McGregor Council approves new signage
An entry sign like this will be placed at both the north and south entrances to McGregor. If the Iowa DOT does not approve placement at the north entrance, near the Riverview Inn, the sign will instead go on the side of the public restrooms next to Kwik Star.
The city hall sign will feature this wording on one side, while a bulletin board will be included on the other.
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
The McGregor Council, at its May 16 regular meeting, approved the purchase of new entry signs for the community, as well as a new sign for city hall.
Two new entry signs will be erected, one at the south entrance closest to Pikes Peak State Park and the other at the north entrance, by the Riverview Inn.
Although a sign had stood at the latter location for many years, until it was damaged by last year’s tornado, city administrator Lynette Sander said there’s a chance the Iowa Department of Transportation may not approve of one being placed there again. In that case, she said the sign would instead be placed on the side of the public restrooms next to Kwik Star.
Largely dark brown in coloring and edged in gold/tan, the signs will include white lettering that reads “Welcome to Historic McGregor.” The year of McGregor’s establishment—1837—as well as its proximity to Pikes Peak State Park, is also noted.
The total cost of these two signs, including aluminum framing to support the signs and keep them from bending, will be $4,454. However, if the sign cannot stand near the Riverview, Sander said the frame will not be necessary, lessening the cost.
The city hall sign matches the entry signs in coloring and lettering style, and will sit perpendicular to Main Street. One side, which will face St. Mary Catholic Church, will read “Welcome” and signify the building as city hall. The opposite side, which people will see as they head up the sidewalk into city hall, will have a bulletin board for posting meeting notices and other pertinent fliers. A drop box will also be attached.
The total cost for that sign will be $3,298.
Sander said the city received some insurance money following the tornado that will partially pay for the signage. She has also reached out to other community organizations to see if they would be interested in contributing to the project.
Silver Dollar adding outdoor service area on trial basis
Steve Funk, owner of Steve’s Silver Dollar Saloon, approached the council about using a portion of the small city parking lot next to his building for an outdoor service area on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer.
“I thought it would draw people to town,” he said. “People could go out there, sit at a picnic table and drink a beer.”
Funk said the area would be helpful for live music and events, like on Saturday, May 26, when he plans to host around 200 bikers. The service area will be “experimental,” he explained, noting that other events have not been planned until he sees how well it works.
The area will be fenced in and set back 10 feet from the sidewalk, and Funk agreed to assume responsibility for policing it and cleaning it up.
Leery of approving the usage for the entire summer, the council said Funk would be allowed to try it on a trial basis, from May 26 until June 17. During that time, the area can be used from noon to 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
“We’ll do it on a trial basis, for one month, and see how it works,” said councilman Jason Echard. “We don’t want to do it and have the whole city mad.”
Hearing set for opera house property
The council approved a resolution setting a public hearing date for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20 (its next regular meeting), on a proposal for the disposal and development of the Sullivan Opera House (old hardware store) property. The city has received a proposal from Dominic Sparrgrove, of Parkersburg, that includes the acquisition and redevelopment of the property.
Jones leaving city
At the meeting, it was announced that street supervisor Pat Jones will be taking another job. The city is currently advertising to fill the full-time position.
