1. COMMUNITY/WELLNESS CENTER: The planning committee received a proposal from the 360 Group and Downing Construction to build a facility in the Summercrest Hills Development. The full proposal can be viewed at
www.indianolafoundation.org
There is a wellness link and then click the RFP Responses. I can also provide a paper copy if preferred.
Mayor/council will formally receive the proposal at the December 13th committee meeting.
2. RETAIL SALES: In the packet is John Hoyman’s opinion regarding retail sales in an R-3 zone. P&Z will discuss a request for such sales at their November 9 meeting.
3. SWECS: Per Steve Richardson’s comments at the November 1 meeting, we checked and found the following metro cities allow Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems on single/two-family (residential) lots:
Ankeny 1 acre
Clive 1 acre
Waukee 2 acres
West Des Moines 1 acre
Des Moines 1 acre
In the packet is a map showing the residential lots that are 5-acres/greater and ag lots that are 15 acres/greater within the city limits. There are 150 lots between residential and ag. Also, Ivan Webber reports that the SWECS ordinance does not have to return to P&Z since they already discussed it and provided a recommendation.
Given today’s efforts/attitudes about saving energy and becoming more sustainable, allowing SWECS in residential areas should be strongly considered. Economics are not the only reason people purchase SWECS. Some simply feel an obligation to protect the environment and are willing to pay for that obligation. The city should provide that option while at the same time protecting the interests of neighbors which can be done by placing a minimum lot size and setbacks in the ordinance.
4. NORTH Y/INWOOD: The Warren County Road Crew removed the seal coat surface on North Y and Inwood this week. The surface was very rough and no decision on the ultimate surface has been made. County reps will meet with Chuck Burgin and I next week to review options.
5. AMPHITHEATER: Glen Cowan reports the Rotary Club volunteered to place the roof (originally in Phase 2) on the Memorial Park Amphitheater this year. They are contributing nearly $4,700 financial support in addition to labor for the project. I am authorizing the remaining $3,750 material cost for the metal flashing to install the roof since the project is under the contract amount by nearly $4,500. The roof will protect the theater over the winter.
Hats off to the Indianola Rotary!!
6. STORAGE BUILDING: Steve Bonnett is getting material quotes for the storage building (east of Arby’s). He’s been advised costs are likely to increase after the first of the year so the idea is to save some expense. Construction will begin next March.
7. ARC FLASH ANALYSYS: According to National Fire Protection Association standards, the city is conducting an arc flash analysis (See Mike Metcalf memo) to provide an assessment of the potential energy at each point in the system that would be released in the event of an arcing fault. Safety Coordinator Mike Metcalf received quotes and the low is shown below:
WPC $13,800
Water $8,725
Power Plant $8,725
City Hall $4,985
Library $2,490
Aquatic Center $10,000
Total cost $48,725 and will be budgeted accordingly.
5. VEHICLE ACCIDENT: Sewer Supt Dan Miers was involved in a minor fender bender on November 1 when a small vehicle ran into the rear of his truck while waiting for the signal to change on Hwy 65/69 at Euclid. The truck received no reportable damage.
6. TAX REVENUES: Revenues thus far are about 45% of the amount budgeted and nearly 2% higher than this time last year. Good news and it will be continued to be monitored.
7. IDOT DETOUR: In the packet is a letter from IDOT’s C.E. Belgarde indicating Hwy 65/69 and Hwy 92 will be part of an I-35 pre-determined detour in case of accident or detour. The letter is a courtesy to advise of the highway status.
8. MEDIACOM: Mediacom intends to raise the following rates on December 1, 2010 per a letter received November 1.
Product Old Rate New Rate
Broadcast Basic $25.95 $27.95
Expanded Basic $37.00 $38.00
Total Family Cable $62.95 $65.95
9. REFUNDING OF G.O. DEBT: Finance Director Jean Furler had conversations with Chip Schultz, Ruan Securities, regarding refunding two GO Debt issuances. Due to lower interest rates the results would be a net savings of about $165,000 over the next 8 years. Proceedings are being prepared for council consideration. If approved, the following schedule will be recommended:
• November 15: Council considers resolution setting December 6 as date for public hearing
• December 6: Public hearing on proposed General Obligation Refunding Bond issues
• December 13 (special Council meeting): Bond sale - bids due at 10:30 AM at City Hall; Council awards at 5:30 meeting and authorizes redemption of prior bonds
• December 20: Authorize issuance of two General Obligation Refunding Bonds (Series 2011A and Series 2011B)
• January 11: Closing / delivery of funds
• January 17: Effective redemption of 2004B G.O. Bonds (current refunding)
10. W. HWY 92 SEWER: There are some utility conflicts with the sewer services for most of the buildings on the north side of Hwy 92. Options are being reviewed and a recommendation will be brought to council.
11. SEWER CONNECTION: St. Thomas Catholic Church reps contacted the city about connecting to the sewer main on W. Highway 92 at R-63. The church owns 20 acres and the connection fee is about $53,000 (includes interest). We are discussing the fee and may have a recommendation for council in December.
