(Audubon, Iowa) – The City of Audubon has a new, full-time Police Officer. According to the City Council minutes from their meeting on Monday, Sean Staples was hired. He will be on probation for a couple of months. Officer Derrick Seaton has turned in his resignation, and was hired by the County.

In Fire Department news, it was noted radios are in all vehicles, and handhelds are being tested. Next week Motorola is to meet with County about a tower. Some of the officers attended a class to understand ISO ratings. The Fire Association is starting up fundraising again. April 23rd will be a comedian at the Parish Center. May 28th will have the annual Golf Tournament.

Chief Tyler Thygesen discussed with the Council a change in the floor plan to try and add a severe weather shelter. He also discussed putting the matter back on the ballot for the November General Election. And, the Council adopted a resolution that approves the hiring of TJ Jacobsen as a Volunteer Firefighter.

Theresa Murray , representing the Audubon Chamber, addressed the Council about a letter sent to them. She stated that she had talked to Barb Smith about the Christmas lights and was told that the City put them up in the past. Mayor Jacobsen stated that when she talked to Barb Smith she got a different answer. Mayor Jacobsen stated that the new resolution would establish a process for use of City property that would clarify who is responsible along with when and how long. Molly Christensen explained that the Chamber has never in an official capacity put them up or taken them down. It has been by volunteers. The Chamber does not want to be involved in the hanging of the Christmas lights.

The Council moved to adopt the First Reading of this Ordinance that amends the width of R-2 and R-3 property. It essentially allows homes to be built on smaller lots.  They then waived the second and third readings. In other action, the Audubon City Council approved eliminating the cap and setting a 5- year sliding scale for abatement. And, they agreed to set the Public Hearing on the Amendment to the Urban Revitalization Plan for May 9^th, at 5:30pm