Sigourney Council Gives Approval For New Meat Locker

SIGOURNEY – During the May 1 meeting of the Sigourney City Council, Councilman Gary Iosbaker informed the council that KCED had been approached by someone wanting to build a meat locker in the industrial park. Iosbaker stated the locker would be similar to the one in Keota and contain a slaughterhouse with a small retail section. City ordinances restrict the building of businesses that slaughter animals within city limits, but give the council the ability to give approval on a case-by-case basis.

Councilwoman Connie McLaughlin asked if neighbors would be affected by the smell. Iosbaker stated that city ordinances prevent animals from being kept outside and make sure the building is clean and well-maintained. Councilman Randy Schultz noted that the meat locker would be near the Expo, which already frequently has animals. Mayor Jimmy Morlan stated that he hadn’t noticed any offensive smells in Keota, which has a meat locker in the middle of town. Morlan asked if it would affect the city’s water or wastewater. Iosbaker stated he had talked to the water department, who said it would not be a problem. The council approved giving permission for the building of the locker.

The council approved refunding change order credits on the Façade Project, for business owners who did part of the project themselves instead of having a contractor do it; a sign that was installed by the owner of Barnwired was given as an example. The council approved the final pay estimate and retainage to RG Construction for the Façade Project. The council discussed a $58,000 quote for roof repairs at the wastewater plant, which received hail damage last year. City Clerk Angie Alderson stated that the insurance adjuster told her last year that the damage would cost $54,000 to repair and that the insurance company may pay all of the cost. The council approved sending the quote to the insurance company. The council approved hiring Alan Sellers as flag football director again.