1. STATE RETIREMENT LEGISLATION: House File 2502 being considered by the House of Representatives will have the following affect on city costs:
Chapter 411 changes $5,400 or 1 cent tax rate increase
Chapter 411 State Contribution
Phase out $10,700 or 3 cent tax rate increase
IPERS Changes $25,000 or 6 cent tax rate increase
I forwarded this information to Representative Kent Sorenson and Senator Staci Appel indicating the concern about raising taxes in this difficult economic climate.
2. SEWER REPAIR: Supt Dan Miers reports a 24’ section of 8” main was found defective on South B between W 1st and Hwy 92. It was replaced for $6,000 and will be charged to the sewer main maintenance budget. The good news is the broken main was taking significant storm water that will no longer get into the system.
3. SQUARE BUSINESS INCENTIVE: In the packet is a revised policy (see red print). The policy was approved on January 19th on a 4-2 vote but given the changes it will be placed on the March 15 agenda.
4. CREDIT CARD/ONLINE PAYMENTS: Billing Clerk Lindsey Offenburger has been researching credit card and online billing options to improve our system. Credit card bill payment (utility, P&R registrations, etc.) has been an option since 2003 and the current fees average about $2,400 monthly.
The new system will not only be much more streamline (staff will no longer have to enter each payment), but save about $750 monthly. The initial cost is about $3,200 for the new system and will pay for itself in less than 5 months. Hats off to Lindsey!
Credit card payments offer customer convenience (pay on line from home or work), improve collections and lessen staff time. Lindsey anticipates the new system can be functional by May. Todd Kielkopf reviewed and approved the new system.
5. UTILITY BILL ENVELOPES: A couple council members and a number of customers asked about the absence of a return envelope in the new “statement” utility bills. Return envelopes were initially discussed by General Manager Todd Kielkopf and Finance Officer Laurie Hebl and it was decided not to include envelopes for the following reasons:
• Envelopes were not provided with post card bills
• Credit card and online payments are being promoted
• Most envelopes would be thrown away since about 50% of customers drop their payments off or use credit cards
• Envelopes would add significant cost (envelopes and additional mailing expense) since 2-4 page information flyers were intended to be sent with the statement bill and figured into the cost of the mailing
Envelopes could be added if council and trustees prefer.
6. STORM WATER UTILITY: Below is a tentative schedule for the storm water utility discussion process.
March Determine Equivalent Residential Unit for City
March Turn in sample ordinances
April Calculate sample ERU for large users
April Staff meeting to discuss SWU and strategies
May CIP reviews and Storm system valuation
May/June Council Work sessions
May/June Needs analysis
June/July Meetings with groups and neighborhoods
July Council Action if desired
7. PNEUMATIC CONTROLS: Chuck Burgin is working on a 3-4 year process to replace municipal building pneumatic controls with a digital system. The pneumatics have not worked very well since they were installed in 1989 but were not part of the building renovation since the city only had $900,000 budget. Estimated cost is in the $100,000 range and a recommendation will be brought to elected officials during the next budget process.
8. BRUSH FACILITY: In the packet is RoxAnne Hunerdosse’s 2009 report. She recommends fees remain the same for 2010 and shortening the season but that can be reviewed in October/November based on weather conditions.
Unless elected officials wish to change the fees, no council action is needed at this time. Let Rox or I know if there are questions about the report.
9. I&I MEETING: About 15 people attended the information meeting to discuss the Infiltration/Inflow Program on the 25th in the Catholic Church. Operator Aimee Luhrs did a good job of presenting the information. Testing in the area (see map) will begin with the spring thaw and visual inspections will begin in March.
10. SQUARE BUILDING: In the packet is the SVPA $18,650 proposal for architectural ($9,850), structural ($7,800) and cost analysis ($1,000) services regarding 110 W Ashland. John Hoyman is preparing a letter to owners advising them of the city’s position and their options.
11. ELECTRONIC PACKET: Three council members and the mayor expressed interest in either downloading (full or partial) packets, or, accessing them from their laptops/note pads at the meeting. Information Technology Manager Kurt Ripperger will install a router next week to allow laptops to access the city’s web page during the meetings.
