1. WELLNESS CENTER: SVPA will provide a progress report on December 5.
The concepts look very good.
Terracon conducted 13 soil tests taken this week and the results should be available in early December. We are hopeful soils will not be an issue.
The 28-E agreement with the Y has also progressed and is intended to be on the December 5 agenda for council consideration.
2. STREET REPLACEMENT PROJECT: At the public information meeting on November 10, Community Development Director Chuck Burgin indicated that the formal process would proceed in December. In order to do so, council can hold a special meeting on November 28 (same night as committee meeting) to set December 19 as a public hearing on the assessment plat/schedule and resolution of necessity.
Ken will call the meeting.
3. NOVEMBER 28 COMMITTEE: Tentative agenda items for the November 28 meeting include:
General Fund Capital Plan
Downtown Incentive Program
Employee Wellness Program
J/K Realignment Engineering Proposal
Joint meeting with Trustees to discuss labor negotiations
4. BRUSH FACILITY: The facility will be open through December 4 for free leaf/brush disposal.
5. NARROW BANDING: Chief Brian Seymour reports that the FCC is mandating replacement of radios that can function on the new band by January ’13. All departments are budgeting accordingly and Brian estimates the cost in the $45,000 range (includes Electric/Water).
Norwalk decided to contract for their dispatch services thru Westcom as of January 2013. Norwalk has been with Warren County since the 70’s but feel the service provided by West Des Moines, Clive and Urbandale would better suit their needs. Chief Seymour reports the effect on the remainder of Warren County would not be significant.
The managers and chiefs from Carlisle, Indianola and Norwalk met on the 15th to discuss dispatch issues and plan to meet again in early December to continue dialogue on dispatch issues. The group is suggesting a meeting with elected officials from cities and the county in the near future.
6. SANITARY SEWER FARM CONTRACT: In 2002, the city purchased 352 acres of farm land (see map) on the Middle River for a future Sanitary Sewer Plant site. There are 247 tillable acres and every two years bids are received to farm the ground. The current contract expires March 2012 so on October 21 Supt Dan Miers sent six rfp’s and on November 15, two were received. They are:
Dennis Moser
Indianola, Iowa $50,200
Allen Henry
Indianola, Iowa $40,725
A recommendation will be placed on December 5 to accept the $50,200 proposal from Dennis Moser for March 1, 2012 through March 1, 2014.
FYI—The funds are placed in the Sewer Plant Budget and used to offset the $87,000 annual debt to retire the land’s purchase. The current contract is $34,264.
7. BUXTON PARK PLAN: The P&R Commission budgeted $8,000 to provide a plan for Buxton to accommodate future memorials, pedestrian access, garden locations, etc. On November 3, eight proposals were received and four companies were interviewed by Park Friend reps and staff. The group selected Civil Design Advantage (same firm that designed the amphitheater in Memorial Park) for a total fee of $9,300.
Glen indicates there are funds available from the DeNelsky Park budget that will not be spent this year. The Buxton Park Plan will be reviewed by the P&R Commission and presented to council in the spring.
8. RACE CARS: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin and I met with Phil Watson and our attorney Hugh Cain on Tuesday the 15th. Phil does not plan to take the case any further so the matter is complete.
9. SLUDGE: Supt Dan Miers is getting quotes to haul about 1.1 million gallons of sludge from the North Plant. A recommendation will be on the January 3 (Tuesday) agenda.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
News Items - November 14, 2011
1. PUBLIC INPUT MEETING: The public input meeting for the 2012 Street Improvement Project was held on Wednesday, November 9th. The input was split into two meetings, one being commercial property owners at 5:00 pm and residential property owners at 6:30 pm. 26 people attended the commercial meeting and approximately 20 people attended the residential meeting. City staff and Snyder and Associates had representatives in attendance to answer questions and provide information regarding the proposed construction. We anticipate final construction documents to be ready for Council consideration in December.
