1. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is October 4 at 6:00 pm.
2. QWEST POLES: Since April of this year Community Development Director Chuck Burgin has been unable to have Qwest relocate three poles on (2 on North 1st and 1 on East Franklin) so the Kelley Trail can be completed. And, this is not the only time Qwest has refused to re-locate poles as the trustees had the same difficulty in 1997 on South Jefferson and currently on the East Side Underground Conversion Project.
Ivan Webber met with Chuck Burgin, John Hoyman, Bob Miller, Todd Kielkopf and I on Tuesday the 21st to discuss options. Ivan recommended John proceed using the municipal infractions ordinance to have the court require Qwest to remove the poles. That item will be placed on the October 4 council agenda for discussion including hiring the Ahlers Law Firm should it be necessary.
Based on Qwest comments, they “may” challenge a city’s ordinance (packet) to force relocating their lines underground when IMU relocates their lines (Cedar Falls has a similar ordinance). As such, the trustees will discuss (September 27) joining the city and financing the challenge should Qwest proceed.
More information will be provided on October 4.
3. ROSENBERGER TRUCK SHOP: John Hoyman tried unsuccessfully since October ’09 (Chuck Burgin since June ’08) to have Rosenberger install the required buffer (a 6’ double-sided fence) on the west side of their 1813 N 7th property (industrial park). John reports the last assurance was the fence be installed by September 30. However, if not installed as promised, he intends to file a municipal infraction on October 1 to have the court order the buffer installation and possibly include a fine.
4. BALLOON MUSEUM DITCH: Snyder’s Jennifer Croate now says the project will begin next week with a subcontractor doing the initial grading. The contract was approved on May 3, 2010 and a completion date of December 19, 2010.
This type of contract allows more flexibility and results in a lower bid since the contractor can use their discretion as to when they do the work.
5. JOINT COUNCIL/TRUSTEES: The meeting is tentatively scheduled at 6:00 pm on October 11. Agenda items (thus far) include IDA’s annual budget request, Qwest pole re-location and other items of mutual interest.
6. FEMA: Applications for federal disaster (tornado/flood) can be made thru October 11.
7. P&Z: Jeff Jensen resigned (family commitments) from Planning & Zoning Commission after serving since 2004. Jeff served P&Z well and will be missed.
8. SEWER I&I PROJECT: The city has spent $1,896,422 on Infiltration/Inflow removal since May 2009 and been reimbursed $1,896,422 from the State Revolving Loan fund with an interest rate of 3.25% and 30-year term.
Another $7 million expense is projected for Phases 2, 3 and 4.
9. DARK WATER: The Water Dept will begin their annual hydrant flushing program approximately the middle of October and Supt Lou Elbert reminds residents that flushing can raise sediment in some mains thereby making water darker. There is no harm from the sediment but residents can run the faucet for several seconds to clear the sediment.
10. ARC FLASH: Compliance with electrical safety standards (NFPA-70E 2004) requires the city to complete a flash hazard analysis on all facilities supplied with electricity. Quotes are being collected at this time and will be included in the 2011-12 budget. Requirements include analysis, rating of each electrical panel, employee training and purchase of personal protective equipment.
11. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS: Holidays will be celebrated on Thursday December 23 and Friday December 24 since Christmas Eve and Day fall on a Friday/Saturday respectively.
12. BRAVO: In the packet is a table showing Bravo contacts.
13. W EUCLID: Ivan Webber reports no contact from the Supreme Court regarding the W Euclid assessments.
14. TRAIL EXTENSION: The P&R Commission asked to attend the October 4 council meeting to request a $125,000 local match for a Surface Transportation Program Transportation Enhancement grant provided by the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Association.
The Kelley Trail extension would provide a trail from Memorial Park to Wilder Elementary School (see map).