Packets will be prepared as usual for the next several months until the electronic option if functional. Elected officials can then choose which option best suits their needs.
12. TAX TABLE: Tax revenue through February is about .8% behind last year’s figures.
13. DC TRIP: The DC trip for this year is June 9-11 (packet) and will be placed on the March 15th council agenda. Cost is $1,975/person (last year was $1,925) and $6,000 was budgeted.
14. P&R: The Park and Recreation Commission is meeting March 3 at 5:00 pm in
the Activity Center to discuss amphitheater fundraising options. Elected
officials are encouraged to attend.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
News Items - February 22, 2010
1. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is March 1 at 6:00 pm.
2. COUNCIL PACKETS: Kurt Ripperger estimates the cost of putting the council packet on the city’s web site (secure page) at about $800 with an annual fee of about $500. The advantage would be elected officials could access the entire packet from home/work thereby saving staff time copying and collating packets in addition to having them delivered by the PD.
Should elected officials have an interest, the city would provide paper/printer cartridges to copy the packets at home. Note that the packet would be printed in the same order as the packet you now receive.
Appreciate your comments.
3. SIGNS: You have copies of the community signs prepared by Parker Signs as well as pics of park signs. Russ Yenger of Parker Signs said he used the stone (instead of brick) to keep a “consistent” look with the city’s park signs.
4. SHIVE HATTERY: Given the comments about Shive Hattery and their work on the municipal building, the following information may be helpful regarding change orders:
Original Contract Estimate $745,200
Contract Bid $785,740
Change Order Total* $ 41,164 (5%)
*there were two change orders and the one involving heating in the Clerk’s Office could have been as low as $6,450 but the one approved by council was $16,091.
Given the existing building conditions, a 5% total change order cost is within 10% contingency amount normally budgeted.
Following is a list of mechanical engineers who will be working on the Library’s Geo-Thermal project:
Chris Nelson
Mike Petersen
Doug Sullivan
Tyson Scheidecker
Bruce Farrell
Quality Control
Tim Fehr
Also, in the packet is a list Geo-Thermal project that have been engineered by Shive Hattery.
5. LAND VALUES: Assessed land values (only) for 108, 110 and 112 W Ashland (square buildings) are $49,500, $23,000 and $23,000 respectively. Lot widths are 46’, 20’ and 20’.
6. CHAMBER DINNER: This year’s Annual Recognition Dinner is March 12 beginning at 6:00 PM in Simpson’s Great Hall. The fee is $40/person. The chamber can be contacted at 961-6269 by March 4 to RSVP.
7. WARREN COUNTY E 911 BOARD: The E 911 Board (established by Iowa Code 34A ) consists of a delegate and alternate from each political subdivision in the County to conduct the planning, implementing and maintenance of the E-911 phone service. Funding comes from 911 surcharges on landline and wireless phone bills. Warren County Emergency Management Coordinator Mahala Cox oversees daily operations of the office and reports to the board at quarterly meetings.
Steve Bonnett (delegate) and Brian Seymour (alternate) represent the city and Steve has served as chair and vice chair. Brian is now ready to assume a board role and therefore should become the delegate and Steve the alternate. This designation needs council approval and a letter to the board to note the change. A recommendation will be placed on the March 1 consent agenda.
8. E-WASTE SIGNS: There are signs at the brush/e-waste facility that list the fees for monitors/TV’s. They are also listed on the city’s website under “Programs and Services.” The fees are as follows:
18” and under $ 7.00
19”-25” $12.00
26”-32” $17.00
33”-40” $22.00
41 & up $27.00
Console TV’s &
Tube price $10.00
9. DART: Des Moines Regional Transit reports there are eight vanpools to and from Indianola, Monday through Friday. One of the eight vanpools goes to West Des Moines while the other seven go to downtown Des Moines. There are two available seats to DT, and three available seats to WDM, with two people on the waiting list for vans that are full at this time.
