“We need to be the council to get this done,” Council member Steven French said as he made a motion to begin the annexation of Country Estates to the city of Iola proper.
The motion passed unanimously to start the process for annexation, which would begin with a letter to the land and homeowners in the subdivision, located northwest of Iola. Iola Administrator Carl Slaugh said the city would “not be looking at any widescale changes” right away. After annexation, city crews would take responsibility of its streets, some of which are in disrepair, and begin a chip and seal process.
Duane McGraw, a Country Estates resident, put in his two cents for the council’s benefit.
“Do it, go, get it done,” he said.
Slaugh said the city will not immediately see any profit from the annexation because of the necessary investment in the upkeep of the area.
Altogether there are 67 lots among 56 homeowners, who will pay city property taxes once the annexation is accomplished.
Letters will be sent in regards to a public meeting, following the meeting the council will officially vote to annex, or not annex the subdivision.
DAVID TOLAND, economic development adviser for the council, gave an update on his committee’s goals for the near future.
He gave three main goals they hope to have achieved by 2020:
— Increase the population of the county to more than 14,000. Currently, there are 13,319 people living in Allen County.
— Create 400 new jobs.
— Increase the attractiveness and viability of cities across the county.
“We need to have an all-out recruitment,” Toland said, of new industries and people to Allen County.
Council members chimed in on what their goals were, including a diversified workforce and incentives for home improvement.
IN OTHER NEWS:
— Iola High School was given approval to paint the street on the south side of the high school for its homecoming festivities.
— The city will advertise three power generator sets — which consists of six V-8 diesel engines — on the website Big Iron for sale. The generators will be available for purchase locally, as well. They are valued between $10,000 and $20,000.
— A motion was passed to move forward with the drafting of an ordinance that will require annexation to the city before any sewer utilities are connected to a new structure.
— Council members renewed the Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance policy for city employees.
