The Perry City Council met in regular session last night.

At the meeting, City Administrator Butch Niebuhr mentioned that the City applied for an Environmental Protection Act grant for the brownfields area but was not awarded the funds.  Perry plans to reapply for the monies and will be doing an exit interview with the EPA to figure out how to improve their application in the future. He also mentioned a bicycle and vehicle accident on 1st Street Friday.  The cyclist was a local rider who did not cross at the intersection or yield to traffic.  Niebuhr said he was hit pretty hard and was not wearing a helmet but is recovering.

Councilman Dr Randy McCaulley then brought up the fact that turkey vultures are expected to return in the next few weeks.  The City plans to again sacrifice a few birds to hang the carcasses in hopes that it will deter the birds from roosting in local trees.  Councilman Chuck Schott also mentioned that he attended the Rowley Masonic Home ribbon cutting earlier in the day, stating that it is a beautiful facility.

Resident Wilford Roberts was the first to step up to the podium during open forum.  He wanted to go on record saying he is against the establishment of a rental code in Perry, stating that it will not be cost effective and will cause him to raise the rent on his properties.  Resident Wilbur Mayner then asked the Council if there’s a way the City can control nuisance type garbage disposal where there are dumpsters.  He said the receptacles are getting overloaded and winds are blowing the garbage all over the area. Next, Jennifer Priest also stepped up to say she is against having a rental code in Perry. She said this would be a large budget item for her, when she tries to keep rent low.  Alison Miles then said she was in favor of a rental code.  As a renter she believes that all properties should be inspected and cleaned.  She said a home she was in the process of purchasing, on a rent to home contract, had severe flooding issues any time it rained.  This resulted in a severely damaged foundation and mold issues in the home which made her child sick.

Spring clean-up dates and procedures were then approved.  Weather permitting, crews will pick up the items the week of April 20th.  Yard waste disposal dates and procedures were also approved.  Items will be collected on Wednesdays starting April 1st through November 18th.  In addition, spring yard waste burning will be allowed April 1st through May 31st from 10am until sundown.

The Council then approved participation in Bike Month.  A $500 sponsorship to the Des Moines Bicycle Collective was approved, to help promote cycling as an alternative transportation method.

A public hearing in regards to the disposal of abandoned property collected by the Perry Police Department and no longer being used by other city departments was then set for the next Council meeting on April 6th.

Finally, the Council discussed proposed changes to the City’s rental code. Councilwoman Barb Wolling, who is a local landlord and worked with fellow Council members John Andorf and Schott and building official Steve Tibbles over the past year to propose changes to the code, said she’s satisfied with the proposed changes and recommends approval.  Schott, who is a landlord in Perry and has been for more than 35 years, said tenants should be able to expect things in their rental property will work.  He said they tried to make the code fair for both landlords and renters, and things need to be handled in a timely manner. Schott said he would like to such an inspection conducted on any property that is sold in Perry as well, though that’s not included in the code.  Andorf, who is also a landlord said tenants also have responsibilities and they recognize that importance as well.  Mayor Jay Pattee said this is all part of a bigger picture, being housing as a whole in Perry. He said the ordinance is a gentle one and the good landlords in Perry will not be effected by these changes at all.  Councilman Phil Stone said the fact of the matter is they want homes to be livable and safe for people to live in. No formal action was taken, other than to start the process of approval which will include three readings and a chance for the public to weigh in.

For more on the meeting and things happening in the City of Perry, tune into today’s Let’s Talk Dallas County when we speak with City Administrator Butch Niebuhr during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours on AM 1310 KDLS.