Unfortunately this number has remained static for a couple years. Given Indianola’s commuter status, buses should be considered in my opinion.
10. AMPHITHEATER: In the packet is the February 1 council memo highlighting the amphitheater phases. Phase 1 is highlighted below:
Demolition, grading, stage retaining wall, stage, back stage, handicap
Seating/walkways, turf seating tiers, seeding, utility & electric provisions,
Main electric service to stage
11. STOP SIGN STUDY: On September 2, 2008 council authorized the IDOT to review stop signs and school crossings to determine appropriate signage and traffic efficiency. The study is complete and a copy of the recommendations is in your packet and highlighted below. The study will be reviewed in committee.
• The City’s current stop control is sufficient and well suited to efficiently move traffic to primary arterial routs
• School signage should be update to meet MUTCD requirements.
• Crosswalks should be upgraded to longitudinal crosswalk markings at crosswalks immediately adjacent to school grounds
• Sidewalk extensions & relocation of crossing, or pedestrian crossing signal should be considered on W. Iowa near North “J” St.
• Non-school crossings at trials should consider consolidated and updated MUTCD signage
• One-way sign usage in downtown Indianola and along Howard Street and Buxton Street should be reviewed for consistency. Downtown R-61 one-way signs should be mounted above STOP sings.
Most of the recommendations are routine and will be handled as soon as possible.
12. BALLOON MUSEUM CULVERT: Construction drawings should be completed and submitted to the City by February 24. We are anticipating the bid letting date to be March 31 and awarding the contract the April 5 council meeting.
2. COUNCIL PACKETS: Kurt Ripperger estimates the cost of putting the council packet on the city’s web site (secure page) at about $800 with an annual fee of about $500. The advantage would be elected officials could access the entire packet from home/work thereby saving staff time copying and collating packets in addition to having them delivered by the PD.
Should elected officials have an interest, the city would provide paper/printer cartridges to copy the packets at home. Note that the packet would be printed in the same order as the packet you now receive.
Appreciate your comments.
3. SIGNS: You have copies of the community signs prepared by Parker Signs as well as pics of park signs. Russ Yenger of Parker Signs said he used the stone (instead of brick) to keep a “consistent” look with the city’s park signs.
4. SHIVE HATTERY: Given the comments about Shive Hattery and their work on the municipal building, the following information may be helpful regarding change orders:
Original Contract Estimate $745,200
Contract Bid $785,740
Change Order Total* $ 41,164 (5%)
*there were two change orders and the one involving heating in the Clerk’s Office could have been as low as $6,450 but the one approved by council was $16,091.
Given the existing building conditions, a 5% total change order cost is within 10% contingency amount normally budgeted.
Following is a list of mechanical engineers who will be working on the Library’s Geo-Thermal project:
Chris Nelson
Mike Petersen
Doug Sullivan
Tyson Scheidecker
Bruce Farrell
Quality Control
Tim Fehr
Also, in the packet is a list Geo-Thermal project that have been engineered by Shive Hattery.
5. LAND VALUES: Assessed land values (only) for 108, 110 and 112 W Ashland (square buildings) are $49,500, $23,000 and $23,000 respectively. Lot widths are 46’, 20’ and 20’.
6. CHAMBER DINNER: This year’s Annual Recognition Dinner is March 12 beginning at 6:00 PM in Simpson’s Great Hall. The fee is $40/person. The chamber can be contacted at 961-6269 by March 4 to RSVP.
7. WARREN COUNTY E 911 BOARD: The E 911 Board (established by Iowa Code 34A ) consists of a delegate and alternate from each political subdivision in the County to conduct the planning, implementing and maintenance of the E-911 phone service. Funding comes from 911 surcharges on landline and wireless phone bills. Warren County Emergency Management Coordinator Mahala Cox oversees daily operations of the office and reports to the board at quarterly meetings.
Steve Bonnett (delegate) and Brian Seymour (alternate) represent the city and Steve has served as chair and vice chair. Brian is now ready to assume a board role and therefore should become the delegate and Steve the alternate. This designation needs council approval and a letter to the board to note the change. A recommendation will be placed on the March 1 consent agenda.
