The November 15th meeting of the city council began rather placidly with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. Then it quickly erupted into some fireworks.
City Attorney Brett Legevold, attending remotely, addressed the council during the public forum to discuss a matter which was not on the agenda. “I’d like to start with a little background that has to do with the hysteria that captured Eagle Grove this weekend,” he said.
Legevold then explained that the controversy began when he was approached by a person who wanted to know if the drag queen performance held in October at Dona Martha’s Office had been legal. To which he had replied that by city code, a drag queen show was not inherently in violation of city ordinances. At which point the concerned citizen showed Legevold video, taken at the October performance which showed a man lying on his back with a performer grinding on him, as well as a lap dance, and a performer accepting tips into the waistband of a pair of bikini panties.
Legevold told the council that at that point he sent a cease and desist letter, and pointed out that he had not long ago had to take the same action for a “Magic Mike” type, male burlesque show.
“It is not my job as City Attorney to decide what Eagle Grove’s policy is,” Legevold said. “But what is my job is to enforce the city’s policy evenly.” Legevold concluded by saying the show’s advocates “would do a better job of serving their agenda if they would abstain from personal attacks, and discuss the matter like adults.”
Councilman At Large Josh Schild added, “if you want the code changed, come bring it up here, at the city council. Don’t bring it up on Facebook. That doesn’t accomplish anything.”
Mayor Sandy McGrath also indicated a willingness on behalf of the city government to reconsider the city code. “We have to follow the code we have at any time,” McGrath said. Then adding, “is the code perfect? Maybe not. Could it be changed? Perhaps.”
The council seemed unanimously open to the idea of rewording the code. With Mayor McGrath asserting strongly that the city’s intention is not to discriminate against cross dressers, but to regulate the location of adult entertainment businesses and events in the city. “I wish we could come together on this, instead of making a big fuss,” the mayor said.
The meeting simmered down at this point, and got down to more regular business, discussing an assortment of matters.
The council passed a motion to take action on Pay Application No. 1, unanimously approving payment to Peterson Construction for the CDBG Downtown Facade Program, in the amount of $19,566.67.
The council discussed the Urban Renewal Annual Report for fiscal year 2021. The fund was reported as having a $29,954 cash balance. Potential uses for funds were discussed, including demolition of blighted properties donated to the city by their former owners.
The council then moved on to discuss the 2022 Street Improvement Project, unanimously agreeing to move forward with plans to make major repairs to six city street sections in serious disrepair. Starting with a study and taking core samples to determine the substrates under the roads, as explained to the council by City Administrator Bryce Davis.
The council then heard from EMS and police representatives regarding the city’s trial of an EMS bonus structure, which pays volunteer paramedics $500 to be on call through one week of the month, and volunteer drivers half as much. Speakers discussed the problems of burnout and fewer and fewer volunteers. The bonus was seen as being beneficial in several ways, from encouraging volunteers, to giving EMS and police staff a break from their duties, including time to spend with their families. The council voted unanimously to make the bonus structure permanent.
The meeting heated up once again when it came to discussion of re-precincting due to the 2020 census. When the council opened the public hearing on the matter of amending ward boundaries as a result of annexation of lands and the census results, Councilman at large Josh Schild fervently expressed his opposition to the city maintaining wards in the first place. “I am against having wards in Eagle Grove,” Schild said. “Let’s get rid of them, and we’ll have better turnout at our elections.” Adding, “I feel like we maybe need to rethink this. Open it up for everyone.”
The council was divided on this notion. Councilman Weland expressed concern that abolishing wards would not lead to more candidates for the council. Pointing out that most of the candidates had run unopposed, even for at large seats.
Mayor McGrath pointed out that the purpose for having wards was to prevent “cliques” with the same agenda from monopolizing power.
Administrator Davis then noted that if the council were to take such an action, they could not take it until the next election, roughly a year and a half away. At which point the council agreed to table the discussion.
The council then heard from Public Works Director Robert Lunda about the need for new equipment to maintain the streets, especially with the new brick-work downtown. The council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a Bobcat UW56 “Toolcat” package, including a dump bucket, snow blower attachment, and an angle brush attachment necessary for cleaning the brick work. At an estimated cost of $74,008.44.
Finally the council heard from the police department about the department’s need for equipment and vehicle repair, additional staff, and the status of contract negotiations. After which the meeting was adjourned.
