1. STORAGE BUILDING: Work is progressing well on the 50’x100’ storage building for Police and Fire. City Inspector Rich Parker is managing the job with assistance from the Street Dept’s Matt Anders, Steve Crawford, Steve Greif and Marty Chittenden from the Park Dept.
2. ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT: While reviewing the city's minimum assessment agreements, Jean Furler discovered the city does not have a signed agreement (see packet for unsigned agreement) with Family Video. In 2006, FV agreed to a minimum assessment of $1,000,000, however their current value is $708,000. Without the agreement, it may be difficult to enforce. Jean is contacting FV and they are checking with the corporate office to determine if they have a copy.
3. DOWNTOWN INCENTIVE: Staff will propose two amendments to the Downtown Incentive policy.
John Hoyman has been working with Ivan Webber to draft an amendment to the incentive that would not allow a “double” payment for renovations that are paid by an insurance reimbursement. According to Iowa Constitution Article III Sec. 31 cities cannot provide public funds unless there is a public purpose. If the renovations are paid by insurance, there is no public purpose and are therefore illegal.
The second amendment is that loans of less than $10,000 will be made directly by the city using the USDA funds. USDA recently indicated to Finance Director Jean Furler that their funds must be lent directly by the city. The current policy allows the city to give funds to a local bank to lend (under bank conditions) to an eligible building owner.
4. TREE INVENTORY: The Indianola Tree Committee (Darla Kickbush, John Akers, Cathy Nutting, Jim Coffey, Jennifer Leech, Bill Gross and Glen Cowan) will provide mayor/council with a tree inventory and emerald ash borer recommendation at the April 4 council meeting.
5. SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS: Some additions this year’s sustainable activities include:
Medicap Pharmacy collects unused/old medications through their TakeAway program. Old medications are collected at Medicap year round free of charge. Medications do not need to be purchased at Medicap. Narcotic drugs must be called in prior to drop off. TakeAway is funded with grant money through the state of Iowa, Department of Natural Resources. Pharmacies throughout Iowa are helping to reduce the amount of medicine that is flushed down toilets or disposed of in landfills through this initiative that collected approximately 3,800 pounds of unused and expired medicine since the program began in November.
Peoples Bank Shed Day is Tuesday, April 19th from 11am to 1pm. The public is welcome to bring their sensitive documents to Peoples Bank parking lot and have them destroyed properly. Up to 200 lbs of documents per person are accepted. The shredded paper is then recycled.
Art Kern with Metro Waste Authority will be at the hazardous waste facility on May 12th to collect hazardous waste from businesses. This service is by appointment only. The business program offers help in proper identification, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. This program can reduce a business’ liability and potential danger to its customers and employees. Most businesses see a 40% savings in hazardous waste management cost. Businesses in Indianola that produce 220 lbs (about 25 gallons) of hazardous waste or less per month are eligible. Call Art at 515-333-4434 for more information.
6. TAX REVENUES: Collections are holding stable for this year compared to last. Total collected is nearly 55% of the amount budget and on target. March and April are bigger payment months.
7. HAZARDOUS MITIGATION PLAN: Brian Seymour will present our completed Plan to committee on April 11. It’s taken about 2 ½ years to complete and countless staff hours. Well done, Brian!
8. D&D: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin will be recommending the city purchase 400 and 401 E. Euclid at the next D&D Committee meeting. A recommendation will be brought to council in April.
9. TREE GRANT: The City of Indianola has been awarded $1,000 from Mid American Energy for the Trees Please program. This program encourages community beautification, help the environment and promote energy conservation
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
News Items - March 21, 2011
1. COMMITTEE MEETING: The March Council Study meeting will be March 28 at 6:00 pm.
2. MERCY GROUNDBREAKING: Mercy Clinic’s groundbreaking is scheduled for March 23 at 3:00 pm. A very exciting event as Summercrest Hills development continues.
3. SOUTH Y PAVING: Thus far 43 voluntary assessments have been turned in totaling $332,692.36 of the $534,383.22 assessed amount.
4. WPC OPERATOR: Dan Miers and RoxAnne Hunerdosse will be interviewing 6 of the 64 applicants on Thursday and Friday for the replacement of Marty Marriott in the Water Pollution Control department. A very strong applicant pool was received for the position.
5. NORTH 9TH: Forrest Aldrich, V&K, is unable to attend Monday night’s meeting and asked that change order #1 for $7,106 to install 170 LF of 8-inch plastic storm sewer and a 10-inch area intake to drain a depression on the east side of North 9th Street be placed on the next agenda.
2. MERCY GROUNDBREAKING: Mercy Clinic’s groundbreaking is scheduled for March 23 at 3:00 pm. A very exciting event as Summercrest Hills development continues.
3. SOUTH Y PAVING: Thus far 43 voluntary assessments have been turned in totaling $332,692.36 of the $534,383.22 assessed amount.
