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.

Thank you to everyone for your generosity and helping to make the Fayette Police Department's Toy Drive a success! A total of 248 toys were donated. The toys were donated to Helping Services for Youth and Families and to Riverview Center who will provide them to multiple families in the area who are currently going through a tough time. Members of Upper Iowa University's Peacocks for Progress also helped with the Toy Drive.

Fayette Police Chief Ben Davis was also recognized by Helping Services for his outstanding work with domestic violence victims.

  

Left Picture: Fayette Mayor Andrew Wenthe and Deputy Clerk Anne Sellers. Right Picture: City Administrator/Clerk Kris McGrane and Deputy Clerk Anne Sellers.

Congratulations Deputy Clerk Anne Sellers on her retirement!  Some of the city employees, council members and Mayor Wenthe gave her a few things to do during retirement: Take care of a plant, drink some coffee and a little fun money.  Thank you, Anne, for your 17 years of service!

Fayette City Hall will be changing their office hours starting Monday, August 26th, 2019, to 8AM to 12:30PM and 3PM to 4PM until further notice.  Citizens may drop off any payments in the drop-box located next to the front door of City Hall.  Fayette offers citizens the option to pay utility bills online or automatic bank withdrawals.  For more information or to register for online or automatic bank withdrawal payments, contact City Hall at 563-425-4316 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  People may also pay their parking citations online.

(From the City of Fayette's Community Announcement E-mail, 8/14/19)

FAYETTE WATER & SEWER RATES:  As I mentioned in a previous email, the majority of the council have finished taking the necessary steps to update the monthly water and sewer rates as well as adjust the water/sewer capital improvement fee.  There were no changes to Recycling, Landfill, Yard Waste and Storm Water fees. The new changes are below:

   

Previous Rates/Fees

New Rates/Fees

Water

1st 150 Cubic Feet

$12 (minimum)

$15 (minimum)

 

All over 150 Cubic Feet

$0.046 per cubic foot

$0.055 per cubic foot

       

Sewer

1st 150 Cubic Feet

$18.45 (minimum)

$23 (minimum)

 

All over 150 Cubic Feet

$0.086 per cubic foot

$0.092 per cubic foot

       

Capital Fee

 

$10 per bill

2% of total cubic feet used per month, per account, with a minimum charge of $3 and maximum charge of $100 per month

We have quite a few residents that receive a minimum utility bill.  Here are the changes you will see:

Minimum Utility Bill

 

Previous

New

Water

150 c.f.

$12

$15

Sewer

150 c.f.

$18.45

$23

Recycling

 

$2

$2

Landfill

 

$4.55

$4.55

Yard Waste

 

$1.35

$1.35

Storm Water

 

$1

$1

Capital Fee

 

$10

$3

Water Tax (approx.)

 

$0.72

$0.90

 

 

 

 

Approximate Total

 

$50.07

$50.80

These changes will be reflected on your next utility bill that you will receive the beginning of September.

Why the changes?

The council reviewed the revenue for the water and sewer accounts after switching to monthly billing and found the monthly rates were too low.  The majority of the residents were paying less for their water and sewer than when the city was billing quarterly.  The council added a $10/month fee for future water and sewer capital improvements and that is the reason why residents saw an increase in their utility bills when we switched to monthly billing.

The majority of the council decided to replace the water and sewer capital improvements fee from a flat $10 per month, per account, to charging each account a fee of 2% of the water usage.  There would be a minimum fee of $3 per month and a maximum fee of $100 per month, per account.  The majority of the council felt this may be a fairer way to charge people because it will mostly be based off of water usage.  A few examples of what this would look like is:

      • If a utility user used 150 cubic feet of water or less in 1 month, they would be charged the minimum fee of $3 for that month. 
      • If a utility user used 250 cubic feet of water in 1 month, they would be charged a 2% fee of $5 for that month. 
      • If a utility user used 500 cubic feet of water in 1 month, they would be charged a 2% fee of $10 for that month. 
      • If a utility user used 1,000 cubic feet of water in 1 month, they would be charged a 2% fee of $20 for that month.
      • If a utility user used 5,000 cubic feet of water or more in 1 month, they would be charged the maximum fee of $100 for that month.

Many cities in our area have been charging some sort of a capital infrastructure/improvement fee on their utility bills so they can pay back some sort of water or sewer debt.  The City of Fayette currently has debt for our sewer system but has never implemented a capital fee because we’ve been fortunate enough to be able to pay back the debt with our current sewer rates.  The council felt it would be a great time to start charging a capital fee when we switched to monthly billing so we can start a fund for future water and sewer improvements.  The idea is to help build up a fund in hopes to avoid the city having to drastically increase rates or fees when a major water or sewer repair or improvement is needed.  We have witnessed neighboring communities have to do this and we are trying to avoid it from happening here in Fayette.  The council is looking out and preparing for the future of Fayette.  

I know I’ve mentioned this a few times, but I’ll say it again.  It is a tough job to have to manage the city’s water and sewer, such as making sure we are bringing in enough money to be able to pay all the expenses for providing water and sewer service to our community while saving for future necessities and repairing old infrastructure.  Raising rates and fees is not easy and affects all of us.  The price of everything continues to rise, including the chemicals, the testing and all the other expenses the city must provide to be able to offer you clean water and a sanitary sewer service.  If you have any questions, please reach out to the Mayor, a council member or me.

-Kris McGrane, City Administrator/Clerk

To sign-up for the City of Fayette's Community Email, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and ask to be added to the Community Email list.

   The Fayette City Council is hoping new construction incentives will bring new houses and businesses to Fayette.  At the July 15 council meeting, the council passed a Resolution offering some great construction incentives for new homes or new businesses.  The Council passed another Resolution clarifying some of these incentives that we will post soon.  The new construction incentives are listed below.  For more information, contact Fayette City Hall at 563-425-4316 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

NEW SINGLE AND FAMILY HOME BUILDERS & NEW COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION INCENTIVE PROGRAM JULY 15, 2019 - DECEMBER 31, 2020

INCENTIVE DESCRIPTION - INCENTIVE

  • *After Completion and Inspection of a new home or new business with an appraised value of $125,000 to $174,999* - receive $10,000.00
  • OR *After Completion and Inspection of a new home or new business with an appraised value of $175,000 or more* - receive $15,000.00
  • OR *After Completion and Inspection of a new home or new business with an appraised value of $175,000 or more constructed on land that required the demolition of a home or business of lesser value* - receive $20,000.00
  • OR *After Completion and Inspection of a new home or business with an appraised value of $124,999 or under, an annual rebate on CITY Property Taxes for three (3) years (up to $700 per year)* - receive up to $2,100.00 in tax rebates
  • **Water/Sewer Connection Fees waived per city hook-up** - receive up to $150.00  

*Note:  Only the first three qualified new homes or new businesses constructed and inspected will receive the incentives per calendar year.

**Note:  Property owners in the new Westfield Addition on Stone Man Court are required to pay a sewer connection fee of $1,000, per Chapter 100 of the City Code.

There is no place like home. And there is no place like Fayette.

11 S. Main Street

563.425.4316

info@fayetteiowa.com

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