Bettendorf to decide how to replace Kauten

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By David Heitz | Saturday, June 28, 2008 |

The Bettendorf City Council will discuss Monday how to replace 1st Ward Alderman Keith Kauten, who resigned suddenly three weeks ago citing family reasons.

Council members could either appoint someone to the post or hold a special election. At the June 16 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, about half of the council members said

former Alderman Norm Voelliger is the clear choice for replacing Kauten. But Mayor Mike Freemire said he wanted to give the public time to offer their input on how Kauten should be replaced.

Freemire said Friday the overwhelming majority of residents who submitted written opinions on the issue have supported appointing Voelliger, who lost to Kauten in November by just 37 votes. Voelliger had spent more than 30 years in elected public service in the city. He said he would agree to be appointed or run again for the position.

Freemire said more than 40 letters have been received. “Three have called for a special election, or they have said, ‘Gosh, I don’t now who you’d appoint, but didn’t Norm just get voted out?’ The rest of them quite frankly have said ‘Reappoint Norm and be done with it,’” Freemire said.

Some who have written Freemire have said they do not want to spend the money on a special election, which could cost as much as $10,000. “Most people seem to be of the mindset that Norm’s a reasonable alternative and it’s not going to cost anything. A lot of the

comments have said his experience makes him effective on the job from day one.”

The council will discuss the issue at 5 p.m. at the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting in the council chambers of City Hall, 1609 State St. Council members will vote formally on the issue at their council meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Also Tuesday, the council will vote on a development agreement with McDonald Properties, Duck Creek Investors and the Northridge Group for redeveloping the former Joevan/Shopko property at Interstate 74 and Middle Road. The developer is asking for an 11-year, 100 percent TIF rebate totaling $2.47 million. In a TIF district, any new property taxes generated by a project can be rebated to the developer.

Developer Curtis McDonald will create a lifestyles center on the former site, which includes renovating the Shopko building, demolishing the smaller building and building five new retail structures. The 116,399-square-foot project is expected to cost $14.2 million and generate $225,000 in new taxes each year.

David Heitz can be contacted at (563) 383-2202 or dheitz@qctimes.com.