2. UNION PROPOSAL: Their first negotiation session is scheduled for Thursday November 17 at 4:30.
2. UNION PROPOSAL: Their first negotiation session is scheduled for Thursday November 17 at 4:30.
Friday, November 4, 2011
News Items - November 7, 2011
1. SOUTH B SEWER: Forrest Aldrich is drafting a plan/spec to reroute the sanitary sewer in the 400 Block of South B (see map). He anticipates getting quotes either the week of the 7th or 14th. Based on the numbers, I will likely authorize the repair given its emergency nature. The quotes will then be placed on the November 21 agenda for formal consideration.
2. WELLNESS CENTER: The committee met with SVPA et al on the 2nd to review the latest concept. A progress report will be provided at the December 5 council meeting.
The next Vision Iowa meeting is November 9 at 10:00 am in room 116 at the State Capitol Building.
On October 27 the city took ownership of the 6.63 acres in Summercrest Hills for the Wellness Center.
3. C STREET FORUM: A reminder the forum will be November 10 at 7:00 pm in the Parrish Hall of the Methodist Church on W. Ashland.
4. OFFICER METCALF: In the packet is a letter of commendation from Chief Steve Bonnett and Sergeant Brian Sher for Officer Brad Metcalf’s investigations that led to charges relating to vandalism, motor vehicle theft and burglary. Hats off to Brad!!
5. RECYCLING: Waste Management brought a 96 and 48 gallon toter to city hall for customers to view. They will be in the council chambers on November 7.
6. COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEMS: “Tentative” agenda items for the next two months include:
• Fire Dept Bay expansion
• General Fund Capital Budget
• Y/City 28-E Agreement
• Downtown/Square Incentive Program
• J/K Engineering Proposal
• Trailer Parking on City Streets
• Employee Wellness Program
• Natural Gas Franchise Fee
7. SUMMERCREST HILLS: Finance Director Jean Furler reports the Development Agreement conditions have been met and the first check for $325,000 has been paid to Downing Construction and Summercrest Hills Development.
8. INDIANOLA HEALTH PLAN: Our new third party administrator, UMR, has been providing very good discounts on our medical claims. Through September 30th, we’re averaging a 52% savings on all providers including inpatient stays, outpatient procedures and clinic visits. Good news!
9. EMPLOYEE BLOOD SCREEN: 59 employees/spouses participated in the annual blood screen. Many of the participants will take their results to their physicians saving the health plan additional lab expenses. It’s estimated the blood screen would cost up to $350.00 at the clinic versus the $27.00 charged per participant during the annual screen.
10. CHICKEN COMPLAINT: The Community Development Department received a complaint regarding five chickens at 410 W. Ashland. After staff asked to have the chickens removed, the owners asked (see letter) for council consideration to allow the chickens to remain at their residence. The request will be placed on the November 21 council agenda.
11. 2012 STREET REPLACEMENT: Just a reminder of the public information meetings scheduled for November 9th at 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm at the Activity Center. Approximately 180 notices of the meetings have been sent. These meetings are held to provide a project preview and answer property owner questions.
Staff is working with the engineer to phase the project to minimize impact on community events that normally take place. A project phasing will be placed in council packets within the next week or so.
2. WELLNESS CENTER: The committee met with SVPA et al on the 2nd to review the latest concept. A progress report will be provided at the December 5 council meeting.
The next Vision Iowa meeting is November 9 at 10:00 am in room 116 at the State Capitol Building.
On October 27 the city took ownership of the 6.63 acres in Summercrest Hills for the Wellness Center.
3. C STREET FORUM: A reminder the forum will be November 10 at 7:00 pm in the Parrish Hall of the Methodist Church on W. Ashland.
4. OFFICER METCALF: In the packet is a letter of commendation from Chief Steve Bonnett and Sergeant Brian Sher for Officer Brad Metcalf’s investigations that led to charges relating to vandalism, motor vehicle theft and burglary. Hats off to Brad!!
5. RECYCLING: Waste Management brought a 96 and 48 gallon toter to city hall for customers to view. They will be in the council chambers on November 7.
6. COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEMS: “Tentative” agenda items for the next two months include:
• Fire Dept Bay expansion
• General Fund Capital Budget
• Y/City 28-E Agreement
• Downtown/Square Incentive Program
• J/K Engineering Proposal
• Trailer Parking on City Streets
• Employee Wellness Program
• Natural Gas Franchise Fee
7. SUMMERCREST HILLS: Finance Director Jean Furler reports the Development Agreement conditions have been met and the first check for $325,000 has been paid to Downing Construction and Summercrest Hills Development.
8. INDIANOLA HEALTH PLAN: Our new third party administrator, UMR, has been providing very good discounts on our medical claims. Through September 30th, we’re averaging a 52% savings on all providers including inpatient stays, outpatient procedures and clinic visits. Good news!
9. EMPLOYEE BLOOD SCREEN: 59 employees/spouses participated in the annual blood screen. Many of the participants will take their results to their physicians saving the health plan additional lab expenses. It’s estimated the blood screen would cost up to $350.00 at the clinic versus the $27.00 charged per participant during the annual screen.
10. CHICKEN COMPLAINT: The Community Development Department received a complaint regarding five chickens at 410 W. Ashland. After staff asked to have the chickens removed, the owners asked (see letter) for council consideration to allow the chickens to remain at their residence. The request will be placed on the November 21 council agenda.
11. 2012 STREET REPLACEMENT: Just a reminder of the public information meetings scheduled for November 9th at 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm at the Activity Center. Approximately 180 notices of the meetings have been sent. These meetings are held to provide a project preview and answer property owner questions.
Staff is working with the engineer to phase the project to minimize impact on community events that normally take place. A project phasing will be placed in council packets within the next week or so.
Friday, October 28, 2011
News Items - October 31, 2011
1. NEXT MEETING: The next council meeting is November 7 at 6:00 pm. John Sirianni is unavailable for the meeting.
2. CANDIDATE FORUM: Simpson College is holding a council candidate forum on November 1 in the Pioneer Room at McNeill Hall beginning at 7:00 pm.
3. C STREET FORUM: Simpson is scheduling a forum on November 10 at 7:00 pm with the location yet to be announced. The format will include reps from the city, V&K, school and Simpson answering questions from the audience. Chief Bonnet and I plan to attend as will Forrest Aldrich from V&K.
4. BOND SALE SCHEDULE: Finance Director Jean Furler plans the following bond sale schedule:
Nov 7 Set public hearing on sewer/street Bonds
Nov 21 Public hearing for sewer/street bonds and direct advertisement of sale for sewer/street bonds and YMCA bonds
Dec 5 Bond Sale
Dec 12 Authorize issuance of both series (special meeting prior to committee meeting). This is necessary to close by Dec 31 and stay within the $10 million limit
The bonds will be used for the following:
1) YMCA
2) South “B” Sewer Emergency Repair
3) Sewer plant flare and boiler emergency repair
4) Street project ($500,000 in 2011 and the remaining issued in 2012)
5. SOUTH B SANITARY SEWER: We are in the process of obtaining IDNR permits and the survey was complete on the 28th. A recommendation will be to reroute the collapsed sanitary sewer (see map) in the 400 block of South B. A recommendation will be placed on the November 7 council agenda.
6. RECYCLING: City Clerk Diana Bowlin and Information Technology Manager Kurt Ripperger met with Waste Management reps on the 26th to discuss the recycling options that include:
• WM will offer a 48 gal. cart but prefers to provide 96 gal. carts initially because the 48 gal. may be too small for a two-week period
• Picking up carts at the house (no charge) will be offered only to residents who are physically unable to roll the cart to the curb
• Carts will be distributed beginning the week of December 12 and pick up will begin the week of December 26 with the city being divided into four sections (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday)
• Residents can keep their current bins or may place them on the curb and Waste Management will collect them. In the past Waste Management has donated used bins to area schools who like to use them in classrooms for their recyclables collections.
• Advertising/information will be provided on the city’s cable channel, web page, weekly flyer, utility bill, January quarterly update, posted on the community sign and RH&T
7. LIBRARY OPENHOUSE: The Friends of the Library are celebrating their 10th anniversary on November 4 from 6-8 pm. at the library.
