Rowan council OKs 24-month sewer payment plan, bans propane trucks from un-graveled alleys and approves permits

At its May 4 meeting, the Rowan City Council approved several operational measures affecting utility customers, alleys and local building permits.

Sewer payment plan: The council discussed roughly $4,000 in back sewer fees on 122 Main Street belonging to the new owner (not present). The clerk noted she was authorized to offer a 12-month plan (about $332 per month), but Councilmember Mark Bruns moved and Chad Ketchum seconded a motion to permit a payment agreement of up to 24 months; the motion passed unanimously. The council therefore authorized an extended payment schedule for the property’s arrears.

Propane trucks: Councilmember Virgil Park moved to prohibit propane trucks from using un-graveled alleys after complaints that local propane trucks were creating deep ruts. The council approved the ban unanimously and asked the clerk to send letters to the three companies that service Rowan.

Building permits and nuisance abatement: The council approved a 20x30 carport at 810 Pesch Street (motion by Virgil Park, second by David Eriksen); Councilmember Mark Bruns abstained from that vote. The council also approved a 4-foot chain-link fence at 1026 Bingham (motion by David Eriksen, second by Virgil Park). Council agreed to send nuisance-abatement letters for junk vehicles and garbage in several locations. A resident who is a Stihl dealer offered to loan older robot lawn mowers for city use and maintain them; council discussed possible locations but took no action.

Other routine actions at the meeting included approval of April minutes, payment of vouchers and the clerk’s financial reports.