The City of Rugby was informed at their March meeting by councilman Terry Wentz that a 75′ x 152′ parcel of land, which abuts the water tower land, is for sale. Wentz serves on the building and property committee.

Wentz advised the council that since the city has infrastructure underground on that parcel, it would be a good opportunity to purchase the land. He said the cost is “$9,000.

That parcel was for sale three years ago, but the city declined to purchase it at that time.

“What was the issue three years ago?” asked councilman Jim Hoffert.

Nobody could remember what the issue was. “I think we should look at the minutes from 3 years ago to check to see why it wasn’t sold then, said Hoffert.

A short discussion took place about future access to that parcel of land.

“I don’t see the need to rush in since we’ve always been allowed access,” said Hoffert.

No one else on the council objected to the purchase, so Neil Lotvedt made a motion to approve the purchase which was seconded by Wentz. All voted in favor with the exception of Hoffman who voted nay.

The city council also put on second reading, two ordinances with clarified language. There was no one present to protest. The council approved both of the adjusted ordinances.

Ordinance #380 regarding various situations with pedestrians, clarified 13.40.130 on open container. It reads: “Open Container. The sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages by pedestrians upon or across any street, alley or public way is prohibited, except pursuant to a special event.” The first reading of this change was held on Feb. 6. An ordinance is approved and takes effect after its second reading which was on Mar. 5.

Ordinance #381 regarding traffic control devices was merely cleaned up from many years ago when it was unlawful to park in certain places from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The council cleans up the language of ordinances whenever they realize one needs to be updated. Another example in ordinance #381 reads as follows: “A vehicle shall remain backed up to a curb only long enough to be loaded or unloaded, and if horses are attached to such vehicle when backed to the curb they shall be turned at right angles to the vehicle as near as possible.”

At this same meeting a tax abatement and a tax exemption were approved by the council. Marie Beachler will receive a tax abatement for her property’s 2010-11 property taxes since she met all of the qualifications for the Homestead Credit. The city approved an application for property tax incentives for new or expanding businesses for the Rugby Farmers Elevator. The elevator is in the process of expanding to the tune of $8 million. The council approved the application contingent upon finding out how many additional employees will be needed.