City Manager's Blog December 21, 2012

Blizzard 2013 Update

We survived the first major winter storm in the past two years without any major issues of note.  The Street Department did an outstanding job, given the conditions, removing snow and keeping our streets open.  Ed and his entire staff are now working on the enormous amount of cleanup that must take place after the initial plowing has concluded.  Staff is currently clearing snow from parking lots, the square, and side streets. Crews are working diligently to keep any inconveniences to a minimum for citizens and businesses. Next week, after the holiday, we will haul the snow off some of the wider streets like Clinton, Boston, Howard etc. were the sidewalks are close to the street and the snow is either on the sidewalk or in the parking area. In addition, the Police Department did a great job in providing advanced notice of the snow ordinance and getting cars off the streets so plows could remove snow efficiently and safely.  Because we are fortunate enough to have experienced officers that have been through enough winter storms, we noticed minimal disruptions during the storm.  In total, only 17 vehicles were cited and only 4 vehicles had to be towed. The combination of the early warning and proactive efforts of the IPD with regards to the snow ordinance, we were able to keep everyone safe and allow crews to remove the snow from our streets without major incident.

Fire/EMS Calls Hit New Record in 2013

2012 will bring a new record for calls for service at the IFD.  The previous record was 1732 and as of today (December 21^st) we are at 1831. Most of the increase occurred with the number of EMS calls, but our fire calls were up slightly also.  Thankfully, the new record was not inflated due to calls related to the recent winter storm. The ambulance ran all night long, but it was for medical calls only. Fortunately, we did not respond to any accidents as motorist seemed to be driving slow enough to avoid injury causing crashes.

Firefighter Position Open

With the departure of one or our Firefighter/EMT staff members, the City of Indianola is taking applications for a Full Time Firefighter until December 28^th. This is a civil service position and as such subject to civil service testing in addition to a formal interview process.  Chief Brian Seymour and HR Director RoxAnne Hunerdosse will be working with the Indianola Civil Service Commission to fill the position as soon as possible.  Commission members assisting with the hire are Fred Jones, Wayne Peterson and Celeste Gebhart.  Those interested should contact the City immediately regarding this opening with the Indianola Fire Department.

Upcoming Library Events

The Library staff is busy planning for the Adult Winter Reading program which begins right after the New Year. In addition, we are planning to celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library” Day on February 2^nd with story times, activities, and other events for children and their parents. Please visit the staff at the Indianola Library to learn more about the many events and activities happening in 2013.

City Manager's Blog December 7, 2012

YMCA Update

Community Development is working with the Iowa Department of Public Health and other state officials to obtain a waiver to allow a handicap ramp to be installed at the competitive pool in the YMCA. We are hopeful the waiver will be approved.  A meeting with all the various entities represented with the project will be held next week at City Hall to discuss and hopefully reach agreement so the final pool construction can move forward.  Overall progress on the YMCA remains on target aided by the recent good weather experienced in the area. 

Budget and Finance

Budget documents have been sent to all department heads for completion and submittal by the end of December for the coming fiscal year.  Staff has been given an initial target of maintaining the current levy rate of $11.20.  Overall direction and discussion of the budget will take place Monday night at the Council Study session.  As indicated in your packets, please bring your copy of the current budget to the study session.

Street Project Update

Paving Project – With the recent stretch of good weather experienced in the area, Sternquist Construction has been able to complete all the mainline paving for the year. All intersections have been poured. Sternquist Construction anticipates the last of the concrete pouring on 12/7/12. They are still hoping to finish the restoration and sodding of the disturbed areas yet this year, if possible.

Capital Crossroads/Local Government Collaboration

Chief Seymour and I attended the second local government collaboration last week as part of metro area initiative to promote local collaboration and efficiency.  The discussion focused on fire and EMS services.  The main issues identified to move forward were identifying potential efficiencies surrounding the use and maintenance of equipment and overall staffing and the opportunities to share staffing when available. 

Pickard Park Improvements

The street department will start digging the footing for the new restroom at the Pickard Park ball field complex next week. We will then need to get the water and electric service to the site and have the plumbing completed before we can receive and set the building in place. We have scheduled the first week in April for the delivery date. By waiting until this time, we can have the water turned on so the building can be hooked up and checked for leaks by the installers.