4. WPC OPERATOR: Dan Miers and RoxAnne Hunerdosse will be interviewing 6 of the 64 applicants on Thursday and Friday for the replacement of Marty Marriott in the Water Pollution Control department. A very strong applicant pool was received for the position.
5. NORTH 9TH: Forrest Aldrich, V&K, is unable to attend Monday night’s meeting and asked that change order #1 for $7,106 to install 170 LF of 8-inch plastic storm sewer and a 10-inch area intake to drain a depression on the east side of North 9th Street be placed on the next agenda.
Friday, March 11, 2011
News Items - March 14, 2011
1. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is March 21, at 6:00 pm. The committee meeting has been rescheduled for March 28.
2. KELLEY TRAIL: Great news! The Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Policy Committee approved a $309,000 grant to extend the Kelley Trail from the Memorial Pool to Wilder Elementary. Congratulations to Glen Cowan for a successful grant application. Funds will be available after October ’11 and trail construction is anticipated in the summer of ’12.
3. SOUTH Y: Thus far 42 voluntary assessments have been received totaling $329,192.36 of the proposed $534,383.22 assessment.
4. SEWER DEPT HIRE: Thus far 43 applications were received for the sanitary sewer operator vacancy. Supt Dan Miers and HR Director RoxAnne Hunerdosse will conduct interviews March 24 and 25. A recommendation will be on the April 4 council agenda.
5. J/K REALIGNMENT: The property owner (used car lot) contacted Chuck Burgin to discuss the possible sale of land to realign “J” and “K” at Hwy 92. This project was discussed a number of years ago but the property owner was not interested until recently. We plan to review the file, contact the IDOT and V&K and bring to council in the future.
6. STEP REPAIR: The steps on city hall’s north side are being repaired by the Street Dept staff. Our thanks for all their efforts!
2. KELLEY TRAIL: Great news! The Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Policy Committee approved a $309,000 grant to extend the Kelley Trail from the Memorial Pool to Wilder Elementary. Congratulations to Glen Cowan for a successful grant application. Funds will be available after October ’11 and trail construction is anticipated in the summer of ’12.
3. SOUTH Y: Thus far 42 voluntary assessments have been received totaling $329,192.36 of the proposed $534,383.22 assessment.
4. SEWER DEPT HIRE: Thus far 43 applications were received for the sanitary sewer operator vacancy. Supt Dan Miers and HR Director RoxAnne Hunerdosse will conduct interviews March 24 and 25. A recommendation will be on the April 4 council agenda.
5. J/K REALIGNMENT: The property owner (used car lot) contacted Chuck Burgin to discuss the possible sale of land to realign “J” and “K” at Hwy 92. This project was discussed a number of years ago but the property owner was not interested until recently. We plan to review the file, contact the IDOT and V&K and bring to council in the future.
6. STEP REPAIR: The steps on city hall’s north side are being repaired by the Street Dept staff. Our thanks for all their efforts!
Friday, March 4, 2011
News Items - March 7, 2011
1. ELECTION: Below are the March 1 election results from the county auditor:
COUNCIL AT-LARGE
Miller 501 21.84%
Pepper 1101 47.99%
Richert 662 28.86%
Write-in 30 1.31%
COUNCIL 2ND WARD
Sindric 126 14.25%
Sirianni 884 84.84%
Write-in 8 .90%
WELLNESS CENTER
Yes 2023 76.69%
No 615 23.31%
2. SAFE PRACTICES: Just a reminder there will be a small reception at 5:30 in the council chambers on Monday prior to the council meeting with Iowa Municipal Workers Compensation Association reps, safety committee and elected officials. Please plan to attend if available.
3. COTTAGE INN: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin is getting an ad in the next RH&T regarding sale and removal of items in the Cottage Inn. There may be some items of value.
Bids on the demo will be received on March 15 and a recommendation to council on March 21. Demo will be required by May 1.
4. HEALTH INSURANCE: Benefit Source’s Debbie Dean is getting quotes from third party administrators for our July 1 renewal. Principal Financial is no longer in the health insurance business so the city will have a new administrator.
A recommendation will be brought to council in May or early June.
5. SNOW REMOVAL: What a difference a year makes. Ed Yando reports the following information:
2008 2009 2010
Snow Days 19 26 15
Sand/salt (tons) 738 1425 510
6. POLICE/FIRE STORAGE: Building Inspector Rich Parker will lead a crew of Street employees in building the 50 x 100 storage building located immediately east of Arby’s beginning March 21. The $110,000 building is funded with $80,000 of police seizure monies and tax revenue.