8. UNION PROPOSAL: In the packet is the union’s opening proposal for July 1, 2012 thru June 30, 2015. Human Resource Director RoxAnne Hunerdosse estimates the initial proposal increase of $175,000 - $200,000 of new money per year of a 3-year contract not including FICA, IPERS or MFPRSI. The city’s response provided by Labor Negotiator Jim Hanks is in the packet.
9. 15TH STREET CLOSURE: A Middle School subcontractor requested closing 15th (see map in packet) between Hwy 92 and Plainview for utility work related to the Middle School. It will be closed from November 3-5 and the subcontractor will be responsible for all signage.
2. CANDIDATE FORUM: Simpson College is holding a council candidate forum on November 1 in the Pioneer Room at McNeill Hall beginning at 7:00 pm.
3. C STREET FORUM: Simpson is scheduling a forum on November 10 at 7:00 pm with the location yet to be announced. The format will include reps from the city, V&K, school and Simpson answering questions from the audience. Chief Bonnet and I plan to attend as will Forrest Aldrich from V&K.
4. BOND SALE SCHEDULE: Finance Director Jean Furler plans the following bond sale schedule:
Nov 7 Set public hearing on sewer/street Bonds
Nov 21 Public hearing for sewer/street bonds and direct advertisement of sale for sewer/street bonds and YMCA bonds
Dec 5 Bond Sale
Dec 12 Authorize issuance of both series (special meeting prior to committee meeting). This is necessary to close by Dec 31 and stay within the $10 million limit
The bonds will be used for the following:
1) YMCA
2) South “B” Sewer Emergency Repair
3) Sewer plant flare and boiler emergency repair
4) Street project ($500,000 in 2011 and the remaining issued in 2012)
5. SOUTH B SANITARY SEWER: We are in the process of obtaining IDNR permits and the survey was complete on the 28th. A recommendation will be to reroute the collapsed sanitary sewer (see map) in the 400 block of South B. A recommendation will be placed on the November 7 council agenda.
6. RECYCLING: City Clerk Diana Bowlin and Information Technology Manager Kurt Ripperger met with Waste Management reps on the 26th to discuss the recycling options that include:
• WM will offer a 48 gal. cart but prefers to provide 96 gal. carts initially because the 48 gal. may be too small for a two-week period
• Picking up carts at the house (no charge) will be offered only to residents who are physically unable to roll the cart to the curb
• Carts will be distributed beginning the week of December 12 and pick up will begin the week of December 26 with the city being divided into four sections (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday)
• Residents can keep their current bins or may place them on the curb and Waste Management will collect them. In the past Waste Management has donated used bins to area schools who like to use them in classrooms for their recyclables collections.
• Advertising/information will be provided on the city’s cable channel, web page, weekly flyer, utility bill, January quarterly update, posted on the community sign and RH&T
7. LIBRARY OPENHOUSE: The Friends of the Library are celebrating their 10th anniversary on November 4 from 6-8 pm. at the library.
8. UNION PROPOSAL: In the packet is the union’s opening proposal for July 1, 2012 thru June 30, 2015. Human Resource Director RoxAnne Hunerdosse estimates the initial proposal increase of $175,000 - $200,000 of new money per year of a 3-year contract not including FICA, IPERS or MFPRSI. The city’s response provided by Labor Negotiator Jim Hanks is in the packet.
9. 15TH STREET CLOSURE: A Middle School subcontractor requested closing 15th (see map in packet) between Hwy 92 and Plainview for utility work related to the Middle School. It will be closed from November 3-5 and the subcontractor will be responsible for all signage.
Friday, October 21, 2011
News Items - August 24, 2011
1. NEXT MEETING: The next council meeting is November 7 at 6:00 pm.
John is unavailable for that meeting.
2. “C” STREET PETITION: In the packet is the petition submitted by Charlotte Guilford and the committee in opposition to closing “C” Street. It has 600 signatures.
3. 2012 STREET REPLACEMENT: Public information meetings are scheduled for November 9th at 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm at the Activity Center. Approximately 180 notices of the meetings have been sent. These meetings are held to provide a project preview and answer property owner questions.
