1. BOND ISSUE: Below is a tentative schedule and list of projects in the FY 09/10 $2,500,000 (budgeted) bond issue. The only item not actually budgeted is the South “Y” Paving. We will also proceed with a $620,000 (general fund) capital loan note for the City Hall project.
· July 6th—Council set the date for public hearings and date for sale
· August 3rd—Council holds public hearings and sales
· August 17th—Council takes additional action on the issuance
· Close on issuances by the end of August
Capital Improvement Projects and Equipment (figures have been rounded and include issuance costs, etc.)
· City Hall Improvements $210,000
· Storm Sewer Improvements $260,000
· Memorial Park Parking Lot Improvements $365,000
· Memorial Park Restroom Improvements $105,000
· Fire/EMS Vehicle $25,000
· North “Y” Street Project $695,000
· South “Y” Street Project $840,000
· TOTAL $2,500,000
2. SHARED SERVICE POLICY: Responses were received from about 10 cities regarding their shared service policy and they are being tabulated. John Hoyman also has expressed initial reservation about letters to the recorders office reporting shared services.
Forrest Aldrich, Chuck Burgin, Dan Miers and I will meet again next week to further discuss the policy based on input thus far. It will be brought to the July committee meeting.
3. W HWY 92: After years of effort and countless meetings, the IDOT has placed W Hwy 92 from “R” to R-57 in their 5-year plan. Right of way acquisition is scheduled for 2012 and grading/paving for 2013. While it does not extend all the way to I-35, it never the less is a good start.
Congratulations to all who worked on this project.
FYI—The plan actually shows R-57 to R-63 and unfortunately the document was printed before the change could be made to show “R” Street instead of R-63. IDOT’s Mike Clayton reports the change will be make in next year’s budget and assures us that the funding is for R-57 to “R”.
4. JULY 20 MEETING: The meeting (before RAGBRAI) is still being discussed and it’s likely that a very short meeting will be held to pay claims and any absolutely necessary items for council consideration.
The item will be discussed at the July 6 meeting.
5. WARDS: A copy of the map is in the council packets.
6. PUNCH LIST: In your packet is the updated punch list for the West Euclid Project. If you would like to discuss the list, we can do so under other business Monday night.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
News Items - June 8,2009
1. MEETINGS: Reminder--Bob and Mark cannot attend the June 15 meeting so the remaining 4 must attend to conduct a meeting.
Shirley is unable to attend the July 13 committee meeting.
2. SRLF: Finance Director Laurie Hebl reports the State Revolving Loan Fund deposited $364,500 into the city account on June 1 as reimbursement for Infiltration/Inflow expenses to date. Unfortunately the Sewer Capital fund will still be in the red for May.
3. WIND GENERATOR: At their June 3 meeting the Board of Adjustment denied (5-0) the request to locate an 85’ wind generator on the sw corner of Hwy 65 and 92.
4. GREAT PLACES: Glen Cowan reports that Great Places Program received 1.9 million for projects and about $425,000 of that will be for this year’s projects. Glen is submitting an application for the Memorial Amphitheater (all 4 phases) and the restroom. Good luck Glen!!
5. MUNICIPAL BUILDING: Things are in a bit of disarray as the contractor works around the building. While most is going according to plan, some of the cinder blocks in the eastern canopy columns are cracked. A change order is being prepared to replace the block and will be on the June 15 agenda.
FYI--Brian Seymour has information about grant availability for Fire Station Construction and intends to apply by the June 8 deadline. The grant will be extremely competitive as there is only $210 million for all fifty states. Good luck Brian!!
6. D&D BUILDING: The proposed retail building immediately west of Wal-Mart that will occupy the former feed store will not be sold until July 15. A public hearing will therefore be set on July 6 for July 20 to consider the development agreement.
The revised building size is about 10,500 with a value of $650,000. The requested city contribution will be reduced to $125,000 which is more consistent with the Dangerous/Dilapidated program that allows purchases up to a building’s assessed value ($138,500) for this site.
Using D&D allows the city to obtain the same result without the expense of a purchase, building removal and re-sale. A much smoother transaction.
