Below is the Community Email that was sent out on 3/17/2020 at 5:30PM. Community Emails are randomly sent out to whomever signs up, at least on a monthly basis, and provides information about the City of Fayette including events and announcements. To sign-up, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Here is additional information for Employees and Employers affected by COVID-19 related layoffs: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/

Hello,

     As I’m sure everyone is aware, things are changing quickly as we continue to be impacted by the coronavirus or more specifically COVID-19.  It is hard for me to fully understand some of the actions that are being taken, however, I do understand that the goal is to protect ourselves, our community, but most importantly, the elderly and those with health concerns.  If everyone does their part and follows the recommendations and directives, hopefully there will be less of an impact on us.  We have to remember that these recommendations and directives are not to scare us or make life more difficult for us, they are to protect us and the ones we love. 

     I encourage everyone to take this time and challenge yourself with one or more of the following:

  • Learn or try something new that you always wanted to do (painting/drawing/art, learn an instrument/sing/music, how to throw a football/pickleball/sport, cooking, etc.)
  • Reach out to a friend or family member that you haven’t spoken to for a long time and catch up
  • Work on a house project you’ve been putting off (painting a room, re-arranging a room, remodeling, de-cluttering your house, etc.)
  • Dig out and play some old board games, card games, dominoes, etc.
  • Start some in-home exercises, get out and walk/bike our beautiful trails and check out all the outdoor activities our community offers.
  • Check out the wonderful resources the Fayette Community Library offers and check-out some books/DVDs (yes, you can do this online) fayettelibrary.lib.ia.us
  • Stay positive and help those who are less fortunate than you (however, be careful of scams)

     As I mentioned in my last email, I will only highlight some local announcements.

Announcements:  

  • News from City Hall: 
    • CITY BUILDINGS: Fayette City Hall, the Fayette Police Department and the Fayette Community Library will be doing our part in helping to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by limiting face to face contact. The public will not be able to come inside and communicate face to face at these public facilities starting tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18th, 2020) at least through Wednesday, April 1st, 2020. At that time, we will re-evaluate the situation and extend the date if need be. We are going to do our BEST to make this process as easy as possible for you. We not only want to protect ourselves, but we want to protect YOU, too.

These facilities will not be closed. We encourage people to call or email to communicate with city employees and officials. City employees will still be working during their normal hours and assisting everyone through the telephone, email and mail.

Fayette Police Department: For non-emergency calls, please call 563-425-3500. Dial 911 for emergencies. Police officers will still be assisting the public and responding to calls, however, they will be utilizing “social distancing” (leaving at least six feet distance between them and other people) or utilizing personal protective equipment.

Fayette Community Library: They have many online resources on their website, fayettelibrary.lib.ia.us. You may also call them at 563-425-3344 to inquire about “curb-side” pick-up materials. Yes, you will still be able to check-out books and movies at this time. The library personnel will have a special “disinfection” process they will follow for all the materials that are returned to our library.

Fayette City Hall: You may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 563-425-4316 during our office hours and we will help you. We encourage you to utilize all the resources on our website fayetteiowa.com (including permits, applications and online payments). If there are any questions or concerns, please contact us and we will do our best to help you or point you in the right direction.

Utility payments – We encourage everyone to please pay your utility bills online, sign up for FREE automatic ACH/Bank withdrawals, or drop off a check or money order in our Drop Box located right next to our front door. If you must pay by cash, we recommend the following process:

1) Please call City Hall at 563-425-4316 and indicate:

     a. Your name

     b. Your service address

     c. How much cash you will be dropping off in our Drop Box at City Hall

     d. The date and time you will be dropping it off in the Drop Box at City Hall

2) Please put your cash in an envelope (we will not be able to provide you change, so please put the exact amount you want applied to your account in the envelope), seal the envelope, write your name and service address on the envelope and drop it in our Drop Box.

