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Sabula council adopts county mitigation plan, approves permits and routine measures
Summary
At its Sept. 3 meeting, the Sabula City Council approved the Jackson County Mitigation Plan, passed multiple special permits and consent-agenda items, authorized a memorandum on boat-use liability, and directed abatements at two residential properties.
The Sabula City Council on Sept. 3 approved a slate of routine actions and a county hazard-mitigation plan while also directing staff to pursue property abatements and clarifying a liability memorandum for boat use.
Mayor Troy Hansen opened the meeting and the council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes for July 23, August claims, the July financial statement, the VFW liquor license, the LIHEAP vendor agreement for fiscal year 2024-25 and Resolution #1339 (Transfer of Funds). Councilmember Dave Ward moved to approve the consent agenda; the motion carried with all ayes.
Councilmember Teena Franzen moved to adopt Resolution #1337 approving the Jackson County Mitigation Plan; the motion carried unanimously. Franzen said the plan aligns local actions with county-level hazard mitigation priorities.
On administrative permits, the council approved special building permits for Greg and Mary Althoff at 407 River Street (property sits 3 feet off the sidewalk) and for Ryan Lott at 603 Broad Street (porch setback of 18 feet, 3 inches). The council denied a request by Barb Gregg of 712 River Street to have the "good" side of a fence facing her house; the ordinance requires posts and supporting members to face the owner's side. "The ordinance states that the posts and all supporting members face to the owner's side," the council noted in denying the request.
The council also approved a request by Greg and Mary Althoff to live in a camper at their rental at 301 Elk Street while they rebuild a house struck by lightning; Councilmember Dave Ward moved to approve the temporary occupancy during construction and the motion passed unanimously.
On public-safety and infrastructure-related motions, the council approved a quote from Kettelsen Striping to paint crosswalks and parking lines, and authorized contracting Gruhn Electric to add a switch at a pole for Island City Days (a switch to be used for lighting/bug control and fireworks). The council approved up to $2,000 from the Economic Development fund to purchase four Easton Valley school banners and two Welcome to Sabula banners after a request by Lindsey Rittmer representing the Community Club.
The council also directed staff to proceed with abatement procedures at two problem properties. For 210 Bank/516 Pearl Street, Chief Nixon reported the owner failed to attend court; the city attorney recommended a 48-hour notice and possible assessment of cleanup costs, and the council voted to proceed. For 1011 River Street, Chief Nixon said the owner failed to respond to abatement orders; the council voted to proceed with removal of cinder blocks. The 1011 River motion passed with ayes from Dave Ward, Teena Franzen, Jeremy Diercks and Jim Phillips; Mike O'Hara abstained.
Finally, after discussion about prior authorization for use of a non-owned boat, the council asked the city attorney to draft a memorandum making the owner liable for damages and specifying that reimbursement would be handled through FEMA where applicable. Councilmember Mike O'Hara moved to have the attorney develop the memorandum and the motion carried.
The council adjourned after routine closing motions. The meeting was held at Sabula City Hall, 411 Broad Street.
