(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council,Wednesday evening passed the Second Reading of an Ordinance (#1012) “Amending the City Code…by dividing the City into five Wards and five Precincts, and outlining and describing each Ward and Precinct,” and repealing Ordinance 934, but then failed to waive the rules for the Third Reading, by a vote of 4-to-2.

Since at least three-fourths of the Council did not approve the matter, the Third and Final Reading of the Ordinance will take place during the Council’s meeting on February 2^nd. City Clerk Barb Barrick explained to the Council their action Wednesday evening will not affect the City’s dealing with the Secretary of State’s Office, at least for now, but if it’s not passed after the third and final reading, would have a financial impact.

City Administrator John Lund had said previously, that the readings became necessary when an error occurred two weeks ago with the rules for waiving the second and third readings of the Ordinance to adopt the redistricting maps for the City. That means the Ordinance was not passed by the presumed deadline. In other business, the Atlantic City Council approved an Order to share the services of Atlantic Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Tim Snyder, with the City of Massena, at least for now. The City of Massena was informed by the Iowa DNR that the City must delegate the Operator-In-Charge authority necessary to operate and maintain their wastewater facilities, and have an operator with a Grade II license. Massena’s employee only has a Grade I license, but is working on their Grade II license. Tim Snyder said he has no problem with helping Massena out.

The City of Atlantic will charge Massena $500 per month. The Atlantic City Council approved a Resolution adopting the Cass County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), and a Resolution repealing a Resolution and “Establishing the use of the ARPA Special Fund (for COVID relief).” Atlantic Mayor Grace Garrett reminded citizen property owners about the need to shovel your sidewalks and move your vehicles, following a snow event, such as that which occurred last Friday and Saturday.

Garrett also shared some information from Atlantic Animal Control Officer Kris Erickson, with regard to the “Betty White Challenge.” The challenge was in honor of what would have been her 100^th birthday, on Monday. On Tuesday, Erickson told KJAN News  that the Atlantic Animal Shelter had received $1,000 in donations in honor of White, who was an animal advocate. Garret said that figure has increased since then.

Erickson said she is in awe of how many people gave in Betty White’s name, and says “Thank you for being a friend” (of the shelter/animals). In addition to the donations, Nishnanet owner Scott Bennett provided a TV system and all new lines for internet and phone.

On a separate note, the City Council will meet 5:15-p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20th, to conduct a budget workshop. No action will take place, only discussion.