3) Two city employees will be taking all the payments in the Drop Box out together and counting the cash payments. A receipt will be written and mailed to the address we have on file at City Hall.

    • STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH DISASTER EMERGENCY & PROCLAMATION: Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency today which indicates all restaurants and bars are closed to the general public except for carry-outs, drive-throughs or deliveries. It also indicates all gatherings and events (such as parades, festivals, fundraisers, or community, social, religious, recreational, leisure and sporting gatherings/events)  of more than 10 people are prohibited. Click here to read more. Fayette Mayor Andrew Wenthe has signed a proclamation today determining a state of emergency or public danger exists.  Click here to read the Proclamation. Please do your part in helping us educate those around us of these directives if you see or hear of anything.
    • THANK YOU FROM THE FAYETTE FIRE DEPT.: Thank you to everyone who was able to come to the Spaghetti Supper last weekend and for your donations. You may still mail a donation to the Fire Department at their mailing address, or to Fayette City Hall at PO Box 28, Fayette, IA 52142. Please mark your payment “Fayette Fire Department”.
  • Other Local Announcements – There are too many things to list them all, so please contact local businesses to find out specific information. This is just a few:
    • UIU Rec Center - Closed for at least two weeks
    • UIU Carnival – Cancelled
    • UIU Fayette Appreciation Day – Cancelled
    • UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY: The face to face classes will be going online for the Session 4. For updated UIU information, visit uiu.edu/coronavirus/index.html.
    • RAINBOWLAND DAYCARE: Closed until further notice.
  • Small Businesses: Please continue to support our local businesses, even through this difficult time. Contact them and find out what they have to offer.  Attached is a handout for Small Business Assistance.
  • Reminders:
    • SEEKING TREE BOARD MEMBER:  Volunteer and make a difference in Fayette by serving on the City Tree Board.  The City Council is seeking a volunteer to serve on the City Tree Board.  The Tree Board currently meets about once a quarter and helps plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas. The Tree Board is made up of five volunteers, with the majority of the members being citizens and residents of the City of Fayette.  Some members may live outside the city. If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact me.
    • HIRING FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER: Visit fayetteiowa.com/government/employment.html for more information. Interested applicants should e-mail a resume, cover letter and three references to Police Chief Ben Davis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. subject "Police Officer Position" or via U.S. Mail to P.O. Box 28, Fayette, IA 52142. We will be accepting applications until April 8, 2020 at 4PM, or until the position is filled. The City of Fayette is an equal opportunity employer.
    • FAYETTE REC BOARD: We do have to focus on some positive things and future Fayette events.
      • The Fayette Recreation Board would like your help and ideas to identify types of events and activities you want to see in the City of Fayette. You may contact the Fayette Rec Board on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Fayette-Rec-Board-2203229983336500/ or contact the City of Fayette by Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofFayetteIowa/ email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone: 563-425-4316.
      • There has been some interest in forming a co-ed T-Ball Team in Fayette for kids who have not yet completed kindergarten. Children from Fayette and surrounding communities are welcome to participate. If you or someone you know may have a child interested, please contact the City of Fayette or the Fayette Recreation Board and let us know. We also ask that you please help us spread the word. If you would also be interested in volunteering to assist with the team, let us know.

Up-Coming Fayette Events

(I am not going to list events at this time because too many are cancelling with short notice. Please call ahead to make sure any event you are planning on attending has not been cancelled.)

     Fayette is a strong community and we will get through this together and come out stronger in the end. Please contact Fayette City Hall with any questions or concerns and we will do our best to help you or provide you with any resources.

Stay healthy and safe,

Kris McGrane

City Administrator/Clerk

STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH DISASTER EMERGENCY & PROCLAMATION

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency today which indicates all restaurants and bars are closed to the general public except for carry-outs, drive-throughs or deliveries. It also indicates all gatherings and events (such as parades, festivals, fundraisers, or community, social, religious, recreational, leisure and sporting gatherings/events)  of more than 10 people are prohibited. Click here to read more.

