In the last moments of Monday evening’s Iola council meeting, Mark Peters announced that he would be resigning from his seat on the council. Peters said the decision was made from necessity.
“My wife is on dialysis,” he said. “We’ve sold our property and are investing in a new home to make her more comfortable.”
Because Peters’ new home is outside of Ward 4 — the ward he represents — he will not be eligible to serve on the council. He noted that they would not be closing on their new home until next month and anticipate moving in June. “I’m going to be stepping down as of tonight,” he added.
Council members expressed their appreciation for Peters’ service to the council over the years. “You will be missed,” said Jon Wells.
The other big news of the night came when the council members were split on their vote for a proposed ordinance allowing residents to have chickens.
After weeks of discussion, the council voted 4 to 4 on the measure. Council members Josiah D’Albini, Joelle Shallah, Peters, and Kim Peterson voted no. Those voting yes were Mayor Steve French, Jon Wells, Nicholas Lohman, and Max Grundy. Council member Joel Wicoff was absent.
Without a majority vote, the proposed ordinance failed.
IN OTHER NEWS, Judy Brigham and Bob Hawk of the Iola Rotary Club said the annual Rotary Day in the Park this year will be May 17-18.
The annual event consists of a car show, barbecue contest, community feed, and local talent show.
Brigham said the decision to move the event to May rather than during the Allen County Fair was in part because barbecue contestants had requested the earlier date since there are fewer contests at this time in the barbecue season.
The council unanimously approved the club’s requests to use Riverside Park overnight on May 17.
Code Enforcement Officer Greg Hutton sought approval to obtain a bid to demolish a structure at 412 S. Kentucky. The house was destroyed by a fire on Feb. 19 and poses a danger to the public from the possibility of children playing around or inside the structure.
“We have also received complaints from neighbors about debris being blown into their yards, as well as the smell coming from the structure after it rains,” said Hutton.
He added he had spoken with the homeowner, and they do not have insurance on the property and no means of tearing down the structure. “She is agreeable to the city proceeding with the demolition,” he said.
The council approved the demolition, unanimously.