7. SOUTH “G”/12th: A tentative meeting is scheduled for Wednesday the 10th at 6:00 pm in the city council chambers. Elected officials are encouraged to attend, however, if more than 3 are there an agenda needs to be posted. Let us know if you plan to attend.
Forrest Aldrich reports the paving design was near complete in 1999 and just about ready to implement given neighborhood and council support. This project could be bid with the South “Y” project to take advantage of economies of scale.
8. SIDEWALK PROGRAM: Consistent with the bi-annual sidewalk inspection program, the Community Development Department will begin inspections next week. The PD approved use of their 4-wheeler and the Street Dept is going to make some appropriate signage.
The program is designed to help reduce property owner/city liability by removing sidewalk defects.
FYI—Steve Richardson asked to discuss sidewalk waivers previously approved by council to determine if they should continue to be in effect. The discussion will be placed on the August 10 committee agenda.
9. PLASTIC BAGS: Chris Longer, Mindi Robinson and I met with reps from a local retailer interested in promoting recycling and re-usable bag sales programs. The concept will be introduced at the next local retailer meeting on June 25.
10. NUISANCES: The Community Development Department issued 2 nuisances in the past week, mainly for tall grass/weeds. The department issued 25 thus far this year.
11. PLANTERS: The stop sign planters on the square were weeded and re-planted this week by the Parks Dept.
12. BIO SOLIDS: Supt Dan Miers reports the bio-solids (better known as sludge) hauling rfp was sent on June 2 and is due June 25. A recommendation will be brought to council in July. Biosolids Management Group (BMG) currently hauls our bio-solids for 2.3 cents/gallon.
13. W EUCLID PUNCH LIST: In your packet is a copy of the cleanup list for the West Euclid Project. Cleanup items that have been completed are shown as crossed out and the ones the contractor are working on today are identified.
14. COUNTRY CLUB LAND: I met again with a rep from the Country Club and provided possible lease information. I anticipate a lease offer for the city property on N Country Club Rd in the next several weeks and will be brought to council for consideration.
15. NORTH “Y”: I have not received a construction schedule from the contractor to date. Construction will begin as soon as they secure a NPDES permit from IDNR next Monday or Tuesday. The contractor will move equipment on Monday and start construction on Tuesday. The schedule will be sent to elected official when received.
16. COMMUNITY SIGN: Community Sign Painting will be hanging flyers (see packet) asking residents if they would like to have their house number painted on the curb for $10. If the person wants the work done, the resident places the flyer and money on their front door or garage door and the work is performed the next day. John Hoyman and the Police Department have ok’ed.
Shirley is unable to attend the July 13 committee meeting.
2. SRLF: Finance Director Laurie Hebl reports the State Revolving Loan Fund deposited $364,500 into the city account on June 1 as reimbursement for Infiltration/Inflow expenses to date. Unfortunately the Sewer Capital fund will still be in the red for May.
3. WIND GENERATOR: At their June 3 meeting the Board of Adjustment denied (5-0) the request to locate an 85’ wind generator on the sw corner of Hwy 65 and 92.
4. GREAT PLACES: Glen Cowan reports that Great Places Program received 1.9 million for projects and about $425,000 of that will be for this year’s projects. Glen is submitting an application for the Memorial Amphitheater (all 4 phases) and the restroom. Good luck Glen!!
5. MUNICIPAL BUILDING: Things are in a bit of disarray as the contractor works around the building. While most is going according to plan, some of the cinder blocks in the eastern canopy columns are cracked. A change order is being prepared to replace the block and will be on the June 15 agenda.
FYI--Brian Seymour has information about grant availability for Fire Station Construction and intends to apply by the June 8 deadline. The grant will be extremely competitive as there is only $210 million for all fifty states. Good luck Brian!!
6. D&D BUILDING: The proposed retail building immediately west of Wal-Mart that will occupy the former feed store will not be sold until July 15. A public hearing will therefore be set on July 6 for July 20 to consider the development agreement.
The revised building size is about 10,500 with a value of $650,000. The requested city contribution will be reduced to $125,000 which is more consistent with the Dangerous/Dilapidated program that allows purchases up to a building’s assessed value ($138,500) for this site.
Using D&D allows the city to obtain the same result without the expense of a purchase, building removal and re-sale. A much smoother transaction.