Fayette Mayor Andrew Wenthe has signed a proclamation today determining a state of emergency or public danger exists.  Click here to read the Proclamation.

Please do your part in helping us educate those around us of these directives if you see or hear of anything.

Below is the Community Email that was sent out on 3/13/2020 at 2:15PM. Community Emails are randomly sent out to whomever signs up, at least on a monthly basis, and provides information about the City of Fayette including events and announcements. To sign-up, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Hello,

   I am going to jump right in today because there are a lot of things to share. I do have some local updates and information in reference to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 below.

Announcements:  

  • News from City Hall: 
    • HIRING FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER: Police SGT Brian Waid has accepted a position with a larger police department. We are sad to see him go and we wish him the best of luck! The City of Fayette is now accepting applications for a Full Time Police Officer.

The Fayette Police Department is a progressive, highly trained department providing services to the citizens of Fayette and Upper Iowa University campus. The Fayette Police Department is growing in reputation and offers a flexible schedule, training opportunities, promotional opportunities, community involvement, career education and various benefits.

Applicants must be 21 years of age and possess a High School Diploma or equivalent and meet all the minimum hiring standards as set forth by the ILEA. Applicants already possessing an ILEA (police officer) certification or comparable state certification, Associate Degree or above will be given preference. Applicants must have a good moral standing and character, able to handle high stress environments and have a dedication to duty and service. Any employment offer will be conditioned upon the results of a background investigation, a psychological examination, and a physical examination, all to the satisfaction of the City.

Interested applicants should e-mail a resume, cover letter and three references to Police Chief Ben Davis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. subject "Police Officer Position" or via U.S. Mail to P.O. Box 28, Fayette, IA 52142. We will be accepting applications until April 8, 2020 at 4PM, or until the position is filled.

For more information, visit www.fayetteiowa.com. The City of Fayette is an equal opportunity employer.

    • FAYETTE FIRE DEPT. SPAGHETTI SUPPER: The 23rd annual Fayette Fire Departments Spaghetti Supper is planned for tomorrow (Saturday, March 14th) from 5PM to 7:30PM at the Fayette Fire Station (149 S. Main Street). Freewill offering, carry-outs available. If you do not feel comfortable attending with the recent Coronavirus/COVID-19, consider getting a carry-out or dropping off/mailing a donation to show your support.
    • CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19: I know we are hearing a lot about this, so I’m only going to provide a few tips and local information. Information and events seem to be changing hour by hour. It sounds to me the main strategy is to avoid everyone getting sick with the virus at the same time. I believe the goal is to spread out people catching the virus that way there is a better chance to avoid going over the health care system capacity or having too many cases for our medical providers and hospitals to treat. That is the reason why events and activities that bring many people together are being cancelled or postponed. Here are few tips:
      • City of Fayette: We encourage everyone to start communicating more through email, phone calls, social media, etc. rather than physical contact. The City of Fayette has many forms online and options to pay your utility bill and parking citations online at www.fayetteiowa.com. We also have the drop box right next to our front door at City Hall (11 S. Main Street). There are no plans on closing City Hall at this time, but the more we can avoid physical contact, the better chance we all stay healthy.
      • Prevention: Wash your hands with soap and water frequently – for at least 20 seconds, leave 3 to 6 feet distance between yourself and others, avoid physical contact such as shaking hands, cover your cough/sneeze and wash hands immediately after, avoid touching your face and clean/disinfect surfaces regularly are just a few important things to know.
      • Sickness: If you have symptoms (including fever, cough, shortness of breath) or discover you were around someone who has become sick, contact your medical provider and take precautions to not spread the virus. Stay home, avoid contact with others or going out in public – they recommend for at least 14 days. Symptoms develop 2 to 14 days following exposure to the coronavirus/COVID-19.
      • Scams: Unfortunately, this is something we always need to be aware of. If something sounds “to good to be true”, it is probably a scam. Be extra cautious with information you hear or if people want you to “buy” something related to the virus.

