By Steve Van Kooten
The Prairie du Chien Common Council finished off their last October agenda on Oct. 21, which included a public hearing for a zoning change to three lots within the city.
The hearing concerned property on North Beaumont Road near the intersection with East Perry Street (address at 424 North Beaumont Road), and the change would modify the lots' zoning code from R-1 (low-density residential) to R-3 (high-density residential).
According to City Planner Nate Gilberts, the building is the former Walter Schmidt Senior Assisted Living Center.
"The only reason for re-zoning it is because it was owned by a non-tax entity. [The property] stayed at R-1, like the churches or the schools; it's always been used as a multi-family facility, per se," said Zoning Administrator Cassie Rickleff.
The property will be used for residential apartments.
Rickleff added that she had not received any objections from the public and the lot next to the building will be used for parking. That lot is currently fenced off and hosts some play equipment and a garage structure.
Alderman-at-Large Jaaren Riebe noted that the change is in line with the city's ordinances.
Council approved the ordinance changing the zoning regulation for the lots.
Farm Bids
The city received two bids for the farm lease, which concerned 150 acres of farmland owned by the city.
The city sought Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to lease the land for agricultural purposes, which is divided into several lots throughout the city, including areas near LaRiviere Park, Business Park, the airport and Stuckey Road.
The minimum bid was $220 per acre.
Proposals were due at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 4, according to the RFP instructions provided by the city.
The city awarded the lease to Dalton Flansburgh, who bid $255 per acre for the entire 150 acres up for bid. The total value of the bid is $38,206.
According to the bid form, Flansburgh plans to harvest several crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Steven Wright submitted the other bid for approximately $242 per acre for 17.5 acres in the North Gateway. The total value of the bid was $4,255.
City Administrator Chad Abram said city staff recommended awarding the bid to Flansburgh, and the council unanimously approved his bid as presented.
In attendance were alderpersons Nick Crary, Vicki Waller, Bob Granzow, Nate Bremmer, Jaaren Riebe and Andy Ringgold. Mayor David Hemmer, Abram, Police Chief Kyle Teynor and Gilberts were also present. Kayla Ingham was absent.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 4.
Other business
• The Masquerade Ball to raise money for Fort Fun will take place at the Hoffman Hall on Nov. 1 in the evening.
