Creston logo and motto discussed at city council

Ellen Gerharz, Executive Director of Creston’s Chamber of Commerce spoke to the city council during its biweekly meeting Tuesday via Zoom.

Gerharz updated the council members on the progress of the Image Enhancement Committee, which is working to create a motto and logo for the city. She said they have had some submissions from the public along with several comments from residents who feel the depot should be featured in the logo.

“It was decided we would start with the motto first because that may have an impact on what the logo design would look like,” she said.

Another resident questioned if the city already had a logo or motto. Gerharz said as far as she could determine, it does not.

Gerharz asked the council members if they would like her to present the top idea or the top two or three ideas to them after the committee meets. No council members responded at that time. Mayor Gabe Carroll said members who had a preference should contact Gerharz directly or council members Ron Higgins and Rich Madison, who represent the city council on the committee.

The committee will be accepting ideas until Jan. 12 and will meet to discuss the submissions 7 a.m. Jan. 15. The meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled to be held at the chamber office, 208 W. Taylor St., but it may change to an electronic meeting.

Those interested in attending should check the chamber website or Facebook page for changes. Gerharz also said if the meeting is changed to a Zoom meeting, the address will be posted at the Chamber of Commerce.

Fireworks

A public hearing was held for the first reading of a new ordinance that would allow five days of legal fireworks in July, Although a public hearing had been held for the new ordinance, changes to the ordinance required a new series of hearings.

During the public hearing, City Clerk Lisa Williams read a letter from resident Peggy Noel asking the council to delay their decision on the ordinance until spring so that residents who are not able to attend Zoom meetings can voice their concerns in person.

No residents spoke or submitted comments in favor of the ordinance.

Recycling costs

Carroll clarified that the $.10 per home recycling cost increase discussed at the Dec. 15 council meeting would be absorbed by the city and not passed on to customers.

In other city business:

• the second reading of the ordinance to establish sewer use changes was approved unanimously with no discussion.

• a public hearing regarding the “urban chicken” ordinance received no public comment.

• a resolution to approve 2020 roof maintenance and service agreement with Wood Roofing and Sheet Metal at $95 per man-hour and cost of materials plus 15%, not to exceed $2,250, was approved unanimously with no discussion.

• a resolution to approve an amendment to the city’s contract with Franks Design Group and a resolution to approve change order No. 3 from Franks Design Group for the Uptown Facade Project totaling $10,237 for upper story windows in the A&G buliding were approved unanimously with no discussion.

• a pay application for $43,670.31 and drawdown No. 13 of $21,834 for the Uptown Facade Project were approved unanimously with no discussion.

• a public hearing was set for 6 p.m. Jan. 19 regarding adopting the proposed comprehensive plan for the city.