News Items August 27, 2012

1.     STREET PROJECT:
 

·       South Howard Street paving is complete with the exception of parking and driveways.

·       Water main and storm sewer replacement on East Boston west of the highway is continuing. An existing storm sewer and openings were discovered under the pavement. Most of the system will be abandoned; however a change order request will be forthcoming. Additional sanitary sewer services have been discovered and replaced during the paving project. A change order will be requested at the end of the project.

·       The new storm sewer and water main west of Hwy 65/69 should be complete by the end of next week.

·       Change Order #2 for water main improvements (IMU cost) and storm sewer changes on “E” Street and East Boston will be submitted at the end of the month.

2.     WAY FINDING SIGNS: The city’s way finding signs have been installed. IDOT reports they will begin installing next week and the goal is to have them complete by September 7^th.

3.     PICKARD PARK: The P&R Commission will submit a request to council Sept 4 for the north Pickard Park restrooms that serve youth and adult softball and youth baseball programs. Options will include renovation or replacement. Glen will provide the presentation and answer questions.

4.     CIP: Each department received capital improvement request forms for FY13-14 this week (see memo). You’ll note a request was made to delay any projects over $100,000 until FY15 and the related reasons. Please let me know if you have any questions.

5.     PROSPECT: We have been approached by WCEDC to contribute $25,000 over two years ($12,500 in FY14 and $12,500 in FY15) to a company considering locating in Indianola (see letter). They would be required to stay in Indianola for a minimum of three years as well as other commitments. When an official request is made it will be brought to council.

6.     J&K REALIGNMENT: Attached is the IDOT’s determination that no properties within the J&K Realignment are classified as “historic”. The city will be acquiring the property included in this project when the environmental study is complete, hopefully within the next 30 days.

7.     I&I: Per the discussion at Monday’s council meeting Dan Miers reports that approximately 80 properties have been inspected in 2012. Consequently, the department will continue to inspect per the consent decree.

8.     COUNTY: Warren County Supervisor, Dean Yordi requested the city’s assistance televising a sewer line in Liberty Center. The city has provided this service in the past and will be appropriately reimbursed for expenses.

9.     CAPITAL CROSSROADS: Attached is information regarding Capital Crossroads Local Government Collaboration background, a pilot project concept and proposed schedule of contributions. Mayor Bresnan discussed this group and what they are trying to accomplish at the August 20 council meeting. As this moves forward and you feel this to be a worthwhile endeavor support in the form of a resolution including financial will be requested.

NEWS ITEMS

TO:                 Mayor and Council

FROM:           Jean

DATE:            August 17, 2012

1.     STREET PROJECT:
 

·       South Howard Street paving is complete with the exception of parking and driveways.

·       Water main and storm sewer replacement East Boston west of the highway is continuing. You may have noticed that a segment of one lane is closed. There is an issue with an existing storm sewer on the east side and staff is working with engineers and Sternquist to determine the best way to repair.

·       The contractor is scheduled to move to North Buxton next.

2.     WAY FINDING SIGNS: Glen Cowan indicated the signs are complete and the city will install those to be posted on city streets Monday, August 20th. A letter has been sent to the IDOT to determine if they have received the highway signs and when they plan to install. Will keep you updated.

3.     PICKARD PARK: The P&R Commission will submit a request to council Sept 4 for the north Pickard Park restrooms that serve youth and adult softball and youth baseball programs. Options will include renovation or replacement.

News Items August 13, 2012

1.     STREET PROJECT:
 

·       South Howard Street is closed and 75% of paving is complete. One more pour is required to complete the street portion.

·       Water main and storm sewer replacement East Boston west of the highway is continuing.

·       Soil prep is being completed on East Boston east of Highway 65/69.

2.     POLICE CHIEF RESUMES: As of Aug 10th 23 resumes have been received.

3.     WAY FINDING SIGNS: Glen Cowan indicated the signs are complete and the city will install those to be posted on city streets. A letter has been sent to the IDOT to determine if they have received the highway signs to coordinate schedules. Will keep you updated.

