Council approves consent items; public comments on housing abatements and Postal Playhouse; proclamation for trafficking awareness

The Le Mars City Council approved seven consent items on Dec. 16, including minutes, a bills list, the November financial statement, appointments to boards and commissions, solid-waste licenses and staff assignments for 2026.

During general discussion, resident Jeff Lam of 571 Happy Trails Drive urged the council to reconsider long-term tax abatements for apartment developments and instead consider incentives that would spur single-family home construction. "I don't agree with giving these apartment buildings the tax abatement that they're allowed for the 7 years," Lam said, arguing shorter abatements for single-family homes had, in his experience elsewhere, encouraged remodeling and turnover.

Council members responded that single-family tax-credit caps are limited by state law and cited a $75,000 ceiling mentioned in the discussion. The council did not adopt any policy change at the meeting and noted legal limits would constrain local options.

Dana Shuster, president of Le Mars Community Theater, thanked the city and volunteers for work on the Postal Playhouse renovations and named contractor Kyle Neez for his role. Shuster said the group hopes to stage three shows next season after completing follow-up items such as duct cleaning and final heating-system checks.

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Wick read a proclamation recognizing January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month for Le Mars and named Doris Dow as a contact for the sponsoring association.

The meeting included multiple "thumbs up" recognitions to local businesses and residents and concluded with the council instructing staff and consultants to gather additional public comment on the Highway 75 project before a Jan. 6 decision.