8. E-WASTE SIGNS: There are signs at the brush/e-waste facility that list the fees for monitors/TV’s. They are also listed on the city’s website under “Programs and Services.” The fees are as follows:
18” and under $ 7.00
19”-25” $12.00
26”-32” $17.00
33”-40” $22.00
41 & up $27.00
Console TV’s &
Tube price $10.00
9. DART: Des Moines Regional Transit reports there are eight vanpools to and from Indianola, Monday through Friday. One of the eight vanpools goes to West Des Moines while the other seven go to downtown Des Moines. There are two available seats to DT, and three available seats to WDM, with two people on the waiting list for vans that are full at this time.
Unfortunately this number has remained static for a couple years. Given Indianola’s commuter status, buses should be considered in my opinion.
10. AMPHITHEATER: In the packet is the February 1 council memo highlighting the amphitheater phases. Phase 1 is highlighted below:
Demolition, grading, stage retaining wall, stage, back stage, handicap
Seating/walkways, turf seating tiers, seeding, utility & electric provisions,
Main electric service to stage
11. STOP SIGN STUDY: On September 2, 2008 council authorized the IDOT to review stop signs and school crossings to determine appropriate signage and traffic efficiency. The study is complete and a copy of the recommendations is in your packet and highlighted below. The study will be reviewed in committee.
• The City’s current stop control is sufficient and well suited to efficiently move traffic to primary arterial routs
• School signage should be update to meet MUTCD requirements.
• Crosswalks should be upgraded to longitudinal crosswalk markings at crosswalks immediately adjacent to school grounds
• Sidewalk extensions & relocation of crossing, or pedestrian crossing signal should be considered on W. Iowa near North “J” St.
• Non-school crossings at trials should consider consolidated and updated MUTCD signage
• One-way sign usage in downtown Indianola and along Howard Street and Buxton Street should be reviewed for consistency. Downtown R-61 one-way signs should be mounted above STOP sings.
Most of the recommendations are routine and will be handled as soon as possible.
12. BALLOON MUSEUM CULVERT: Construction drawings should be completed and submitted to the City by February 24. We are anticipating the bid letting date to be March 31 and awarding the contract the April 5 council meeting.
Friday, February 12, 2010
News Items - February 16, 2010
1. DOWNTOWN INCENTIVE PROGRAM: Mayor Bresnan, Chuck Burgin and I met with several bankers to discuss the program and specifically the loan option. The general consensus was to use a USDA model where the city would provide loan funding to banks and they would lend it under their normal regulations. Below is a modified draft loan policy:
• The local lender originates the loans in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 with a maximum term of 10 years.
• The interest rate charged the borrower will not exceed 0%
• City would deposit funds equal to the principal amount of the loan at 0% interest.
• The deposit does not guarantee the loan nor is it collateral for the loan. The deposit is only to reduce the interest rate charged to the borrower.
• Annually city would withdraw from its deposit account an amount equal to the principal repayment of the outstanding loan. As a result, the amount in the deposit account will equal the principal outstanding on the loan.
• All costs directly related to the implementation of downtown development are eligible. Costs for interiors and stand-alone roof replacements are not eligible.
Program revisions will be brought to council for consideration in March.
In the packet is a map showing the proposed area covered by the program.
2. FRANCHISE FEES: Given elected official consensus regarding cable and electric franchise fees, staff will provide resolutions/ordinances in March to increase cable and enact an electric franchise fee in the MidAmerican territory (similar to the city’s electric territory). Recent legislation will likely require the same franchise fee for our utility but will have no financial impact since it already pays 5% in lieu of taxes.
3. IDA: Chair Amy Duncan was not available on March 8 to present an IDA progress report so the meeting will be moved to April 12. Todd Kielkopf has been informed and agrees with the date change.
4. BALLOON MUSEUM CULVERT: The IDNR is requesting additional soil testing immediately west of the highway culvert so Chuck Burgin contacted Allender-Butkze Soil Engineers to perform the testing at an estimated cost of $2,000. Test results will provide data on whether a specific “bell joint” extension can be added to the existing structure. The work will be performed as soon as possible.