Funds are not budgeted so the match would have to be borrowed. A $125,000 10-year note at 4% interest would cost about $15,200 annually or 4 cents on the tax rate.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Storm Water Utility Facts
STORM WATER UTILITY
Storm Water Utility is the same as an electric, water or sanitary sewer utility. Properties pay a fee for a commodity they use
Revenues will be used for storm water repairs, improvements and new additions to the system
All properties pay a storm water fee the same as all properties pay for water, sewer and electricity
The residential fee is proposed at $2/month and is based on an average 3,400 square foot of impervious surface. 3,400 sf is the “average residential unit”
Commercial/industrial property fees will be determined by the number of average residential units of impervious surface which is called an “equivalent residential unit”. For example: 51,000 sf of impervious surface = 15 eru’s or $30/month
Gravel is not considered an impervious surface
Property owners can appeal their monthly fee to staff who will review the information and then make a recommendation to council
If the amount of impervious surface changes, adjustments can be made to the monthly fee
Estimated annual revenue is $250,000 based on a $2 eru
Storms in 2008 and 2010 showed weaknesses in the Indianola storm water system. Thru review by an engineer with the assistance of the street and sewer superintendents, there is an estimated $800,000 expense for repairs and improvements to Indianola’s storm water system. The estimated tax rate necessary to pay for this project is 25 cents.
It is estimated that a storm water utility will reduce the tax rate by about 10 cents for current projects (Stephen Court and South Buxton)
The combined 35 cents would save a home valued at $175,000 about $29 annually compared to the $24 annual cost of a storm water utility
The storm water utility revenue can also be used for street sweeping which is currently funded by a diminishing Road Use Tax Fund. About $65,000 is spent annually to sweep Indianola streets.
Storm Water Utility is the same as an electric, water or sanitary sewer utility. Properties pay a fee for a commodity they use
Revenues will be used for storm water repairs, improvements and new additions to the system
All properties pay a storm water fee the same as all properties pay for water, sewer and electricity
The residential fee is proposed at $2/month and is based on an average 3,400 square foot of impervious surface. 3,400 sf is the “average residential unit”
Commercial/industrial property fees will be determined by the number of average residential units of impervious surface which is called an “equivalent residential unit”. For example: 51,000 sf of impervious surface = 15 eru’s or $30/month
Gravel is not considered an impervious surface
Property owners can appeal their monthly fee to staff who will review the information and then make a recommendation to council
If the amount of impervious surface changes, adjustments can be made to the monthly fee
Estimated annual revenue is $250,000 based on a $2 eru
Storms in 2008 and 2010 showed weaknesses in the Indianola storm water system. Thru review by an engineer with the assistance of the street and sewer superintendents, there is an estimated $800,000 expense for repairs and improvements to Indianola’s storm water system. The estimated tax rate necessary to pay for this project is 25 cents.
It is estimated that a storm water utility will reduce the tax rate by about 10 cents for current projects (Stephen Court and South Buxton)
The combined 35 cents would save a home valued at $175,000 about $29 annually compared to the $24 annual cost of a storm water utility
The storm water utility revenue can also be used for street sweeping which is currently funded by a diminishing Road Use Tax Fund. About $65,000 is spent annually to sweep Indianola streets.
Friday, September 17, 2010
News Items - September 20, 2010
1. IDA: Indianola Development Association reps will attend a joint meeting with council/trustees on October 11 to request funding for fiscal years 10/11 and 11/12. The city provided $29,000 supported by Hotel/Motel taxes and an additional $29,000 from TIF funds beginning in FY 10. 69K is budgeted this year for additional marketing materials. The new contract will be provided in October.
2. SWECS: The small wind energy conversion system (swecs) ordinance has passed out of P&Z and will be placed on the October 4 council agenda to set a hearing date (or it can be sent to committee). A copy of the recommendation will be in the packets on September 24.
3. JOINT MEETING: A joint meeting of mayors/councils from Carlisle, Indianola and Norwalk is tentatively scheduled for October 14 at 6:00 pm in the Norwalk Library.
4. METHANE STUDY: The South Central Iowa Landfill Board approved a study to determine the amount of methane generated by the landfill. Once complete, options will be discussed as to how to use/dispose of it.
5. STRATEGIC PLAN: In your packet is a draft copy of the Indianola Community School’s Strategic Plan for 2010-2015.
2. SWECS: The small wind energy conversion system (swecs) ordinance has passed out of P&Z and will be placed on the October 4 council agenda to set a hearing date (or it can be sent to committee). A copy of the recommendation will be in the packets on September 24.
3. JOINT MEETING: A joint meeting of mayors/councils from Carlisle, Indianola and Norwalk is tentatively scheduled for October 14 at 6:00 pm in the Norwalk Library.
4. METHANE STUDY: The South Central Iowa Landfill Board approved a study to determine the amount of methane generated by the landfill. Once complete, options will be discussed as to how to use/dispose of it.
