding of the new City Hall.  He has been doing some research on potential suppliers of prefabricated buildings and plans to share any information developed with the entire council.  City property just north of the Fire Station on Ullery Road has been discussed as a site for the new City Hall.  

On a motion from Council Member John Weers, the council voted to approve the transfer of a Ford F-150 pickup truck from Codes Enforcement to the Fire Department.

City Clerk Karen Siffring reported that the city has received a dividend check in the amount of $7,267 from its insurance carrier.