5. WEST BOSTON SEWER: The loan agreements/promissory notes are still not complete so the project contract award (to Vanderpool) will be delayed to March 1.
6. PHILANTHROPIC/HONORARY NAMING POLICY: In the packet is a policy suggested by Shirley as a reference for the P&R Commission’s amphitheater fundraising drive. It will be brought to a future meeting for review.
7. SEASONAL STRUCTURES: At their meeting on February 9, the P&Z Commission unanimously approved tabling the amendment regulating “seasonal structures”. The intent is to allow the display/marketing of merchandise and seasonal structures in manner to serve the desires of the general public, but, prevent creation of any nuisance or annoyance to the occupants of adjacent buildings and the general public.
8. MEMORIAL COMMISSION: The Memorial Commission met February 9th and discussed the Aquatic Center fees. A survey of 11 other Aquatic Centers was provided and showed that our pool charges are below average fees for daily admission and seasonal passes. The Commission recommended the current price structure remain in place and will present their annual report at the March 15th council meeting.
9. MOVING IOWA FORWARD: Lt. Governor Judge will be visiting Cemen Tech on Tuesday, February 16 at 11:30 a.m. to discuss job creation investments and pre-school education.
• The local lender originates the loans in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 with a maximum term of 10 years.
• The interest rate charged the borrower will not exceed 0%
• City would deposit funds equal to the principal amount of the loan at 0% interest.
• The deposit does not guarantee the loan nor is it collateral for the loan. The deposit is only to reduce the interest rate charged to the borrower.
• Annually city would withdraw from its deposit account an amount equal to the principal repayment of the outstanding loan. As a result, the amount in the deposit account will equal the principal outstanding on the loan.
• All costs directly related to the implementation of downtown development are eligible. Costs for interiors and stand-alone roof replacements are not eligible.
Program revisions will be brought to council for consideration in March.
In the packet is a map showing the proposed area covered by the program.
2. FRANCHISE FEES: Given elected official consensus regarding cable and electric franchise fees, staff will provide resolutions/ordinances in March to increase cable and enact an electric franchise fee in the MidAmerican territory (similar to the city’s electric territory). Recent legislation will likely require the same franchise fee for our utility but will have no financial impact since it already pays 5% in lieu of taxes.
3. IDA: Chair Amy Duncan was not available on March 8 to present an IDA progress report so the meeting will be moved to April 12. Todd Kielkopf has been informed and agrees with the date change.
4. BALLOON MUSEUM CULVERT: The IDNR is requesting additional soil testing immediately west of the highway culvert so Chuck Burgin contacted Allender-Butkze Soil Engineers to perform the testing at an estimated cost of $2,000. Test results will provide data on whether a specific “bell joint” extension can be added to the existing structure. The work will be performed as soon as possible.
5. WEST BOSTON SEWER: The loan agreements/promissory notes are still not complete so the project contract award (to Vanderpool) will be delayed to March 1.
6. PHILANTHROPIC/HONORARY NAMING POLICY: In the packet is a policy suggested by Shirley as a reference for the P&R Commission’s amphitheater fundraising drive. It will be brought to a future meeting for review.
7. SEASONAL STRUCTURES: At their meeting on February 9, the P&Z Commission unanimously approved tabling the amendment regulating “seasonal structures”. The intent is to allow the display/marketing of merchandise and seasonal structures in manner to serve the desires of the general public, but, prevent creation of any nuisance or annoyance to the occupants of adjacent buildings and the general public.
8. MEMORIAL COMMISSION: The Memorial Commission met February 9th and discussed the Aquatic Center fees. A survey of 11 other Aquatic Centers was provided and showed that our pool charges are below average fees for daily admission and seasonal passes. The Commission recommended the current price structure remain in place and will present their annual report at the March 15th council meeting.
9. MOVING IOWA FORWARD: Lt. Governor Judge will be visiting Cemen Tech on Tuesday, February 16 at 11:30 a.m. to discuss job creation investments and pre-school education.