Local Information: I would recommend you call ahead before you take any trips, visit any places, attend any events or special functions. There are many things that are getting cancelled/postponed or are requiring extra screenings.

      • Events – As of this morning (3/13/20), the Fayette County Public Health Coordinator is encouraging any events to have a pre-event, during the event and post-event “Coronavirus Plan”. That means the event coordinators need to prepare for the exposure of the virus and how to educate anyone who may attend the event who would be exposed.
      • Maple Crest Manor/Assisted Living – Please contact them at 563-425-3336 to find out updated information before you plan on visiting. They do have Skype set-up so you may “virtually” visit the residents. Also consider calling instead of physical visits.
      • Upper Iowa University – Below is a letter from the UIU President, William Duffy II. Please contact them at 1-800-553-4150 or visit www.uiu.edu/coronavirus to find out updated information. This week the UIU students are on Spring Break. UIU has decided to delay the start of classes for one week. In-person classes will now start the week of 3/23. All UIU athletic events are cancelled through 3/31/20.
      • Local Schools – Please keep up to date with the local school districts for classes and activities. Some schools in Iowa have already started closing and cancelling events to avoid the spread of the virus.  

I will do my best to keep everyone up to date when it comes to changes with the City of Fayette. I will post up to date information on our website (www.fayetteiowa.com).

    • FAYETTE REC BOARD: We do have to focus on some positive things and future Fayette events.
      • The Fayette Recreation Board would like your help and ideas to identify types of events and activities you want to see in the City of Fayette. You may contact the Fayette Rec Board on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Fayette-Rec-Board-2203229983336500/ or contact the City of Fayette by Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityofFayetteIowa/ email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone: 563-425-4316.
      • There has been some interest in forming a co-ed T-Ball Team in Fayette for kids who have not yet completed kindergarten. Children from Fayette and surrounding communities are welcome to participate. If you or someone you know may have a child interested, please contact the City of Fayette or the Fayette Recreation Board and let us know. We also ask that you please help us spread the word. If you would also be interested in volunteering to assist with the team, let us know.
  • Reminders:
    • NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: The Fayette City Council has finished the Fiscal Year 2021 Estimated Budget for the City of Fayette and have set the public hearing for Monday, March 16, 2020 at 6PM at Fayette City Hall. To view the public hearing notice, posted on our website, click here (https://fayetteiowa.com/news/565-public-hearing-proposed-fy2021-estimated-budget.html). You may also review the information at the Fayette Community Library or Fayette City Hall. The Public Hearing notice will be published in the February 26th, 2020 edition of the Fayette Leader. If anyone has any questions or concerns and would like to contact me, please do so.
    • SEEKING TREE BOARD MEMBER:  Volunteer and make a difference in Fayette by serving on the City Tree Board.  The City Council is seeking a volunteer to serve on the City Tree Board.  The Tree Board currently meets about once a quarter and helps plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas. The Tree Board is made up of five volunteers, with the majority of the members being citizens and residents of the City of Fayette.  Some members may live outside the city. If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact me.

Up-Coming Fayette Events

(Call ahead to make sure events do not get cancelled at the last minute. Events below are subject to change with little or no notice)

MARCH 2020

3/13/20 @ 5PM-8PM All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry (Beer Battered Cod and/or Catfish) @ Big Rock Country Club (9684 146th Street). Buffet style dinner including salad bar.

3/14/20 @ 5PM-7:30PM Fayette Fire Department Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser @ Fayette Fire Station (149 S. Main St.)

3/16/20 @ 6PM Yoga Nidra @ Yoga Genesis (246 S. Main Street) $15/person, no previous yoga experience required. Call 319-461-5396 or visit https://www.facebook.com/Yoga.Genesis.IA/ for more information.