7. PRESS RELEASE: In the packet is a press release highlighting major economic development in Indianola. Lots of good things happening including the following:
• Indianola Wellness Facility
• Theisen’s Farm & Home Store
• Vintage Hills
• Indianola Community Youth Foundation Project (expansion of the Indianola Middle School)
• Simpson College 18,000 sq. ft. addition to the Blank Performing Arts Center
• IMU studying to expand fiber-based commercial internet & telecom services to individual homes
8. NORTH 9TH STREET PAVING: In your packet is change order #1 which will be placed on the March 21 council agenda. The $7,106 is to install 170 LF of 8-inch plastic storm sewer and a 10-inch area intake to drain a depression on the east side of North 9th Street. Forrest Aldrich indicates V&K relied on a survey from another source so they were not informed of the depression in time to add the intake.
The depressed area was therefore not discovered until construction started and the street grades could not be changed to drain the depressed area into the street and still provide a smooth pavement profile. The intake and storm sewer were needed regardless if the depression was known during design or during construction. According to Forrest Aldrich, V&K, the cost of the intake and storm sewer is within the budget presented in the assessments for the project.
9. SUMMERCREST HILLS PLAT 3: Improvements for the development of lots within the plat including the installation of sanitary/storm sewer, water main, rough grading and paving is scheduled to begin the middle of March. Work will proceed with final installation of individual utilities (electric, fiber, gas, phone) by the first week of June.
COUNCIL AT-LARGE
Miller 501 21.84%
Pepper 1101 47.99%
Richert 662 28.86%
Write-in 30 1.31%
COUNCIL 2ND WARD
Sindric 126 14.25%
Sirianni 884 84.84%
Write-in 8 .90%
WELLNESS CENTER
Yes 2023 76.69%
No 615 23.31%
2. SAFE PRACTICES: Just a reminder there will be a small reception at 5:30 in the council chambers on Monday prior to the council meeting with Iowa Municipal Workers Compensation Association reps, safety committee and elected officials. Please plan to attend if available.
3. COTTAGE INN: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin is getting an ad in the next RH&T regarding sale and removal of items in the Cottage Inn. There may be some items of value.
Bids on the demo will be received on March 15 and a recommendation to council on March 21. Demo will be required by May 1.
4. HEALTH INSURANCE: Benefit Source’s Debbie Dean is getting quotes from third party administrators for our July 1 renewal. Principal Financial is no longer in the health insurance business so the city will have a new administrator.
A recommendation will be brought to council in May or early June.
5. SNOW REMOVAL: What a difference a year makes. Ed Yando reports the following information:
2008 2009 2010
Snow Days 19 26 15
Sand/salt (tons) 738 1425 510
6. POLICE/FIRE STORAGE: Building Inspector Rich Parker will lead a crew of Street employees in building the 50 x 100 storage building located immediately east of Arby’s beginning March 21. The $110,000 building is funded with $80,000 of police seizure monies and tax revenue.
7. PRESS RELEASE: In the packet is a press release highlighting major economic development in Indianola. Lots of good things happening including the following:
• Indianola Wellness Facility
• Theisen’s Farm & Home Store
• Vintage Hills
• Indianola Community Youth Foundation Project (expansion of the Indianola Middle School)
• Simpson College 18,000 sq. ft. addition to the Blank Performing Arts Center
• IMU studying to expand fiber-based commercial internet & telecom services to individual homes
8. NORTH 9TH STREET PAVING: In your packet is change order #1 which will be placed on the March 21 council agenda. The $7,106 is to install 170 LF of 8-inch plastic storm sewer and a 10-inch area intake to drain a depression on the east side of North 9th Street. Forrest Aldrich indicates V&K relied on a survey from another source so they were not informed of the depression in time to add the intake.
The depressed area was therefore not discovered until construction started and the street grades could not be changed to drain the depressed area into the street and still provide a smooth pavement profile. The intake and storm sewer were needed regardless if the depression was known during design or during construction. According to Forrest Aldrich, V&K, the cost of the intake and storm sewer is within the budget presented in the assessments for the project.
9. SUMMERCREST HILLS PLAT 3: Improvements for the development of lots within the plat including the installation of sanitary/storm sewer, water main, rough grading and paving is scheduled to begin the middle of March. Work will proceed with final installation of individual utilities (electric, fiber, gas, phone) by the first week of June.
Friday, February 25, 2011
News Items - February 28, 2011
1. NEXT MEETING: The next council meeting is March 7 at 6:00 pm.
2. REFERENDUM: A reminder to vote on March 1.
3. SOUTH Y: Thus far there have been 20 voluntary assessments turned in to the Clerks Office. There are a total of 57 properties.
4. STORM WATER UTILITY: The utility begins in March and in the packet are the “administrative” rules that staff has been following. These rules have evolved over the last 4 months as new issues arise.
Properties that do not use the city’s storm water system (drainage ways, culverts, curbs, intakes, etc.) are exempt per a 1998 court case. In the packet is a list of exempt properties.
5. I&I: Per discussions at the February 22 council meeting, the $70 non-compliant fee will take effect on July 1, 2012 for properties that have been non-compliant for 2 years or more. Notification letters will be sent by next week.
