Sigourney City Council tackles dogs, grants, and curbs

SIGOURNEY – For the second time since September 2020, Sigourney’s City Council was asked to reconsider the City’s ordinance banning pit bull dogs within city limits. 

Sigourney resident Travis Wilcox addressed the board stating that “maybe it’s time to give the breed another chance.” Mr. Wilcox said he had lived in Sigourney most of his life but moved away for a year and a half. During that time, he acquired several pit bull dogs and when he moved back to Sigourney, he found that he could not bring them with him. Mr. Wilcox argued that “pit bulls get a bad rap” and that no dog breed is inherently vicious.  He further asked that the City modify its ordinance to perhaps require pit bulls be muzzled when walked, fenced, or chained while in their yard, rather than banned altogether. 

Mayor Doug Glandon explained that the subject was for “discussion only tonight” and no vote would be taken. The Board listened to what Mr. Wilcox had to say, answered some questions he had, then asked their own questions. Most of the Board members then expressed that they were not inclined to modify the City’s current ordinance. No official vote was held.

Council Member Randy Schultz provided an update on the Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The program is intended to help communities such as Sigourney activate development of underutilized buildings. Pre-applications were accepted by the City through January 15th.  

Mr. Schultz explained that all pre-applications were reviewed and evaluated for which best fit the program guidelines. Councilman Ed Conrad explained that the City can have one business owner per year apply. He further stated, “Last year Market on The Square was the selected pre-applicant.” This year Grant Ranch has been selected as having proposed the most applicable overall project. The Catalyst program works like a grant and is funneled through the City. The Council then approved City funding of not less than $10,000.  “We would rather apply funding to restoring buildings than demolishing them,” explained Mr. Schultz. The pre-application can now move on to a formal application.  

 Having been approached by a citizen, and as a newer member of the Council, John Schroeder asked what the status was for the City to make the sidewalks at intersections handicapped accessible. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires sidewalks be a minimum width of 36 inches and curb ramps are required wherever a sidewalk crosses a curb. However, these standards apply to new construction only. It was explained that any new sidewalk that has been installed at an intersection in Sigourney has been built to ADA standards. Any time an old sidewalk intersection is to be replaced within the City; it will be built to ADA standards. Currently there is no plan to replace all sidewalk intersections to meet ADA standards.