1. FEBRUARY COMMITTEE: Agenda items for the February 9 meeting include the city hall renovation project review, Library Strategic Plan update and discussion of minimum lot sizes.
2. SQUARE REVOLVING LOAN: A loan application (packet) for $7,700 has been received for repairs to the Harlan building (102 S. Howard) located on the southeast side of the square. It will be placed on the February 17 agenda.
The loan fund was established in 2001 from a $50,000 USDA grant and $25,000 local match and is intended to stimulate square improvements.
3. I&I: Council will consider an application to the State Revolving Loan Fund for our Infiltration and Inflow costs. The schedule is anticipated as follows:
February 17th Set public hearing on proposal loan
March 2nd Public hearing& approve resolution authorizing
Additional action on loan
March 16 or April 6 Approve loan & authorize issuance of loan
The SRLF provides funding at 3.25% interest.
4. TRAILS CLUB: Indianola Parks and Rec along with Warren County Conservation are conducting a Bike and Trails Club Interest Meeting on February 4 at 7:00 pm at the Activity Center.
5. WARREN HOTEL: The loose brick has been removed and a rubber barrier has been installed for weather protection. We have reopened the alley to traffic. There will be a lien placed against the property (in foreclosure) in an amount of less than $6,000 cost.
6. FEBRUARY 17: Our next council meeting will be on the 17th due to Presidents Day. Mark your calendars.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
News Items - January 26, 2009
1. EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: 2008’s Employee of the Year is Kathy Kester who is the Marketing Coordinator at Park and Rec. Congratulations Kathy! In your packet is a copy of the nomination.
2. STIMULUS PACKAGE: None of our road projects will qualify for the federal stimulus package because they are not shovel-ready, and, due to IDOT right-of-way acquisition processes (quite lengthy), they cannot be ready in time. That means Indianola will not qualify for the near-$494,000 allocation that CIRTPA would have paid based on their $7 million federal allotment.
There is good news, however. Based on CIRTPA discussions thus far, the $494,000 will be available to Indianola thru the (normal) TEA-21 allotment in FY 10/11. The idea is that those cities/counties without “ready” projects will not lose stimulus $$. Rather, it will just be delayed.
3. RACE CARS: Our attorney Hugh Cain reports the Summary Judgment hearing on the 21st went ok. However, he is concerned about several questions from the judge regarding P&Z’s lack of ordinance review. Hugh argued that the ordinance was not a re-zoning requiring a P&Z recommendation. Rather, he argued that the ordinance is a police action and therefore free of P&Z review.
Hugh nevertheless feels the judge may rule the ordinance is not valid (may take a couple months). As such, I have asked Chuck Burgin to restart the process by taking it to P&Z in February. Council will then receive P&Z’s recommendation and initiate the public hearing and 2 additional readings in March/April. Let me know if you have questions or comments.
4. POOL BALANCES: The 3-year balances are shown below:
Year June December
2008 $49,732.21 ($43,836.36)
2007 $48,761.32 ($19,256.05)
2006 $43,415.85 ($23,379.33)
5. RECREATION HOURLY RATES: Glen has provided the enclosed tables.
6. FEBRUARY 2: Steve is unable to attend the meeting on the 2nd.
7. WARREN HOTEL: After a thorough inspection, the brick veneer is falling and not the building. Therefore, it is our intent to simply remove the damage area and waterproof it. Chuck received three quotes to complete the work that should be complete by the end of next week.
8. FEBRUARY 17: Another reminder council meets on Tuesday, February 17 due to Presidents Day on the 16th. Steve will be on the DC trip and unable to attend.
9. E CYCLE FACILITY: In April the city will sponsor Earth Day events including the kick-off of the E-Cycle operation at the Brush Facility. Given the promotion of the facility, I will recommend council waive the tv/monitor fees that week in order to get residents to use the program. The item will be placed on a February agenda.
FYI – MCG of Oskaloosa volunteered to contribution to the e-cycle program thereby reducing city expense.
