Mayor Pro-Tem Rich Madison announced he has submitted a letter of intent to be Creston’s next mayor during the Creston City Council’s regular scheduled meeting Tuesday evening.
“I want to expedite it as quickly as possible for the sesquicentennial,” said Madison.
During the meeting, Lisa Williamson said anyone interested in the position are required to submit a “letter of interest” to Creston City Hall by 4 p.m. May 16.
Additionally, Steve Wintermute, at-large representative, submitted a letter of interest, which leaves five council members eligible to vote and appoint an individual. The council will fill the vacancy by appointment during its regular scheduled meeting May 21.
Any letters of interest should detail an applicant’s desire to be appointed and a statement on why he or she would make a good city representative. Only Creston residents that are eligible electors and reside within city limits are to apply.
The vacancy comes after the resignation of Gary Lybarger, April 30.
Questions regarding the duties and responsibilities of the position should be directed to City Administrator Mike Taylor at 641-782-2000, ext. 202, or Williamson at ext. 203.
Letters of interest can be delivered to Creston City Hall or mailed to the City of Creston, PO Box 449, Creston, IA 50801-0449 by 4 p.m. May 16.
Fireworks
Brandon Vonk, owner of Top Notch Fireworks, appeared before the council Tuesday evening requesting it approve a revised request for a fireworks permit application for a fireworks show he is scheduled to host July 6 at his residence.
During the council’s April 16 meeting, Vonk’s neighbor, Larry Wynn, spoke in opposition of the permit request and proposed fireworks show. The original request for a fireworks permit for a show 4 to 10 p.m. July 6 failed at the time due to a lack of a second motion or council vote.
Before Tuesday’s vote, Carroll clarified his findings and asked Creston’s police and fire chiefs, Paul Ver Meer and Todd Jackson, if they had responded to any complaint calls regarding fireworks being set off at Vonk’s Fireworks tent, where he runs his business. Ver Meer stated that Creston Police did respond to one complaint two years ago but it was unknown if a firework had actually been set off. Vonk explained that, at the time, it was actually “snaps” that were set off, which he said are a novelty item for children. Ver Meer said no complaints were received by the his department regarding Vonk’s fireworks last year.
“As far as I know, Mr. Vonk has never had anyone call the police for shooting off fireworks outside the designated period of time either, so those complaints, while I understand it’s annoying people shoot off fireworks when you’re going to bed, not really the issue we’re talking about tonight with this permit,” said Carroll. “I appreciate you (Vonk) shortening the window so that people know exactly when to expect it.”
Vonk’s revised request for a fireworks permit for 8 to 10 p.m. July 6 was approved in a 5-2 vote by the council. Madison and Wintermute voted in opposition.