3/16/20 @ 6PM Fayette City Council Meeting @ Fayette City Hall

3/17/20 @ 6PM-7:30PM Women In Ag, Agronomy In the Field @ Fayette County ISU Extension and Outreach Center (218 S. Main St.) A gathering of women to learn more about agronomy through distance learning sessions. Contact Deb Kahler at 563-425-3331 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

3/18/20 @ 3:45PM-5PM Kids Club Makerspace @ Fayette Community Library (104 W. State St.). Contact the library at 563-425-3344 for more information.

3/19/20 @ 6:30PM Discover "Social Nonsense" @ Fayette Community Library (104 W. State St.). Everyone who has ever been bored is invited to this free event! Spend time with friends, and strangers who don't know they're your friend yet, as we create our own fun - This author teaches us how to use this simple but profound book to "Create diversions for two or more players - anytime, anywhere."

3/20/20 @ 5PM-8PM Fish Fry @ Big Rock Country Club (9684 146th Street). Buffet style dinner including salad bar.

3/20/20 @ 2:30PM Community Conversation about the Fayette County Freedom Rock @ Fayette Community Library (104 W. State St.). Join us in the Fayette Community room for some cookies, coffee, and conversation! Sharon Orr will host a Community Conversation program to give us some more information about the Freedom Rock project, how it got started, what it means to people and how Fayette got to host the one for Fayette County.

3/21/20-4/1/20 Jennifer Bates, artist, exhibit @ Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery at Upper Iowa University. The gallery is open from 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday.

3/21/20 @ 9AM-11AM Intro to Olympic Lifting @ UIU Rec Center (514 Union St.).  Free and open to the public.

3/23/20 @ 6:45PM Fayette Lions Club meeting @ UIU Student Center (605 Washington St.). Any adult is invited to attend.

3/24/20 - 4/28/20 @ 6PM-8PM Art for a Lifetime: Ceramic Wheel Throwing Class @ UIU PAAC (Peacock Arts and Athletic Center, 500 Wadena Road).  Classes every Tuesday night.  Learn the basics of how to create ceramic forms utilizing the potter's wheel along with finishing and glazing works. Participants are supplied with art materials and instruction, 24-hour access to the studio during the session, and the opportunity to connect with fellow community members.  Register early by email as space is limited to 10 students per class.  Registration closes the March 23rd.  Cost is $75.  Call 563-425-5850 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register or for more information. 

3/25/20 @ 3:45PM-5PM Kids Club Makerspace @ Fayette Community Library (104 W. State St.). Contact the library at 563-425-3344 for more information.

3/26/20 @ 7PM K&K Gardens Presentation @ Fayette Community Library (104 W. State St.). Join Keith Kovarik, from K&K Gardens, Hawkeye, IA for an informative and inspiring presentation, showcasing new, exciting, and vibrantly rewarding plants, guaranteed to enrich your home garden or landscaping paradise. No fee required, but we kindly ask you to rsvp through this post, or contact K&K Gardens (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or the Fayette Community Library (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to confirm your seat. Refreshments, treats and handouts will be provided. K&K Gardens will also provide door prizes. This is an informational presentation, designed for any level of garden enthusiast, interested in learning more about plants suitable for northeast Iowa growing conditions. The session will last approximately 90 minutes 

Looking Ahead…

3/27/20 @ 5PM-8PM Fish Fry @ Big Rock Country Club (9684 146th Street). Buffet style dinner including salad bar.

3/28/20 @ 10:30AM-Noon Easter Egg Hunt @ North Fayette Valley Elementary School (200 Volga Street) sponsored by the Fayette Community Church. Free Easter Egg hunting, face painting, games, ice cream, bounce houses, Easter Bunny & more.

For a complete list of activities, visit https://fayetteiowa.com/events-and-recreation/what-to-do.html. 

Follow us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/CityofFayetteIowa/.

