City Council discusses referendum question

By Tyler Lamb

Editor

A possible referendum question for city voters during the Nov. 5 election was the main topic of discussion during Monday evening’s meeting of the Elkhorn City Council.

The council’s deliberations came on the heels of its July 15 gathering in which it backed a non-binding advisory referendum, advising the council whether of not to borrow up to $3.5 million to construct a new aquatic center where Sunset Pool presently resides.

If a majority of the council agrees to the referendum question during its next meeting on Aug. 19 the question will appear on the fall ballot.  Informational sessions, drafting of conceptual plans as well as an open bidding process would ensue.

The referendum question is as follows: “Should the city council replace the swimming pool at Sunset Park with a new or remodeled facility with the following conditions:

1)     Spending or borrowing on the facility is not to exceed $3.5 million; and

2)     The facility will be built within the corporate limits of the City of Elkhorn.

Yes, or No?”

If the council votes down the referendum question the funds would be used for city infrastructure projects, such as road repair.

Council members James Boardman and Hoss Rehberg were absent from Monday’s gathering.

Other matters

City Hall staffing. The council approved the recommendation of the Human Resources Committee to combine the existing position of accounting technician with a newly formed deputy clerk position. An entry-level clerk position would be created to absorb specific clerical duties.

Sex offender residency restrictions. Councilman Scott Olson informed the council it would be “a few months” before a possible ordinance restricting the residency of sex offenders would be back before the council.

Liquor license. A Class B liquor license was approved for El Pueblito, LLC, located at 56. N. Market St.

ETZ. The council also approved an ordinance to rezone property located within the city limits located 5694 Marsh Road. The property in question will be rezoned from A-1 to C-2.

CUP granted. A Conditional Use Permit was granted to St. Patrick’s Parish, 107 W. Walworth St., for a 10,000 square foot addition to the parish.

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