Urbandale City Manager Position
By now, many or all of you have read about my being a candidate for Urbandale's (vacant) city manager position. It is therefore important to me to let you all know that I am in no way dissatisfied with my position here. I truly enjoy Indianola and my job.
However, and unfortunately, in the city management profession for one to move up, one must move out. There are no alternatives.
About two months ago, I received several calls from the hiring consultant doing the work for Urbandale. They asked me to consider applying and felt I would be a very good match for Urbandale's qualifications.
After much thought and many discussions with my wife, I decided to apply. The interviews are on Monday, May 4 and there are 4 other very qualified candidates from across the country. I actually feel fortunate to have made the list of 5 from a field of 65 applicants.
My goal at this point is to do well in the interview and see what happens. It will be a learning experience for Urbandale officials as well as myself.
Thanks for taking the time to read this blog now and in the past and I promise to keep you informed as to any decisions.
Friday, April 17, 2009
News Items - April 20, 2009
1. RESTROOM: Given the anticipated use of Salem Court (alley on south side of the square), the Park Dept intends to put a portable restroom in the parking lot across from the American Legion Hall (see map). It will be enclosed and maintained on a weekly basis. The KIB Salem Court Committee will pay the monthly fee.
2. TRAILER: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin has been approached (see letter) by someone interested in setting a trailer on 109 S. Jefferson (former used car lot) to sell barbeque food (see request). The trailer is similar to those seen at a state fair or other similar venues.
The transient merchant ordinance only allows 60 days (definition of transient) but the owner wants a much longer period. However, because it has human occupation, it falls under the building code that has requirements including wind load, tire/wheel removal, etc. The requirements are more than the owners are willing to comply with.
They consequently have asked to be on a council agenda to request council approval of either waiving the building code requirements, or, extending the transient merchant 60-day period.
3. COMP PLAN UPDATE: Request for proposals will be received on April 21 and a recommendation presented to council on May 18.
4. SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: As written previously, the Sustainable Committee is reviewing residential tax abatement as a condition of sustainable construction (extra insulation, low-e glass, 40-year roof shingles, programmable thermostats, etc.). Chuck Burgin and I met with several local builders and received a positive response.
A recommendation will be presented to elected officials in 60-90 days.
5. DC TRIP: Todd Kielkopf reports Chris Boone will attend the Partnership’s annual Washington DC trip June 10-12.
6. SOFTBALL LIGHTING: At their meeting on the 15th, the P&R Commission approved a lighting plan for Pickard Youth Softball fields. Part of the plan involves a loan from the city and in-kind services from IMU. It will be brought to council at the May 4th council meeting.
7. TAX REVENUES: Revenues are down over 2% from this time last year.
8. I&I: A neighborhood meeting (see area map) for properties in northwest service area number 2 will be held at Irving Elementary on April 28 at 7:00 pm.
9. STORM SIREN: Brian Seymour reports the storm siren located at Indianola Municipal Utilities has failed and will be replaced as soon as possible.
10. HYDRANTS: The Water Dept will flush hydrants from April 28 thru May 8.
11. PICKEN DEVELOPMENT: Progress continues on this potential development. Community Development Director Chuck Burgin anticipates a plat to be submitted to Planning and Zoning for their May 12th meeting.
2. TRAILER: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin has been approached (see letter) by someone interested in setting a trailer on 109 S. Jefferson (former used car lot) to sell barbeque food (see request). The trailer is similar to those seen at a state fair or other similar venues.
The transient merchant ordinance only allows 60 days (definition of transient) but the owner wants a much longer period. However, because it has human occupation, it falls under the building code that has requirements including wind load, tire/wheel removal, etc. The requirements are more than the owners are willing to comply with.
They consequently have asked to be on a council agenda to request council approval of either waiving the building code requirements, or, extending the transient merchant 60-day period.
3. COMP PLAN UPDATE: Request for proposals will be received on April 21 and a recommendation presented to council on May 18.
4. SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: As written previously, the Sustainable Committee is reviewing residential tax abatement as a condition of sustainable construction (extra insulation, low-e glass, 40-year roof shingles, programmable thermostats, etc.). Chuck Burgin and I met with several local builders and received a positive response.
