The Lone Tree city council met on July 10, a week later than normal due to the holidays, to discuss a brief number of topics. The big one was approving mural work for both North Park and Dougherty Park with artist Drew Etienne of Indiana, who is currently living in Iowa City for school. 

The murals will be painted at the outhouses in each park. One park will don a patriotic theme, with one wall featuring the Statue of Liberty, whereas the other park will tap into Lone Tree’s natural side, with an image of grass, flowers and butterflies. 

Etienne will begin work on the murals as early as next week (July 17-23). 

In other good news, the council approved Fall Festival which will have no layout changes from previous years. Fall Festival will be held Aug. 25-27. 

Water tower cleaning has been completed and is appreciated by Lone Tree residents and folks passing through town.

Potential ordinance change and tax vote

As an update to their meeting a month ago, the council is considering an ordinance change that would allow the city to apply for the catalyst grant for $100,000. The ordinance would change zoning areas to encourage more business in downtown Lone Tree. The ordinance is still in the early stages of development. 

It would “prohibit first story dwellings in C-1 commercial zoning district,” to accomplish it’s goal.

The council also approved resolution 2023-L, which is a local option sales tax referendum that will be on the voting ballot in November. It is a “proposition authorizing imposition of a local sales and service tax in the City of Lone Tree, Iowa, at one percent (1%).” It would be effective July 1, 2025, and the tax would 100% go towards “community improvement.” Examples listed include streets/curbs, gutter, water, sewer, storm sewer, parks and more.

The Lone Tree City Council will next meet Aug. 7 at 5: 30 p.m. in City Hall.