Friday, February 5, 2010
News Items - February 8, 2010
1. JOINT MEETING: Todd Kielkopf and I are tentatively scheduling March 8 as a joint meeting to follow up with IDA’s progress on their revised marketing plan, etc. Per your comments and the trustee agenda, the meeting will likely start at 6:30 pm.
2. HWY 65/69: There have been informal discussions for several years between the city and IDOT regarding the condition of Hwy 65/69 south of Hwy 92. In 2005, a study was commissioned by IDOT to determine improvement options from 12th Avenue south past 17th Avenue (see packet for summary recommendations).
As written in the November 23, 2009 council study memo, the IDOT is more seriously considering an improvement to Hwy 65/69 per Brian Morrissey, Local Systems Engineer. Brian, Chuck Burgin and I met in a conference call on the 4th and shown below are the “tentative” project highlights:
• Three-lane from Hwy 92 thru 17th Ave
• Constructed in two sections—Hwy 92 to 12th, and, 12th thru 17th
• Likely project construction in 2012
• Estimated $7 million cost
• Indianola’s share in the $200,000-$300,000 range for curbs/storm sewers
• Traffic detours would be necessary
Brian indicated more information will be available in the next several months and will provide a report in person at a council study meeting.
FYI—The city has been working informally for years to get the IDOT to consider an improvement to this stretch of highway. Our efforts may finally be paying off.
3. STREAM STUDY: IDNR completed a stream study of Cavitt Creek where the sewer plant effluent flows and Supt Dan Miers will scheduled a meeting with IDNR to determine the affect of the stream’s designation. Dan will report the results of the meeting as soon as possible.
Dan also reports that new IDNR effluent requirements such as ammonia, fecal coliform and metal limits will require new treatment processes and therefore increasing plant costs that have been budgeted for FY 10/11 through FY 12/13.
4. HISTORICAL SOCIETY: In the packet is a $1,000 request from the Warren County Historical Society to install handicap access to the dining hall. The request will be placed on the February 16 agenda for formal consideration and Bev Dickerson will be there to answer questions.
Finance Director Laurie Hebl reports there is $6,000 in the Community Betterment budget for miscellaneous expenses.
To my knowledge, the city has not given to the Historical Society. But given their mission and group of volunteers that operate/maintain the facility, I feel it would be an appropriate public expense and will recommend accordingly.
5. I&I MEETING: The Sewer Department is scheduling a public information Infiltration/Inflow meeting for 6:00 pm, February 25 (location to be determined). In the packet is a map showing the neighborhoods that will be included in the next round of testing.
These meetings are held to inform property owners about the program’s intent, purpose and process. Attendance is normally very good. Elected officials are encouraged to attend.
FYI - Unfortunately the $5.9 million I-Jobs application to help finance the I&I Program was not funded. The $20 million available went to the cities of Clinton, Davenport and Sioux City.
6. NORTH Y ASSESSMENTS: Forrest Aldrich reports the project is near complete and the final numbers are very close. He is estimating the cost/ft will be in the $50-$55 range compared to W Euclid’s $80 range due primarily to the $494,000 Federal Stimulus contribution.
Project acceptance and final assessments will be brought to council in March.
7. COMMUNITY LED SIGN: Parker Signs developed two proposals for the community message board (packet) that will be placed on the February 16 agenda. The Council Study Committee authorized staff to obtain quotes at the January 11th meeting.
8. AMBULANCE RATES: Chief Brian Seymour intends to recommend a 10% increase in the ambulance fees based on a recent Metro survey (packet) showing Indianola the lowest of those surveyed. The recommendation will be on the February 16 agenda for elected official consideration.
9. MEDIACOM: Mediacom notified the city (see letter) that it is converting the government access channel to digital in the “near future”. While the change will be beneficial for picture/sound quality and improved capacity/speed, some TV’s will not be able to receive the digital signal and will have to use converters supplied by Mediacom.