6. SEWER OPERATOR: Sanitary Sewer Operator Marty Marriott plans to retire on March 31, 2011. Marty has been with the city since September 11, 1978 and will be missed. Congratulations to Marty and wishing him the very best.
7. TAX REVENUES: Tax revenue thus far this year is about even with this time last year. Good news!
8. HEALTH INSURANCE POOL: The pool balance is about 1.1 million. Good news!
9. SOUTH LIFT STATION: Council member Berry suggested elected officials tour the South Lift Station equalization basin expansion project. If interested, we can schedule March 14 at 5:30 pm as the time and date.
10. SURVEY CREW: Forrest Aldrich said there will be a survey crew on E Girard (east of 9th) possibly this week or next for the storm water project. The crew may also be on W Boston (1500 Block) and W Iowa (just west of L) for those repairs as well.
11. SNOW ORDINANCE: Chief Steve Bonnett reports there were 21 tickets and 12 impound during the snow storm Thursday night.
12. COMMUNITY SURVEY: The city conducts a community survey every 2 years and the last one was in 2009. Information Technology Manager Kurt Ripperger contacted Jeff Schott at the University of Iowa to again receive and tabulate the results along with developing the power point presentation for elected officials. The fee is $2,500 (same as 2009) and budgeted.
In the packet is the ‘09 survey for your review and comment. The recommendation is to keep the ’11 survey as close as possible to get a good comparison on the direction citizens prefer by comparing similar questions. 740 surveys (35% responded) were mailed in ‘09 and we anticipate a similar number in ‘11. Surveys will be mailed randomly at the end of April and due back the middle of May.
13. POOL EXPENSES: The average monthly expense for the pool is $2,069 of which $1,700 are scheduled transfers. The remaining $369 is for phone, utilities and insurance.
14. ONLINE UTILITY BILLING: Billing clerk Lindsey Offenburger reports 1,118 customers are signed online to view their accounts and 885 are paying online monthly. That means 885 less stamps, envelopes and bills (a savings of $375/month) and represents about 14% of our customers.
2. REFERENDUM: A reminder to vote on March 1.
3. SOUTH Y: Thus far there have been 20 voluntary assessments turned in to the Clerks Office. There are a total of 57 properties.
4. STORM WATER UTILITY: The utility begins in March and in the packet are the “administrative” rules that staff has been following. These rules have evolved over the last 4 months as new issues arise.
Properties that do not use the city’s storm water system (drainage ways, culverts, curbs, intakes, etc.) are exempt per a 1998 court case. In the packet is a list of exempt properties.
5. I&I: Per discussions at the February 22 council meeting, the $70 non-compliant fee will take effect on July 1, 2012 for properties that have been non-compliant for 2 years or more. Notification letters will be sent by next week.
6. SEWER OPERATOR: Sanitary Sewer Operator Marty Marriott plans to retire on March 31, 2011. Marty has been with the city since September 11, 1978 and will be missed. Congratulations to Marty and wishing him the very best.
7. TAX REVENUES: Tax revenue thus far this year is about even with this time last year. Good news!
8. HEALTH INSURANCE POOL: The pool balance is about 1.1 million. Good news!
9. SOUTH LIFT STATION: Council member Berry suggested elected officials tour the South Lift Station equalization basin expansion project. If interested, we can schedule March 14 at 5:30 pm as the time and date.
10. SURVEY CREW: Forrest Aldrich said there will be a survey crew on E Girard (east of 9th) possibly this week or next for the storm water project. The crew may also be on W Boston (1500 Block) and W Iowa (just west of L) for those repairs as well.
11. SNOW ORDINANCE: Chief Steve Bonnett reports there were 21 tickets and 12 impound during the snow storm Thursday night.
12. COMMUNITY SURVEY: The city conducts a community survey every 2 years and the last one was in 2009. Information Technology Manager Kurt Ripperger contacted Jeff Schott at the University of Iowa to again receive and tabulate the results along with developing the power point presentation for elected officials. The fee is $2,500 (same as 2009) and budgeted.
In the packet is the ‘09 survey for your review and comment. The recommendation is to keep the ’11 survey as close as possible to get a good comparison on the direction citizens prefer by comparing similar questions. 740 surveys (35% responded) were mailed in ‘09 and we anticipate a similar number in ‘11. Surveys will be mailed randomly at the end of April and due back the middle of May.
13. POOL EXPENSES: The average monthly expense for the pool is $2,069 of which $1,700 are scheduled transfers. The remaining $369 is for phone, utilities and insurance.
14. ONLINE UTILITY BILLING: Billing clerk Lindsey Offenburger reports 1,118 customers are signed online to view their accounts and 885 are paying online monthly. That means 885 less stamps, envelopes and bills (a savings of $375/month) and represents about 14% of our customers.
