The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, held a public hearing on a sale of real estate identified as five Warehouse lots. Following the hearing, during which there were no objections, the Council approved the agreement, during which Gary Richter would swap land with the City, with the ultimate goal of constructing a new building on land identified as “The old rock pile,” which the City has no economic interest in. Part of the agreement stipulates the City would accept an additional $5,000 for the land swap and the remained to be sold at fair market value. The Personnel and Finance Committee had reviewed and recommended the sale.

A public hearing was also held on the Proposed FY 2018 Five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), as required by the Code of Iowa. And, a Resolution adopting the CIP was approved. The Council also heard and approved upon the third reading, an Ordinance Amending the City’s Code of Ordinances, with regard to adopting of New Zoning Regulations which have simply been updated over the past five-years and were finally approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The Council also held the second reading of an Ordinance Amending the City Code with regard to “Separation Distances,” for those properties locating along a section of E. 3^rd Street Place. Property owners in the affected area will not be allowed to use pesticides or other toxic chemicals on their land as part of an agreement with the EPA with regard to their PCE contamination mitigation processes. The intent is to protect AMU wells from toxic chemical intrusion during the mitigation process. The affected property owners were notified by mail and during a public hearing.

And, Animal Control Officer Kris Erickson made her annual report to the Council, during which she said they issued 242 animal tags last year. Already this year, 202 tags have been issued. She also spoke of the donations the shelter has received, both in terms of food and monetary contributions, everything from monthly dog and cat food from Wal-Mart, to a simple one-dollar donation from some kids who found the money on the street. Erickson thanked all those who have contributed in any way, and the “Heroes,” such as a couple who rescued a dog that was struck and dragged by a car that did not stop, and local veterinarians. The shelter took in over 100 animals last year, 40 were claimed by their owners thanks to microchips, tags and other means, 54 were adopted, 20 were surrendered, seven were rescued and only two had to be euthanized, which is the last resort. They’ve also made lighting upgrades over the past year and some office improvements.