City Council Approves 2nd Reading of Blue Zones Items
Oskaloosa City Hall
Oskaloosa, Iowa- The Oskaloosa City Council is moving forward with the second readings of two blue zones items. At their meeting on Monday, the council unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance pertaining to sidewalks, adding Famers’ and Public Markets to City Code. The council also unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance adding Community Gardens to City Code.
The addition of Farmer’s and Public Markets to the Code would create a formal permit process that allows Markets on City Property. According to City Council Documents, “The City of Oskaloosa recognizes that Farmers’ Markets provide fresh produce to community residents, supports local farmers, serves as a community gathering place, builds social connections and promotes the use of downtown. The code changes will help Oskaloosa’s current market to continue to grow and become an integral part of the community.”
Code changes relating to community gardens will allow City residents to use public and private property for a garden. This will also be through a permit process. According to the ordinance, if certain criteria is met, vacant lots in the City will also be allowed to be used as community gardens. City Council documents also indicate that the Mahaska County Extension Office will serve as a main point of contact for the community gardens initiative. “The Extension Office has agreed to promote each garden and direct interested residents to a garden that fits their needs. Each Community Garden is handled by a coordinator that will work closely with the Extension Office. Creating space for Community Gardens will help if expansion is needed for future gardens.”
Both items are considered Blue Zones items and, according to City Council documents, will assist the City in becoming Blue Zones certified.
The council also approved a resolution setting a public hearing for March 2nd relating to the 2014-2015 budget amendment and the 2015-2016 proposed budget. The proposed budget will include a tax levy of $13.84 per $1,000 in taxable valuation, which represents a decrease in approximately one cent.
In other action, the council:
- Unanimously approved 19 applications for residential tax abatement
- Unanimously approved the 1st reading of an ordinance increasing the Sanitary Sewer Rate
The next meeting of the Oskaloosa City Council will be on February 17 at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers.
