ESTHERVILLE, IA (Northwestiowanow) —The Estherville City Council moved forward with several key power plant repairs as well as fixing a zoning error Monday.

During the regular city council meeting on Monday, January 19, City Administrator Penny Clayton says the council proceeded with several maintenance items at the city’s electric power plant.

 

After the test run, Clayton says the city learned there was more work ahead.

 

 

Because Units 4 and 5 are the same age and condition, the council decided that the smartest long-term move was to replace both at once, preventing any future breakdowns and contamination issues.

Clayton also noted the importance of getting Unit 5 back online as soon as possible.

 

 

Beyond power plant issues, the council also corrected a zoning code error dating back to a 2017 update. The update had accidentally removed “hospital medical services” as a permitted use in the R-3 residential district. The oversight was discovered recently when the hospital submitted a building permit request.

The correction will restore the intended zoning allowance and ensures the hospital’s request can move forward.