10. W BOSTON SEWER: In previous news items the multiple-tap sewer issue has been discussed including a meeting with affected property owners (including W Ashland). The owners on Boston are requesting a sewer main replacement this spring so I will have V&K design a project. Estimated cost is about $50,000 and I anticipate using utility billing as a method of owner re-payment.
FYI—The city did a very similar project on Howard just north of Iowa Avenue in 2007.
11. THANK YOU: In your packet is an e-mail from Michelle Hinrich, thanking the street department for doing a great job of clearing the snow on the square.
2. STIMULUS PACKAGE: None of our road projects will qualify for the federal stimulus package because they are not shovel-ready, and, due to IDOT right-of-way acquisition processes (quite lengthy), they cannot be ready in time. That means Indianola will not qualify for the near-$494,000 allocation that CIRTPA would have paid based on their $7 million federal allotment.
There is good news, however. Based on CIRTPA discussions thus far, the $494,000 will be available to Indianola thru the (normal) TEA-21 allotment in FY 10/11. The idea is that those cities/counties without “ready” projects will not lose stimulus $$. Rather, it will just be delayed.
3. RACE CARS: Our attorney Hugh Cain reports the Summary Judgment hearing on the 21st went ok. However, he is concerned about several questions from the judge regarding P&Z’s lack of ordinance review. Hugh argued that the ordinance was not a re-zoning requiring a P&Z recommendation. Rather, he argued that the ordinance is a police action and therefore free of P&Z review.
Hugh nevertheless feels the judge may rule the ordinance is not valid (may take a couple months). As such, I have asked Chuck Burgin to restart the process by taking it to P&Z in February. Council will then receive P&Z’s recommendation and initiate the public hearing and 2 additional readings in March/April. Let me know if you have questions or comments.
4. POOL BALANCES: The 3-year balances are shown below:
Year June December
2008 $49,732.21 ($43,836.36)
2007 $48,761.32 ($19,256.05)
2006 $43,415.85 ($23,379.33)
5. RECREATION HOURLY RATES: Glen has provided the enclosed tables.
6. FEBRUARY 2: Steve is unable to attend the meeting on the 2nd.
7. WARREN HOTEL: After a thorough inspection, the brick veneer is falling and not the building. Therefore, it is our intent to simply remove the damage area and waterproof it. Chuck received three quotes to complete the work that should be complete by the end of next week.
8. FEBRUARY 17: Another reminder council meets on Tuesday, February 17 due to Presidents Day on the 16th. Steve will be on the DC trip and unable to attend.
9. E CYCLE FACILITY: In April the city will sponsor Earth Day events including the kick-off of the E-Cycle operation at the Brush Facility. Given the promotion of the facility, I will recommend council waive the tv/monitor fees that week in order to get residents to use the program. The item will be placed on a February agenda.
FYI – MCG of Oskaloosa volunteered to contribution to the e-cycle program thereby reducing city expense.
10. W BOSTON SEWER: In previous news items the multiple-tap sewer issue has been discussed including a meeting with affected property owners (including W Ashland). The owners on Boston are requesting a sewer main replacement this spring so I will have V&K design a project. Estimated cost is about $50,000 and I anticipate using utility billing as a method of owner re-payment.
FYI—The city did a very similar project on Howard just north of Iowa Avenue in 2007.
11. THANK YOU: In your packet is an e-mail from Michelle Hinrich, thanking the street department for doing a great job of clearing the snow on the square.
Friday, January 16, 2009
News Items - January 20, 2009
1. WARREN HOTEL: Chuck Burgin received written permission and access to the building this week. Newman Brothers has been hired to stabilize the wall and is scheduled to begin work Monday. The cost will be assessed to the building.
2. CITY HALL RENOVATION: Staff met with Shive Hattery’s Mark Allen on the 15th to review renovation issues/concepts. We plan to meet again in early February to continue the process. A recommendation will then be brought to the February 9 committee.