Staff is working with the engineer to phase the project to minimize impact on community events that normally take place. A project phasing will be placed in council packets within the next week or so.
4. PAUL SPEER: Meter Reader Paul Speer is retiring October 28 after 32 years of service. An open house will be held in the upstairs meeting room at the IMU Office on October 28 from 3-4 pm. Paul started in March 1979 and will be missed. We wish him the very best!!
5. RECOGNITION: In the packet is a letter from Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Larry Noble thanking Chief Seymour and the staff for “professional assistance provided by our Department during the loss of Trooper Mark Toney”. Hats off to Brian and the staff!!
6. JOINT STREET PROJECTS: Chuck Burgin, Jerry Kelley, Jason White and I met with Supervisor Dean Yordi on the 19th to continue discussions about potential joint city/county paving projects. We plan to meet again in December or early January. At this level priorities remain East Iowa Avenue and 150th from Hwy 92 to Hillcrest. Dean also indicates the bridge on Hoover just west of the Sewer Plant is in the 5-year plan.
7. TAX RECEIPTS: Tax revenues thru September are nearly 42% of the amount budgeted. At this time last year revenues were 45%. We’ll monitor closely.
8. WCEDC: Warren County Economic Development Corp will hold an open house Thursday, October 27 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in their new office at 111 N. Buxton.
9. J/K RE-ALIGNMENT: Chuck Burgin will receive an engineering proposal for the J/K Re-Alignment project that will be presented to council in November.
10. D&D PROPERTY: The Dangerous & Dilapidated Committee will meet November 1 to discuss the purchase of 301 N. Jefferson Way (northwest corner of Hwy 65 and Boston Ave). A recommendation will be brought to council on November 21.
11. LABOR NEGOTIATIONS: The Local Laborers #353 rescheduled their opening proposal meeting from October 19 to October 28 for both the council and trustees.
John is unavailable for that meeting.
2. “C” STREET PETITION: In the packet is the petition submitted by Charlotte Guilford and the committee in opposition to closing “C” Street. It has 600 signatures.
3. 2012 STREET REPLACEMENT: Public information meetings are scheduled for November 9th at 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm at the Activity Center. Approximately 180 notices of the meetings have been sent. These meetings are held to provide a project preview and answer property owner questions.
Staff is working with the engineer to phase the project to minimize impact on community events that normally take place. A project phasing will be placed in council packets within the next week or so.
4. PAUL SPEER: Meter Reader Paul Speer is retiring October 28 after 32 years of service. An open house will be held in the upstairs meeting room at the IMU Office on October 28 from 3-4 pm. Paul started in March 1979 and will be missed. We wish him the very best!!
5. RECOGNITION: In the packet is a letter from Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Larry Noble thanking Chief Seymour and the staff for “professional assistance provided by our Department during the loss of Trooper Mark Toney”. Hats off to Brian and the staff!!
6. JOINT STREET PROJECTS: Chuck Burgin, Jerry Kelley, Jason White and I met with Supervisor Dean Yordi on the 19th to continue discussions about potential joint city/county paving projects. We plan to meet again in December or early January. At this level priorities remain East Iowa Avenue and 150th from Hwy 92 to Hillcrest. Dean also indicates the bridge on Hoover just west of the Sewer Plant is in the 5-year plan.
7. TAX RECEIPTS: Tax revenues thru September are nearly 42% of the amount budgeted. At this time last year revenues were 45%. We’ll monitor closely.
8. WCEDC: Warren County Economic Development Corp will hold an open house Thursday, October 27 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in their new office at 111 N. Buxton.
9. J/K RE-ALIGNMENT: Chuck Burgin will receive an engineering proposal for the J/K Re-Alignment project that will be presented to council in November.
10. D&D PROPERTY: The Dangerous & Dilapidated Committee will meet November 1 to discuss the purchase of 301 N. Jefferson Way (northwest corner of Hwy 65 and Boston Ave). A recommendation will be brought to council on November 21.
11. LABOR NEGOTIATIONS: The Local Laborers #353 rescheduled their opening proposal meeting from October 19 to October 28 for both the council and trustees.
