Industrial Park sewer line extension approved

Le Mars City Council members gave their OK for the extension of a sanitary sewer line running parallel and adjacent to a future IML Containers' rail spur south of 24th Street in the industrial park.

The 500-foot extension, at a cost of $35,000, will enhance sanitary sewer line capabilities in areas both east and west of this location and should be sufficient for future development needs, City Administrator Scott Langel said.

Proceeding with the project at this time, Langel said, prior to construction of the IML spur, "is best for the city" in that it can eliminate additional costs caused by the need of future line relocations.

Discussion on the Le Mars United Methodist Church's proposed purchase of a lot and portion of an alley in the former Westmar College campus area was tabled Tuesday due to a request from church representatives to obtain additional information.

Council members, in other action, approved a new agreement with the Le Mars Community Theatre. The agreement will "assure availability" of the theater's use of the old Post Office building for a nine-year period and replaces a previous lease agreement, according to Bill Cole, city finance director.

The pact, Cole said, is similar to the current $1 per year lease agreement approved by the theater and city in 1987, and results in no change in the fiscal arrangement between the two entities. It was necessitated, he added, by a recent Department of Interior change that eliminates use of lease agreements for governmental property.

Council members Tuesday also approved the request by Gehlen Catholic School for an open burning permit for the school's Oct. 1 homecoming bonfire and a request from the Family Table Restaurant for renewal of its Class C Liquor License.