The city commission has authorized the mayor to sign an application for grant funds from the James River Water Development District. The $438,325 being requested would be used to cover part of the cost of a project aimed at improving safety at the third street dam.
Stockwell Engineers, Inc. has recommended installing boulders on the downstream side of the low-head dam to remove the undertow. The total cost of the project is $876,650. The grant would cover half of the cost.
Ted Dickey of the Northeast Council of Governments says it is unlikely the city will get the full amount it is requesting.
Commissioners voted to approve a variance to allow a garage to remain on a lot at 13 Ordway Ave. NW. with the condition that no outside storage is allowed. The owner, Jim Iverson, wants to use the garage for storage.
A house must be placed on the lot within two years. Any home or mobile home must be approved by the city before it is allowed to be placed on site. The lot must be leveled, planted to grass and kept mowed.