Friday, February 18, 2011
News Items - February 22, 2011
NEWS ITEMS
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Tim
DATE: February 18, 2011
1. PRESIDENTS DAY: A reminder most city offices will be closed Monday the 21st in honor of Presidents Day.
2. INDIANOLA GO GREEN: The April 2011 activities planned by Chris Longer and Mindi Robinson include:
• Chamber of Commerce Breakfast will be held Thursday, March 3rd at 7:30 a.m. at The Village at 1203 North “E” Street. Chris Longer and Mindi Robinson will present all of the activities planned for the month of April.
• The city’s brush facility/hazardous waste collection and e-cycling drop off opens for the season on April 2nd. (Enclosed is the 2010 facility report)
• The Indianola Chamber Bike/Walk to Work Challenge runs from April 4th to April 29th. Leave your vehicle at home and bike/walk to work for cash prizes. Register with the Indianola Chamber each week by emailing the office at whatsup@indianolachamber.com. One name will be drawn each week for $25 cash!
• Simpson College students will be in the community on Wednesday, April 6th to assist local residents and organizations with “green” services.
• The Iowa DNR Mobile Education Exhibit will be at Hy-Vee on Wednesday, April 13th from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The exhibit will demonstrate how household waste and habits affect Iowa.
• A free drop off of e-cycling products and appliances will be Saturday, April 16th from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Indianola Brush Facility located at the corner of Kenwood Boulevard and West Iowa Avenue. Used televisions, computers and other electronics and appliances will be accepted for recycling free of charge (same as last year).
• The city’s annual curbside cleanup program runs Monday, April 18th through Friday, April 22nd. Items will be picked up on neighborhood recycling days. Appliances will not be picked up from the curb and must be taken to the e-cycling facility on Saturday, April 16th for free drop off.
• Earth Day is Thursday, April 22nd. Residents will be encouraged to plant a tree, unplug an appliance and do something green to help protect the environment for future generations!
• The Indianola Sustainability Fair will be April 22nd from 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. at the IMU line shop at 110 South “B” Street. The event is open to the public and free lunch will be provided. “Green” vendors will be on hand to promote their green products and services.
• Indianola Park and Recreation’s Spring Fun Fest will be held at the Warren County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 30th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Committee members will be there promoting sustainability and fun activities for our younger consumers!
3. SOUTH Y: The meeting was attended by 28 residents and an overwhelming majority was there to support the project. Preliminary assessment schedules were provided along with voluntary assessment papers. The same were mailed and asked to be returned by March 2. The tentative project schedule follows:
March 7, 2011 Preliminary resolution for construction
Resolution fixing value of lots
Resolution adopting preliminary plat & schedule, etc.
Resolution of necessity
April 4, 2011 Public hearing on the resolution of necessity
Resolution adopting resolution of necessity
Resolution directing preparation of plans, spec, etc
Resolution ordering bids, approving plans, specs, etc
April 27, 2011 Receive bids
May 2, 2011 Public hearing on the adoption of plans, spec, etc.
Resolution adopting plans, specs, etc
Consideration of bids and resolution approving contract and bond
June-August 2011 Construction begins
September 2011 Project completion
Note that construction is scheduled for June thru August to minimize traffic from farm equipment, school buses etc. due to weight limits being placed on the temporary access road. Community Development Director Chuck Burgin has also contacted refuse haulers to provide temporary service during construction.
4. INFILTRATION/INFLOW: The Sewer Dept is getting ready to move into two I&I areas. The first is NW Service Area #5. It is a 35 home area that includes homes on Scott Felton, North G, and sections of Sunset Cir and Sunset Dr. The second area is NE Service Area #1. It is a 194 home/business area. It includes East Clinton, East Boston, a section of North Jefferson, and the north and west corner of the square. We will be holding the neighborhood meeting for both areas on Thursday, March 3rd, at 6:00 pm in the council chambers.
5. DEMO: Chuck Burgin sent “request for proposals” to 4 companies to remove the Cottage Inn and house immediately south. Quotes will be received on March 15 and the work must be complete by May 1. A recommendation will be on the March 21 council agenda.
The asbestos has been removed.
6. SAFETY REPORT: Mike Metcalf injured his foot during a recreational activity and is unable to appear at the council meeting to provide the quarterly report (see packet). The 1st quarter safety report will be presented with the second quarter’s report in July.
7. TRAIL: Just received word yesterday that the sub-committee of the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance scored the Jerry Kelley Trail (Phase 2) highest of the four projects reviewed. Formal certification by the CIRTPA Board will be on March 10. Funds will not be allocated until October 2011.
8. WINDFIED SOLUTIONS: In the packet is a letter from Winfield Solutions, 1601 N. 14th, that they are closing and moving their operations to Story City. Very unfortunate.
9. SOUTH SEWER LIFT STATION: In the packet is a letter from IDNR’s Dan Cook summarizing the site assessment for lead contamination (gun range). V&K is working with IDNR and Supt Dan Miers to complete the assessment and possible mitigation as soon as possible.
