1. CITY HALL: Based on council feedback city hall (does not include police/fire) will close at 4:00 pm thereby allowing staff to volunteer or go home to miss some of the congestion. They plan to work thru the lunch hour.
2. BUXTON PARK: Per Bob Kreamer’s comments at the July 6 meeting, I asked Human Resources Director RoxAnne Hunerdosse to thoroughly review the state of events which is highlighted below. As part of the review, RoxAnne interviewed Horticulturist Cathy Nutting, Park Supt Mike Bowlin, Asst to the Horticulturist Dave Sterns and Buxton Park neighbor Howard Netley. Also included were staff evaluations, a letter from Lorraine Hill and conversations with former Horticulturist Helen Trembly.
Report highlights include:
• Complaints about Buxton Park maintenance were made to the Parks Dept 1-3 weeks prior to June 8
• A letter complaining about Buxton Park maintenance and invasive tulip bulbs was received by the Parks Dept on June 3
• A tour of Buxton Park took place on June 8 and included P&R Director Glen Cowan, Park Supt Mike Bowlin, Horticulturist Cathy Nutting and Asst to the Horticulturist Dave Sterns. All agreed the park was not maintained properly and that improvement was necessary
• Glen Cowan directed the removal of many perennials to be replaced by annuals thereby providing more color/beauty
• Cathy Nutting enlisted the services of up to 15 people/gardeners to remove perennials and an invasive tulip bulb
• Cathy Nutting reported there was neither time nor resources to re-plant perennials with existing park staff
• Cathy Nutting reported 90% of the perennials were given to the volunteers with the understanding that if Parks needed “cuts” in the future, they would be provided at no cost
• About 40 flats (of annuals) replaced perennials at Buxton. 15 came from the Parks greenhouse and 25 flat were purchased for about $300
• In 1993, Buxton Park gardens were inundated with the tulip bulb and a very similar process was used to remove bulbs and other perennials
3. CONCRETE PLANT: Complaints have surfaced about noise and dust from the neighbors surrounding the concrete plant on east of 5th and north of Ashland. A petition is being circulated and I expect council will receive it in August.
Neighbors have contacted IDNR regarding the dust and are also concerned about noise related to trucks, end-loaders and other equipment.
The city has tried for years to encourage the plant to relocate to the industrial park but owners report it is simply too expensive.
One option suggested by Mayor Kelley is to allow only a direct truck route from the entrance to Hwy 65/69 thereby reducing traffic in the general neighborhood. Although not without disadvantages (some residents will experience all the trucks), I have asked Community Development Director Chuck Burgin to draft an ordinance for council review.
4. LIBRARY BOARD: With Teen/Adult Librarian Natalie Struecker’s resignation, I asked Librarian Joyce Godwin to delay hiring a replacement until mid-December thereby saving about $15,000. The request is similar to that of the PD where I asked to delay replacing Officer Gingrich for 6-8 months. Staff has been concerned about the FY 10/11 budget given the lack of construction and a reduction in several classes of residential tax values. In addition, council member Kreamer has asked that there be budget cuts equal to the cost of the FY 09/10 labor contract.
At their meeting on July 14, and, after much discussion regarding advantages/disadvantages, the Board voted to hire a replacement immediately. Joyce Godwin indicates the process may take 60-90 days. State Code gives Library Boards the authority to make such decisions.
FYI—Joyce reports the capital budget may not be as much as budgeted, and, about $5,000 more revenue was received from the County than budgeted.
5. ROLL OVER PROJECTS: Per policy, several projects that were not completed in FY 08/09 will move to FY 09/10. They include the Memorial Park Amphitheater ($49,000), Memorial Park Restroom ($92,000) and Memorial Trail extension ($220,000). These projects have been delayed due to grant funding delays and/or work with outside companies.
The roll-over will have no affect on tax revenues or the budget.
6. SIDEWALK PROGRAM: Inspector Rich Parker marked 317 sidewalks (for repair) and 17 trees that require trimming. Letters were sent from July 10 thru this week notifying property owners they have 30 days to remedy the problem. However, the Community Development Dept gives extra time if contacted and the work will be performed in a timely manner.
7. I&I: Council has a letter responding to the IDNR’s Administrative Order regarding Infiltration and Inflow. Jane McAllister of the Ahlers Firm wrote the letter clarifying the city’s position and intent to comply.
8. LANDFILL WASTE REDUCTION PROGRAM: At their July 15 meeting, the South Central Landfill Board (Pete and I represent the city) voted to offer up to $1,000 grants for waste reduction programs. The Board then approved a $1,000 grant to Indianola’s retail plastic bag reduction program. The funds will be used to buy re-usable bags and advertise the program along with local stores including Dollar General, Fareway, Hy Vee, McCoy’s, Walgreens and Wal-Mart.
In September, the city and retailers will try to sell 5,000 bags during one weekend. The bags will be sold for 75 cents each and the goal is one per household. More marketing and advertising will follow in late August and early September.
9. SEWER LAND: A local real estate agent has approached the city about selling up to 185 acres of the 350 owned on the Middle River. The land was purchased in 2002 as a future sewer plant site for $2,850/acre. A formal offer will be brought to council if received.
10. PERMIT: City Clerk Diana Bowlin issued a transient merchant permits for tack-horse equipment at 311 E. 2nd for July 18 – July 19.