A recommendation will be presented to elected officials in 60-90 days.
5. DC TRIP: Todd Kielkopf reports Chris Boone will attend the Partnership’s annual Washington DC trip June 10-12.
6. SOFTBALL LIGHTING: At their meeting on the 15th, the P&R Commission approved a lighting plan for Pickard Youth Softball fields. Part of the plan involves a loan from the city and in-kind services from IMU. It will be brought to council at the May 4th council meeting.
7. TAX REVENUES: Revenues are down over 2% from this time last year.
8. I&I: A neighborhood meeting (see area map) for properties in northwest service area number 2 will be held at Irving Elementary on April 28 at 7:00 pm.
9. STORM SIREN: Brian Seymour reports the storm siren located at Indianola Municipal Utilities has failed and will be replaced as soon as possible.
10. HYDRANTS: The Water Dept will flush hydrants from April 28 thru May 8.
11. PICKEN DEVELOPMENT: Progress continues on this potential development. Community Development Director Chuck Burgin anticipates a plat to be submitted to Planning and Zoning for their May 12th meeting.
Friday, April 10, 2009
News Items - April 13, 2009
1. DC TRIP: Council packets include an update from the February trip prepared by Laurie Hebl.
Also, Bob Kreamer and Steve Richardson are unable to attend the June 10-12 event and Diana Bowlin reserved two spots. Mark Vickroy will be able to attend. Please let us know if any others are interested.
2. RACE CAR ORDINANCE: Unfortunately, and, through an omission on the part of staff, the words “are present” did not get included in the final version of the ordinance as written in the memo. It therefore will have to be reconsidered by council a third time. I apologize for this mishap.
3. DRAINAGE: Street Supt Ed Yando and staff will install drain tile on W Detroit at “E” to help remove drainage onto the street. The same will be done at “J” and W Boston. Both projects will be completed within about 90 days when conditions are dryer.
4. I&I: Two major Infiltration and Inflow defects were found in the last 10 days. One was an aerial crossing (exposed main over a drainage ditch) west of Ann Parkway/Caroline Terrace and the other was just south of The Village. Both have been repaired and should have a significant impact on storm water inflow into the sewer mains.
5. GRADE ORDINANCE: According to Eric Boehlert, Ahlers Law Firm, a grade ordinance is required
Also, Bob Kreamer and Steve Richardson are unable to attend the June 10-12 event and Diana Bowlin reserved two spots. Mark Vickroy will be able to attend. Please let us know if any others are interested.
2. RACE CAR ORDINANCE: Unfortunately, and, through an omission on the part of staff, the words “are present” did not get included in the final version of the ordinance as written in the memo. It therefore will have to be reconsidered by council a third time. I apologize for this mishap.
3. DRAINAGE: Street Supt Ed Yando and staff will install drain tile on W Detroit at “E” to help remove drainage onto the street. The same will be done at “J” and W Boston. Both projects will be completed within about 90 days when conditions are dryer.
4. I&I: Two major Infiltration and Inflow defects were found in the last 10 days. One was an aerial crossing (exposed main over a drainage ditch) west of Ann Parkway/Caroline Terrace and the other was just south of The Village. Both have been repaired and should have a significant impact on storm water inflow into the sewer mains.
5. GRADE ORDINANCE: According to Eric Boehlert, Ahlers Law Firm, a grade ordinance is required
Friday, April 3, 2009
News Items - April 6, 2009
1. MUNICIPAL BUILDING: Four bids were received on April 2 as follows:
Company Base Bid Alternate #1 Alternate #2
Bergstrom Const $849,000 $26,000 $12,000
Boyd Const. $785,740 $33,950 $17,100
Edge Commercial $845,200 $21,500 $19,946
Pro Commercial $814,968 $15,588 $11,250
The building committee met on the 3rd and considered a recommendation to remove alternates 1 (Street Dept will instead do the concrete work) and 2 (building improvement north of Family Video) for a total of $50,000. In addition, Shive Hattery’s Mark Allen will discuss options with Boyd to reduce the project cost. While it is felt all parts of the project are necessary, the total cost is allows little contingency, which is a necessary component when renovating a building.
A recommendation will be brought to the April 20 council meeting.