Major elements include roof replacement, heating/air conditioning replacement, tuck pointing,
The idea is to get elected official approval in the next two months and bid the estimated $750,000 project in March or April. 27 cents of our current $11.65 tax rate (and future tax rates) is allocated to retire the capital loan note that will pay the project cost.
3. FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE: We have submitted the following projects to the League or CIRTPA:
W Hwy 92 Widening from “R” thru R-63 $7,000,000
I&I Removal Phases 1&2 $3,000,000
Balloon Museum Ditch $ 300,000
W Hwy 92 Sanitary Sewer $ 350,000
North “Y” Street $1,000,000
I have been told by IDOT officials that W Hwy 92 is not a good candidate because obtaining right-of-way would take too long using the state process.
4. STRIP MALL: Chuck Burgin and I met with developers interested in a 15,000’ retail building on Hwy 65/69 adjacent to Wal-Mart. The property has some significant grade issues and related development costs so they are requesting TIF assistance. The development size (acres and tax base) does not qualify for TIF according to our policy, however, it does qualify for tax abatement.
As an alternate to abating the taxes, we may recommend that council approve a reimbursement of the taxes paid over a 5-year period. The affect for the city is nearly the same and it has greater benefit for the developer. Estimated taxes over a 5-year period are $175,000 to $200,000 that could be abated or reimbursed.
5. NUCKOLLS: There is a rumor the W Euclid Paving Contractor, Nuckolls Concrete Services, is filing bankruptcy. I have asked V&K’s Forrest Aldrich to determine the affect on our contract and project assuming it is true. Will keep you posted.
6. MINIMUM LOT SIZE: You have P&Z and Chuck Burgin’s recommendation on a minimum lot size ordinance. It will be placed on the February 9 committee agenda for review prior to formal council consideration.
7. CAF: The school submitted plans for developing their practice field into a formal football/track facility (see plan). As part of the process, such development would require paving the parking lot. However, given the council’s agreement to delay until 2011, I would not expect the requirement to be enforced. The school will likely re-affirm their request at a future council meeting.
8. SALARY/BENEFITS: You have information provided by RoxAnne Hunerdosse showing an average employee salary and benefits. Totals are shown as well.
Jim Hanks is scheduled for January 26th at 6:00 p.m. in a joint meeting with the trustees.
9. PRESIDENTS DAY: The February 16 council meeting will move to the 17th in honor of Presidents Day. Mark your calendars!
2. CITY HALL RENOVATION: Staff met with Shive Hattery’s Mark Allen on the 15th to review renovation issues/concepts. We plan to meet again in early February to continue the process. A recommendation will then be brought to the February 9 committee.
Major elements include roof replacement, heating/air conditioning replacement, tuck pointing,
The idea is to get elected official approval in the next two months and bid the estimated $750,000 project in March or April. 27 cents of our current $11.65 tax rate (and future tax rates) is allocated to retire the capital loan note that will pay the project cost.
3. FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE: We have submitted the following projects to the League or CIRTPA:
W Hwy 92 Widening from “R” thru R-63 $7,000,000
I&I Removal Phases 1&2 $3,000,000
Balloon Museum Ditch $ 300,000
W Hwy 92 Sanitary Sewer $ 350,000
North “Y” Street $1,000,000
I have been told by IDOT officials that W Hwy 92 is not a good candidate because obtaining right-of-way would take too long using the state process.
4. STRIP MALL: Chuck Burgin and I met with developers interested in a 15,000’ retail building on Hwy 65/69 adjacent to Wal-Mart. The property has some significant grade issues and related development costs so they are requesting TIF assistance. The development size (acres and tax base) does not qualify for TIF according to our policy, however, it does qualify for tax abatement.
As an alternate to abating the taxes, we may recommend that council approve a reimbursement of the taxes paid over a 5-year period. The affect for the city is nearly the same and it has greater benefit for the developer. Estimated taxes over a 5-year period are $175,000 to $200,000 that could be abated or reimbursed.
