City Council approves request for support of new firearm shop proposed in Lansing
by B.J. Tomlinson
The Lansing City Council met in its regular session Monday night, May 16.
Local resident Mark Peterson addressed the Council requesting approval to open a firearm shop at 60 South Front Street in Lansing, asking the Council to issue a letter of support to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) as part of the application process. Peterson said he would be selling all types of firearms and ammunition, and that he understands and will follow all regulations. The Council approved the request.
Area ATV club representative Dennis Blocker of Waukon distributed a sample ordinance from the City of Waterville that was passed in 2011 allowing ATV routes through and around town, and requested that the City of Lansing consider a similar measure. Blocker said Allamakee County passed an ATV ordinance last week allowing gravel road access to ATVs, and that the towns of Waukon, Postville and New Albin will soon be approached to consider a similar ordinance as well; Harpers Ferry has already passed such an ordinance. He also said the route in Lansing would be determined according to the City’s recommendations and that he is aware that the vehicles cannot run on State highways. Mayor Mike Brennan and the Council members agreed to review and further study the issue, mentioning that the Council declined the use of golf carts within city limits last year.
Craig Kolak, a partner of the Days Gone By Vintage and Antique Shop on North Second Street in Lansing, addressed the Council concerning parking difficulties at the business. He said their customers are unable to park near the business because of local cars and trucks being regularly parked there as well as customers for the ice cream store across the street. He asked if the Council would consider designating two spaces as 30-minute parking areas during business hours. Kolak said their business hours are Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mayor Brennan said the Council would take the request under advisement and make a ruling at a later meeting.
The Council reviewed and approved two measures requested by Main Street Lansing at the last Council meeting: one for placing informational pedestals around the City and the other for renovating a room in the Old Stone School for the town’s upcoming 150th celebration in 2017.
Mayor Brennan complimented Val Reinke of the Allamakee County Economic Development office on her work with the soon-to-be laid off employees at the Blumenthal Lansing plant. Reinke said several media representatives would be interviewing employees and that several groups will be available to offer assistance and training to workers.
n other business, the Council accepted a bid of $3,899 for the 1996 Chevrolet flatbed truck and plow. The Council also approved lifeguard salaries for the coming year at $8 per hour. Parks Board representative Marlene Duffy said the pool is scheduled to open June 6 and that De Soto, WI has contracted to offer swimming lessons again this year. Discussion related to hiring a pool manager and CPO was postponed pending receiving further information. The Council approved the resignation of Jeremy Smerud from the Parks Board, and will post a notice for the open position; Mayor Brennan thanked Smerud for his work on the Board. The Council also discussed and approved the hiring of Barb Beaton as the new City Treasurer; she will be paid monthly at the rate of $100 for the services she will provide.