7. SOUTH “G”/12th: A tentative meeting is scheduled for Wednesday the 10th at 6:00 pm in the city council chambers. Elected officials are encouraged to attend, however, if more than 3 are there an agenda needs to be posted. Let us know if you plan to attend.
Forrest Aldrich reports the paving design was near complete in 1999 and just about ready to implement given neighborhood and council support. This project could be bid with the South “Y” project to take advantage of economies of scale.
8. SIDEWALK PROGRAM: Consistent with the bi-annual sidewalk inspection program, the Community Development Department will begin inspections next week. The PD approved use of their 4-wheeler and the Street Dept is going to make some appropriate signage.
The program is designed to help reduce property owner/city liability by removing sidewalk defects.
FYI—Steve Richardson asked to discuss sidewalk waivers previously approved by council to determine if they should continue to be in effect. The discussion will be placed on the August 10 committee agenda.
9. PLASTIC BAGS: Chris Longer, Mindi Robinson and I met with reps from a local retailer interested in promoting recycling and re-usable bag sales programs. The concept will be introduced at the next local retailer meeting on June 25.
10. NUISANCES: The Community Development Department issued 2 nuisances in the past week, mainly for tall grass/weeds. The department issued 25 thus far this year.
11. PLANTERS: The stop sign planters on the square were weeded and re-planted this week by the Parks Dept.
12. BIO SOLIDS: Supt Dan Miers reports the bio-solids (better known as sludge) hauling rfp was sent on June 2 and is due June 25. A recommendation will be brought to council in July. Biosolids Management Group (BMG) currently hauls our bio-solids for 2.3 cents/gallon.
13. W EUCLID PUNCH LIST: In your packet is a copy of the cleanup list for the West Euclid Project. Cleanup items that have been completed are shown as crossed out and the ones the contractor are working on today are identified.
14. COUNTRY CLUB LAND: I met again with a rep from the Country Club and provided possible lease information. I anticipate a lease offer for the city property on N Country Club Rd in the next several weeks and will be brought to council for consideration.
15. NORTH “Y”: I have not received a construction schedule from the contractor to date. Construction will begin as soon as they secure a NPDES permit from IDNR next Monday or Tuesday. The contractor will move equipment on Monday and start construction on Tuesday. The schedule will be sent to elected official when received.
16. COMMUNITY SIGN: Community Sign Painting will be hanging flyers (see packet) asking residents if they would like to have their house number painted on the curb for $10. If the person wants the work done, the resident places the flyer and money on their front door or garage door and the work is performed the next day. John Hoyman and the Police Department have ok’ed.
Monday, June 1, 2009
North "Y" Paving Project
At their meeting on May 18, 2009 the City Council approved the contract with McAninch Construction to pave North “Y” Street. Beginning this Wednesday, June 10, 2009, the south end of North “Y” will be closed. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Friday, May 29, 2009
News Items - June 1, 2009
1. WIND GENERATOR: The Board of Adjustment will consider a request for an 85’ wind generator to be located on the southwest corner of Hwy 65/69 and 92 at their June 3 meeting in city hall.
2. JUNE 15 COUNCIL MEETING: Bob Kreamer and Mark Vickroy are both unavailable June 15th so we are at the minimum. Please advise if any other council members cannot attend.
3. POOL: Recreation Supt Doug Bylund reports the pool’s first weekend produced the following:
Saturday: $441.40 Admissions, $272.50 Concessions
Sunday: $575.50 Admissions, $340.75 Concessions
Monday: $223.75 Admissions, $134.00 Concessions
Total 3-day revenue was $1,988.00. Last year, the pool only opened 2 days (due to cold) and had $1905.50 revenue. Warm weather is badly needed!!
FYI—I understand council concern regarding the pool’s fund balance but keep in mind last summer was one of the wettest ever. Pool revenue is almost exclusively related to weather.
4. WEST EUCLID: According to Veenstra & Kimm the final project costs for the West Euclid Project are:
May 29, 2009 As written in the memo
Final Construction Cost $ 981,404.85 $ 982,338.85
Total Project Cost $ 1,157,666.21 $ 1,158,350.20
Retainage $ 29,442.15 $ 29,470.17
5. MPO: Indianola’s Associate Membership in the Metropolitan Planning Organization will be discussed at their meeting on June 9 at 11:30 am. I plan to attend to answer questions.