5. NUCKOLLS: There is a rumor the W Euclid Paving Contractor, Nuckolls Concrete Services, is filing bankruptcy. I have asked V&K’s Forrest Aldrich to determine the affect on our contract and project assuming it is true. Will keep you posted.
6. MINIMUM LOT SIZE: You have P&Z and Chuck Burgin’s recommendation on a minimum lot size ordinance. It will be placed on the February 9 committee agenda for review prior to formal council consideration.
7. CAF: The school submitted plans for developing their practice field into a formal football/track facility (see plan). As part of the process, such development would require paving the parking lot. However, given the council’s agreement to delay until 2011, I would not expect the requirement to be enforced. The school will likely re-affirm their request at a future council meeting.
8. SALARY/BENEFITS: You have information provided by RoxAnne Hunerdosse showing an average employee salary and benefits. Totals are shown as well.
Jim Hanks is scheduled for January 26th at 6:00 p.m. in a joint meeting with the trustees.
9. PRESIDENTS DAY: The February 16 council meeting will move to the 17th in honor of Presidents Day. Mark your calendars!
Friday, January 9, 2009
News Items - January 12, 2009
1. BUDGET: Based on preliminary information from department directors, Laurie Hebl and Todd Kielkopf are projecting the tax rate at $11.65 (same as this year). The affect on a $150,000 home is a $24 increase ($771 to $795) or about 3% which results in a rollback change from 44.1% to 44.5%.
2. RECYCLING: City Clerk Diana Bowlin and I met with McCoy Sanitation reps on the 7th to discuss the elimination of the recycle trucks and use a normal garbage truck to pick up and haul co-mingled (single-stream) recyclables to Mid-America Recycle (same place recyclables are hauled to now). There is no change proposed for the residential bins.
According to Jeff McCoy, the change reduces the number of times recyclables are handled and will eliminate two staff positions. In addition, the market for paper/cardboard, metal and glass has fallen significantly.
While the concept has merit, the main issue is how to mark a garbage truck so it is readily recognized as a recycle truck. The purpose is to relieve resident concern that recyclables are in fact recycled instead of taken to the landfill (at a cost of $3/month). Jeff is willing to either paint the truck a different color and/or designate it with recycle emblems in order to clearly distinguish it. In addition, landfill staff can be directed to not allow these recycle trucks to unload.
The process McCoy wants to use was adopted by Des Moines last fall.
The item will be placed on a February council agenda for discussion.
3. “Y” STREET PAVING: Given the President’s proposed economic stimulus package that will spend billions on infrastructure, it may be a good time to begin the paving process on “Y” Street. In today’s climate competitive bids are anticipated. But, in 6-12 months that climate may change if there are billions of dollars spent on infrastructure.
I’ll ask for mayor/council input to proceed at the January 20 meeting .
The obvious holdup is the W Euclid lawsuit. However, our court date is scheduled for May 6 and a judgment should be provided within a few weeks thereafter. It will take several months to hire an engineer and draft a plan/spec, so timing will be appropriate to develop an assessment schedule consistent with a judge's decision.
FYI – I received an e-mail from Nick Adams who wants to address the mayor/council about “Y” Street’s condition. Nick will be on the January 20 agenda.
4. WARREN HOTEL: As of January 8, 2009 the owner of record has not picked up the notice to repair the building. Chuck is working with John Hoyman to gain access into the building for a contractor to make the necessary repairs estimated at $9,000. The cost will be placed as a lien against the property.
5. PART TIME STAFF: In your packet is RoxAnne Hunerdosse’s calculation for 2 part timers ($14/hr) to clean city hall. Our current annual cost is approximately $50,000 and includes cleaning supplies. Forty hours/week compares to the 7 hours/day (2 contract workers) plus weekend hours provided by the contractor.
Based on the above, and in addition to the quality of the cleaning, I prefer to stay with our current service.
