Even though there was no action necessary from the Carroll City Council at Monday night’s meeting, guidance was provided to city staff to continue with processing an annexation to several properties on the west end of town. Olsen’s Outdoor Power had approached city management, submitting an application for annexation in order to be able to connect to the city’s sanitary sewer system. City Manager, Mike Pogge-Weaver, explained to council members that this request goes beyond the boundary lines of Olsen’s property.
The issue, he says, is with another property adjacent to those requesting annexation. There is a Ferrellgas filling station to the east that would need to be brought into the process in order to maintain uniform city boundaries.
Whether or not Ferrellgas agrees to the annexation, Pogge-Weaver told council members it is still considered a voluntary annexation process by the State of Iowa. Staff members had been unable to connect with anyone from Ferrellgas up until Monday morning. They did return a call that morning and Pogge-Weaver says he provided them with the details, but they made no comment in regard to what was provided. Council member, Clay Haley, says he would like to see the site included to avoid creating that island. LaVern Dirkx says he would prefer to have some reaction from Ferrellgas before proceeding. Pogge-Weaver says the only reason for moving forward would be to address the applications received from Olsen’s and Carroll County Solid Waste. He adds the main reason Ferrellgas would not voluntarily annex is a common one.
Ferrellgas did ask about fire and police department access and Pogge-Weaver told them they are already utilizing these services and nothing would change. The entire process is a singular one that would include all properties. It is also a lengthy one and would require formal notification of the city’s intent to Ferrellgas and further communication with them throughout. Pogge-Weaver estimates it will take at minimum 30 to 60 days for this initial work. The applications would then be brought back to the council for consideration and action.
