April 26, 2024

Council approves changes to Airport Commission and sewer charges

The first Creston City Council meeting of 2023 was a short one with only five items of new business on the agenda. One of them was related to a future meeting. Because the first regularly scheduled council meeting in July 2023 falls on the holiday, the council approved moving the meeting to Wednesday, July 5.

Union County residents who live outside of Creston City limits will now be able to serve on the Airport Commission after the council established the third reading and adopted the ordinance to amend Chapter 29 – Provisions Pertaining to Airport Commission. The Airport Commission can now have up to two of the five members consist of residents living outside city limits.

The issue was originally brought up by Leslie Wurster, a Union County resident that frequently uses the airport.

Commissioners serve on staggered, 6-year terms. There is still one seat vacant. That term expires November 13, 2025. Others on the Airport Commission include Tadd Carr, Dave Crigger, Roger Lanning and Mark Williams. Matt Levine is the Council Representative.

Sewer use service charges are set to increase in the next fiscal year. The council held a public hearing then established the first reading to amend Chapter 96 of the City’s Code of Ordinances – Provisions Pertaining to sewer use service charges. The change will raise wastewater monthly residential billing rates 6% per month to $4.74 per 100 cubic foot effective July 1, 2023.

An average monthly bill will increase from $25.77 to $26.97. The council reviews the operational and capital improvement financial plan for the wastewater treatment facility with the City’s financial advisor on an annual basis. The rate increases the past two years, and projected for the next few years, are to pay for mandated wastewater treatment facility improvements as well as a nutrient reduction system project.

Before the Creston City Council meeting, the Creston Park and Recreation Board met to discuss the board’s upcoming fundraisers – Comedy Night and Party in the Park.

Nathan Timmell will perform at the annual comedy night fundraiser scheduled for February 11, 2023 at the Eagles Club in Creston. Timmel performed at the 2019 Comedy Night fundraiser hosted by the Creston Park and Recreation Board. T

he board is busy selling tickets and securing auction items. Tickets are $40 available from Park and Rec board members, the Creston News Advertiser and Creston Eagles Lodge. The event features social hour, prime rib dinner, and auction with Timmel wrapping up the night with his comedy show.

Party in the Park is still several months away but the board is busy planning. The event is scheduled for July 1, 2023 and will feature local bands and solo artists.

Cheyenne Roche

CHEYENNE ROCHE

Originally from Wisconsin, Cheyenne has a journalism and political science degree from UW-Eau Claire and a passion for reading and learning. She lives in Creston with her husband and their two little dogs.