2. 19th STREET: Chuck Burgin continues to work with our attorney and the bonding attorney to reach a settlement. The goal is to have a street replacement by July 1.
3. SOUTH “Y”: I have authorized Garden & Associates to provide information regarding costs for urban design, slab-on-grade and an asphalt surface for “Y” south of Hwy 92. Given the TIF reduced life span (20 to 10 years if TIF is used residentially), I am looking for the most affordable and cost-efficient method to hard surface the gravel road. A recommendation will be brought to council in May.
4. CONTRACT MOWING: Bids are in and the joint (Electric, Parks Sewer and Water) action is to accept the proposal from Justin Woosley (see P&R and Sewer recommendations). While the Parks Dept has contracted for more than 15 years, this is the first for the Sewer Dept.
Supt Dan Miers expects to save about $5,000 annually and does not intend to purchase the mower/tractor as originally budgeted. Hats off the all who participated in the process!!
5. HEALTH INSURANCE POOL: The balance is nearly $700,000 and has grown the last couple months. Laurie, Rox, Todd and I will meet in the next 30 days or so to re-evaluate our premiums and make a recommendation if justified.
6. SURVEY: This year’s community survey (packet) will be sent by the first of May to 720 households. Elected officials can review the questions and add/subtract as necessary.
7. AMPHITHEATER: The engineer proposal recommendation will be presented at the April 20 council meeting.
8. STORM WATER UTILITY: Per council action on December 1st, V&K’s Storm Water Utility (SWU) study proposal will be placed on the April 20 council agenda.
9. BRUSH FACILITY: Opening day was busy at the facility. Residents filled a 40-yard container with leaves and garden waste, our first television was taken at the new e-cycle building and contractor, C.J. Services was grinding brush material.
Company Base Bid Alternate #1 Alternate #2
Bergstrom Const $849,000 $26,000 $12,000
Boyd Const. $785,740 $33,950 $17,100
Edge Commercial $845,200 $21,500 $19,946
Pro Commercial $814,968 $15,588 $11,250
The building committee met on the 3rd and considered a recommendation to remove alternates 1 (Street Dept will instead do the concrete work) and 2 (building improvement north of Family Video) for a total of $50,000. In addition, Shive Hattery’s Mark Allen will discuss options with Boyd to reduce the project cost. While it is felt all parts of the project are necessary, the total cost is allows little contingency, which is a necessary component when renovating a building.
A recommendation will be brought to the April 20 council meeting.
2. 19th STREET: Chuck Burgin continues to work with our attorney and the bonding attorney to reach a settlement. The goal is to have a street replacement by July 1.
3. SOUTH “Y”: I have authorized Garden & Associates to provide information regarding costs for urban design, slab-on-grade and an asphalt surface for “Y” south of Hwy 92. Given the TIF reduced life span (20 to 10 years if TIF is used residentially), I am looking for the most affordable and cost-efficient method to hard surface the gravel road. A recommendation will be brought to council in May.
4. CONTRACT MOWING: Bids are in and the joint (Electric, Parks Sewer and Water) action is to accept the proposal from Justin Woosley (see P&R and Sewer recommendations). While the Parks Dept has contracted for more than 15 years, this is the first for the Sewer Dept.
Supt Dan Miers expects to save about $5,000 annually and does not intend to purchase the mower/tractor as originally budgeted. Hats off the all who participated in the process!!
5. HEALTH INSURANCE POOL: The balance is nearly $700,000 and has grown the last couple months. Laurie, Rox, Todd and I will meet in the next 30 days or so to re-evaluate our premiums and make a recommendation if justified.
6. SURVEY: This year’s community survey (packet) will be sent by the first of May to 720 households. Elected officials can review the questions and add/subtract as necessary.
7. AMPHITHEATER: The engineer proposal recommendation will be presented at the April 20 council meeting.
8. STORM WATER UTILITY: Per council action on December 1st, V&K’s Storm Water Utility (SWU) study proposal will be placed on the April 20 council agenda.
9. BRUSH FACILITY: Opening day was busy at the facility. Residents filled a 40-yard container with leaves and garden waste, our first television was taken at the new e-cycle building and contractor, C.J. Services was grinding brush material.
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