City holds first readings on four ordinances

The Tea City Council met April 3 and went through first readings on four ordinances.

Ordinance 304 amends Chapter 6, Section 6.04 on minor curfew hours and exceptions. The ordinance would generalize the age and change it to read, “It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 18 to be on the streets, alleys or public grounds of the city between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by parents, legal guardian or some adult person over 18 years of age having the care and control of said person, or unless such person shall be upon some necessary errand by written permission of a parent, and except approved school functions and activities, and said person so permitted to be outdoors shall have with him or her such written permission and shall upon request of any police officer of the city exhibit the same to said police officer.”

Ordinance 305 amends Chapter 6, Section 6.03 on fireworks, firearms and explosives. The amendment would generalize what type of fireworks can be discharged in the city to consumer fireworks from noon to midnight July 3-5 and 10 p.m. Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1. The amendments would also include a section on sale of fireworks that says they must obtain an approved fireworks sales license.

Ordinance 306 amends Chapter 11, water and sewer, Section 11.02 water provision, restricting use. After a few summers of water restrictions, this ordinance would restrict watering yards/grass during the hours of noon to 7 p.m. It would also allow even-numbered addresses to water on even-numbered calendar days and odd-numbered addresses to water on odd-numbered calendar days. Gardens, flowers and bushes would not be included in the restriction. If the ordinance passes after second reading, it will take effect immediately.

Ordinance 307 amends Chapter 8, traffic code. The ordinance addresses golf carts. Citizen Jason Bennett provided research and information for the ordinance. Multiple council members and Bennett questioned how the state came up with licensing rules for recreational vehicles. Councilman Jim Erck asked for more clarity on why a person can license a UTV but not a golf cart. Erck also expressed concern for safety as the city grows. City administrator Dan Zulkosky noted the city is nearing 7,000 people and it’s a safety issue.

Woody Houser spoke during public comment about bringing the discretionary formula back and asking for the city to look at how they bill water bills. He received a water bill for one of the tenants in his buildings, which he thinks isn’t right because it’s a contract service between the tenant and the city not the landlord.

The council approved the developer’s agreement for GC Estates Addition. The agreement would include a 50-50 cost share on the storm sewer.

The council went into executive session for personnel at 8:37 p.m.