Friday, October 14, 2011
News Items - October 17, 2011
1. VISION IOWA: Mark Vickroy and I attended the Vision Iowa meeting in Sioux City on October 12. Mark presented additional information (see packet) about the city’s private funding but the board was insistent that additional fundraising be part of the funding.
The committee will meet and discuss options in the next couple weeks.
2. MCVAY TRAIL: In the packet is an erosion repair report from V&K’s Forrest Aldrich. I have asked Finance Director Jean Furler to place it in the Storm Water Utility budget.
FYI—One of the areas involves the High School’s storm water drain from the parking lot. I forwarded the report to Building/Grounds Director Rick Branson for his review.
3. SIMPSON PARKING: In the packet is a letter from Simpson’s Ken Birkenholtz requesting Simpson be allowed to asphalt a portion of the parking on C Street adjacent to the Kent Center (see concept drawing). Staff has reviewed and will authorize the temporary asphalt.
4. SOUTH Y UPDATE: Chuck has scheduled Tuesday, October 18th for a final walk through with the engineer and contractor to develop a punch list of items needed to be completed or repaired.
5. STORM WATER PROJECT UPDATE: All three areas, Easton Park, South Buxton and West Iowa Avenue have been completed. Final restoration of properties (sod) should begin within the next couple of weeks.
6. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In the packet are city accomplishments over the last 10 years.
7. STORM SHELTERS: P&Z discussed the addition of storm shelters for single and multi-family dwellings at their October 11 meeting (see minutes) and voted to take no action. Community Development Director surveyed 12 cities and found none that requires shelters.
8. ELECTRIC FRANCHISE: When reviewing the recently adopted ordinance, MidAmerican reps noted a couple text issues. There may be a slight change in the wording (involves dates) that will be presented to council in a few weeks.
9. SLUDGE HAULING: The contractor is at our plant and started the sludge hauling process. Supt Dan Miers anticipates over 1 million gallons will be hauled in the next 3 weeks (weather permitting).
10. ELECTION: In your packet is a letter from Darwin Curl stating he will be withdrawing from the race. His name will remain on the ballot.
The committee will meet and discuss options in the next couple weeks.
2. MCVAY TRAIL: In the packet is an erosion repair report from V&K’s Forrest Aldrich. I have asked Finance Director Jean Furler to place it in the Storm Water Utility budget.
FYI—One of the areas involves the High School’s storm water drain from the parking lot. I forwarded the report to Building/Grounds Director Rick Branson for his review.
3. SIMPSON PARKING: In the packet is a letter from Simpson’s Ken Birkenholtz requesting Simpson be allowed to asphalt a portion of the parking on C Street adjacent to the Kent Center (see concept drawing). Staff has reviewed and will authorize the temporary asphalt.
4. SOUTH Y UPDATE: Chuck has scheduled Tuesday, October 18th for a final walk through with the engineer and contractor to develop a punch list of items needed to be completed or repaired.
5. STORM WATER PROJECT UPDATE: All three areas, Easton Park, South Buxton and West Iowa Avenue have been completed. Final restoration of properties (sod) should begin within the next couple of weeks.
6. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In the packet are city accomplishments over the last 10 years.
7. STORM SHELTERS: P&Z discussed the addition of storm shelters for single and multi-family dwellings at their October 11 meeting (see minutes) and voted to take no action. Community Development Director surveyed 12 cities and found none that requires shelters.
8. ELECTRIC FRANCHISE: When reviewing the recently adopted ordinance, MidAmerican reps noted a couple text issues. There may be a slight change in the wording (involves dates) that will be presented to council in a few weeks.
9. SLUDGE HAULING: The contractor is at our plant and started the sludge hauling process. Supt Dan Miers anticipates over 1 million gallons will be hauled in the next 3 weeks (weather permitting).
10. ELECTION: In your packet is a letter from Darwin Curl stating he will be withdrawing from the race. His name will remain on the ballot.