5. STRATEGIC PLAN: In your packet is a draft copy of the Indianola Community School’s Strategic Plan for 2010-2015.
Friday, September 10, 2010
News Items - September 13, 2010
1. KELLEY TRAIL: The P&R Commission has asked Glen Cowan to submit a grant application to Safe Schools and Surface Transportation Trail Enhancement Programs for the approximate $625,000 cost to extend the Jerry Kelley trail from Memorial Park to Wilder School (see map). Commission member Jay Byers will attend a council meeting in September or October to discuss the project and discuss funding.
The Surface Transportation Enhancement program provided through the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Agency requires a 20% ($125,000) match which is the purpose of the Safe School grant application. If not received, however, a city commitment of the $125,000 is required to apply for the $400,000 Surface Transportation Enhancement Funds.
Also, Chuck Burgin is still working to get Qwest to remove/relocate poles on N 1st and W Franklin so the trail can be completed.
2. TRAFFIC SIGNALS: Signal controllers at 12th & Hwy 92 East, Valley Dr & 65/69, Ashland & 65/69, and Iowa Ave & 65/69 have been damaged during various storms throughout the summer and being repaired. Also, 3 of the 4 cameras at Valley Drive were damaged on August 20th.
The loaner controller units do not communicate with our system so the signals along Jefferson Way are not synchronized as designed.
Listed below are new and repair costs for the items and the time length for repair or delivery.
New Multisonic 820A $4,062.50 30 to 45 Days
New Detector Camera $3,562.50 30 to 45 Days
Controller Repair $600 to $2,000 2 to 6 Months
Camera Repair $600 to $1,600 1 to 3 Months
At issue is getting an answer to whether the controller and cameras can even be repaired. And if they can be repaired what other damage have they sustained to shorten their life span.
3. BUSINESS MAKEOVER: In the packet is a letter/invitation to a business makeover presentation from Linda Hayes who is working with ISU. The meeting is September 15 in the council chambers at 6:30 pm.
4. STEPHEN COURT CULVERTS: Per V&K’s Becky Ford, the new culverts will increase flow by 3 times over current capacity which is the equivalent of a 25-year storm. Had the culverts been in place this year, only the July 23 storm where 4-plus inches of rain fell in less than an hour would water have topped the street this year.
The Surface Transportation Enhancement program provided through the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Agency requires a 20% ($125,000) match which is the purpose of the Safe School grant application. If not received, however, a city commitment of the $125,000 is required to apply for the $400,000 Surface Transportation Enhancement Funds.
Also, Chuck Burgin is still working to get Qwest to remove/relocate poles on N 1st and W Franklin so the trail can be completed.
2. TRAFFIC SIGNALS: Signal controllers at 12th & Hwy 92 East, Valley Dr & 65/69, Ashland & 65/69, and Iowa Ave & 65/69 have been damaged during various storms throughout the summer and being repaired. Also, 3 of the 4 cameras at Valley Drive were damaged on August 20th.
The loaner controller units do not communicate with our system so the signals along Jefferson Way are not synchronized as designed.
Listed below are new and repair costs for the items and the time length for repair or delivery.
New Multisonic 820A $4,062.50 30 to 45 Days
New Detector Camera $3,562.50 30 to 45 Days
Controller Repair $600 to $2,000 2 to 6 Months
Camera Repair $600 to $1,600 1 to 3 Months
At issue is getting an answer to whether the controller and cameras can even be repaired. And if they can be repaired what other damage have they sustained to shorten their life span.
3. BUSINESS MAKEOVER: In the packet is a letter/invitation to a business makeover presentation from Linda Hayes who is working with ISU. The meeting is September 15 in the council chambers at 6:30 pm.
4. STEPHEN COURT CULVERTS: Per V&K’s Becky Ford, the new culverts will increase flow by 3 times over current capacity which is the equivalent of a 25-year storm. Had the culverts been in place this year, only the July 23 storm where 4-plus inches of rain fell in less than an hour would water have topped the street this year.
Friday, September 3, 2010
News Items - September 7, 2010
1. EAST IOWA SHARED SERVICE: Supt Dan Miers met with the property owners on Thursday the 26th and the consensus was to move forward with a sewer main that will eliminate the shared services. Quotes for the estimated $17,525 project will be presented at the September 20 council meeting.