6. SOFTWARE: Laurie Hebl will have a recommendation at the June 8 committee meeting to replace the 13 year-old software in the Clerks Office (billing, accounts payable, payroll). The good news is the cost is under the $150,000 budget.
7. SALARY/BENEFITS: The 2010 salary resolution (packet) will be on the June 15 agenda. It is per the union contract and in the FY 09/10 Budget adopted on March 2.
8. HEALTH POOL: May’s balance remains over $700,000 and holding steady. Good news!
9. BALLOON MUSUEM DITCH: We are awaiting word from FEMA regarding the status of the disaster claim for reparation to the drainage ditch north of the Balloon Museum. The State did not support our claim so we are not too optimistic about FEMA. A decision will be rendered by June 1.
10. WARREN HOTEL: No additional brick movement but we are continuing to monitor.
2. JUNE 15 COUNCIL MEETING: Bob Kreamer and Mark Vickroy are both unavailable June 15th so we are at the minimum. Please advise if any other council members cannot attend.
3. POOL: Recreation Supt Doug Bylund reports the pool’s first weekend produced the following:
Saturday: $441.40 Admissions, $272.50 Concessions
Sunday: $575.50 Admissions, $340.75 Concessions
Monday: $223.75 Admissions, $134.00 Concessions
Total 3-day revenue was $1,988.00. Last year, the pool only opened 2 days (due to cold) and had $1905.50 revenue. Warm weather is badly needed!!
FYI—I understand council concern regarding the pool’s fund balance but keep in mind last summer was one of the wettest ever. Pool revenue is almost exclusively related to weather.
4. WEST EUCLID: According to Veenstra & Kimm the final project costs for the West Euclid Project are:
May 29, 2009 As written in the memo
Final Construction Cost $ 981,404.85 $ 982,338.85
Total Project Cost $ 1,157,666.21 $ 1,158,350.20
Retainage $ 29,442.15 $ 29,470.17
5. MPO: Indianola’s Associate Membership in the Metropolitan Planning Organization will be discussed at their meeting on June 9 at 11:30 am. I plan to attend to answer questions.
6. SOFTWARE: Laurie Hebl will have a recommendation at the June 8 committee meeting to replace the 13 year-old software in the Clerks Office (billing, accounts payable, payroll). The good news is the cost is under the $150,000 budget.
7. SALARY/BENEFITS: The 2010 salary resolution (packet) will be on the June 15 agenda. It is per the union contract and in the FY 09/10 Budget adopted on March 2.
8. HEALTH POOL: May’s balance remains over $700,000 and holding steady. Good news!
9. BALLOON MUSUEM DITCH: We are awaiting word from FEMA regarding the status of the disaster claim for reparation to the drainage ditch north of the Balloon Museum. The State did not support our claim so we are not too optimistic about FEMA. A decision will be rendered by June 1.
10. WARREN HOTEL: No additional brick movement but we are continuing to monitor.
Friday, May 22, 2009
News Items- May 27, 2009
1. PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS: At a meeting on the 21st, several retailers got together with city reps to discuss a program to encourage the use of re-usable bags in-lieu of the plastic bags. The group agreed to meet the end of June to discuss further a joint effort.
2. SIDEWALK PLANTERS: There will be a request from the Re-Light Indianola Committee to place planters on the square sidewalks at a June meeting. The planters will be similar (smaller) to those on Simpson’s Campus. Previous councils have approved planters to help beautify the square.
3. TAX REVENUE: Revenue thru May is about a quarter percent behind this time last year.
4. PHONE SYSTEM: As part of the Municipal Building renovations, Laurie Hebl is reviewing our 19-year old phone system and 16-year old voice mail system. Several phones are not working properly and in 2004 we had a major phone/voice mail system failure. Will keep you posted.
2. SIDEWALK PLANTERS: There will be a request from the Re-Light Indianola Committee to place planters on the square sidewalks at a June meeting. The planters will be similar (smaller) to those on Simpson’s Campus. Previous councils have approved planters to help beautify the square.