If you wish to be removed from this email list, please reply back to this message and type “Please remove me.”

Have a great week and try and stay healthy!

 

Kris McGrane

City Administrator/Clerk

City of Fayette

PO Box 28

11 S. Main St.

Fayette, IA 52142

(563) 425-4316

Community of Fayette,

This message is to provide an update to the community of Fayette about Upper Iowa University’s actions related to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. The health and safety of our students, employees, community and visitors are a top priority at Upper Iowa University. With this in mind, University leadership and emergency operations personnel continue to communicate with and receive guidance from public health officials with regard to COVID-19. We are closely monitoring the situation and planning diligently for all scenarios as the situation continues to evolve quickly.

UIU’s current course of action, as announced to students and staff on March 12, 2020:

  • In-person classes:  UIU is currently on its Spring Break between Sessions 3 and 4. UIU is delaying the start of Session 4 for a one week period of time. Classes that are scheduled as in-person classes will now start the week of March 23. This means that spring Session 4 will be a 7-week session. Faculty are also being asked to prepare to migrate all courses to be delivered online should public health officials advise against face-to-face instruction at any of our locations. As you know, UIU has delivered exceptional online classes since 1999 and we are confident that UIU is better positioned than most to ensure course objectives are met even during this challenging time.
  • Online:  Courses that are scheduled to be delivered online will still start the week of March 16 and will follow the normal 8-week session format.
  • Fayette Campus:  Out of an abundance of caution, Fayette students are being asked not to return to the Fayette Campus until March 22. International students or students needing to reside on campus in the meantime will be allowed to do so and have been asked to contact Student Life to make arrangements to return to campus. A number of precautions are being taken on campus to mitigate risk.
  • Athletics:  On Thursday, March 12, the NCAA announced that all winter and spring championship competitions are canceled. More information will be made available as it is announced.
  • Travel:  Upper Iowa University is canceling all University-sponsored international travel until further notice. UIU is supporting and implementing guidance received from public health officials with respect to self-isolation for those who traveled from locations identified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or state officials as areas requiring a period of self-isolation.
  • Events:  We are reviewing internal and external events scheduled for the upcoming months. At this point, the decision has been made to cancel all Center Graduate Receptions as well as the Honors and Awards Banquet scheduled for Saturday, April 4 at Fayette Campus.

For up-to-date announcements and additional information including prevention, symptoms, external public health resources and FAQ, visit uiu.edu/coronavirus.

The University COVID-19 Planning Team is meeting frequently to monitor current situations for all UIU locations and follow guidance of local public health and CDC. The intent of these measures is to keep our university community healthy and safe. Thank you for your patience during this rapidly changing situation.

Sincerely,

William R. Duffy II, Ed.D., Ed.S.
President
Upper Iowa University
W: (563) 425-5221
Website: http://www.uiu.edu

The warmer weather and sunshine has us starting to think about spring and summer! The Fayette Recreation Board wants your help and ideas to identify types of events and activities you want to see in the City of Fayette! Contact a member of the Fayette Recreation Board or the City of Fayette and share your ideas.

Fayette Music in the Park 2020 planning is also underway. If you have any recommendations for performers or food vendors, please contact a member of the Fayette Recreation Board or the City of Fayette and share your ideas.

There has been some interest in forming a co-ed T-Ball Team in Fayette for kids who have not yet completed kindergarten. Children from Fayette and surrounding communities are welcome to participate. If you or someone you know may have a child interested, please contact the City of Fayette or the Fayette Recreation Board. We also ask that you please help us spread the word. If you would also be interested in volunteering to assist with the team, let us know.

The Fayette City Council has approved the Fiscal Year 2021 Estimated Budget.

To review the Fayette City Administrator/Clerk's FY 2021 Report that explains what the budget includes, click here.

To review the detailed proposed Budget for FY 2021, click here.