4.     AUGUST 13: Just a reminder a meeting will not be held Monday, August 13. Enjoy your evening!

5.     YMCA: Concrete pouring continues on the Wellness Center. The competitive pool is the main focus. Walls will be delivered to the site beginning August 23^rd.

News Items August 6, 2012

1.     STREET PROJECT:
 

·       South Howard Street is closed and half of paving is complete. The remaining portion is currently being trimmed and will be paved next week.

·       Water main and storm sewer replacement East Boston west of the highway is continuing.

·       “D” Street is completely open

2.     POLICE CHIEF RESUMES: As of Aug 3rd 15 resumes have been received.

3.     HWY 65/69 STUDY: See attached letter sent to area property owners explaining elements of study and process.

4.     I&I MEETING: Per the realtors request the meeting is now Tuesday, August 7 at 11 a.m. Mayor Bresnan and John Parker will attend.

5.     NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE FEES: See the attached request from Mid-American Energy asking for a delay to implement the gas franchise fees to October 1, 2012 instead of September 1 due to staffing issues. Fortunately, the financial impact is approximately $2,000 as August is a low usage month. If this had been mid-winter the effect would have been much greater.

6.     TAX ABATEMENT: Tax abatement for residential, commercial and industrial properties is set to expire December 31, 2012. Staff will bring information to a future committee to discuss whether or not the program should be continued.

7.     REAL ESTATE: A real estate agent contacted Chuck this week and indicated the two parking lots directly west of city hall are for sale. Price was not mentioned and both properties were just placed on the market. Staff will keep you informed as we receive additional information.

8.     YMCA: The footings for the YMCA are 90% complete and the competitive pool is in the process of being poured.

9.  NORTH 8^TH & IOWA: A pre-construction meeting for the North 8^th Street and Iowa project will be held Tuesday, August 7 at 9 am. The project awarded to low bidder Vanderpool Construction is scheduled to be complete October of this year.

News Items July 23, 2012

1.     STREET PROJECT:
 

·       South Howard Street is closed and half of paving is complete.

·       Sewer repair work is complete on East Boston east of Hwy 92 and work is continuing west of the highway.

·       All of North “E” Street will be open today (July 20).

2.     ILOC: The Iowa League of Cities released a brochure pertaining to “New Laws of Interest to Cities”. You may have received this but just in case attached is a copy for review.

3.     ILOC CONFERENCE: Just a reminder the Iowa league of Cities Conference will be held September 26-28 in Sioux City (conference info was sent in an earlier packet). If interested please let Diane or myself know.

4.     TAXES: The attached spreadsheet shows July tax receipts and is consistent with collections this time of year.

5.     HWY 65/69 STUDY: Attached is a copy of the minutes from the July 9 meeting with IDOT reps. Additional information will be forthcoming as the IDOT requests city input.

6.     TAX SURVEY: Attached are spreadsheets showing Indianola ranked 10^th low in terms of total tax rate for cities with populations 6,500 or greater. In addition, the numbers show Indianola 6^th low in taxes paid per capita yet 28^th in taxable value.

7.     CITY MANAGER RESUMES: As of Friday 10:45 am 62 resumes have been received.

8.  WELLNESS CENTER: Approximately 90% of the footings have been completed and a portion of the  competitive pool has been poured.

News Items July 16, 2012

1.     STREET PROJECT:
 

·       North “E” is paved and open with a few remaining cleanup items, retaining wall and landscaping.

·       South Howard Street is closed and sub grade prep work is being performed.

·       Sewer repair work is being completed on East Boston east of Hwy 92.

2.     POLICE CHIEF COMMITTEE: Pete and Pam both indicated an interest to participate in the hiring process for the new chief. Brian Seymour, Steve Bonnett and I will represent staff. Reviewing a few other possible options as well.

3.     APPRAISAL: A copy of the North “C” Street appraisal was sent to you Thursday via e-mail. Please let me know if you did not receive it.

4.     YMCA PROJECT UPDATE: Chuck Burgin met with architects and engineers and recommends a change order in the amount of $8,993 to stain the precast concrete on the building. The staining process replaces colored panels from the factory, this process ensures a pure uniform finish and is easier maintenance for damaged areas.

