Wednesday, November 26, 2008

BALLOON MUSEUM DITCH

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) turned down the city’s request to fund the restoration of the ditch that is deteriorating badly just north of the Balloon Museum on Highway 65/69. FEMA’s representatives indicate that since the soil is “fill”, the condition is pre-existing and therefore not eligible. The city’s position is that fill or not, the heavy rains in July caused the bank to cave in. It has been getting worse ever since.

The city intends appeal FEMA’s decision and in the meantime, council (on December 1) will consider a $20,000 proposal from Vanderpool Const. to restore the ditch for the time being. If FEMA’s decision is reversed, the culvert may be extended west from Hwy 65/69 to remedy the problem permanently.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Coming Soon: The New Online Communication System

A new online communication system will be available on your City web-site Monday, November 24th to allow citizens to communicate with City staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This system will allow service requests that will be routed automatically to the appropriate City department.

The system can be accessed at the City’s website which is www.cityofindianola.com. To submit a question, request for service or any other form of communication, simply left click the button or link that says “Make a Request”. You will be routed to a list of request topics which will help you find the appropriate request form. Next, select the appropriate topic and the list of request forms will appear. Once the correct request form is selected simply type in responses to the questions asked, or, enter information in the blank fields and click on the “continue” button at the bottom of the request form.

Finally, you will be given an opportunity to review and edit the information you entered before clicking on the “submit” button. Once the submit button is clicked the request immediately forwards to the department and the issue can be addressed in a timely manner.

Also, citizens will be able to follow up with their request by registering online and creating an account.

The benefit of the new system, is that citizens can communicate with city hall from their homes or work any time of day! Citizens do not have to drive anywhere or call to send a request and contacting the appropriate person to handle your request is done automatically.

Keep in mind, of course, our staff is always available to serve your needs in person at City Hall and the various City departments. This new online system just offers you an easier and more convenient way of contacting us.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Electronic Waste Facility

At their meeting on November 3, the city council approved a staff recommendation to use the Brush Facility (beginning April 2009)as an e-waste (tv's, monitors, computers, dvd's, printers, fax machines, video game systems, etc.) collection site for residential electronic waste. Project highlights include:

· City Staff will build a 10x10 building to store e-waste
· Building materials will be funded by the South Central Iowa Landfill
· The same hours as the brush facility will be used for e-waste
· A private hauler will remove e-waste on an as needed basis
· TV’s and monitors will have a disposal fee and other items will have no charge
· Residential use only (at least for the first year or two)

The concept stems from the successful e-waste event held last April and developed by Chris Longer. There is an obvious need for the program and offering disposal about 7 months (compared to 1 day) will be a significant benefit to residents. In addition, there is little cost since the building materials will be paid by the Landfill and facility hours will remain the same (as the Brush Facility).

Our hope is that residents will use the brush facility for another service with little or no charge. Electronic waste is not intended for landfill disposal due to potentially harmful elements. Look for more information in the months to come.