10. ONE STOP: There has been some discussion about the property where the One Stop business was located regarding options (pocket park, re-construction) for its use. The P&R Commission is considering the concept at their March meeting and will have a recommendation in several weeks for council consideration.
11. GUN PROHIBITION: This excerpt was taken from the Des Moines Register: “Johnson County, Iowa, has approved a ban on weapons in county-owned buildings and other facilities following the new state law that gives sheriffs less discretion in denying permits to carry guns”. The ban was unanimously approved on Thursday, and Board Chairman Pat Harney stated "the county isn't trying to take away someone's rights, but it is trying to make a safe environment. Harney says stickers and signs warning of the gun ban will be posted at county-owned buildings, facilities and parks." While some residents have argued "firearms have no place in government buildings," local gun rights groups "have threatened legal action if local authorities try to limit the scope of the law."
12. BEST PRACTICES CERTIFICATION: As part of the recognition for “Best Practices” the IMWCA (Iowa Municipal Workers’ Compensation Association) staff would like the City to host a small reception with employees and elected officials. We are therefore “planning” the event for Monday, March 7th at 5:30 pm (prior to council). Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. Refreshments will be served. An awards presentation will be part of the agenda that evening.
13. BRUSH FACILITY UPDATE: During 2010 the facility was open for 35 weeks and had 4,917 vehicles pass through the gate compared to 5,059 in 2009 (does not include free dumping due to storms). Over 2,370 different households used the facility for brush, garden waste, e-cycling or household chemical drop-off. Revenue generated was $15,239 compared to expenses of $19,289. The ending balance was ($4,050) compared to ($8,626) in 2009 even though there were free weekends due to summer wind storms. No changes in fees or hours of operation are recommended for 2011.
14. SEWER PLANT UPDATES:
• South Lift Station Pumps: We continue to have pump problems but have determined they are not related to electrical issues so the pumps will be repaired under warranty.
• The sewer treatment plant experienced higher flows on Sunday evening and the cold water temperatures resulted in a partial washout of solids in the treatment system creating higher effluent solids in the effluent sample. The plant therefore will not meet the total suspended solids 7 day average for this week. Supt Dan Miers called IDNR on Tuesday to discuss the issue and was told to note the issues in the Monthly Monitoring Report. The plant was adjusted to handle the flow on Monday morning and has improved settling.
• V&K initiated design on a new sewer main to serve 1107, 1103 and 1101 Ann Parkway (see map attached) to eliminate a shared service. Bids will be accepted in March and a recommendation provided in April.
• The televising camera became stuck during a point repair on the south side of East Girard and just west of North 12th street on the 16th. Vanderpool Construction was called and opened the main to remove the equipment. Staff reviewed the patch procedures and tested the camera system and found that when the heater is used in the van’s control room, there is a slight voltage drop (intermittent) which may have caused the camera to fail. The camera was used to make a second patch repair on the 17th and was successful. It will be monitored.
• The department is scheduling a neighborhood meeting with residents in NW Service Area #5 and NE Service Area #1. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 pm, March 3rd at City Hall.
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Tim
DATE: February 18, 2011
1. PRESIDENTS DAY: A reminder most city offices will be closed Monday the 21st in honor of Presidents Day.
2. INDIANOLA GO GREEN: The April 2011 activities planned by Chris Longer and Mindi Robinson include:
• Chamber of Commerce Breakfast will be held Thursday, March 3rd at 7:30 a.m. at The Village at 1203 North “E” Street. Chris Longer and Mindi Robinson will present all of the activities planned for the month of April.
• The city’s brush facility/hazardous waste collection and e-cycling drop off opens for the season on April 2nd. (Enclosed is the 2010 facility report)
• The Indianola Chamber Bike/Walk to Work Challenge runs from April 4th to April 29th. Leave your vehicle at home and bike/walk to work for cash prizes. Register with the Indianola Chamber each week by emailing the office at whatsup@indianolachamber.com. One name will be drawn each week for $25 cash!
• Simpson College students will be in the community on Wednesday, April 6th to assist local residents and organizations with “green” services.
• The Iowa DNR Mobile Education Exhibit will be at Hy-Vee on Wednesday, April 13th from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The exhibit will demonstrate how household waste and habits affect Iowa.
• A free drop off of e-cycling products and appliances will be Saturday, April 16th from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Indianola Brush Facility located at the corner of Kenwood Boulevard and West Iowa Avenue. Used televisions, computers and other electronics and appliances will be accepted for recycling free of charge (same as last year).
• The city’s annual curbside cleanup program runs Monday, April 18th through Friday, April 22nd. Items will be picked up on neighborhood recycling days. Appliances will not be picked up from the curb and must be taken to the e-cycling facility on Saturday, April 16th for free drop off.
• Earth Day is Thursday, April 22nd. Residents will be encouraged to plant a tree, unplug an appliance and do something green to help protect the environment for future generations!
