News Items May 21, 2012

1.     OPERA: Staff met with representatives from the Des Moines Metro Opera and Sternquist Construction this week. The Opera had concerns/questions regarding North “E” Street replacement. They have many large delivery trucks in and out prior to performances on June 22 and the following schedule (weather permitting) was developed to accommodate all involved:

Week of May 14   Vanderpool complete utility work

Week of May 21   Sternquist remove all equipment from job site

June 8                    Sternquist prep and pave the street

June 22                  Opera performances begin

The goal is to have the street open to traffic prior to the first performance June 22.

2.     NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE FEE: The final draft of the franchise fee agreement between the city and Mid-American Energy should be complete this week. The public hearing will be June 18. I will forward copies for your review prior to the June 4 meeting when council sets the hearing date.

3.     ROADRASH: Attached is information provided by Brad Ross regarding an event that will be held in Indianola Saturday, May 19.

4.     EAST GIRARD: V&K indicates the fee to further evaluate the channel from Girard to Franklin in order to accommodate a lower water depth (2' +/-) would be $1,500 including running the model and a letter report of the findings with estimated costs. Please let me know if you would like to proceed.

5.     POOL: The main circulating pump at the pool quit working. Unfortunately it is absolutely necessary to repair and therefore the pool will not open Monday, May 21. The estimated cost is $10,000 and options are currently under review. Each day the pool is not open is approximately $1,000 in lost revenues. Will keep you posted.

This is what has been sent to as many groups & organizations as possible:

Pump malfunction delays opening of Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Indianola

          Pool officials discovered a problem with the pool’s main circulation pump on           Tuesday, May 15, and immediately began the search for a solution. The city is working with multiple sources around the Midwest to solve the problem as quickly as possible. The pool had been scheduled to open Monday, May 21.

          Recreation Superintendent Doug Bylund said, “The pool is filled with water and looks ready for use. But the problem is, if that pump isn’t working, we can’t keep the water filtered. The water will become too cloudy and unsafe for swimming.”

          Iowa law states that a pool may not operate unless the water can pass a clarity test Bylund said, “We certainly don’t want to delay the opening of the pool any longer than necessary. We will notify the public through the medias soon as we can offer a safe swimming experience for our patrons.”

          The city will post updates on its website at www.indianolaiowa.gov.

            On a side note the slide is in this week and is currently being installed.

6.     I&I: V&K reports Phase IV of the I&I project is estimated at $5.3 million well above the $2 million originally anticipated. The city borrowed $9 million in 2009 for the project and has spent $7.5 to date. A meeting with the IDNR to request an extension to the 2013 deadline and incorporate a Phase V is being scheduled.

In addition, the city will request an extension to the private (residential) portion of the project as well. Currently, we are required by the state consent decree to inspect 300 homes per year and a request to reduce to 150-200 will be made. The IDNR indicated a willingness to meet with the city and consider various options. The Mayor has offered to attend these meetings with staff and all correspondence will be sent to the Council to keep you comprised of all discussions.

7.     SEWER PLANT: V&K provided the North Treatment Plant upgrade study to Dan Miers this week. $5 million was placed in the FY13 budget, however the estimated cost to renovate and upgrade the facility is $11.9 million!! This will also need to be discussed with IDNR officials to determine requirements and related timeline.

8.     STORMWATER REPAIR: At the request of the property owners at 306 & 308 South Spruce the Street Dept cleaned out the storm water outlet and extended a tile system behind their properties and adjacent to the Westview Care Center. Chuck reports the residents are very thankful for the city’s quick response.

9.     CITY MANAGER SEARCH: On May 17^th and 18^th 30 interviews were held with mayor, council, staff and community members to develop the city manger profile that will be used for recruitment of the new city manager.  Boards and commissions, business community individuals, developers, Indianola Community Schools, Simpson College and others provided input to Brimeyer-Fursman.  This information along with the city budget, audit reports, community and organizational statistics will be used to create a marketing piece used to draw interest in the position. Formal approval of the profile will be on the council agenda June 4^th.