2. STORM SUMARY: Department Directors met on August 30, 2010 to discuss the July 23 storm. Below is the summary:
• Emergency response happened as planned with the following departments responding: fire, police, street, water pollution control, electric, water and IMU administration
• Fire and police personnel worked with tornado affected neighborhood
• An emergency shelter was opened at the Middle School but closed a little after midnight due to no need
• Fire was kept busy with a wide variety of calls both inside and outside the community
• Police clerical staff assisted dispatch in answering calls
• Mayor Bresnan’s assistance at City Hall was greatly appreciated
• Staff are reviewing capabilities of the new phone system and may program adjustments for emergency events
• High vehicle traffic on West Euclid the next day was monitored for closure consideration but decided keeping it open to the volunteer cleanup effort was in the best interest of the neighborhood
• Electric is adding components to their communication system due to a couple minor weaknesses discovered during the event
FYI—The home on Stephen Court that had flooding in 2008 and 2010 was inspected by our staff the week of August 30. It was determined it had a cross-connection (footing tile connected to the sanitary sewer) and a sump pit/pump that was not connected to anything. When storm water and sewer backed up to the home thru the service, it went through the footing tile and dispersed under the foundation. A cavity was found under the home where the sump pit emptied thru a separate tile.
3. OFFICER WAGNER: In the packet are letters of commendation from Sheriff Mike Balmer (Jasper County) and Sergeant Brian Sher for effort by Officer Mesha Wagner regarding two burglary suspects that were apprehended on July 31. Hats off to Mesha!!
4. FEMA ON-SITE VISIT: FEMA personnel spent all day Wednesday and Thursday morning visiting all the various sites of damage for the city and utility. Damage since June 1 has ranged from telephone replacement and alarm panel repair to culvert extensions and sewer main repair. Superintendents from streets, parks, water pollution control, electric and water described in detail what occurred and what was or will be needed to repair or improve the site. FEMA will pay to return the site to before event condition and will consider some Section 406 Hazard Mitigation. Mitigation must be cost-effective as determined by FEMA which means benefits exceed costs or the ratio of benefits to costs is greater than one.
Staff continues to repair, document and work with consultants to bring infrastructure back to original or improved condition. All eligible expenses will be reimbursed 75% by federal and 10% by state.
5. HOMECOMING PARADE: The annual Homecoming Parade will be held on September 23 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
2. STORM SUMARY: Department Directors met on August 30, 2010 to discuss the July 23 storm. Below is the summary:
• Emergency response happened as planned with the following departments responding: fire, police, street, water pollution control, electric, water and IMU administration
• Fire and police personnel worked with tornado affected neighborhood
• An emergency shelter was opened at the Middle School but closed a little after midnight due to no need
• Fire was kept busy with a wide variety of calls both inside and outside the community
• Police clerical staff assisted dispatch in answering calls
• Mayor Bresnan’s assistance at City Hall was greatly appreciated
• Staff are reviewing capabilities of the new phone system and may program adjustments for emergency events
• High vehicle traffic on West Euclid the next day was monitored for closure consideration but decided keeping it open to the volunteer cleanup effort was in the best interest of the neighborhood
• Electric is adding components to their communication system due to a couple minor weaknesses discovered during the event
FYI—The home on Stephen Court that had flooding in 2008 and 2010 was inspected by our staff the week of August 30. It was determined it had a cross-connection (footing tile connected to the sanitary sewer) and a sump pit/pump that was not connected to anything. When storm water and sewer backed up to the home thru the service, it went through the footing tile and dispersed under the foundation. A cavity was found under the home where the sump pit emptied thru a separate tile.
3. OFFICER WAGNER: In the packet are letters of commendation from Sheriff Mike Balmer (Jasper County) and Sergeant Brian Sher for effort by Officer Mesha Wagner regarding two burglary suspects that were apprehended on July 31. Hats off to Mesha!!
4. FEMA ON-SITE VISIT: FEMA personnel spent all day Wednesday and Thursday morning visiting all the various sites of damage for the city and utility. Damage since June 1 has ranged from telephone replacement and alarm panel repair to culvert extensions and sewer main repair. Superintendents from streets, parks, water pollution control, electric and water described in detail what occurred and what was or will be needed to repair or improve the site. FEMA will pay to return the site to before event condition and will consider some Section 406 Hazard Mitigation. Mitigation must be cost-effective as determined by FEMA which means benefits exceed costs or the ratio of benefits to costs is greater than one.
Staff continues to repair, document and work with consultants to bring infrastructure back to original or improved condition. All eligible expenses will be reimbursed 75% by federal and 10% by state.
5. HOMECOMING PARADE: The annual Homecoming Parade will be held on September 23 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
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