March 28, 2024

Mayor searching for new city councilperson

Creston Mayor Warren Woods will be searching for a new Creston City Council member over the next week and a-half.

The council accepted a resignation Tuesday from councilwoman Ann Levine — who has purchased a new house in Creston and no longer resides in ward 3.

“It is with regret that I must resign,” Levine said. “I have enjoyed my time on the city council and have learned a lot about city government. I would like to thank everyone at city hall for being so patient, kind, understanding and supportive.”

Levine’s resignation leaves a vacancy on the city council in ward 3. If interested in the seat, send a resume and letter of interest by email to cityclerk@crestoniowa.gov, by mail to PO Box 449, Creston, IA, 50801 or in person at 116 W. Adams St. in Creston.

Reminder: Only apply if you live within Creston's ward 3. Don't know which ward you live in? View the city's ward map at www.crestoniowa.gov/citycouncil.htm or call Lisa Williamson, city clerk, at 641-782-2000.

Woods said he’s already received some interest in the seat. He noted those applicants do not need to send any additional information.

Deadline for resume/letter of interest for this seat is noon May 15. Woods hopes to appoint a new councilperson during the May 19 council meeting. This new councilperson would represent the ward until Dec. 31, 2015, with the ward being open for election this fall.

In other city council news:

• The council voted unanimously to designate two handicap parking spaces in the 200 block of West Adams Street. The council discussed placing one handicap space in front of Upper Crust and the other near Family Shoe Store where curb ramps are easily accessed.

• Last month, the council voted 5-1 to approve moving $7,500 from the hotel/motel fund to Creston Park and Recreation Board so they can promote summer events, including the ninth annual Party in the Park slated June 20 at McKinley Park and family festival July 25 that includes a kid’s fish day and Bill Riley talent show.

That action was later vetoed by Mayor Woods because only $5,500 was budgeted for these summer promotions. Tuesday, the council voted 5-1 to approve the budgeted $5,500 amount. Voting for that amount were Rich Madison, Gary Lybarger, Nancy Loudon, Marsha Wilson and Randy White. Councilman Dave Koets was the lone “no” vote.

“They told us last meeting their expenses went up,” Koets said, “and they rasie a lot of money for the parks. I felt we needed to support them.”

• Dale Minner expressed concerns about the two-hour parking ordinance in uptown Creston. Councilwoman Marsha Wilson said she plans to hold a meeting this week or next and continue working with business owners and residents to resolve uptown parking issues.

• A brochure that lists activities for this year's 10,000 Crestonians Fourth of July celebration is available at www.crestoniowachamber.com. This is the 65th year for the celebration.