6. BALLOON MUSEUM DITCH: FEMA denied our restoration claim so Chuck Burgin and Mindi Robinson are pursuing the appeal. They have additional costs from Vanderpool (temporary restoration) and a letter regarding permanent restoration from Allender-Butzke that has been forwarded to FEMA and the State. Unfortunately we are not too optimistic about a FEMA subsidized permanent solution. We plan to continue with the repair project with the anticipation FEMA will approve the additional cost.
7. TUESDAY MEETING: If you haven’t done so, mark your calendar for Tuesday the 20th for the next meeting. MLK is Monday the 19th.
FYI—Pete is unable to attend the meeting so there will be 5 council members.
8. TIF DISTRICT EXPANSION: As referenced in the December 8 council study memo, Chuck Burgin and Laurie Hebl are working on the legal aspect of expanding the Hillcrest Tax Increment Finance District. The process stems from the TIF request from Kathleen Picken and we are recommending an expansion south (along Hwy 65/69) to Franklin (see map).
The revised preliminary schedule is as follows:
· February 2 – council sets hearing and refers to Planning & Zoning Commission
· February 10 – P&Z review
· Consultation with other taxing entities prior to February 27th
· March 16 – public hearing and adoption
The item will be placed on the February 2nd agenda to begin the process.
9. RACE CARS: The Summary Judgment hearing is scheduled on January 21 at 1:30 pm at the courthouse.
10. RAGBRAI: No word on our request for an overnight stop.
11. MILEAGE RATE: The rate per the IRS has decreased from 58.5/mile cents to 55/mile cents and we have adjusted accordingly.
2. RECYCLING: City Clerk Diana Bowlin and I met with McCoy Sanitation reps on the 7th to discuss the elimination of the recycle trucks and use a normal garbage truck to pick up and haul co-mingled (single-stream) recyclables to Mid-America Recycle (same place recyclables are hauled to now). There is no change proposed for the residential bins.
According to Jeff McCoy, the change reduces the number of times recyclables are handled and will eliminate two staff positions. In addition, the market for paper/cardboard, metal and glass has fallen significantly.
While the concept has merit, the main issue is how to mark a garbage truck so it is readily recognized as a recycle truck. The purpose is to relieve resident concern that recyclables are in fact recycled instead of taken to the landfill (at a cost of $3/month). Jeff is willing to either paint the truck a different color and/or designate it with recycle emblems in order to clearly distinguish it. In addition, landfill staff can be directed to not allow these recycle trucks to unload.
The process McCoy wants to use was adopted by Des Moines last fall.
The item will be placed on a February council agenda for discussion.
3. “Y” STREET PAVING: Given the President’s proposed economic stimulus package that will spend billions on infrastructure, it may be a good time to begin the paving process on “Y” Street. In today’s climate competitive bids are anticipated. But, in 6-12 months that climate may change if there are billions of dollars spent on infrastructure.
I’ll ask for mayor/council input to proceed at the January 20 meeting .
The obvious holdup is the W Euclid lawsuit. However, our court date is scheduled for May 6 and a judgment should be provided within a few weeks thereafter. It will take several months to hire an engineer and draft a plan/spec, so timing will be appropriate to develop an assessment schedule consistent with a judge's decision.
FYI – I received an e-mail from Nick Adams who wants to address the mayor/council about “Y” Street’s condition. Nick will be on the January 20 agenda.
4. WARREN HOTEL: As of January 8, 2009 the owner of record has not picked up the notice to repair the building. Chuck is working with John Hoyman to gain access into the building for a contractor to make the necessary repairs estimated at $9,000. The cost will be placed as a lien against the property.
5. PART TIME STAFF: In your packet is RoxAnne Hunerdosse’s calculation for 2 part timers ($14/hr) to clean city hall. Our current annual cost is approximately $50,000 and includes cleaning supplies. Forty hours/week compares to the 7 hours/day (2 contract workers) plus weekend hours provided by the contractor.
Based on the above, and in addition to the quality of the cleaning, I prefer to stay with our current service.