• The Indianola Sustainability Fair will be April 22nd from 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. at the IMU line shop at 110 South “B” Street. The event is open to the public and free lunch will be provided. “Green” vendors will be on hand to promote their green products and services.
• Indianola Park and Recreation’s Spring Fun Fest will be held at the Warren County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 30th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Committee members will be there promoting sustainability and fun activities for our younger consumers!
3. SOUTH Y: The meeting was attended by 28 residents and an overwhelming majority was there to support the project. Preliminary assessment schedules were provided along with voluntary assessment papers. The same were mailed and asked to be returned by March 2. The tentative project schedule follows:
March 7, 2011 Preliminary resolution for construction
Resolution fixing value of lots
Resolution adopting preliminary plat & schedule, etc.
Resolution of necessity
April 4, 2011 Public hearing on the resolution of necessity
Resolution adopting resolution of necessity
Resolution directing preparation of plans, spec, etc
Resolution ordering bids, approving plans, specs, etc
April 27, 2011 Receive bids
May 2, 2011 Public hearing on the adoption of plans, spec, etc.
Resolution adopting plans, specs, etc
Consideration of bids and resolution approving contract and bond
June-August 2011 Construction begins
September 2011 Project completion
Note that construction is scheduled for June thru August to minimize traffic from farm equipment, school buses etc. due to weight limits being placed on the temporary access road. Community Development Director Chuck Burgin has also contacted refuse haulers to provide temporary service during construction.
4. INFILTRATION/INFLOW: The Sewer Dept is getting ready to move into two I&I areas. The first is NW Service Area #5. It is a 35 home area that includes homes on Scott Felton, North G, and sections of Sunset Cir and Sunset Dr. The second area is NE Service Area #1. It is a 194 home/business area. It includes East Clinton, East Boston, a section of North Jefferson, and the north and west corner of the square. We will be holding the neighborhood meeting for both areas on Thursday, March 3rd, at 6:00 pm in the council chambers.
5. DEMO: Chuck Burgin sent “request for proposals” to 4 companies to remove the Cottage Inn and house immediately south. Quotes will be received on March 15 and the work must be complete by May 1. A recommendation will be on the March 21 council agenda.
The asbestos has been removed.
6. SAFETY REPORT: Mike Metcalf injured his foot during a recreational activity and is unable to appear at the council meeting to provide the quarterly report (see packet). The 1st quarter safety report will be presented with the second quarter’s report in July.
7. TRAIL: Just received word yesterday that the sub-committee of the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance scored the Jerry Kelley Trail (Phase 2) highest of the four projects reviewed. Formal certification by the CIRTPA Board will be on March 10. Funds will not be allocated until October 2011.
8. WINDFIED SOLUTIONS: In the packet is a letter from Winfield Solutions, 1601 N. 14th, that they are closing and moving their operations to Story City. Very unfortunate.
9. SOUTH SEWER LIFT STATION: In the packet is a letter from IDNR’s Dan Cook summarizing the site assessment for lead contamination (gun range). V&K is working with IDNR and Supt Dan Miers to complete the assessment and possible mitigation as soon as possible.
10. ONE STOP: There has been some discussion about the property where the One Stop business was located regarding options (pocket park, re-construction) for its use. The P&R Commission is considering the concept at their March meeting and will have a recommendation in several weeks for council consideration.
11. GUN PROHIBITION: This excerpt was taken from the Des Moines Register: “Johnson County, Iowa, has approved a ban on weapons in county-owned buildings and other facilities following the new state law that gives sheriffs less discretion in denying permits to carry guns”. The ban was unanimously approved on Thursday, and Board Chairman Pat Harney stated "the county isn't trying to take away someone's rights, but it is trying to make a safe environment. Harney says stickers and signs warning of the gun ban will be posted at county-owned buildings, facilities and parks." While some residents have argued "firearms have no place in government buildings," local gun rights groups "have threatened legal action if local authorities try to limit the scope of the law."
12. BEST PRACTICES CERTIFICATION: As part of the recognition for “Best Practices” the IMWCA (Iowa Municipal Workers’ Compensation Association) staff would like the City to host a small reception with employees and elected officials. We are therefore “planning” the event for Monday, March 7th at 5:30 pm (prior to council). Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. Refreshments will be served. An awards presentation will be part of the agenda that evening.
13. BRUSH FACILITY UPDATE: During 2010 the facility was open for 35 weeks and had 4,917 vehicles pass through the gate compared to 5,059 in 2009 (does not include free dumping due to storms). Over 2,370 different households used the facility for brush, garden waste, e-cycling or household chemical drop-off. Revenue generated was $15,239 compared to expenses of $19,289. The ending balance was ($4,050) compared to ($8,626) in 2009 even though there were free weekends due to summer wind storms. No changes in fees or hours of operation are recommended for 2011.
14. SEWER PLANT UPDATES:
• South Lift Station Pumps: We continue to have pump problems but have determined they are not related to electrical issues so the pumps will be repaired under warranty.
