Members of the Marshall City Council joined two members of the public in calling for a meeting between city officials and contractors dealing with slow turnaround times for the issuance of building permits.

The council’s request came from second ward alderman Jim Papreck, following a pair of complaints made during public comment about losing weeks on building projects because of slow responses to permit applications. City administrator JD Kehrman acknowledged the delays involving IBTS, the outside firm handling the city’s building permits.

A meeting with contractors took place in June, a month after Marshall eliminated their in-house inspection and code enforcement positions. A second meeting had been scheduled for late September but was cancelled. Kehrman says the city will go forward with finding a date in January for a rescheduled meeting, where contractors can visit with a representative from IBTS.

In other action, the Marshall City Council approved on second reading two ordinances. One amended city code to update regulations concerning sanitary sewer service, while the other added Lyon Street from Arrow to High as an emergency snow route. The council also approved a liquor license to Fresh Ideas Management for liquor by the drink, and agreed to a pair of appointments. Melissa Hughes will join the Marshall Housing Authority for a four-year term ending October 2029, while Chuck Hines will remain on the Board of Public Works for another four-year term that ends the following January.