6. BALLOON MUSEUM DITCH: FEMA denied our restoration claim so Chuck Burgin and Mindi Robinson are pursuing the appeal. They have additional costs from Vanderpool (temporary restoration) and a letter regarding permanent restoration from Allender-Butzke that has been forwarded to FEMA and the State. Unfortunately we are not too optimistic about a FEMA subsidized permanent solution. We plan to continue with the repair project with the anticipation FEMA will approve the additional cost.
7. TUESDAY MEETING: If you haven’t done so, mark your calendar for Tuesday the 20th for the next meeting. MLK is Monday the 19th.
FYI—Pete is unable to attend the meeting so there will be 5 council members.
8. TIF DISTRICT EXPANSION: As referenced in the December 8 council study memo, Chuck Burgin and Laurie Hebl are working on the legal aspect of expanding the Hillcrest Tax Increment Finance District. The process stems from the TIF request from Kathleen Picken and we are recommending an expansion south (along Hwy 65/69) to Franklin (see map).
The revised preliminary schedule is as follows:
· February 2 – council sets hearing and refers to Planning & Zoning Commission
· February 10 – P&Z review
· Consultation with other taxing entities prior to February 27th
· March 16 – public hearing and adoption
The item will be placed on the February 2nd agenda to begin the process.
9. RACE CARS: The Summary Judgment hearing is scheduled on January 21 at 1:30 pm at the courthouse.
10. RAGBRAI: No word on our request for an overnight stop.
11. MILEAGE RATE: The rate per the IRS has decreased from 58.5/mile cents to 55/mile cents and we have adjusted accordingly.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Digital Television Transition
Representative of the Federal Communications Commission to Visit Indianola to Explain the Digital Television Transition
If you receive your television signals by way of an antenna – as opposed to cable or satellite – there are several steps you will need to take to keep receiving signals after February 17. It is on that date that television stations nationwide will move to only-digital broadcasts. Mark Berlin of the Federal Communications Commission will hold a public forum at the Indianola City Hall, 110 N. First Street on Wednesday evening, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. to explain the transition and answer whatever questions the public might have.
Digital broadcasting allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, and digital is much more efficient than analog signals, which is how we have previously received television signals. For example, rather than being limited to providing one analog program per channel at a time, digital will allow as many as four programs at the same time. This means more programming choices for viewers. But if your television set is not equipped to receive digital signals, you will lose all television service on February 17. Everyone will have three choices. First, if you receive the Des Moines television stations by cable or satellite, you will likely continue to receive them after the transition, although there are some small cable systems in rural areas that may not have installed digital equipment. Also, if you have recently purchased a new digitally tuned television set, you will also be in good shape. But if you receive your television signals through a roof-top antenna or “rabbit-ears” antenna, you are going to need to take some action in order to continue receiving signals.
Mr. Berlin will take applications on-the-spot for free governmental $40 coupons for digital converter boxes. He will also give suggestions on the type of converter box you should get and will explain how to connect it to your television. If you are in the affected group, it is important that you act now. Government coupons will only be available until March 31, and it is also expected that manufacturers will not be making many converter boxes after that time. So if you don’t act soon, you may be left with no television signals at all. Even if you won’t be adversely affected by the digital television transition, if you know people who are, you should attend to get information for them.
If you receive your television signals by way of an antenna – as opposed to cable or satellite – there are several steps you will need to take to keep receiving signals after February 17. It is on that date that television stations nationwide will move to only-digital broadcasts. Mark Berlin of the Federal Communications Commission will hold a public forum at the Indianola City Hall, 110 N. First Street on Wednesday evening, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. to explain the transition and answer whatever questions the public might have.
Digital broadcasting allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, and digital is much more efficient than analog signals, which is how we have previously received television signals. For example, rather than being limited to providing one analog program per channel at a time, digital will allow as many as four programs at the same time. This means more programming choices for viewers. But if your television set is not equipped to receive digital signals, you will lose all television service on February 17. Everyone will have three choices. First, if you receive the Des Moines television stations by cable or satellite, you will likely continue to receive them after the transition, although there are some small cable systems in rural areas that may not have installed digital equipment. Also, if you have recently purchased a new digitally tuned television set, you will also be in good shape. But if you receive your television signals through a roof-top antenna or “rabbit-ears” antenna, you are going to need to take some action in order to continue receiving signals.
