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1. Do I need a license to operate a business?

The city clerk issues licenses for the following:

• Auctioneering
• Billiard or pool hall
• Bowling alley
• Carnival
• Cigarette
• Circus
• Clairvoyant
• Fortune telling
• House moving
• Massage parlor
• Menagerie
• Motion picture show or exhibition
• Palm reading
• Pawn shop
• Pawnbroker
• Public exhibition of any kind
• Second Metals Dealer
• Secondhand Jewelry Dealer
• Sexually Oriented Business
• Show
• Skating rink
• Tattoo parlor

In addition, to serve or sell alcohol, a liquor license will be required. More information regarding liquor licensing is available at the State of Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.

Persons planning to open a business should also check with the Planning and Zoning Department to ensure the location is properly zoned.

Some businesses require a fire permit or place of assembly permit. Please check with the fire chief to determine if your business would require one.

2. I want to talk about something at a City Council meeting. How do I do that?

Citizens are always welcome to attend and speak at City Council meetings. If the item they wish to speak about is on the agenda, the mayor can ask for public comment at the time that item is discussed by the City Council. If the item is not on the agenda, there is a time during the meeting (usually at the beginning of the meeting), when persons are invited to speak regarding non-agenda items. All persons who speak at City Council meetings are requested to state their name and address prior to speaking.

3. When and where does the City Council meet?

Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm. Special sessions may be scheduled at different dates and/or times. The majority of the meetings are held at the City Council Chambers at City Hall at 811 Avenue E in Fort Madison. Some meetings may be held at different locations.

4. How do I find out who owns a property?

Information regarding property owners is available at the Lee County Treasurer’s office at 933 Avenue H. The telephone number is (319) 372-3405.