Alternate #7 ($93,000) for cable, phone and internet is being re-bid. All felt there could be some potential cost savings in doing this as separate project. The split for actual work is 68% YMCA and 32% city therefore the Y will coordinate with Ball Team through this process. Will keep you updated.

5.     HWY 65/69: The July 9 meeting with IDOT officials regarding Hwy 65/69 improvements was positive. The feasibility study estimated completion date is January 2013. Discussion indicated they will ask for the city’s input and recommendations throughout the process.

6.     PARKS & REC: P&R Director Glen Cowan provided updates on several projects:

·       Pickard Restroom Design: Engineer/Designers are still working on layouts and costs for renovated or new restrooms at the ISA complex. I plan to take a recommendation to the P&R Commission Aug 15 and then bring a recommendation to the council soon after.

·       Wayfinding Signage: The signs are being fabricated which will take 4-6 weeks. The signs along the highways will be delivered to the IDOT for installation and the other signs will be delivered to the City for installation. Not sure how fast the IDOT will get them put up. My hope is that they are all up by the end of Sept.

·       ISA Agreement: I have not heard back formally from them with a response to my change recommendations. It will be on the Aug 15 P&R Commission meeting agenda. Staff will be discussing and putting together financial information to have P&R run the complex versus ISA. This possibility will also be discussed with the P&R Commission.

·       McCord Play Structure: The entire play equipment is installed and open for public use. Word is out and there is a lot of use each day. The P&R Commission will be having a dedication ceremony on Wed. July 25. We will be sending invitations to 200+ neighbors, council, mayor, media, etc.

·       Sesquicentennial Park Sculpture:The Park Friends, Fine Arts & P&R Commission have ordered the sculpture so it is being fabricated and will be installed this fall. A tentative dedication ceremony has been set for the last weekend in Sept. The sculpture committee is in the process of raising $3,000 to light the sculpture.

·       JK Trail Phase 2: We have received approval to proceed from the IDOT and have met with V&K engineers to review the trail location. As a result, we are in the process of trying to get an extension to complete the trail as we want to move the location along Iowa to the south side of the street. We learned that IMU will be removing all the electric poles as a part of their underground conversion program which will allow the trail to be on the south side. We were unaware of this when we applied for the trail grant.

The hope is to complete the full project following the Indianola Municipal Utility burying the overhead lines on the south side of Iowa St. This newly found detail gives us the chance to keep the trail on the south side of Iowa all the way from Simpson College to Kenwood Blvd. This will make for a safer route by eliminating a street-crossing of the trail in a valley, additional costs of retaining walls on residential land, avoid numerous driveways to residential properties and will make for a more appealing trail by staying closer to open vegetated ground.

The burying of these lines by IMU is slated for 2014 and may move up in time. The JKT Phase 2 project would start in 2013 constructing the majority of the trail and finishing the portion near the IMU power line burying project in 2014.

News Items July 9, 2012

1.     STREET PROJECT:
 

·       North “E” is paved and open with a few remaining cleanup items and landscaping.

·       South Howard Street is closed and sub grade prep work is being performed.

·       Sewer repair work is being performed on East Boston east of Hwy 92.

2.     SURVEY: Enclosed is information from 10 cities with either similar populations or structure (county seat). Information regarding economic development groups and chamber contributions was provided. However, only one city indicated they have formal agreements with these groups. Generally, quarterly or annual reports (similar to what we receive) are provided. A few cities have an economic development staff person others provide representatives, elected and non-elected to serve on these boards.

3.     COUNTY MAINTENANCE BUILDING: Very preliminary discussions with Doug Shull indicate the county may be relocating its road maintenance facility (currently located on North 6^th Street) in the future. They are looking at options and at this time land has not been purchased. Doug indicated the county may approach the city to determine interest based on proximity to the city street and parks departments.

4.     APPRAISAL: Rally Appraisal out of Des Moines indicated they could provide an appraisal for North “C” Street at a rate of $2,500.

5.     HWY 65/69 STUDY: Attached is an agenda for Monday’s IDOT meeting in Ames. Mayor Bresnan, John Parker and I will attend on behalf of the city.