Oskaloosa City Council Tackles Busy Agenda
Oskaloosa City Hall
BY R.D. KEEP
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Following a three-month study by graduate students at the University of Iowa, a presentation by the students to the Oskaloosa City Council took center stage. The students were commissioned by the Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund to do the study utilizing a grant the organization received.
Students from an Affordable Housing Finance Class at the university conducted the study from March through May of this year. The study revealed some interesting facts and verified what many believed, there is a critical need for affordable housing in the city. Among those facts:
Oskaloosa’s median income is $37,909 while the state average is $48,872.
20 percent of the population is under the poverty level.
34.3 percent of the individuals who work part-time are also under the poverty level.
65.6 percent of the population work outside the city while 67.5 percent of the city’s workforce are outside the city.
31.9 percent of the houses in the city were built prior to 1939, median year of houses built was 1959.
60 percent of the rentals pay $400-699 per month
25 Percent of the rentals pay $100-399
4 percent pay $900 or more per month.
The study recommendations included continuation of the existence of the Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund.
The consideration of changing many of the vacant land areas to R2 and R3 from their current zoning. This would allow for future housing development, particularly for low income.
Establishment of a zoning and code enforcement for rental properties (a subject that was dropped by the council several months ago)
The study information is available in the city manager’s office for those who wish to review the information.
Councilors heard an insurance presentation from Brian Reiman of Bearence Management Group regarding city employee life and health insurance, and flex plans for fiscal year 2013. The council approved the policy.
Councilors approved a $10,000 contract with region 15 Planning in Ottumwa to conduct a Safe Routes to School Plan. The funds come from an Iowa Department of Public Health grant. No city taxpayer dollars will be expended for the study.
In other business:
Approved a number of beer and cigarette permits.
Approved third reading to change zoning to Urban Corridor in the 300 blocks of North First and North Second.
Approved closure of High Avenue East for Friday after Five on June 29.
Announced the city dump area for brush and leaves will be gated beginning June 11. The dump will be open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be open from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
*Editors Note
Closed Session initiated to evaluate Oskaloosa City Manager Michael Schrock. After the closed session, the council approved a two year extension to his contract with a 6.5% pay increase.