3. TAX REVENUE: Revenue thru May is about a quarter percent behind this time last year.
4. PHONE SYSTEM: As part of the Municipal Building renovations, Laurie Hebl is reviewing our 19-year old phone system and 16-year old voice mail system. Several phones are not working properly and in 2004 we had a major phone/voice mail system failure. Will keep you posted.
Friday, May 15, 2009
News Items - May 18, 2009
1. BALLOON MUSEUM DITCH: The State Homeland Security Department agreed with FEMA that the collapsing ditch was caused by improper fill as opposed to storm damage. We are reviewing repair options and will have a recommendation in a few weeks. Staff is hopeful federal assistance may still be an option through our congressional delegation.
2. WARREN HOTEL: We received a report the brick is again beginning to move outward on the hotel’s east side. Chuck Burgin and Rich Parker are watching it and will take corrective action if necessary.
3. NUISANCES: The Community Development Department issued nine nuisance to abate notices this past week for tall grass. Tis the season.
4. JULY 20 COUNCIL MEETING: Another reminder I will recommend either canceling the July 20 council meeting or having a very limited agenda to allow more time for RAGBRAI preparation.
5. RAGBRAI: The next town meeting will be at the First United Methodist Church on May 21 at 7:00 PM.
6. OLD SEWER PLANT: Discussions have renewed about a potential lease of the former sewer plant land on N Country Club Rd. An offer will be presented to council in June if received.
7. CITIZEN SURVEY: U of I’s Institute of Public Affairs reports that 243 citizen surveys have been returned as of the May 15th deadline.
8. SOUTH ‘G’ SEAL COAT: A request to pay ½ of the double seal coat on South “G” will be placed on the June 1 agenda. My recommendation will be consistent with past projects where the city contributes an amount equal to a 3-year calcium chloride applications (45 cents/ft/year x 3 years).
9. BUILDING IMPROVEMENT: Chuck Burgin and I met with a building owner on the square who is considering structural and cosmetic improvements including an apartment renovation. The owner was interested in city incentives and we mentioned Tax Increment Finance and the revolving loan fund. We will meet again in 3-4 weeks to discuss the projects potential and possible city assistance for council consideration.
2. WARREN HOTEL: We received a report the brick is again beginning to move outward on the hotel’s east side. Chuck Burgin and Rich Parker are watching it and will take corrective action if necessary.
3. NUISANCES: The Community Development Department issued nine nuisance to abate notices this past week for tall grass. Tis the season.
4. JULY 20 COUNCIL MEETING: Another reminder I will recommend either canceling the July 20 council meeting or having a very limited agenda to allow more time for RAGBRAI preparation.
5. RAGBRAI: The next town meeting will be at the First United Methodist Church on May 21 at 7:00 PM.
6. OLD SEWER PLANT: Discussions have renewed about a potential lease of the former sewer plant land on N Country Club Rd. An offer will be presented to council in June if received.
7. CITIZEN SURVEY: U of I’s Institute of Public Affairs reports that 243 citizen surveys have been returned as of the May 15th deadline.
8. SOUTH ‘G’ SEAL COAT: A request to pay ½ of the double seal coat on South “G” will be placed on the June 1 agenda. My recommendation will be consistent with past projects where the city contributes an amount equal to a 3-year calcium chloride applications (45 cents/ft/year x 3 years).
9. BUILDING IMPROVEMENT: Chuck Burgin and I met with a building owner on the square who is considering structural and cosmetic improvements including an apartment renovation. The owner was interested in city incentives and we mentioned Tax Increment Finance and the revolving loan fund. We will meet again in 3-4 weeks to discuss the projects potential and possible city assistance for council consideration.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Urbandale
By now you have heard I was not offered the city manager position of Urbandale. AJ Johnson from Muscatine, a city of 24,000, was offered the job. While I am somewhat disappointed, I am very happy to stay here in Indianola. Indianola is a great community with many challenges and opportunities and I am looking forward to working for all of you. Thank you for your support and feel free to contact me if I can be of service.
By now you have heard I was not offered the city manager position of Urbandale. AJ Johnson from Muscatine, a city of 24,000, was offered the job. While I am somewhat disappointed, I am very happy to stay here in Indianola. Indianola is a great community with many challenges and opportunities and I am looking forward to working for all of you. Thank you for your support and feel free to contact me if I can be of service.
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