Sparta approves housing development

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Sparta will get more of a home town feeling as the result of actions taken by the Sparta City Council Monday, authorizing a new housing unit development, elimination of nuisance greenery, and planned road maintenance.

The council approved an application from Bud Slick Management for a planned housing unit development. The zoning board had previously recommended approval after reviewing preliminary plans for the project.

The council also approved an amendment to an ordinance on the plants and weeds code. The amendment allows the city to handle removal of nuisance greenery and weeds when land owners are not in compliance within 30 days.

Nuisance greenery includes dead trees, shrubbery blocking vision at intersections and along streets and roads, and much more, according to Corey Rheinecker, city coordinator. There have been a couple of issues recently in Sparta, he added, and issues like this arise in every community.

The annual resolution estimating the cost of maintenance of streets and highways was approved. The council's estimate for this year's costs is $92,239.90. The funding comes from the city's share of motor fuel tax revenue.

Three building permits were approved for: Diane Robertson at 323 West Park, John Presswood at 701 N. Maple, and Zanders Sporting Goods at 801 Broadway. Zanders is putting up a fence; the other permits are for erecting yard storage buildings.

In other business, the council appointed City Clerk Angela Peters as the city's agent for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.