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Harlan City Council approves two ordinances, schedules Nov. 4 hearing on 20-year park naming-rights proposal
Summary
At its regular meeting, the Harlan City Council approved second readings of two ordinances (no-parking on Dodge Street and adult-entertainment provisions), approved DOT Title VI/ADA assurances needed for grants, and set a Nov. 4 public hearing on a proposed 20-year naming-rights agreement expected to bring $250,000 toward local projects.
The Harlan City Council on Oct. 1 approved second readings of two ordinances and cleared a package of routine items while setting a public hearing for a proposed 20-year naming-rights agreement that city officials say would bring $250,000 for local park and field projects.
City administrator Jarvis told the council the proposed agreement would deliver $250,000 over 20 years, with about $200,000 earmarked for lighting work on Field 2 and $50,000 for the Dream Playground. "The 200,000 will go to the Field 2 for the lighting project, and the $50,000 will go to the Dream Playground," Jarvis said. The council set a public hearing on the proposal for Nov. 4 at 5:15 p.m.; one member abstained from the permit-to-notice motion.
On routine business the council approved Ordinance '20 25 0 4', adding no-parking zones on the north side of Dodge Street from 4th Street to 7th Street, and approved Ordinance '20 25 0 5', updating provisions related to adult-entertainment businesses. Neither ordinance drew substantive public comment before the council moved and approved each second reading by roll call.
The council also approved the Iowa DOT Title VI certification and ADA-compliance documents that Jarvis said are required to maintain eligibility for certain DOT grants. "It's part of the DOT requirements," Jarvis said, referencing federal civil-rights protections; he noted the city had submitted paperwork and was awaiting final DOT review.
Other actions included approval of a street-closing permit for the Shelby County Chamber's Harvest Fest (Oct. 25, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.), and the reappointment of Jenny Barnett to the Harlan Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees for a six-year term expiring Nov. 20, 2031.
Council and staff updates covered several infrastructure items. Utilities representative Joe Ruchenberg reported progress on the overhead/underground electric project and water-system work at Well 35, saying interim tests raised pump output from roughly 6 gallons per minute to about 11 gallons per minute and that the planned pump configuration should be capable of supplying up to 800 gallons per minute for the system. He also said water and fiber are now at the Dream Playground restroom and conduit for lighting will be installed once the restroom work is complete.
Shelby County Chamber representative Todd Goline outlined Harvest Fest activities—vendors, a $1 movie at 9:30 a.m., games, a petting zoo, a Dutch-oven cooking contest, free hot dogs and a bake sale whose proceeds will buy pool passes for children. "We'll be down on the square starting about 08:00," Goline said.
Captain Butler delivered the sheriff's report for September, listing local public-safety statistics including two accidents, 21 citations, 717 traffic warnings, 11 arrests, four thefts, 208 contacts and seven animal complaints.
The council ended with routine downtown maintenance items—flags, lighting and storage—and adjourned. The Nov. 4 public hearing on the JJ Jensen Park naming-rights proposal will be the next formal opportunity for public comment and council consideration.