Mr. Berlin will take applications on-the-spot for free governmental $40 coupons for digital converter boxes. He will also give suggestions on the type of converter box you should get and will explain how to connect it to your television. If you are in the affected group, it is important that you act now. Government coupons will only be available until March 31, and it is also expected that manufacturers will not be making many converter boxes after that time. So if you don’t act soon, you may be left with no television signals at all. Even if you won’t be adversely affected by the digital television transition, if you know people who are, you should attend to get information for them.
Friday, January 2, 2009
News Items - January 2, 2009
1. WARREN HOTEL: A nuisance to abate (by January 4) was issued to the Warren Hotel owner regarding the exterior wall. The alley is still closed and will remain so until the building has been inspected. The building has also been unoccupied since October 22.
Chuck Burgin contacted Neumann Brothers and they are prepared to assist with an inspection and possible repair as necessary.
2. GREEN CONSTRUCTION: Members of the Sustainability Committee including Chuck Burgin, Steve Grey, Mindi Robinson and myself met to discuss green construction methods the city could require in order to obtain tax abatement. Some of the methods include smaller lot sizes, fly ash in concrete, recycled exterior coverings, recycled roof materials, added insulation, enhanced windows, use of local products, water gardens, hot water pipe insulation and solar energy.
This group will meet again in mid-January to develop a recommendation for the entire committee’s review and eventual recommendation to council.
3. HEALTH INSURANCE POOL: December’s balance is at $609,500.
4. NEGOTIATIONS: The first meetings will be the 5th and 8th next week and Jim Hanks indicates they’ll be a good barometer for voluntary settlements.
5. CONTRACT MOWING: In your packet is information from Glen Cowan regarding in-house mowing and contract mowing costs for 2009. Note that only five properties are mowed by our staff since contract mowing is so competitive.
1. WARREN HOTEL: A nuisance to abate (by January 4) was issued to the Warren Hotel owner regarding the exterior wall. The alley is still closed and will remain so until the building has been inspected. The building has also been unoccupied since October 22.
Chuck Burgin contacted Neumann Brothers and they are prepared to assist with an inspection and possible repair as necessary.
2. GREEN CONSTRUCTION: Members of the Sustainability Committee including Chuck Burgin, Steve Grey, Mindi Robinson and myself met to discuss green construction methods the city could require in order to obtain tax abatement. Some of the methods include smaller lot sizes, fly ash in concrete, recycled exterior coverings, recycled roof materials, added insulation, enhanced windows, use of local products, water gardens, hot water pipe insulation and solar energy.
This group will meet again in mid-January to develop a recommendation for the entire committee’s review and eventual recommendation to council.
3. HEALTH INSURANCE POOL: December’s balance is at $609,500.
4. NEGOTIATIONS: The first meetings will be the 5th and 8th next week and Jim Hanks indicates they’ll be a good barometer for voluntary settlements.
5. CONTRACT MOWING: In your packet is information from Glen Cowan regarding in-house mowing and contract mowing costs for 2009. Note that only five properties are mowed by our staff since contract mowing is so competitive.
Happy New Year to All!!
Thank you to all readers of this blog. It is just one way we can communicate with the general public. Beginning today, I will put what is called News Items on this blog. News items are a weekly summary of projects, programs and any other items of interest for our mayor and city council. I am hopeful you will find them informative, interesting and worth reading.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, please contact me at city hall.
Thank you to all readers of this blog. It is just one way we can communicate with the general public. Beginning today, I will put what is called News Items on this blog. News items are a weekly summary of projects, programs and any other items of interest for our mayor and city council. I am hopeful you will find them informative, interesting and worth reading.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, please contact me at city hall.
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