10. MARCH 8 COMMITTEE AGENDA: The tentative agenda for March’s meeting is as follows:
• Public input process for the Comprehensive Plan
• IDA progress report
• Sidewalk waivers
• Council salaries
• Architectural Design standards for Hillcrest Avenue
• Employee Handbook updates
2. HWY 65/69: There have been informal discussions for several years between the city and IDOT regarding the condition of Hwy 65/69 south of Hwy 92. In 2005, a study was commissioned by IDOT to determine improvement options from 12th Avenue south past 17th Avenue (see packet for summary recommendations).
As written in the November 23, 2009 council study memo, the IDOT is more seriously considering an improvement to Hwy 65/69 per Brian Morrissey, Local Systems Engineer. Brian, Chuck Burgin and I met in a conference call on the 4th and shown below are the “tentative” project highlights:
• Three-lane from Hwy 92 thru 17th Ave
• Constructed in two sections—Hwy 92 to 12th, and, 12th thru 17th
• Likely project construction in 2012
• Estimated $7 million cost
• Indianola’s share in the $200,000-$300,000 range for curbs/storm sewers
• Traffic detours would be necessary
Brian indicated more information will be available in the next several months and will provide a report in person at a council study meeting.
FYI—The city has been working informally for years to get the IDOT to consider an improvement to this stretch of highway. Our efforts may finally be paying off.
3. STREAM STUDY: IDNR completed a stream study of Cavitt Creek where the sewer plant effluent flows and Supt Dan Miers will scheduled a meeting with IDNR to determine the affect of the stream’s designation. Dan will report the results of the meeting as soon as possible.
Dan also reports that new IDNR effluent requirements such as ammonia, fecal coliform and metal limits will require new treatment processes and therefore increasing plant costs that have been budgeted for FY 10/11 through FY 12/13.
4. HISTORICAL SOCIETY: In the packet is a $1,000 request from the Warren County Historical Society to install handicap access to the dining hall. The request will be placed on the February 16 agenda for formal consideration and Bev Dickerson will be there to answer questions.
Finance Director Laurie Hebl reports there is $6,000 in the Community Betterment budget for miscellaneous expenses.
To my knowledge, the city has not given to the Historical Society. But given their mission and group of volunteers that operate/maintain the facility, I feel it would be an appropriate public expense and will recommend accordingly.
5. I&I MEETING: The Sewer Department is scheduling a public information Infiltration/Inflow meeting for 6:00 pm, February 25 (location to be determined). In the packet is a map showing the neighborhoods that will be included in the next round of testing.
These meetings are held to inform property owners about the program’s intent, purpose and process. Attendance is normally very good. Elected officials are encouraged to attend.
FYI - Unfortunately the $5.9 million I-Jobs application to help finance the I&I Program was not funded. The $20 million available went to the cities of Clinton, Davenport and Sioux City.
6. NORTH Y ASSESSMENTS: Forrest Aldrich reports the project is near complete and the final numbers are very close. He is estimating the cost/ft will be in the $50-$55 range compared to W Euclid’s $80 range due primarily to the $494,000 Federal Stimulus contribution.
Project acceptance and final assessments will be brought to council in March.
7. COMMUNITY LED SIGN: Parker Signs developed two proposals for the community message board (packet) that will be placed on the February 16 agenda. The Council Study Committee authorized staff to obtain quotes at the January 11th meeting.
8. AMBULANCE RATES: Chief Brian Seymour intends to recommend a 10% increase in the ambulance fees based on a recent Metro survey (packet) showing Indianola the lowest of those surveyed. The recommendation will be on the February 16 agenda for elected official consideration.
9. MEDIACOM: Mediacom notified the city (see letter) that it is converting the government access channel to digital in the “near future”. While the change will be beneficial for picture/sound quality and improved capacity/speed, some TV’s will not be able to receive the digital signal and will have to use converters supplied by Mediacom.
10. MARCH 8 COMMITTEE AGENDA: The tentative agenda for March’s meeting is as follows:
• Public input process for the Comprehensive Plan
• IDA progress report
• Sidewalk waivers
• Council salaries
• Architectural Design standards for Hillcrest Avenue
• Employee Handbook updates
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