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Stacy City Council met September 12 for a regular meeting.  The meeting opened with a public meeting to discuss taking action on a possible interim ordinance establishing a moratorium within the City of Stacy prohibiting cannabis businesses. The moratorium will be temporary until the staff works with th state to establish proper framework for future businesses.  There was no discussion and the ordinance passed upon completion of the public hearing.

The council then had a lengthy discussion about banning cannabis use in city parks.  Utecht and council member Dennis Thieling are in favor of the ban.  Council member Tim Sawatzky said he was opposed to the ban and didn’t want to overgovern the citizens before the state has created guidelines for cities.  Council member Marie Lawrence agreed.  The council tabled the topic until 2024.

County Commissioner Ben Montzka then gave the council an update at the County level.  Montzka said the tax increase for the county seven percent last year and this year they have whittled it down from a potential 11 percent increase to around 3.3 percent.  

Montzka then told the council the bridge and interchange for County Road 19 is on the county’s five year plan.  Montzka said he tried to get County Road 17 included but so far that hasn’t happened.  

Mayor Utecht asked Montzka to pass along his displeasure with the Sheriff’s Office using “Ghost marked” patrol cars.  Utecht said by the cars being virtually unmarked, it does nothing to deter speeding and law breaking.  

The council then passed the Sheriff’s Office contract for 2024 which saw an increase at the urging of the Sheriff to 80 hours per week.  The contract will bill the city $69.17 per hour for each patrol hour.  The contract passed unanimously.

The council then passed a resolution limiting days and times which water may be used for lawn sprinkling.  Effective immediately, a water ban from 9am to 5pm daily and addresses ending in odd numbers will only be allowed to water on odd days of the calendar and even on even days. Hand held watering of flowers, gardens and landscape is still permitted at all residences.

The council then approved a preliminary budget of $403,264 which translates to a 9.03 percent Levy increase.  The budget passed unanimously.

The council then passed a motion to eliminate the stormwater drainage fee from any residence that is not receiving city water and sewer.  

The council then approved the replacement of a water heater at the Stacy Sports Bar for $9,700 unanimously.

They also passed accepting a bid to rehab the blighted front doors of the bar.  Cost of fixing the faded and warped doors came to $2,700.  

And lastly, the council amended the kennel ordinance restricting more than three dogs and or three cats per residence. The council took out agricultural off the ordinance.

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