Hard copies of the detailed proposed Budget and the Fayette City Administrator/Clerk's FY 2021 Report are available at the Fayette Community Library (104 W. State Street) and Fayette City Hall (11 S. Main Street).

Below is the Public Hearing notice on the proposed budget, scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2020, at 6PM at Fayette City Hall.

The regular Fayette Council meeting scheduled for Monday, February 3rd, 2020, will move from a start time of 6PM to 5:30PM.  The change in time will assist those planning on attending both the council meeting and the Iowa Caucuses.  The Iowa Caucuses start promptly at 7PM.  The Fayette County Democrats caucus site for Westfield Township (City of Fayette) will be at the Upper Iowa University Ballroom (605 Washington St., Fayette) with doors opening at 5:30PM. The Fayette County Republicans caucus site for Westfield Township (City of Fayette) will be at the Fayette Community Library (104 W. State St., Fayette) with doors opening at 6:30PM.

Per Senate File 634, Code of Iowa Section 384.15A, the maximum levy rate public hearing notice is posted below and has been published in the Fayette Leader. At the hearing, taxpayers and residents may present to the Council their objections to, or arguments in favor of, the tax asking per Code of Iowa Section 384.15A 5(a).

This is the first public hearing for the proposed property tax levy. The council may not increase the city tax rate* from the proposed city tax rate prior to adopting the final budget, so this is an extremely high estimate. There will be another public hearing for the taxpayers and residents to present their objections to, or arguments in favor of, in March that will have the actual proposed city tax rate prior to the adoption of the fiscal year 2021 budget.  

Fayette City Hall will close at 12:30PM and the Fayette Community Library will close at 5PM on Tuesday, December 24, 2019.  Fayette City Hall and the Fayette Community Library will be closed all day Wednesday (December 25, 2019), Thursday (December 26, 2019), Wednesday (January 1, 2020) for the holidays. 

The Fayette City Council has adopted a new Solar Energy Systems Ordinance. 

CHAPTER 162

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

162.01    Purpose                                              162.03      Permit Process   

162.02    Definitions                                           162.04      Solar Energy System Requirements    

162.01 PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations for construction, instillation, and operation of solar energy systems in the city limits of Fayette, Iowa.

162.02 DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

  1. Accessory Structure: A structure which is on the same lot or parcel of property as a principal structure and the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure.
  2. Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System: Solar energy system that is free standing, directly installed to the ground, and is not supported by any building, accessory, or dwelling. For the purposes of this chapter, solar powered lights used to illuminate exterior areas shall not be included in this definition.
  3. Passive Solar Energy System: A system that captures solar light or heat without transforming it to another form of energy or transferring the energy via heat exchanger.
  4. Principal Structure: The main structure or building on a lot or parcel in which the primary permitted use by right occurs.
  5. Roof-Mounted Solar Energy System: A solar energy system mounted directly abutting the roof or as modules fixed to frames which can be tilted toward the south t an optimal angle.
  6. Solar Energy System: A device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which is to provide daylight for interior lighting or provide for the collection, storage and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generation or water heating.

162.03 PERMIT PROCESS. All owners of residential or commercial property shall acquire a building permit from the City of Fayette and provide a shade report or equivalent documentation from a licensed solar installer prior to construction of solar energy systems. Those failing to acquire a building permit are subject to fines as noted in the code of ordinances. Roof-mounted Solar Energy Systems need only an approved building permit as long as all requirements are met. Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems require approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission, then approval from the City Council. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall hold a public hearing with the same requirements as in Chapter 22 in the Fayette Code of Ordinances. This shall also include notification of all property owners within 250 feet.  If a variance is needed for any part of the solar energy system to be installed on the property, after approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council, the owners of the property will also need approval from the Board of Adjustment, as stated in Chapter 165.

162.04 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.

  (A) Height: Roof-mounted solar energy systems in residential applications shall not be higher than 10 inches above the roof at any point. Ground-mounted solar energy systems in residential applications shall not exceed 15 feet in height from grade at total extended height.