• The sewer treatment plant experienced higher flows on Sunday evening and the cold water temperatures resulted in a partial washout of solids in the treatment system creating higher effluent solids in the effluent sample. The plant therefore will not meet the total suspended solids 7 day average for this week. Supt Dan Miers called IDNR on Tuesday to discuss the issue and was told to note the issues in the Monthly Monitoring Report. The plant was adjusted to handle the flow on Monday morning and has improved settling.
• V&K initiated design on a new sewer main to serve 1107, 1103 and 1101 Ann Parkway (see map attached) to eliminate a shared service. Bids will be accepted in March and a recommendation provided in April.
• The televising camera became stuck during a point repair on the south side of East Girard and just west of North 12th street on the 16th. Vanderpool Construction was called and opened the main to remove the equipment. Staff reviewed the patch procedures and tested the camera system and found that when the heater is used in the van’s control room, there is a slight voltage drop (intermittent) which may have caused the camera to fail. The camera was used to make a second patch repair on the 17th and was successful. It will be monitored.
• The department is scheduling a neighborhood meeting with residents in NW Service Area #5 and NE Service Area #1. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 pm, March 3rd at City Hall.
Friday, February 11, 2011
News Items - February 14, 2011
1. POPULATION: The census numbers are in and Indianola’s new population is 14,782. This compares to the following year:
2005 Special Census 14,156
2000 population 12,998
2. REPRESENTATIVES: Representative Glen Massie and Senator Kent Sorensen are scheduled for the February 22 council meeting.
3. TRAIL GRANT: Glen Cowan presented the Jerry Kelley Trail project to the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance sub-committee on the 9th. There is about $450,000 available and well in excess of a million in grant applications.
An award announcement will be made in March.
4. PRESIDENTS DAY: Another reminder council meets on Tuesday the 22nd due the Presidents Day on the 21st. City offices will be closed.
5. AQUATIC CENTER: In the packet is the 13-year revenue/expense history of the Memorial Pool/Aquatic Center. Note that only 4 of the 13 years have a negative balance and 2 of those years are 08/09 and 09/10. Note also that overhead costs are increasing with the facility’s age.
6. DC TRIP: Randy Gathers and Pete Berry are unable to attend.
7. SPRING CLEANUP: The city’s annual cleanup will be held April 18-22 (one week) with McCoy Sanitation. It does not include appliances!
However, appliances (stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.) can be dropped off at the Brush Facility on April 16 free of charge! Midwest Appliance Recycling Recovery will pick up and haul away.
FYI-In 2010 Midwest picked up appliances at curbside for no charge but cost became an issue so they will only haul them from the Brush Facility.
Also the free spring leaf and organic yard waste disposal will be April 18 – May 1 at the Brush Facility during normal hours of operation.
The event will be advertised in the bi-monthly update, weekly flyer, Record Herald and Channel 7 and 86.
8. ALLEY CLOSING: We have received a request from The Garage (118 E. Ashland) to close the adjacent north/south alley for the months of April – September. Chuck Burgin has spoken with Terry Barger, owner of The Garage, and he plans to submit a request to purchase the alley within the next few weeks.
2005 Special Census 14,156
2000 population 12,998
2. REPRESENTATIVES: Representative Glen Massie and Senator Kent Sorensen are scheduled for the February 22 council meeting.
3. TRAIL GRANT: Glen Cowan presented the Jerry Kelley Trail project to the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance sub-committee on the 9th. There is about $450,000 available and well in excess of a million in grant applications.
An award announcement will be made in March.
4. PRESIDENTS DAY: Another reminder council meets on Tuesday the 22nd due the Presidents Day on the 21st. City offices will be closed.
5. AQUATIC CENTER: In the packet is the 13-year revenue/expense history of the Memorial Pool/Aquatic Center. Note that only 4 of the 13 years have a negative balance and 2 of those years are 08/09 and 09/10. Note also that overhead costs are increasing with the facility’s age.
6. DC TRIP: Randy Gathers and Pete Berry are unable to attend.
7. SPRING CLEANUP: The city’s annual cleanup will be held April 18-22 (one week) with McCoy Sanitation. It does not include appliances!
However, appliances (stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.) can be dropped off at the Brush Facility on April 16 free of charge! Midwest Appliance Recycling Recovery will pick up and haul away.
FYI-In 2010 Midwest picked up appliances at curbside for no charge but cost became an issue so they will only haul them from the Brush Facility.
Also the free spring leaf and organic yard waste disposal will be April 18 – May 1 at the Brush Facility during normal hours of operation.
The event will be advertised in the bi-monthly update, weekly flyer, Record Herald and Channel 7 and 86.
8. ALLEY CLOSING: We have received a request from The Garage (118 E. Ashland) to close the adjacent north/south alley for the months of April – September. Chuck Burgin has spoken with Terry Barger, owner of The Garage, and he plans to submit a request to purchase the alley within the next few weeks.
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