Friday, September 30, 2011
News Items - October 3, 2011
1. COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEMS: We will have a big line-up of issues in the next 2-3 months. The tentative agendas follow:
• Sewer and Street Capital Budgets—October
• Goals/Priorities—October
• Fire Bay expansion—October
• Downtown Incentive Program ends December 31, ’11; consider extension and financing issues-October
• Square Streetscape design options—October
• General Fund Capital Budget—November
• Gas franchise vs. taxes to pay annual $140,000 Aerial Truck debt payment—November
• Wellness program enhancements-November
2. VISION IOWA: The next meeting is October 12 in Sioux City and we plan to have representation there.
3. HWY 65/69: We have asked IDOT to review the re-grade (addresses different levels of the north and southbound lanes) of Hwy 65/69 north of Hillcrest to the car dealerships. More information will be presented to council in the next few weeks when IDOT responds. A speed limit review has also been requested.
4. SOUTH Y STREET LIGHTS: Chuck Burgin has been working with General Manager Todd Kielkopf who indicated that our Electric Utility can install the lights on South Y for about $34,000. The cost of the lighting will then be charged to the city as part of the total lighting bill that is paid annually.
The initial understanding was that MidAmerican Energy could only provide the lights/electricity since it is their territory.
A recommendation will be placed on the October 17 agenda as more detail is worked out.
5. PAPERLESS SOFTWARE: Information Technology Manager Kurt Ripperger reports iPad quotes are in and favorable. They will be here in about two weeks.
The software should be installed early next week since tests on the remote connection with the company have passed. Staff training will take another 4-5 weeks after software installation.
Kurt anticipates the entire system will be functional by the end of November.
iPad training for elected officials will be scheduled after the units are configured.
6. WAYFINDING SIGNS: IDOT indicated the proposed Way-Finding signs required some changes including colors, warranty and reflective materials. There is an additional cost of $2,900 which I authorized. The concepts have been returned to Shive-Hattery for revisions and will be provided to elected officials when available.
7. WELLNESS PROGRAM: In an effort to maintain or reduce health insurance claims, the insurance committee is working on enhancements to the city’s wellness program. Enhancements discussed include fitness center assistance for 12 months (currently 9), flu shots, blood screen report/follow-up, pre-diabetes/diabetes counseling, etc. A presentation will be provided by the committee at the November committee meeting.
8. NORTH E SHARED SERVICE: Supt Dan Miers met with the property owners in the 800 Blk of N E St to discuss a shared sewer service (see map) that was discovered during I&I Program testing. Dan provided a cost breakdown of the project including city and owner share. Total project is estimated at $32,726 with the owners paying about $33,000 ($6,500 ea). All owners indicated a desire to proceed.
Dan recommends the project be conducted thru the I&I Phase 2 (change order) with Visu Sewer. A recommendation will be brought to council on October 17.
9. INTERN: Intern Chelsea Fulton was hired as the new city administrator of Griswold, Iowa and will start on October 10. There is no question her internship with the City of Indianola helped her gain employment. Congratulations to Chelsea and we wish her the best!
10. COUNTY/CITY ROADS: Dean Yordi, Jerry Kelley, Jason White, Chuck Burgin and I are scheduling a meeting the week of October 10 to further discuss joint road projects.
11. DAMAGE RECOVERY: Efforts by Park Superintendent Mike Bowlin, and Risk Manager RoxAnne Hunerdosse, resulted in $500 damage reimbursement from IDOT resulting from a snowplow damage to curbing at Pickard Park last winter.
12. BULLET-PROOF VEST GRANT: The Police Department once again received funding from the US Department of Justice for the Bullet-Proof Vest grant program. This week we received $1,662.50 (50% of the cost) to help off-set the expense of new vests for our officers. Vests are purchased for new officers and replaced on a rotational basis for current officers. Each vest cost $675.
13. STORM & DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS: In your packet is a list and map from Veenstra and Kimm showing proposed storm and drainage improvements in the city. Note that not all sites have been reviewed for cost estimates. However, this information will be prepared for an improvement project next spring funded by the Storm Water Utility.
14. ROBERT HAWKINS: Returned to active employment with the Police Department on Sept. 30th after serving 20 months of active duty in the US Army. Welcome Rob and thank you for your military service.