  (B) Location: The locations of ground mounted systems should avoid being in eyesight from the street. Roof-mounted systems must be placed on rear or side-facing roofs, which do not front any public street, unless a shade report or equivalent documentation from a licensed solar installer can be shown that such locations would be ineffective or impractical.

  (C) Setbacks: Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall meet all set back requirements for the applicable zoning district for accessory structures. Roof-mounted systems shall not extend beyond the exterior perimeter of the building on which the system is mounted.

  (D) Easements: Solar energy systems shall not encroach on any platted public easement.


  (E) Screening: Solar energy systems shall be screened from street view to the extent possible without reducing their efficiency. The applicant shall submit a landscaping plan with building permit application for ground-mounted solar energy systems.

  (F) Aesthetics: All solar energy systems shall use colors that blend with the surrounding settings. Reflection angles from collector surfaces shall be oriented away from neighboring windows.

  (G) Maximum Area of unit. Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be treated as an accessory structure and thus are limited in area to the accessory structure limitations as set by the City Code. The total size of all solar energy systems may not produce any amount of energy, addition to other alternative energy systems beyond the average annual consumption.

  (H) Compliance with International Building Code: Building permit applications for ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be accompanied by standard drawings of the solar energy system structure, including the panels, base, and footings. For roof-mounted applications, standard drawings showing the capability of a roof to support such a proposal shall be submitted for review. An engineering analysis of the system showing compliance with the International Building Code and certified by a licensed professional engineer shall also be submitted. This analysis is frequently supplied by the manufacturer. Wet stamps shall not be required.

  (I) Compliance with Federal Regulations: Solar energy systems must comply with applicable Federal regulations.

  (J) Compliance with National Electric Code: Building permit applications for solar energy systems shall be accompanied by a line drawing of the electrical components in sufficient detail to allow for a determination that the manner of installation conforms to the National Electrical Code

  (K) Utility Notification: No solar energy system shall be installed until evidence has been given that the electric utility provider has been informed of the customer's intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator and the customer can show proof that they have received, understand and agree to abide by the utility's requirements for net metering and distributed generation installation. A disconnect will be required at the time of installation and the electric utility provider shall be notified of this installation. A written statement from the utility company shall be presented at the time of applying for a construction building permit showing compliance with the disconnect requirement.

  (L) Safety: Feeder lines, Utility connects, and any other feature shall have appropriate markings, warnings, and safety features to prevent harm to persons, wildlife, or personal property.

  (M) General Requirements on Operation: The owner of a solar energy system shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Fayette and their officials from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, suits, causes of action, damages, injuries, costs, expenses, and liabilities whatsoever including attorney fees arising out of the actions or omissions of the operator or the operator's contractors concerning the construction or operation of the solar energy facility without limitation, whether said liability is premised on contract or tort. Owner's submittal for a building permit for a solar energy system shall constitute agreement to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Fayette and their officials.

  (N) Maintenance: All solar energy facilities shall be maintained in operational condition at all times, subject to reasonable maintenance and repair outages. Operational condition includes meeting all of the requirements in this section and permit conditions for a continuous 6 month period.

  1. Notice of Abandonment: The City of Fayette may issue a Notice of Abandonment to the owner of a solar energy system that is deemed not meeting the requirements or conditions associated with the solar energy system for a continuous 6 month period. The owner shall have the right to respond to the Notice within 30 days from receipt date. The Zoning Official shall withdraw the Notice and notify the owner that the Notice has been withdrawn should the owner provide satisfactory information that demonstrates the solar energy system has not been abandoned.

       ii. Removal: If the solar energy system is determined to be abandoned, the owner, at their sole expense, shall restore site to original condition and vegetation restored within 120 days. This determination shall include the requirements or conditions associated with the solar energy system not being met for a continuous 6 month period.

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