• Sewer and Street Capital Budgets—October
• Goals/Priorities—October
• Fire Bay expansion—October
• Downtown Incentive Program ends December 31, ’11; consider extension and financing issues-October
• Square Streetscape design options—October
• General Fund Capital Budget—November
• Gas franchise vs. taxes to pay annual $140,000 Aerial Truck debt payment—November
• Wellness program enhancements-November
2. VISION IOWA: The next meeting is October 12 in Sioux City and we plan to have representation there.
3. HWY 65/69: We have asked IDOT to review the re-grade (addresses different levels of the north and southbound lanes) of Hwy 65/69 north of Hillcrest to the car dealerships. More information will be presented to council in the next few weeks when IDOT responds. A speed limit review has also been requested.
4. SOUTH Y STREET LIGHTS: Chuck Burgin has been working with General Manager Todd Kielkopf who indicated that our Electric Utility can install the lights on South Y for about $34,000. The cost of the lighting will then be charged to the city as part of the total lighting bill that is paid annually.
The initial understanding was that MidAmerican Energy could only provide the lights/electricity since it is their territory.
A recommendation will be placed on the October 17 agenda as more detail is worked out.
5. PAPERLESS SOFTWARE: Information Technology Manager Kurt Ripperger reports iPad quotes are in and favorable. They will be here in about two weeks.
The software should be installed early next week since tests on the remote connection with the company have passed. Staff training will take another 4-5 weeks after software installation.
Kurt anticipates the entire system will be functional by the end of November.
iPad training for elected officials will be scheduled after the units are configured.
6. WAYFINDING SIGNS: IDOT indicated the proposed Way-Finding signs required some changes including colors, warranty and reflective materials. There is an additional cost of $2,900 which I authorized. The concepts have been returned to Shive-Hattery for revisions and will be provided to elected officials when available.
7. WELLNESS PROGRAM: In an effort to maintain or reduce health insurance claims, the insurance committee is working on enhancements to the city’s wellness program. Enhancements discussed include fitness center assistance for 12 months (currently 9), flu shots, blood screen report/follow-up, pre-diabetes/diabetes counseling, etc. A presentation will be provided by the committee at the November committee meeting.
8. NORTH E SHARED SERVICE: Supt Dan Miers met with the property owners in the 800 Blk of N E St to discuss a shared sewer service (see map) that was discovered during I&I Program testing. Dan provided a cost breakdown of the project including city and owner share. Total project is estimated at $32,726 with the owners paying about $33,000 ($6,500 ea). All owners indicated a desire to proceed.
Dan recommends the project be conducted thru the I&I Phase 2 (change order) with Visu Sewer. A recommendation will be brought to council on October 17.
9. INTERN: Intern Chelsea Fulton was hired as the new city administrator of Griswold, Iowa and will start on October 10. There is no question her internship with the City of Indianola helped her gain employment. Congratulations to Chelsea and we wish her the best!
10. COUNTY/CITY ROADS: Dean Yordi, Jerry Kelley, Jason White, Chuck Burgin and I are scheduling a meeting the week of October 10 to further discuss joint road projects.
11. DAMAGE RECOVERY: Efforts by Park Superintendent Mike Bowlin, and Risk Manager RoxAnne Hunerdosse, resulted in $500 damage reimbursement from IDOT resulting from a snowplow damage to curbing at Pickard Park last winter.
12. BULLET-PROOF VEST GRANT: The Police Department once again received funding from the US Department of Justice for the Bullet-Proof Vest grant program. This week we received $1,662.50 (50% of the cost) to help off-set the expense of new vests for our officers. Vests are purchased for new officers and replaced on a rotational basis for current officers. Each vest cost $675.
13. STORM & DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS: In your packet is a list and map from Veenstra and Kimm showing proposed storm and drainage improvements in the city. Note that not all sites have been reviewed for cost estimates. However, this information will be prepared for an improvement project next spring funded by the Storm Water Utility.
14. ROBERT HAWKINS: Returned to active employment with the Police Department on Sept. 30th after serving 20 months of active duty in the US Army. Welcome Rob and thank you for your military service.
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